Advise, suggestions, personal experiences deciding what vehicle, loading dev. to buy?

[RaySharpton]

Hello, I need some advice, suggestions, personal experiences deciding
what vehicle, loading device to buy?

Hello. My name is Ray Sharpton.


Before my questions, I thought that I would give a little information about
how I got to my present situation thinking about searching and trying to
decide what my next transportation vehicle might be. And what type of
mobility device to lift or help load my mobility device inside the vehicle.
And then finally, what would be my next mobility device to use for the
rest of my life.


I am very fortunate to still be able to walk and work and even have a job.


And I guess this may be a very minor issue compared to everyone here, but I have just run into a block and asking for ideas if you can help me, please.


I think about will I need a mobility scooter, or will I finally end up needing
an electric wheelchair to use everywhere because the mobility scooter will
be ultimately not practical to use because of my health.


I usually visit Walt Disney World every December because I enjoy all of
the Christmas and holiday decorations at all of the parks and resorts.

Over the last decade, I have gotten a little older. I am only 60 years
old, and I have not been able to walk very well.

I reluctantly started using a cane only when I absolutely needed it and
ended up buying a collapsing metal cane that would fold into four pieces so
that I could hide it from anyone that I didn't want to see it.

Now, of course, I don't hide my cane because over the years, I now have
to use my cane all the time except when I may be in my home when I
walk from the bed to the phone.


Sometimes, I need to keep one of my canes at bedside because I need it
to get up and to walk.

As the years when by, I seem to base all of my decisions and experiences
while on vacation at Walt Disney World.

For instance, I would walk from my resort room to go to a park by making
it to the bus stop using my cane.

Then I would go to the park and walk from the bus to the park entrance and
then, of course, walk through the parks.

Over the years, I increasingly found myself having to notice where the sit
down possibilities might be as I needed to go from my resort room to the
park and back to my room at the end of the day with increasing difficulty.

I would mark in my mind where the available benches were located along
my travels.


There might two benches along the sidewalk from my resort room to the
bus stop.


Then I quickly learned which resorts had sitting areas at the resort bus
stop or a park bus stop with a lower landscape wall that I could sit on if
there were no benches.


I would do the same thing in the parks.


I could mentally tell myself, I can make it from the bus to outside the Magic
Kingdom park bench near the Lagoon Lake.


Then I could make it to the wall to rest after passing through the Magic
Kingdom Ticket Gate in front of the Railroad Train and grassy area of the
wall around the tree.

Then I calculated where the next bench was.

I would just people watch for a few minutes each time and then move along.

Then...I woke up one morning and told myself...I may not be able to walk
from my resort room to a park and back again at the end of the day without
asking for help.

I didn't go anywhere that day and I stayed in my resort room and maybe
went outside for as far as I could walk to get out of my room and order
pizza or something in my room.


I remember seeing several strangers commenting on people renting
Magic Kingdom Park mobility scooters that were only used in the park and were
being badmouthed...from other walking guests...


Or worse, talking loud enough for the person riding the mobility scooter in a
nasty and inappropriate way of why this person is an inconvenience or
ruining their vacation.


I finally, rented the big Walt Disney World Park mobility scooter.


I felt embarassed at the time just because I didn't want to upset anyone
or make someone feel that I might be ruining their vacation because I
was in their way.


I also felt embarassed, at the time, because of the bad comments that I
might receive from other walking guests. I still do hear inappropriate comments,
but I try not let it bother me or embarass me in front of other strangers.


Well...I had the best day ever using that mobility scooter that day.

I rolled everywhere.

I went to places that I hadn't gone to in years in the Magic Kingdom.

I rolled around the circle area of Mainstreet circle just getting up close to
everything and totally enjoying myself.

I found a ramp up to the Railroad platform and parked my scooter and
road the train around the park and back to pick up my mobility scooter.


I rolled around this second floor Railroad Station patio, and
parked at the fence and watched the afternoon and night parade.


I was so excited.


I rolled down Mainstreet and decided to tour the side streets and take the
time to look at all the details.


During the slow times, I discovered that not many people were in all of the
stores, and I joyfully rolling through every single ailse of every single store.


I was amazed.


I wanted to see everything and to go everywhere where I couldn't go
before because I was constantly calculating if I could make the next
seating area and what would I do if that bench was already occupied.

Well...that was my first mobility scooter experience.

And it felt very Magical. It was Walt Disney World type Magical.

I know that must sound very strange.

Then over the following years, even though I could rent a mobility scooter
at the park, I found one morning making the same calcultions about if I
could make it to the park from my resort room and back walking using my
cane.


Even though I could rent and use the Magic Kingdom Park mobility
scooter.


I was worried if I could use my cane to walk from my resort room
to the the bus stop and then to the park rental area, but I might
not be able to walk back to my resort room at the end of the day.


I told myself no. I don't think that I could walk back to my resort.


So I missed the park several days and missed special meets at the park.


One day I wanted to go to Ecpot Park. But, I new the walk from the bus
stop at Epcot was just so far to the front of Epcot Park entrance.


Many, many times Castmembers told me that I could use a wheelchair, but
their wheelchairs are very hard to use uphill when no one is with me to
help push me because I was by myself.


Walt Disney World wheelchairs are not used by someone that has to use a
wheelchair all of the time I beleive I have read are lighter. And Walt Disney
World wheelchair wheels are very hard to roll by me on flat service, much
less up a hill going solo.


So one day, I decided to drive my car to Epcot Park and park so that I
could use the Walt Disney World Trams to drop me off at the front of
Epcot Park Gate Entrance.


I didn't have an Accessible Placard for my car, but the Castmember
suggested that I ask if I could park on the end of one of the rows so that
I wouldn't have to walk far to catch the Tram.


Most of the days the Castmembers were very accommodating.


A few times, a grumpy Castmember said no, and that I should have gotten
an Accessible Placard for my car and park in the Accessible Placard
Parking Area.


But, one night, after Illuminations, I took my time exisiting the park to
enjoy the Christmas Holiday Decorations and Christmas Tree and the
Lights of Wonder Tunnel playing Holiday Music as the lights danced in
sync to the music.


This also let the big crowds to exit first while I people watched.


Then I watched the few left kids with their families dance in the popup
water fountain spouts as they turned on and off. It is always so
funny watching the kids trying to figure out when and where the
water fountain will start again.


I took one more look back at the huge Christmas Tree and rolled out until I
got to the large dancing water fountain starting to the music in front
of the Spaceship Earth.


The Epcot Park was almost empty of guests, so I rolled to the rental desk
to return my Walt Disney World mobility scooter for the day.


And then I walked through the exit gates and to the tram area.


I was the only one at the tram area.


I saw people walk past me into the parking lot as I waited for the tram.


I waited...holding onto the metal queue siderail trying not to fall down.


I asked one uniformed Castmembers walking by when the next tram was coming?


She told me to walk down to the parking lot and wave for security since
security vans probably didn't drive near the tram pickup area where I
was.


I said that I was hurting and didn't think that I could make it.


I waited...I fell down...I got up and didn't see anyone at the Epcot
Entrance walking by anymore.


Finally...someone walked by and I told them my situation and they said
that they would call security.


Sometime later a security van came by and the Castmembers help me up
and drove me to the side of my car.


I apoligized profusely for the trouble.


I rested in my car to gain my strength and then I drove out of the Epcot
Parking Lot after another Walt Disney World Security Guard drove up to
me and told me that I couldn't stay here.


I apologized and drove back to my resort.


After several benches, I finally made it back to my room.


It was almost 4:00 A.M..


I didn't make it back to any more to the parks or the many MouseFest
meets the rest of my trip that year.


The next year, I finally thought to myself that I should try one of the
vendors that rented mobility scooters to be delivered to my resort to use
for the length of my stay.


You have no idea how Magical it was that year.


I might have been a litte hesitant about using the Walt Disney World Bus
Transportation at first with the older bus that had the lift instead of the
ramp.


Or waiting in line for a bus, or parking in the bus space for all of the
reasons mentioned earlier watching what other strangers had said.


But I was so happy.


I rolled all over my resort.


I went down every sidewalk and bridge or pool and interesting area just
experiencing in person what I have never been able to walk to.


I then went to other resorts.


I rolled every square inch of the Wilderness Lodge Resort down to the
boat dock and beach and pool and to watch the gyser to shoot up. I
then rolled the trail to Fort Wilderness Campground and toured the
camping area and petting zoo and Campfire marshmellow roast and
singalong with Chip and Dale and outdoor movie. Then I toured the
Colorful, Holiday Decorated Campsites.


I rolled all around the very large lakes at the Caribbean Resort and the
Coronado Resort.


I rolled around Port Orleans French Quarter Resort and took the canal side-
walk to the Port Orleans Riverside Resort. Then I took the Boat Launch
down a peaceful boat ride to Downtown Disney area.


I toured the Old Key West Resort and rolled the sidewalk path down to
DownTown Disney and spent all day enjoying myself.


I used the monorail and toured the Holiday Decorations at the
Contemporary Resort and Polynesian Resort and discovered the sidewalk
along the lake to the Grand Floridian Resort.


I toured used the launch boats and and sidewalkes to roll from Epcot to
the Boardwalk and Boardwalk Resort. Then took a boat launch the the
Beach and Yacht Club Resorts and Dolphin and Swan Resorts and finally
used the sidewalk along the lake for a leisurely roll to Disney MGM.


What a Magical time.


I can't find the words to express the awe and wonder I experienced.


I didn't once calculate if I needed to know where the next bench was
located or if I could make it from spot A to spot B.


After this Wonderful Magical Vacation, I decided to research and search
to buy a mobility scooter of my own to travel with in my car that could
easily be taken apart and fit in my car sedan trunk.


I bought a Pride Mobility REVO three wheel mobility scooter from ebay.


It was a little heavy, but it fit in my car trunk.


When I vacationed at Walt Disney World, I didn't use my car again the
whole trip. I used all of the internal Walt Disney World Transportation.


This was so much easier than taking my mobility scooter apart and putting
it in my car trunk and then taking it out again and putting it together
where every I went. Then do the same thing in reverse coming back to my
resort.


The last several years this became more difficult to lift out of my car and
put back in at the end of the day.


I have been so weak sometimes at the end of the day that I have lost my
balance or my legs gave way and I fell down putting the mobility scooter
parts back into my car trunk.


So I don't use my mobility scooter much now except on vacation like Walt
Disney World where I can use internal transportation or sidewalks and
never take my mobility scooter apart until I am ready to return home.


I need advice.


First, I know that I want to buy another car that is a SUV or Minivan
because I want to load my scooter from the rear of the vehicle.


Many times when I park my car, the side of the vehecle is blocked to
allow a ramp to fold out and line up my mobilty scooter to roll up.


I say this also because I rarely if ever have to parallel park, too.


But I theorize that I should rarely have a problem loading my Mobility
Scooter from the rear of a vehicle.


I don't want to use a sedan car or a full size van.


I think that only leaves choices for a SUV or Minivan that would have
enough space to easily hold any mobilty scooter.


I also don't want to use an outside lift or trailer hitch because of rain issues,
trailer hitch issues, thief issues.


I have also ruled out the specially rear drivein ramps to minivans that
some taxis use. Because from the specifications, driving in would be easy,
but getting off of my mobilty scooter to get out would only leave a few
inches of space on either side of the scooter to get out of my mobilty
scooter because of the rear wheelwells obstruction.


I would just feel better if I could always store my mobilty scooter inside
the vehicle protected from outside weather and posible damage or thief.


Can you advise me on what kind of vehicle I should be looking for?


Can you advise me on what kind of vehicle crane that I should but in the
right rear corner of my vehicle to lift my scooter into and out of the back
of the vehicle?

I'm looking at this will be my very last vehicle in my life.


I would like it to be very driver comfortable for me to get in and out of.


I would also like it to be very reliable mechanically and electronically, too.


Can you help me please?

If you have to use a mobility scooter or wheelchair, what kind of rear of vehicle
storage do you use as far as SUV or Minvan and crane to lift it up and down?

Thank you in advance.


Sincerely, Ray

 

[peemagg]

I was told by the dealer for my lift, that Dodge Caravan's (I think this is right), has the best cargo space for the lift and scooter.

I would recommend a lift that you can just drive the scooter or wheelchair on and lift it. They are similar to the outside lifts (with a full deck), but they are for the interior of the vehicle. I think it would be easier than the ones that you have to hook different things up to lift the scooter.

I would also get one that can easily be used with either a power chair or scooter. I know my lift is able to handle a chair up to 600 lbs, so if I need a power chair in the future, this lift will be able to handle it.

I would contact a local dealer and see what they recommend. I do know that with many minivans, you will have to remove the rear seat to be able have enough room. Most minivans have very little room behind the last seat.

Good luck with your search.

 

[RaySharpton]

I was told by the dealer for my lift, that Dodge Caravan's (I think this is right), has the best cargo space for the lift and scooter.

I would recommend a lift that you can just drive the scooter or wheelchair on and lift it. They are similar to the outside lifts (with a full deck), but they are for the interior of the vehicle. I think it would be easier than the ones that you have to hook different things up to lift the scooter.

I would also get one that can easily be used with either a power chair or scooter. I know my lift is able to handle a chair up to 600 lbs, so if I need a power chair in the future, this lift will be able to handle it.

I would contact a local dealer and see what they recommend. I do know that with many minivans, you will have to remove the rear seat to be able have enough room. Most minivans have very little room behind the last seat.

Good luck with your search.

Hello, peemagg.

Thank you so much for your quick response.

I just reread my post and I didn't realize that I was rambling on for so long.

I guess this has been on my mind for awhile.

I have seen some of those new Dodge Caravan minvans ride up beside me sometimes and they look a lot nicer than I recall a few decades ago.

Before this present event, I never even looked at minvans because I just couldn't see myself in a minivan. I guess that it is my stubborn streak
thinking that it was a mom van. I apologize in advance, because I don't think that way anymore. I don't mean to sound like an idiot, but I do, don't I.

And I have seen online photos of those huge rear lifts that electronically move the platform out of the minivan to the pavement so that a mobility scooter or wheelchair could just drive on the platform.

Then after getting off, the lift returns back to its original position to the back of the vehicle with the mobility scooter or wheelchair.

I know that I should go in person to see a dealer both for vehecles and lifts and mobility scooters and I haven't done that.

I have only researched online with the computer.

I don't know why.

I guess that it is another deniel part of me not wanting to do this because i don't want to admit that I really need to do this.

So' thank you again for your suggestions.

1. Go out physically to local dealers and ask questions.

2. Dodge Caravan minivan for largest space or capacity.

3. Lift with full drive on platform that will load and unload.

 

[alizesmom]

Our last vehicle had a side motorized lift. Real pain especially when people parked too close. Now we have a Dodge Grand Caravan with a rear ramp. The rear opens easily and isn't heavy at all. We then just push our son up the ramp and tie him down. I would think you could do similarly with yours. Good luck. Karen

 

[RaySharpton]

Our last vehicle had a side motorized lift. Real pain especially when people parked too close. Now we have a Dodge Grand Caravan with a rear ramp. The rear opens easily and isn't heavy at all. We then just push our son up the ramp and tie him down. I would think you could do similarly with yours. Good luck. Karen

Hello, Karen.

Thank you for your reply.

Did your ramp look like this one in the link below?

http://www.wheelchair-accessible-vans.com/conversions/taxi-wheelchair-van.php

 

[SueM in MN]

I only have a few minutes to reply, so no will be short.

I don't know how quickly you want to get something, but if you are looking more long term, you may want to check out the Abilities Expo - I see there will be one in Atlanta early in 2012. When we went in Minnesota, there were quite a few mobility van dealers represented.
http://www.abilitiesexpo.com/index.html

As you noticed, most of the rear entry vans are designed to be driven by someone other than the person with a disability. One company that I know of does make a model of rear entry vans that has a transfer seat where you drive the wheelchair or ECV in the back of the van, secure it down and then the front seat (driver or passenger seat) can be pulled back next to the wheelchair or ECV so that you can transfer to that seat.
The company that makes that transfer rear entry van is called Visions. Here is a link to their webpage about that van conversion:
http://www.viewpointmobility.com/mobilitysolutions/?i=3

It doesn't look like they have any Atlanta dealers, but do have some in other parts of Georgia.

We are on our 3rd side entry minivan. We had looked at rear entry ones before we bought our last 2 vans - mostly because of the parking issue with always having to find a parking spot where the lift can be lowered. The biggest reason we decided against a rear entry van were the lack of luggage storage space because of the ramp going thru the whole middle of the van. I was also somewhat concerned about deploying a ramp to the rear - would people driving thru the parking lot notice it was down or being lowered as they looked for parking spots. That is not something you have to be concerned about with a side entry ramp since the parking spot access is out of traffic.

 

[RaySharpton]

I Sue. Thank you so much for the great information. I get so much great tips and responses from your forum from you and everyone that helps out. I really like the F.A.Q.'s.

I don't know how quickly you want to get something,...

I have been researching online for over a year now, but I have never gone out physically to check anything out.

But that is my problem. Getting out and about is getting so much more difficult to walk with my cane and extremely difficult to unpack and assemble my mobility scooter and at the end of a visit disassembly and repack it in the trunk.

I plan on using my 22 year old car until I find something that I really need and use for the rest of my short life or until my present car dies of old age.

...but if you are looking more long term, you may want to check out the Abilities Expo - I see there will be one in Atlanta early in 2012. When we went in Minnesota, there were quite a few mobility van dealers represented.
http://www.abilitiesexpo.com/index.html

Thank you for the link to the Abilities Expo website. I am determined to go this year.

Last year and the year before, I just decided at the last minute that I wouldn't be able to do what I said above and still go to work that Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night for +12 hours.

It has been so depressing and sometimes aggravating.

As you noticed, most of the rear entry vans are designed to be driven by someone other than the person with a disability. One company that I know of does make a model of rear entry vans that has a transfer seat where you drive the wheelchair or ECV in the back of the van, secure it down and then the front seat (driver or passenger seat) can be pulled back next to the wheelchair or ECV so that you can transfer to that seat.
The company that makes that transfer rear entry van is called Visions. Here is a link to their webpage about that van conversion:
http://www.viewpointmobility.com/mobilitysolutions/?i=3

Now that is a really cool system. I enjoyed the little video of how the driver's seat backs up to the second row area and then turns automatically for a wheelchair.

I also enjoyed those 19 photos on the left of the page with the different positoning of car seats and fold up second row and rear seats.

Thank you for the link. I had a similar link, but I lost it when my computer crashed last December.

It doesn't look like they have any Atlanta dealers, but do have some in other parts of Georgia.

I found a dealer that looks interesting outside Atlanta and searched for their website that looks promising.

I am just going to have to go out their and physically and mentally make future decisions before my present car kicks the bucket.

We are on our 3rd side entry minivan. We had looked at rear entry ones before we bought our last 2 vans - mostly because of the parking issue with always having to find a parking spot where the lift can be lowered.

This is what I have witnessed when I drive to the store or on vacation with other people, too. Plus, I park in a parking deck with cars parked next to me so that it would be a problem for me at home using a side entry system and allowing a ramp to unfold and drive in front of the ramp and then drive up. Even in an accessible parking space the space could be short for a mobility scooter and manuevering in front of the ramp.

The biggest reason we decided against a rear entry van were the lack of luggage storage space because of the ramp going thru the whole middle of the van.

Than is a problem. Since I am by myself, I was wondering if that particular problem wouldn't effect me, but I could certainly see how it could effect you and others with families.

I was also somewhat concerned about deploying a ramp to the rear - would people driving thru the parking lot notice it was down or being lowered as they looked for parking spots. That is not something you have to be concerned about with a side entry ramp since the parking spot access is out of traffic.

Now that would be a big concern. I can imagine someone carelessly not paying attention driving into or over the ramp and damaging it because they were looking for another parking space on their cell phone talking or texting or tweeting.

The other car could damage the ramp to an extent that you could not unload the wheelchair or close the ramp and securing your car or even driving your van because of a safety issue.

Sue thank you again. I am always learning something new and thank you for a rediscovered link.

Sincerely, Ray

 

[peemagg]

I have another idea that might be of use to you now. I love my scooter, but sometimes it just isn't a great option even with the lift for it. My forearm crutches are only useful to me in a very limited situation for me. As a bridge between the 2, I am in the process of getting a manual wheelchair that is fitted for me and light in weight. Maybe this is something for you to look into too.

 

[RaySharpton]

I have another idea that might be of use to you now. I love my scooter, but sometimes it just isn't a great option even with the lift for it. My forearm crutches are only useful to me in a very limited situation for me. As a bridge between the 2, I am in the process of getting a manual wheelchair that is fitted for me and light in weight. Maybe this is something for you to look into too.

Hi, peemagg. Thank you for your ideas.

I was so worried a couple of years ago about not being able to do my job at work, that I bought a pair of forearm crutches.

I am not surprised that I have never used them in public.

It took me years and years to admit to having to use a cane.

I bought a metal cane that collapsed into four pieces that was held together with an internal bungee cord to reassemble.

I was so self conscious of using any aid at work, that I would hide my cane in a backpack or bag and only use it once I finally made it off property.

I was...and I guess that I still am very stubborn.

Now, I use my cane all of the time, but I still buy the collapsable cane.

I guess that I am still not comfortable letting people know that I need help.

A decade ago, I would always be asked why are you so slow?...hurry up!

Why are you seating down all of the time?...don't be so lazy!

Why are you using a cane?...are you sick! Over and over and over again.

So I toughed it out.

Until I got to the parking lot.

Now, I use my cane all of the time, and I wouldn't leave without it for fear that I might have to walk further than I can, or something caused me to walk further on the spur of the moment at work.

I feel so lucky and fortunate that I can get out of a chair and get up and walk and use my two legs and hands.

I tried using an Epcot wheelchair one year when leaving the park after Illuminations to get to the WDW bus system.

I found it very difficult to roll myself after a certain distance even on a level surface.

I distinctly remember a kind person out of the dark offering to assist to push me further down the sidewalk towards the bus outside Epcot.

I was so stubburnly embarrassed, and said no thank you, but thanked him for asking.

I finally just sat there and waited until I gained my strength until I could make it to the bus on my own.

After reading several threads and postings from those that have to use there own wheelchairs without some one pushing them, use a special wheelchair used for that purpose.

A wheelchair designed to be lighter and made to roll easier all of the time by the user rather than a standard wheelchair that is mostly made to be pushed by someone else.

A wheelchair that may have no arm rests or arm rests that can be removed to transfer to another surface, chair, or bed.

A wheelchair that can be rolled by one person rolling the wheelchair with maybe special tilted wheels for ease of manuevering and using to roll over different surfaces.

I have never had an experience using one, nor have I have really looked into getting one.

Your ideas though, gives some pause to think why don't I use my forearm crutches, and/or even consider a light weight, manueverable wheelchair for myself.

I would be very interested in your journey to research and decide what wheelchair is best for you as you obtain your own light weight wheelchair.

Like, where did you go to have one made just for you and what different options were offered to you.

Thank you for getting me to think about this.

Sincerely, Ray

 

[peemagg]

I sent you a PM, Ray

 

[RaySharpton]

I sent you a PM, Ray

And I really appreciate your pm, too.

Thank you very much.

Most Sincerely, Ray

 

[Tiggerish]

Ray, I was both lauging and crying while I was reading about your path to the world of ECVs. Because I have been there and done that, especially the spotting and marking in my mind where all the benches and possible sitting spots were. At home I still manage with a cane for short distances and a rollator for longer ones but it is now always an off-site vendor ECV for Disney and a much more enjoyable time.

 

[RaySharpton]

Ray, I was both lauging and crying while I was reading about your path to the world of ECVs. Because I have been there and done that, especially the spotting and marking in my mind where all the benches and possible sitting spots were. At home I still manage with a cane for short distances and a rollator for longer ones but it is now always an off-site vendor ECV for Disney and a much more enjoyable time.

Hi, Tiggerish. Thank you for your reply. I found myself doing the same thing when I reread my post. It is comforting to read posts like yours and everyone elses posting about their experiences.

If I ever fly down to WDW, I would probably rent a mobility scooter, too.

But for now, my own mobility scooter has really saved me a lot of rental fees that I might use for different WDW activities.

Now that things are changing for me, I am having to think about different ways to adapt.

And my very first outside vendor renting of a mobility scooter was so much more enjoyable than just renting ECV from the WDW parks, that I actually bought one for myself.

Ray