Any experience with ECV that comes apart to store in car?

[disneygrandma]

We've rented an ECV on our last couple of trips, and it worked out great with using the Disney bus system when needed, and rest of time staying at a resort that he could wheel directly to the parks. However, on this next trip, that's not going to work. We're thinking that maybe the ECV that breaks down might work.

Our concerns: 1. How difficult is it to tear down & put back? 2. Husband is 6'1" and 255 #'s, will he be too big for this type of ECV? 3. Do some companies carry a better version of this type?

We would appreciate hearing from people who have had experience with this kind of ECV. Any advice you can give us will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

have no experience with that size of person using as one of my coworkers uses one. she has no problem taking hers apart putting in her small car trunk and putting it together again. from what she has told me I think it would be helpful rent from site that you have to meet with them so they can show you and help you put together first time. hopes this helps you

 

[disneygrandma]

I was worried that it might be too heavy, or too awkward for me to handle. But it sounds like your coworker has no problems with that. Yes, thanks for mentioning that I need to have someone show me how the whole thing will work. With the regular one, we would just pick it up at bell services, so we will need to make sure that someone will show us what to do.

Thank you.

 

[Selket]

I rented the portable scooter from Buena Vista my past two trips and really liked it: https://www.buenavistascooters.com/products_details.asp?id=3 My husband broke it down the first trip and it seemed easy to do and the pieces weren't super heavy. The 2nd trip I didn't need to break it down but just rented it cause I liked it so much.

You may want to call them and ask about how it would handle the weight of your husband as I remember them mentioning something to me about this - the more someone weighs I think the more likely it is too run out of battery power earlier. But if you call them I'm sure they will give you the info you need to know what would working from their company at least.

 

[disneygrandma]

I just called them and was told that the portable scooter has a smaller battery than the standard scooter. Because of this, the battery life is lower. Also, the portable is rated for 300 #'s max, where as the standard is up to 325. So yes, the weight factor will also decrease the battery life. That really concerns me, but I don't know what else to do. With the standard scooter, we could usually go all day before recharging. We never charged it in the parks. In fact, I don't even know where I would be able to do that.

What was your experience with the battery? Thanks so much.

 

[GranJan]

I have a Pride Go-Go Sport 3 wheeled. I love it...tried the 4 wheel, too hard to maneuver in tight spaces. Has bigger wheels than regular Go-Go so handles rough terrain better. Also has little more ground clearance so bumps are easier. Has a bigger battery. It's weight capacity is 300 lbs. I don't weigh near that but the battery seems to last forever. I still charge it every night at WDW just to be sure but even with more weight it would be fine. My husband has no problem taking it apart & loading it but he's still in good shape. It breaks down easily. The bigger battery is heavier than the small ones but I think you'd want the bigger battery. The small one didn't last all day at WDW even with less weight. Don't know if this model is available to rent but just wanted to let you know there are models with at least a 300 lb weight capacity & larger battery.

 

[Selket]

I just called them and was told that the portable scooter has a smaller battery than the standard scooter. Because of this, the battery life is lower. Also, the portable is rated for 300 #'s max, where as the standard is up to 325. So yes, the weight factor will also decrease the battery life. That really concerns me, but I don't know what else to do. With the standard scooter, we could usually go all day before recharging. We never charged it in the parks. In fact, I don't even know where I would be able to do that.

What was your experience with the battery? Thanks so much.

I'm going to PM you but I think you will be ok with this scooter - especially as it is rated for 300lb. Did they seem at all hesitant because of your husband's weight?

I actually only plugged it in once because I happened to stopped to eat and there was a charging port right here (in the Contemporary at Chef Mickey's). I think the best time to charge it is while eating (especially if you have a sit down dinner) and the CM was really helpful in helping me. I asked him if I could charge it and he practically got me all set up - lol! If you got it and found the battery wasn't lasting you and it was a hassle - you could always call them and get a bigger scooter I'd think.

 

[Bete]

The Pride Victory scooter is rated for heavier individuals and it has two batteries. It has a more comfortable chair. It's probably the biggest scooter you can rent that comes apart. It will last all day without a problem. Scooter parts are going to be 20 to 35 pounds each. The batteries have a handle and they are usually the heaviest. I do feel you will both have to help getting it in and out of a car if that is what you are doing. The base is awkward to handle for one person.

You can probably visit a mobility store near your home and look and try all the models that come apart. Most places will let you look and try one out. We were able to even practice getting it in and out of the trunk. We didn't buy one, but they let us do all the above. After you like one you will have to search for the same model at a rental place. Get a few choices for the sake of renting. Pride brand is one of the most popular.

Worse to worse, you may have to rent at the parks. If hubby can't walk to the scooter rental you can use a wheelchair to get him there. You can leave the wheelchair at the rental location. You can buy your own portable wheelchair for less than $200. Search on Amazon for one. You can also rent a wheelchair.

 

[poprouge]

We've rented an ECV on our last couple of trips, and it worked out great with using the Disney bus system when needed, and rest of time staying at a resort that he could wheel directly to the parks. However, on this next trip, that's not going to work. We're thinking that maybe the ECV that breaks down might work.

Our concerns: 1. How difficult is it to tear down & put back? 2. Husband is 6'1" and 255 #'s, will he be too big for this type of ECV? 3. Do some companies carry a better version of this type?

We would appreciate hearing from people who have had experience with this kind of ECV. Any advice you can give us will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

It depends on how much he is dependent upon the scooter. I owned a portable, break down scooter and utilized it for many years. I have also rented from the outside scooter rentals and rent from the parks. I'll share what I find to be the pros and cons of each based upon my experience.

1. Owning you own personal portable: They are smaller and easier to maneuver than the bulkier rentals. It is always with you, so from room to park back to room you had your extra set of legs (at park closing that is a disadvantage, and you may get left behind). I got less grief from anyone assUming I was not "disabled" because it was my own and obviously mine and not a rental. (who in their right mind spends that kind of money rental or owning to abuse the system). I could take my car, and just pop the scooter in the back.
Disadvantages include needing to top off the battery throughout the day. This wasn't a problem for me as I enjoyed getting off the scooter from time to time and stretching my legs. I'm mobility limited not wheel chair bound, so this was a welcome break for me and not so much a disadvantage. If your scooter breaks your on your own, and I mean that completely your own. CMs will not assist you at all. It's a long walk pushing a dead scooter when your already mobility limited. Yes, I've been there.
2. Outside rentals: They typically last all day on one charge. You don't have to stress as much about CMs and other people breaking your scooter (yes I've had both happen and wasn't happy about either). If something does go wrong the company comes pick up the scooter and typically has one waiting for you. You may not be familiar with the style but for the most part they all drive relatively the same. Small learning curve maybe required. You have you legs with you at all times, you can take breaks and walk around if you are able.
3. Renting at the parks: I have found this to be my ideal situation. I prefer not to have the scooters on the bus. I don't absolutely need them on the bus, I have some limited mobiity, and feel the problems with loading and unloading can be avoided if I simply rent when I get to the park. i can park hop and get another scooter typically at the next park. If it's really busy time of year, I rent from outside. Batteries last all day.

Wish you the best and have a wonderful time.

 

[RandFamily]

Is it possible to leave a personal wheelchair to store when you rent a wheelchair at the parks? I'm wondering if I can bring my mother in a wheelchair to the park (she can walk a short distance and we will have a wheelchair with us) and then rent her a scooter rather than renting one before hand and taking it in our car or on a bus? Thanks for any help you can give!