Best ECV rental when using a rental car

[New England Eeyore]

Hello,

I am very late in checking something off my "to-do" list for our upcoming trip (1/21!) so I am hoping you can help me.

My DH has spine and neck issues and has finally realized that renting an ECV makes for a much better quality vacation. The past couple of times we have just rented from Disney on the tougher days, but now we want to try renting one from an offsite company so he can have it 24/7. I have done a bit of research but it's a bit overwhelming with all the choices.

We will be renting a car (mid-size SUV) and not using the WDW buses at all. What do you recommend for the best option for an ECV rental that is easily dis-assembled for transport? We won't have any trouble lifting the pieces into the car.

We would be able to meet the company for drop off and pick up if needed so it does not have to be a Disney-approved company.

A couple questions as this is the first time we're doing this:
He won't need it at all at the resort. Will we be able to leave it in the car and just take the battery with us to charge in our room at night?

We do have a couple long in-park days planned. Do we have to worry about the battery running out?

The only ECVs he's ever used have been the WDW ones. The ones we've looked at on the outside companies' websites that are car-transportable look "flimsy" to him compared to what he's used to. (He's not a very big guy - average build.) That's not an issue, right? I assume these things feel solid when you're on them.

Any other tips you would give a first-timer? He does really well with the Disney ones - he zips around and backs up and is incredibly skilled at maneuvering it - I would never be able to do so well!

Thanks for any help!!

 

[peemagg]

I would go with a Pride Go-Go Traveler Elite Plus scooter as long as he is under 275lbs. It breaks down into 4 pieces easily and can be put in cars the size of a Ford Fusion easily. This is my personal scooter!

You can also charge the batteries off the scooter like you would like to do. If you have one of those rolling luggage racks and a couple of bungees it will make getting it back and forth from the car and room easier.

 

[Toffeewoffy]

I personally would recommend a 3-wheel Victory 10 as the weight limit is 400lbs. Sounds a lot, but if you're well under the recommended weight limit then at least you'll know you'll have no battery issues. A 3-wheeler is best as it can manoeuvre all the ECV-access queues without any problems. A 4-wheeler has a much wider turning circle.

It breaks down as follows:

1. Battery cover
2. Two batteries
3. Seat (back folds down)
4. Rear axle/motor
5. Platform/front wheel/tiller

It assembled and disassembled in under a minute, and while DD and I were able to load it in and out of the car on a 'one ... two ... three ... lift' basis, I did manage it on my own a couple of times.

Other people have said that you can charge the battery off the scooter, but there are two batteries and I didn't see a charging point on either of them. Besides, I was happier using the scooter to trundle to and from the car or bus stop rather than walk - especially as the car was parked a little distance from our room.

As I said earlier, if you get a bigger scooter (not physically bigger, just more powerful) then the battery will last a lot longer. I found that on a midnight - 8am charge it would last right through until at least 11pm. Just turn it off when you're going to be stationary, whether in a slow-moving queue, having lunch/a snack or sitting waiting for a show, parade or fireworks. The battery never dipped below full charge the entire week.

There are lots of good companies out there; I'm going for Florida Mobility Rentals for my 14-day hire this year - they've come up nearly $140 cheaper than Walker Mobility, and every little helps.

HTH

 

[Goofy14sure]

Look at the weight limits for the rider and get the one with the lightest pieces that you can. I've also got an elite traveller plus And the heaviest piece is a Little over 35 pounds. The bigger machines of course weigh more and the park ones are tanks! I'm 230 and mine feels fine stability wise

 

[New England Eeyore]

Thank you for the tips! It is so helpful to have a first hand recommendation.

 

[amyeeyore]

I usually rent from sun mobilty. They deliver to the hotel and will leave at front desk, and I leave it at the hotel when i check out. I would recommend a three wheel as it has better turn radius in the lines. I leave it in the car and just bring the battery in to charge. It last all day in the park.