Anyone else notice the Electric Wheelchair abuse at WDW?

[arizonacolbys]

Just wanted to post about something that really bothered us on our recent trip to WDW. I've lost count of how many people we saw that appeared to be openly abusing the electric wheelchairs/scooters all around WDW.

At Epcot one afternoon we saw a couple (appeared to be in their 40-50's) take turns on the electric wheelchair.

Another evening, also at Epcot, we were practically run over by 5-6 young adults zooming around the park in these scooters, all appeared to have been drinking.

We also saw a gentleman park his scooter along the parade route at MGM, then proceed to get out of it & walk away. He returned 20 minutes later with drinks & snacks for the family.

Is there not some sort of regulation at WDW as to who all can rent a wheelchair/scooter? I understand that there are people that need these, but we were really appalled by the number of people who seemed to be abusing this on our recent trip. It seemed like more than normal - is this just so these people can get on rides quicker? Who would want to spend the vacation in a wheelchair just to get on a ride quicker?

Just curious if anyone else has noticed this & what everyone's thoughts are on it.

 

[civileng68]

I agree that there is abuse, but, as someone who's had health issues with my back (though I walk normal and dont use anything) my father has degenerative disc in his back and neuropothy in his limbs. My dad is legally considered handicap, though he only uses a cane in normal circumstances. However, if he were to go to Disney, he would have no choice but to get a motorized scooter to get around, since he cannot use a wheelchair due to the neuropothy (which you cannot see, it just causes pain in the extremeties when pressure is applied to them). However, my dad hates being seen in things like that, so he is a typical one who WOULD stop at times and get out and walk around a little.

I agree that abuse does take place, but please know that not everyone in a wheelchair or scooter is unable to walk but rather it may be painful to do so, especially in long lengths and times, even though they look perfectly fine.

 

[civileng68]

Is there not some sort of regulation at WDW as to who all can rent a wheelchair/scooter? I

Just curious if anyone else has noticed this & what everyone's thoughts are on it.

There is regulation. To get a regular wheelchair you simply rent it, but to get the electronic equipment you must show proof either from a doctor or state that you are in fact in need of the equipment.

 

[Scroft391]

I would be surprised if they were doing this just for ride access. We went in December of 2003 with my In-laws. At the time my mother-in-law had to use a scooter since she just had surgery on her tendon and her foot was in a cast. It cost almost $300 to rent a scooter for a week. Disney does not provide these scooters but they do work with a third party company. The company drops them off at the resort and you return it at the check out desk when you leave. The scooter remains in your possession for the whole trip. It is possible that the people you saw have problems walking for extended periods of time. I have an employee who is like this. He can walk around the office just fine but whenever he has to go any distance or duration, he uses a scooter. The young kids drunk did sound bad but the rest may be people with legitimate issues.

 

[WDSearcher]

A middle-aged couple who get tired easily due to heart ailments, asthma, leg or knee problems or a number of other "hard to see" problems could easily rent and share a scooter, taking turns so that one has a chance to ride while the other walks. That's not unusual at all.

The man who rode the scooter and then got out to walk isn't odd either. There are a lot of people who have trouble doing all the walking that is required at a place like Disney, yet they may not be skilled enough with maneuvering to take the scooter into a restaurant or restroom, so they park, get out and walk the short distance they need, and then come back to the scooter.

The younger folks were likely abusing the use of the scooter, and may have even "borrowed" it from somewhere else -- they likely didn't check one out themselves. But situations like that are pretty rare.

I think you have to be careful not to assume someone doesn't need a scooter or wheelchair simply because you see them utilizing a combination of walking and riding. Besides, it's not like scooter or wheelchair riders get front-of-line passes or anything. They have the ability to wait in a private, usually shaded, area, but they still have to wait. And, while they may get a bit of special viewing space during IllumiNations or something, it takes them a lot longer to maneuver their way out of the space and it can be a lot more difficult to get through the lines.

 

[Chuck S]

There are many disabilities that are not readily apparent that may require one to use an ECV. Some folks can walk and appear perfectly "normal" for short distances but could never take the rigors of walking a day at a theme park. ECV rentals are NOT inexpensive, and believe me, I certainly wouldn't rent one just to zip around Disney. Mom is in a wheelchair for the parks, while she can get around fine at home and most day to day circumstances. That may be the case for many of the people you accuse of abusing an ECV. If you witnessed a "trade off" between husband and wife, perhaps they both can walk some, but not a full day...so they "share" the ECV. That way they can both get a little execise without it being too much for either of them.

Nor do they "get on rides quicker", most queues, except for the oldest rides at MK, are negotialble with an ECV, they wait in line with everyone else.

 

[civileng68]

WDWSearcher made a good point also,

Have you ever thought about how hard it would be to get out of the parks at closing time when everyone on foot is clustered together walking to the exit? I mean, I would likely just have to wait if I were in an EVC because they're not very easily maneuvered into crowded areas.

 

[disneygoof]

When I was pregnant in WDW I rented wheelchairs as I have high risk pregnancies. I was not confined to bed, but was under doctor's orders not to spend extended periods of time on my feet. So I'm sure I'd shock you by getting up and getting on a ride or walking into a store not easily negotiated, but it did make it possible for me to go to the world with my older child. I wasn't that obviously pregnant, either, so I'm sure some people wondered.

I thought I'd be very self-conscious, but I decided that lots of people who have "invisible" disabilities, and I wouldn't worry about people judging me. My only priority was the baby, who is healthy and happy.

 

[pjpoohbear]

There is regulation. To get a regular wheelchair you simply rent it, but to get the electronic equipment you must show proof either from a doctor or state that you are in fact in need of the equipment.

I have to say that my mother uses the ECV each time we visit and she has never been asked for any proof of need. The only thing Disney requires is that the driver be 18 years or older and sign a form that releases Disney from responsiblity over the drivers actions.
Disney only rents for in Theme park use, for full use around the resort you would need to rent from outside companies, and the ones we have contacted about pricing have never asked for proof of need either.
On all our trips, we have had her handicap parking permit with us, but it is required to stay in the car. So at least over the last five years Disney has not required any form of proof of need to rent an ECV.

Penny

 

[civileng68]

I have to say that my mother uses the ECV each time we visit and she has never been asked for any proof of need. The only thing Disney requires is that the driver be 18 years or older and sign a form that releases Disney from responsiblity over the drivers actions. We have had her handicap parking permit with us, but it is required to stay in the car. So at least over the last five years Disney has not required any form of proof of need to rent an ECV.

Penny

Even easier. I just assumed that was the ruling since I read it on another post here in the last 2 days or so.

 

[wendy1974]

I definitely agree that there are many times when a persons disability may not be so obvious (heart problems, back problems, severe asthma etc.) I myself have known people in their 30s and 40s who have had to get handicap tags for their cars and use ECV's when walking long distances because they had heart defects that made it dangerous to walk long distances or be standing for extremely long periods of time. If you looked at these people they appeared very healthy and could walk on their own if it didn't require alot of extra physical exertion. So chances are alot of these individuals that we see in the parks do need the ECV's to get around for the day.
That being said, and I feel a little guilty for saying this because I am not grouping all people in ECV's in this category but I do get a little frustrated when I am trying to walk through the park and someone in an ECV will cut me off and nearly run over my feet and not even stop to apologize. I have also bee there with my boyfriend and his children (5 and 6 at the time) and on a few different occasions they were literally ran into by people on ECVs and no one apologized. It made me mad because while I feel that they may need that ECV I do not think that it gives them license to be reckless and disregard the people walking around them. I wouldn't intentionally cut off someone in an ECV or walk into them and if I did I would most definitely apologize and let them know it was an accident. I may get flamed but I think that the same thing can be said for alot of people who push strollers through the parks

 

[Selket]

I think this thread on the disAbilities board here is a good one for a view of how it is to take a wheelchair around WDW: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=15452

 

[seashoreCM]

someone in an ECV will cut me off and nearly run over my feet and not even stop to apologize. I have also bee there with my boyfriend and his children (5 and 6 at the time) and on a few different occasions they were literally ran into by people on ECVs and no one apologized. It made me mad because while I feel that they may need that ECV I do not think that it gives them license to be reckless and disregard the people walking around them.

Could your boyfriend seize control of the vehicle until its driver apologized? If not, next time visit with your brother in law in a multiple family group.

Everybody knows that operating a motorized vehicle, or riding a bicycle, includes yielding to persons moving on their own. BUt somebody has to enforce it.

I was going to say something about damaging the ECV from rough treatment but supposedly Disney tells the renter about paying for repairs when renting out the vehicles. A second person should never be carried.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

<small>Behind every bouncing ball comes a running child.</small>

 

[areno79]

I have to agree, the young people on the ECV's sounded like they were just joyriding, which is unfortunate. However, appearances can be deceiving. I am only 25, and have severe back problems, arthritis in my hips, degenerative disks; you name it, I've got it. This has become more and more of a problem in the past couple of years, but I have had times where I've had to use the ECV's at Walmart because I just can't walk. However, I also have a problem sitting for a lengthy time, so it is necessary to stand and try to walk sometimes, with the use of a cane. I was so self-conscious that first time, wondering what people thought. The fact is though, if I have a choice between not going to places like WDW or getting a wheelchair or ECV, I'm choosing to get help when I need it. And for the record, my first time in an ECV was a learning experience, so maybe the ones who bumped into you were first timers too...I know I've had more than one scowl because I don't realize how fast I'm going

 

[arizonacolbys]

Thanks for everyone's insight on this - I definitely don't have any problems whatsoever with those who need this type of transportation around the parks using it to enjoy their trips a little more (or even just making the trip possible.) I was mostly frustrated with the drunken joy-riding thru Epcot. This past trip it was half a dozen kids near the International Gateway. But, we also encountered a very similar situation back in September near France & Morrocco in Epcot. A whole group of young adults (we know they were all drinking, as they were all carrying their drinks along with them) - they were probably going as fast as those ECV's would go & just zooming in & out of large crowds of guests.

I just have a problem with people like this being able to rent these out - no questions asked. Don't these people worry they are taking a much needed ECV from someone who might truly need it?

Didn't mean to start a debate about who really needs it, or not. I truly do understand those that may have "invisible" handicaps. My grandfather is handicapped & so is my aunt - they would both need ECV's around the park, but you likely wouldn't know it looking at them. We just really seemed to see too many abusing these on our last trip.

 

[fam4jc]

I always joke around with my 80 year old mother that I would love to take her to WDW and rent her a scooter so we could go to the front of the lines... but she would NEVER get in one if she didn't need it. she hasn't had to use one for a couple of years, only when her Blood pressure wasn't stable, another of those "non visible" ailments that can cause you to need a skooter. But people will abuse anything.

 

[lclark0621]

While I agree, there is A LOT of wheel chair abuse in WDW...

Just remember not all "disabilities" are visable. A very good friend of mine has severe heart problems. On the outside she looks like an incredibly healthy 25 year old. But inside is totally different. There is no way she would surivie walking all day. She has gotten many nasty looks & comments in Disney World & at home. The horrible things people say to her when they see her get out of her car in a handicap spot! Oh it is awful!

Some people just assume you "look" healthy so you are. But you really have NO idea what is going on insides someone's body.

My friend once had someone actually CHASE her into a store because she was parked LEGALLY in a handicap spot. They did not believe she was "disabled" & took off after her! Boy where their eyes opened when the EMT had to be called & she was taken to the ER because of their insanity & ignorance.

So please remember not all "disabilities" are visable.

On the other hand, anyone who rents a wheel chair just to get to the head of the line should be barred from Disney for life!

 

[areno79]

Emily, I think we've all been in frustrating situations where people are abusing the system. I agree with you 100%, people like that should be stopped! It really ruins it for the rest of us...especially those of us who need the ECV's and wheelchairs!

 

[SueM in MN]

I was mostly frustrated with the drunken joy-riding thru Epcot. This past trip it was half a dozen kids near the International Gateway. But, we also encountered a very similar situation back in September near France & Morrocco in Epcot. A whole group of young adults (we know they were all drinking, as they were all carrying their drinks along with them) - they were probably going as fast as those ECV's would go & just zooming in & out of large crowds of guests.

I just have a problem with people like this being able to rent these out - no questions asked. Don't these people worry they are taking a much needed ECV from someone who might truly need it?

Didn't mean to start a debate about who really needs it, or not. I truly do understand those that may have "invisible" handicaps. My grandfather is handicapped & so is my aunt - they would both need ECV's around the park, but you likely wouldn't know it looking at them. We just really seemed to see too many abusing these on our last trip.

I have seen drunk people driving around in their personal wheelchairs or scooters' people should realize that driving anything while under the influence is dangerous, whether its a car, a scooter or a power wheelchair.

I seriously doubt that many people rent scooters "just for the heck of it". They are expensive to rent ($40 a day at the parks).
There is little "advantage" to using a scooter or wheelchair, except for having a spot to sit. Most of the lines are "Mainstream Access", which means that wheelchair and ecv users wait in the same line with everyone else.

There is a difference between scooters (also called ecvs) and electric (or power) wheelchairs. Scooters are the ones you can rent in the parks and from the off-site rental places. Most of them drive with a "yoke", steering sort of like a bicycle.
Power wheelchairs are steered with a joystick or something more individually adjusted to the person. It takes practice to learn how to drive with a joystick. Power wheelchairs are not rented in the parks and the off-site rental places will generally only rent them to people who already own one (but maybe don't want to travel with it). Power wheelchairs have to be individually set up to the person, so before it is rented, you have to provide a lot of information about the way it is set up. Since power wheelchairs usually cost 3 to 10 times more than a scooter does, the companies don't rent them out to people who don't know how to use them.

 

[jultomzach]

I think some of the abuse occurs when the disabled person allows other people (not disabled) in their party to "play" with the wheelchair. I saw a lot of that happening when I was at Disney last week.