Anyone else notice the Electric Wheelchair abuse at WDW?

[Laurajean1014]

My brother's leg was nearly cut off in an industrial accident. It was re-attached and he now has a steel rod down the middle of it. He has a bad, bad series of scars but walks fairly normally on "good" days and looks ok in pants (well, as good as my bro can ever look!! ); however, for our upcoming trip, he's going to have to rent one of these because of the distance it takes to walk around the parks.

So sorry about your brother's accident.

I just hope no-one flames him (at WDW or on these boards) for using a ECV.

I find the complainers on this board to be inconsiderate.

All the best to your family.

 

[Beauty]

I have SERIOUSLY thought of spending the money for one at Animal Kingdom. I can go all day at the other parks but something about the humidity at Animal Kingdom does me in. I would LOVE to enjoy that park and the only way I see doing it is by an electric scooter. I'm overweight, but not badly and my feet have been known to swell at Disney but I have no heart problems or anything like that........I simply would love to enjoy that HUGE park without worrying about passing out from the heat.

Personally as long as I'm respecting everyone around me I may very well pay the 40 dollars this September and enjoy Animal Kingdom. I would also be perfectly capable of getting off to do rides, gift shops, etc.

 

[faeflora]

I have SERIOUSLY thought of spending the money for one at Animal Kingdom. I can go all day at the other parks but something about the humidity at Animal Kingdom does me in. I would LOVE to enjoy that park and the only way I see doing it is by an electric scooter. I'm overweight, but not badly and my feet have been known to swell at Disney but I have no heart problems or anything like that........I simply would love to enjoy that HUGE park without worrying about passing out from the heat.

Personally as long as I'm respecting everyone around me I may very well pay the 40 dollars this September and enjoy Animal Kingdom. I would also be perfectly capable of getting off to do rides, gift shops, etc.

Ok, see the Animal Kingdom is the park that just does me in when I am using the manual chair, and it almost did my DH in and he is pretty healthy, little back pain but he was totally exhausted. I think its the pavement. Rent an ECV and enjoy the park

 

[gypsydoodlebug]

So sorry about your brother's accident.

I just hope no-one flames him (at WDW or on these boards) for using a ECV.

I find the complainers on this board to be inconsiderate.

All the best to your family.

Thanks. It happened in the FIRST TWO HOURS on his new job. He's had 13 surgeries and a staph infection. Sometimes he wishes the docs had just taken his leg. Bet no one would flame him then!

 

[Laurajean1014]

There is nothing worng with using an ECV if you need it. I have complete sympathy for those people.

The abuse is BS...plain and simple. I'm not going to sugarcoat it and I have no problem with those people that have a legitimate use. I'm observant enough to tell when someone is jacking around and breaking the rules and these are the people that cause problems.

I'm not GOD...I have eyes andears. And I'm not a nasty person by any stetch. You would know that if you knew me. People are having a hard time understanding the issue because you get all over emotional. Slow down and think logically about this.

CHILL PEOPLE

You cannot think that you have the knowledge by viewing a person, the need or otherwise of an EVC? That would be insensitive to suggest, and I am sure you are not.

Be careful about dropping your opinion quickly about others, you may one day be judged too quickly and be mocked as you have been to others.

I agree with your advice and would suggest that of you - CHILL.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

3 years ago, my mother was crashed into by a marauding group of what looked like a motorcycle gang, wielding a wheelchair. They crashed into her, knocking her to the ground, laughed and continued on their way (no one was even sitting in the wheelchair at that point, as they raced across the park).

She was actually quite badly injured, including a gash in her leg. Fortunately, no broken bones, but it ruined what up to that point had been a perfectly wonderful trip.

I should have gone to guest services to complain, but she just wanted to get back to the room to lie down.

If a group of morons knocked my Mom to the ground and laughed at her, Guest Services would have been the least of their worries, I can promise you that!

 

[SueM in MN]

3 years ago, my mother was crashed into by a marauding group of what looked like a motorcycle gang, wielding a wheelchair. They crashed into her, knocking her to the ground, laughed and continued on their way (no one was even sitting in the wheelchair at that point, as they raced across the park).

She was actually quite badly injured, including a gash in her leg. Fortunately, no broken bones, but it ruined what up to that point had been a perfectly wonderful trip.

I should have gone to guest services to complain, but she just wanted to get back to the room to lie down.

Sorry to hear that happened. Those people were abusing the equipment and it would have been more than fair to expel them from the park for their behavior.

 

[Pedler]

Aside from all of the comments that we should have "strict controls and notorized doctors notes" on who uses them and the "how dare anyone complain about EVC users" could we agree that one of the main complaints about EVCs is some of the driving habits?

Some of this could be from abuse and there isn't much of a realistic solution for that. Some of it could be just lack of experience with an EVC. It sounds like some of the users are regular users that require them all of the time while others are occasional users that can get around on a limited basis but not in an area the size of WDW. Stealing an idea from the Segway tour at Epcot what if Disney had a training course for using them for first time renters. They could have a 1 hour orientation session with an obstacle course to help get people used to driving them and add some pointers on best practices. I have never driven a EVC before but know I would have a hard time navigating lines and such. A simple orientation / best practices course for first time renters could make a difference in operating techniques for some users and reduce some of the unintential incidents that happen. Just a thought but in general it is a good idea to get some orientation / training before using any motorized piece of equipment.

Just a thought.

 

[faeflora]

Aside from all of the comments that we should have "strict controls and notorized doctors notes" on who uses them and the "how dare anyone complain about EVC users" could we agree that one of the main complaints about EVCs is some of the driving habits?

Some of this could be from abuse and there isn't much of a realistic solution for that. Some of it could be just lack of experience with an EVC. It sounds like some of the users are regular users that require them all of the time while others are occasional users that can get around on a limited basis but not in an area the size of WDW. Stealing an idea from the Segway tour at Epcot what if Disney had a training course for using them for first time renters. They could have a 1 hour orientation session with an obstacle course to help get people used to driving them and add some pointers on best practices. I have never driven a EVC before but know I would have a hard time navigating lines and such. A simple orientation / best practices course for first time renters could make a difference in operating techniques for some users and reduce some of the unintential incidents that happen. Just a thought but in general it is a good idea to get some orientation / training before using any motorized piece of equipment.

Just a thought.

There was a great suggestion posted recently that if you have never used an ECV and are going to maybe need on at WDW you should do some test driving and experimenting at a Target or Wal Mart store before taking on the "World".
I thought that was a great idea for newbie.

 

[MidgeD79]

In a previous post someone wrote how her mother's foot was run over with a result of a broken teonail and severe bruising-not mention incredible pain. The poster was upset because the "hurtee" only said sorry and kept going. I"m not sure what the "hurted" person thought would happen. I would like to think it was truly an accident and not intentional. Should they have exchanged phone numbers or something? I took great care that my ds's manual chair didn't run into anyone(we left the power chair at home). I'm sure there were times we annoyed others. I really try to do everything(LOL) but sometimes it's really hard.

 

[SueM in MN]

They could have a 1 hour orientation session with an obstacle course to help get people used to driving them and add some pointers on best practices. I have never driven a EVC before but know I would have a hard time navigating lines and such. A simple orientation / best practices course for first time renters could make a difference in operating techniques for some users and reduce some of the unintential incidents that happen. Just a thought but in general it is a good idea to get some orientation / training before using any motorized piece of equipment.

Just a thought.

I don't think they would need an hour, but I think an obstacle/training course would be a good idea. For people who drive, it doesn't really take a lot to get used to. Some of the people who are having the worst time are possibly people who do not drive a car or haven't in years).
I also think there are some people driving them who should be using wheelchairs. I once saw an elderly man who was purposely coming quickly up to his wife with an ecv and then stopping just short of hitting her. He was doing this for the amusement of his young grandson, who was sitting in his lap. He was warned several times by CMs and security, but they couldn't confiscate his ecv because it apparently belonged to him. (in other words, a whole bunch of abuses of equipment).
I don't know what his problem was, but I have heard of people who let elderly relatives with Alzheimers keep driving because they don't want to take their independence away. Some of those people are probably letting elderly relatives drive ecvs even though they are not really capable of the skills/judgement needed to drive one.

 

[old one]

ok, might as well add my thoughts.

YES- Those operating the equiptment improperly should be warned, or removed from the park.

BUT-

You can not tell by looking if a person needs a EVC.

Don't know about Disneyland, but I can honestly say I do not know of a single ride at WDW where you go to the front of the line if you are in a wheel chair or scooter. You MAY go in first once you have waited in the cue. ( So that you DON"T run over anyone) but honesly, the extra time it takes you to get around on one of those things you will NOT end up getting to do more because you have one. ( just the opposite.)

REMEMBER-

NEVER dart across in front of a ECV or stop suddenly in front of one. THEY DO NOT STOP QUICKLY. Think of them like you would a train, they take time to stop so don't try to " beat them" at crossings!

 

[RaySharpton]

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.

I haven't seen much of any abuse at WDW with wheelchairs. I'm sorry if this was the case. I guess that I can't really tell if the person using the wheelchair really doesn't need the wheelchair or not. There are a lot of people with invisible disabilities.

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

Now here I have a hard time telling people's ages just by looking at them, too. But just because the couple got out of the scooter or E.C.V. (Electric Convenience Vehicle) and took turns certainly doesn't mean that they are abusing the system. Why would anyone in there right mind want to be weighed down by a huge piece of equipment like a scooter all of the time. You would have to pay WDW $30.00 per day to just use them in the park. Then you are limited as to which direction you can go around all of the walking people. Most walkers completely ignore scooters. It is not as if the scooter is an extension of your body. You as a walking person can immediately feel a person that you may bump into and make a quick reaction. And a body is much softer that a piece of metal. And a human being can move much easier than a machine.

This couple may both have a hard time walking long distances. And I think that it is sweet that they take turns.

God forbid that you or your family be struck with an injury that limits where you can go or what you can do.

I think that you can ask anyone that pays for a scooter that they would be happy to switch places with your healthy, walking legs and body.

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.

Now this seems plain wrong. But, I can admit that the freedom and joy that you get from having the ability to walk around with a scooter is amazing. Maybe they should not have been drunk, although they do sell alcohol at Epcot. But I'm glad they were having fun. But they should not indanger others with a machine. I have never seen this happen either.

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.

I've seen people park their stroller along the parade route and proceed to get refreshments and return. Just because a person can walk, but not walk long distances is not a good reason to put that person down. Again, why would anyone pay $30.00 per day to WDW to rent a scooter, to be slowed down by the crowds that walk in front of the scooter, to not be able to walk anywhere that a walker can go.

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?

O.K...back space...back space. O.K. So I assume that you are talking about personal experience of renting a wheelchair and that you were able to get in all of the rides ahead of anyone else....No....No personal experience.

WDW does an excellent job of making ride attractions and queue lines accessable to walkers and wheelchairs. I have never gotten into line earlier because I have a scooter. I have found that it takes longer to wait as the walkers go by. I have found that when I do walk that other guest complain about me being too slow and walk around me. Which I don't mind. People are going to complain both ways. Whether I walk to slow or because I use a scooter and get the perceived idea that I get into lines earlier.

Who would want to spend the vacation in a wheelchair just to get on a ride quicker?

Who indeed!

 

[eeyore45]

Thank You Ray for coming in and giving your perspective!! I so enjoyed your two reports, before and after renting an ECV, and I hope they give others the courage to rent an ECV (esp a very good friend of mine - who is young and has mobility issues!)

 

[RaySharpton]

Chill out and read the post more carefully before getting all worked up.

The person is talking about people ABUSING the privelege....not the people, such as yourself, that have a legitimate reason to be using one.

It's crazy how worked up people get over this.

Just because someone is too stupid to figure out how to use a fastpass or doesn't take the time to properly plan their trip in order to avoid lines, it doesn't give them the right to jump on a scooter and go to the head of the line. Therein lies the point of the people that get upset over this inappropriate behavior.

/me shakes his head

O.K. /me shakes his head O.K...I'm not going to call anyone stupid. But scooters do not get to the head of the line.

 

[crazyj4488]

Crazy,

As someone who has been a paraplegic since age 6, I have to ask. What are you wanting, a medal?? You're coming across like racists who say, "I'm not racist. I have friends/coworkers that are black."

You can have a "paraplegic friend" and still be a turd about ECV users.

Give me a break. NO I don't want a medal and it's rude as hel*l for you to sit there and pass your judgement and call me a racist because I am FAR from one. I'm just trying to let you people in on the fact that I'm not this evil man making fun of disabled people. I am a sensitive person that strongly believes in everyone on Earth having the right and privelege to experience the magic Disney has to offer. However, no one has the right to abuse that privlege.

And AGAIN I'm not a "turd" (nice adjective) about ECV users. I'm a "turd" about rude people who abuse the system....that's it...end of story.

Do you all like rude and abusive people?? NO...that's why you are screaming at me because you perceive me as one thru your lack of sense of humor or understanding of the point I and others are trying to make over this issue.

Why is it so dam hard for you people to understand that I'm not making fun of people??? I'm only complaining about people that OBVIOUSLY abuse the system by bashing the things into walls on purpose to entertain themselves while I watch an elderly woman who is struggling to stand on her feet wait on this obnoxious behavior.

I could care less if you are properly in need of an ECV and respecting those around you. You aren't the people bothering me or others. I would expect any other person walking the parks on foot to do the same. It even makes me quite happy to see a disabled person enjoying the parks. I'm very glad that Disney has built a wonderfully accessible place for people that are somehow challenged physically. That's just another great facet of WDW and stands near and dear to Walt's vision of having everyone enjoy themselves TOGETHER at the places he inspired and/or built.

I'll stop beating the dead horse to death and let you people scream at me while I ignore this thread. I've said all I can. Thank you for the attention and thank you for feeding the fire. I'm going to stop doing so.

My ego has been stroked. Gosh darnit, people like me.

Laff once in awhile people and don't take life so seriously. Goto your laughing place. It's quite healthy.

 

[RaySharpton]

I'm just trying to let you people in on the fact that I'm not this evil man making fun of disabled people.

And AGAIN I'm not a "turd" (nice adjective) about ECV users.

I could care less if you are properly in need of an ECV and respecting those around you.

I'll stop beating the dead horse to death and let you people scream at me while I ignore this thread. I've said all I can.

Thank you for the attention

My ego has been stroked.

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My ego has been stroked.[ QUOTE]

 

[disneyholic family]

Sorry to hear that happened. Those people were abusing the equipment and it would have been more than fair to expel them from the park for their behavior.

I agree that they should have been expelled from the park. And probably if i had it to do over again, I would have gone to find security and reported the group and suggested that they be escorted out of the park, as they clearly were endangering other people.

But we were so shocked by it. Especially the way they laughed and continued on their way without apologizing (or saying anything for that matter - just laughing).

But it did teach us a lesson -- avoid the MK on saturday afternoons.

 

[disneydreamer98]

Give me a break. NO I don't want a medal and it's rude as hel*l for you to sit there and pass your judgement and call me a racist because I am FAR from one. I'm just trying to let you people in on the fact that I'm not this evil man making fun of disabled people. I am a sensitive person that strongly believes in everyone on Earth having the right and privelege to experience the magic Disney has to offer. However, no one has the right to abuse that privlege.

And AGAIN I'm not a "turd" (nice adjective) about ECV users. I'm a "turd" about rude people who abuse the system....that's it...end of story.

Do you all like rude and abusive people?? NO...that's why you are screaming at me because you perceive me as one thru your lack of sense of humor or understanding of the point I and others are trying to make over this issue.

Why is it so dam hard for you people to understand that I'm not making fun of people??? I'm only complaining about people that OBVIOUSLY abuse the system by bashing the things into walls on purpose to entertain themselves while I watch an elderly woman who is struggling to stand on her feet wait on this obnoxious behavior.

I could care less if you are properly in need of an ECV and respecting those around you. You aren't the people bothering me or others. I would expect any other person walking the parks on foot to do the same. It even makes me quite happy to see a disabled person enjoying the parks. I'm very glad that Disney has built a wonderfully accessible place for people that are somehow challenged physically. That's just another great facet of WDW and stands near and dear to Walt's vision of having everyone enjoy themselves TOGETHER at the places he inspired and/or built.

I'll stop beating the dead horse to death and let you people scream at me while I ignore this thread. I've said all I can. Thank you for the attention and thank you for feeding the fire. I'm going to stop doing so.

My ego has been stroked. Gosh darnit, people like me.

Laff once in awhile people and don't take life so seriously. Goto your laughing place. It's quite healthy.

You keep saying that you are finished "defending" yourself...yet you continue to. Some comments are just indefensible. It is your opinion and you are intitled to it, I think that most posters are basically asking you to open more than your eyes and ears and understand that it would basically take a medical degree and an appointment with the "abuser" to make sure that they are truly abusing the situation. If it were myself, I would just be very thankful that I and my children are healthy and able to enjoy WDW as well as everyday life without assistance. With that said...I also always understand that things can change in an instance.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

An obstacle course for ECV users before they can drive? How about a common courtesy class for members before they can post?

Aloha!
Lulu