Change in Handling ECV on Buses

[Nanajo1]

As I was saying ... The front wheel lock down needs to be secured so the chair does not slide.

 

[GinnerD]

I was going to post a question re: ECVs and buses. Glad I found this thread. It has good info.

I am staying at BWV and love that I can get to two parks without using the bus. But, I will be spending time with family and the entire day will be at MK. I was absolutely dreading taking the bus with a scooter. I hate the thought of not being able to "park" it and holding up the entire line. I am so glad that the drivers will assist you now.

Will they also assist in getting the scooter off the bus, or is it easier to get off than on?

 

[Nanajo1]

If you are at BWVs you can go to EPCOT and take the monorail to the Ticket and Transportation station and transfer to the MK monorail. But really don't worry about the bus. The driver will help you.

 

[Toffeewoffy]

I was going to post a question re: ECVs and buses. Glad I found this thread. It has good info.

I am staying at BWV and love that I can get to two parks without using the bus. But, I will be spending time with family and the entire day will be at MK. I was absolutely dreading taking the bus with a scooter. I hate the thought of not being able to "park" it and holding up the entire line. I am so glad that the drivers will assist you now.

Will they also assist in getting the scooter off the bus, or is it easier to get off than on?

Again, my drivers all released the scooter and turned it round so it was facing down the ramp before slamming it back into gear so I could drive it off. So, you don't need to worry about that.

 

[GinnerD]

Thank you Nanajo1 and Toffeewoffy.

I did think about going through EPCOT in the morning, but will not be able to do that at night as EPCOT will be closed before MK.

 

[Debbie Jean]

Again, my drivers all released the scooter and turned it round so it was facing down the ramp before slamming it back into gear so I could drive it off. So, you don't need to worry about that.

Do make sure your back wheels have cleared the ramp before you turn.... ugly things happen if you don't!

 

[ttintagel]

It's always varied from driver to driver every time I've been there, but they've all invariably been very polite about it. Every one who's driven it on has offered rather than insisted.

 

[I Love Pluto]

I don't drive their bus - so - I hope they honor my request to park my own scooter. I own it, I drive it.

They're not driving your car, are they?????

 

[disney david]

I don't drive their bus - so - I hope they honor my request to park my own scooter. I own it, I drive it.

They're not driving your car, are they?????

I am sure if you ask nicely they might let you take it for a spin .

They can't force you their no law saying hey have to do it so I think as long as they ask and offer it then it fine. But I think Disney is putting them selves in a little bit of a liability issue by doing it if it is a official policy.

 

[I Love Pluto]

I am sure if you ask nicely they might let you take it for a spin .


Now - THAT is funny!!!!!

 

[SueM in MN]

Can't remember - it's posted somewhere as being maximum length 45", so perhaps that's it. I know that mine was 39" and when they used the hooks to tie it down, they cranked it in nice and tight. UI do remember that there wasn't really enough floor space to go forward and back in as you would a car; you go up the ramp, do a sharp right and then you're there. The location of the second is in front and they have to fold the seating back up against the wall.

I have to point out, though, that a power chair is not the same as a scooter, and the footprint is much more square. With a wheelchair/powerchair, don't they ask you to back up against the bit of wall and put your brakes on?

The size for wheelchairs and ECVs is 48 inches.

Power wheelchair are tied down the same way as manual ones are. Most of the power wheelchairs built in the last 10 years actually have metal loops built onto the chair so there are easy places to attach the tie down hooks.

Do make sure your back wheels have cleared the ramp before you turn.... ugly things happen if you don't!

That is a good reminder. Some of the ramps don't have lip on the side, so it's possible to drive off the side.

I don't drive their bus - so - I hope they honor my request to park my own scooter. I own it, I drive it.

They're not driving your car, are they?????

I don't think you have to worry. If someone doesn't need or want help, they are not going to force you.

 

[SueM in MN]

Here are some pictures that might help.

My DD's wheelchair is 48 inches long.

First step in the process is opening the door. The seat will be folded up to make space for parking.

This shows the ramp being lowered.

This shows the ramp all the way lowered and ready for the guest to drive in. One wheelchair spot is directly ahead of the ramp. There is another in front of that. And, some buses have a third seat on the same side as the ramp.

This gives a bit of an idea of the space when an ECV is parked on the bus and the ramp is folded up (Sorry about cutting off the top half of the person).

 

[Gilrond]

I am practicing parallel parking of my ECV between chairs set 48 inches apart. About an 80% success rate currently. I have found that making the hard left in reverse when the back of my seat is lined up with the front of the slot is about right. Gee whiz, may learn to parallel park my car!

 

[POOHsie]

I am practicing parallel parking of my ECV between chairs set 48 inches apart. About an 80% success rate currently. I have found that making the hard left in reverse when the back of my seat is lined up with the front of the slot is about right. Gee whiz, may learn to parallel park my car!

When I park my scooter on the bus, I'll get the back wheels located OK (well, good enough) but the front, single wheel might be sticking out too much. Even with my mobility problems, I can lift up the front and pivot it towards the wall. It's not very heavy. All the weight's in the back where the seat and batteries are. As most of us say, by the second day, you'll feel like a Disney transportation pro. At least for me, most of my worry was about feeling self-conscious and dreading that strangers were watching me. In reality, I was busy parking my ECV and didn't notice the bus passengers. And I parked my ECV OK, so my worries were over! One tip: turn the speed of your ECV way down from normal speed. Although not too slow, so you can't even get up the ramp.