Bus and ECV?

[kdkbrebel]

I am using an ECV for the first time this trip. I have MS and know I will not be able to walk it all with my rollator. I am assuming you pull the ecv onto the bus not back it in? If you have to parallel park it can anyone tell me what side? I want to practice alot at the resort before I attempt the buses. I used one at a conference in las vegas that was very crowded, so I do have a feel for it, but I didn't have to get it on and off any buses so I am a little worried.

 

[goodferry]

While I have never driven one, I believe you parallel park them on the left hand side of the bus Someone with more advice will surely come along though

 

[CarolMN]

You will probably get more answers from actual ECV users if you post your question over on the disABILITIES! Forum.

Perhaps goofy4tink will move this thread over there for you.

 

[popgfd]

Go over to disabilities and lots of info in FAQ's
FYI WDW is adding buses with 3 or 4 ECV spots in the new buses. And you will find most drivers very patient and helpful.

DW has MS and we've been going with the ECV's for about 15 years.

Sometimes drivers will claim the lift is broken or the bus is full but overall these drivers are extraordinarily helpful. I'd advise practicing rapid stops for the people that only see at eye level and walk into you.

Pop

 

[goofy4tink]

You will probably get more answers from actual ECV users if you post your question over on the disABILITIES! Forum.

Perhaps goofy4tink will move this thread over there for you.

There ya go!!!

 

[SenecaWolf]

This past april, I used the gigantic Dream scooter so it made things a little trickier but I believe it would all be the same.

When you get up the ramp, your going to go to the right and kind of parallel park onto the left side directly in front of the ramp. I'm used to using an ECV but the Dream is HUGE and the controller was really touchy, don't think I'll be using that one again, also it really pushes the size restrictions of the busses.

 

[disney david]

The drivers will help guide you into spot if needed but it not that bad on the new low floor buses their wide and easy to move around.

 

[cmesq61]

Go to a big store, use their ride around cart and practice parallel parking along side an aisle of shelves. If you can do that the busses will be a breeze because the ECVs you rent offsite while at WDW are SO much more maneuverable.

 

[jdb in AZ]

Some times the bus driver will take pity on you and park it for you, figuring it will save time in the long run.

 

[kdkbrebel]

thank you everyone.

 

[asoko]

I have ms too and used a scooter on my last trip in September. I couldn't have survived without it. . I drove forward to get in and out of the buses. I had a scooter from all star scooters and I think it was a regular size one. Smaller than the ones at sam's club. Most of the time I parked on the left side. You just pull forward and park like a car. If there are multiple scooters on the bus, in my experience they fill the left side first then the right. It only happened once for me. 3 scooters on bus and I was on the right. I had no problems the drivers were nice and helpful even if it was a bus they weren't used to. They will park it for you if you get stuck.

Getting out is easy too my scooter had a really easy turn radius. I would back up a little turn the wheel and slowly behead for the door. Make sure you are on the ramp for the back wheels.

I also tried to remember to put the speed toward turtle so controlling was easier. Don't let the line of people worry you that you need to hurry so they can get on just ale you time and have a great trip

 

[scdak]

A few more tips - when you come off the bus be sure to go forward far enough to fully clear the ramp before you attempt to turn left or right, if you turn too soon the rear wheels might not be clear of the ramp and there is risk of driving off the side of the ramp at the very bottom.

If the drivers give you advice/instructions, follow the advice as they are very experienced in the use loading/unloading ECV's on their buses.

Turtle speed is perfect for leaving the bus but sometimes you have to turn the speed up a little more to go up the ramp if you are Pooh sized, as soon as you get to the top of the ramp then turn the speed back to turtle to control parking it.

And if all else fails - ask for help, most of the drivers I encountered were willing (remember I said MOST), if they saw me struggling a little they would help, the ECV can be put in manual mode and they can move it easily, they aren't supposed to according to Disney rules from what I heard but there were a few times when the buses already had people on it that it was harder to position it to park and the driver would park it to make it easier on everyone. No driver ever DROVE it, that is a complete No No, but they would manually park it in a matter of seconds compared to me trying to park it when there were people sitting nearby, that makes the process harder than when the bus is empty.

 

[SueM in MN]

Some times the bus driver will take pity on you and park it for you, figuring it will save time in the long run.

Bus drivers are not actually supposed to drive or move the scooters, so don't be surprised if they refuse to even touch the scooter.

You can, though have someone else in your party drive it on for you or even put it in freewheeling mode to push it, if that would be easier.

I have ms too and used a scooter on my last trip in September. I couldn't have survived without it. . I drove forward to get in and out of the buses. I had a scooter from all star scooters and I think it was a regular size one. Smaller than the ones at sam's club. Most of the time I parked on the left side. You just pull forward and park like a car. If there are multiple scooters on the bus, in my experience they fill the left side first then the right. It only happened once for me. 3 scooters on bus and I was on the right. I had no problems the drivers were nice and helpful even if it was a bus they weren't used to. They will park it for you if you get stuck.

Getting out is easy too my scooter had a really easy turn radius. I would back up a little turn the wheel and slowly behead for the door. Make sure you are on the ramp for the back wheels.

I also tried to remember to put the speed toward turtle so controlling was easier. Don't let the line of people worry you that you need to hurry so they can get on just ale you time and have a great trip

Most buses only have 2 spaces, both on the left side of the bus.
I agree that when we have been on buses with more spaces, they do fill the left side first.

I have seen people backing in who do a good job of that, so it's really whatever makes you feel like you can get in and parked easiest on the bus.

The exception is the buses with lifts. You do need to back onto the lift when getting on the bu with those. There are very few of those buses left and if one does show up, you can ask to wait for a bus with a ramp.

 

[disney david]

Don't ever feel like you have to hurry please take your time the drivers would rather you take your time then get Hurt. As sue said they not allowed to move the scooter but some will but do not expect it. But they are allowd to give tips and help with out touching it.