Do ECV rentals ever go 'on sale'?

[NightAngelX]

Sorry if this has been discussed before. I could not find it. I did see the FAQ section with the list of ECV rental websites.

DH needs an ECV when we are at WDW due to his severe psoriatic arthritis. We used Apple last time and I am thinking they were on sale at that time. However we are open to using any preferred ECV rental agency. We are planning a visit the first week in December but we haven't made resort reservations yet so its too early to book an ECV, but I thought I could start watching for sales. I just wondered if this was something I should watch for or if I should just book as soon as I know our resort and firm dates because prices may go up?

Thanks in advance!

 

[cceandme]

I looked everywhere for a rental discount including multiple google searches.
i ended up using appple as they were the cheapest and delivered and picked up without me having to be there.

 

[lanejudy]

Various companies may offer "specials" from time to time, but I don't think I've ever heard about coupons or discount codes. If you really are hoping to save money just keep checking back to see if any specials are being offered. Regular prices remain fairly stable, but that's not to say a company won't increase their regular price if they feel the need to do so.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[ttintagel]

I know it's not applicable in your case, but when we rented from Walker, after we got home they mailed us a coupon for some percentage off our next rental with them. (It ended up expiring before we were able to go back, though.)

 

[kaytieeldr]

I think Apple is still going to be best all-around.
You like the service
You like the pricing
They're more than competitive with the other companies
They're an approved company, which means you don't need to meet them at either end of the rental - they (and you) can just leave the ECV with Bell services; this is a recent change and there's more information in the FAQ.

 

[kim929]

I also found Apple to have the best price. They also have excellent customer service. Once my battery died in Animal Kingdom, and wouldn't take a charge they met me there with a new battery in less then half an hour.

Another time I didn't get a charger with the rental and didn't notice unitl I went to plug it in once again they came out right away to bring the cord and brought a fully charged battery.

 

[NightAngelX]

Thanks all! I was looking into all the approved companies. DH is roughly 300 lbs. So he can't ride the cheaper ones at Apple he has to have one of the more expensive ones, which was fine last time but he said this year he could do a smaller one if I found a good deal, but the smaller Apple ones are around 200 lb max.

I guess I will keep checking Apple's site.

 

[NightAngelX]

Looks like Scooterbug offers a 10% first time renter discount and their prices are lower than Apples....hrmm I may look into them!

 

[lanejudy]

...I was looking into all the approved companies. ...

I just wanted to point out that it's not really "approved companies" - the few "preferred" vendors have agreed to a contract with certain specific terms and therefore they are allowed to drop-off and pick-up with Bell Services at the resorts. There are other vendors who are highly regarded by DISers but not "preferred" - they will make specific arrangements to meet a guest in person for drop-off and pick-up. There is not necessarily anything "unapproved" about them.

 

[drgnfly30]

In my AllEars newsletter last month there was a 10% discount code offer at Buena Vista Scooters. Said to mention their website when you book.

 

[NightAngelX]

I just wanted to point out that it's not really "approved companies" - the few "preferred" vendors have agreed to a contract with certain specific terms and therefore they are allowed to drop-off and pick-up with Bell Services at the resorts. There are other vendors who are highly regarded by DISers but not "preferred" - they will make specific arrangements to meet a guest in person for drop-off and pick-up. There is not necessarily anything "unapproved" about them.

Thanks for the clarification. I was unsure how they chose which ones to be preferred. I like the option of it 'magically' being there for us and just being able to drop it off at the front desk instead of having to meet up with someone. But who knows if its for a good deal I may do it.

In my AllEars newsletter last month there was a 10% discount code offer at Buena Vista Scooters. Said to mention their website when you book.

Thanks! I think I will sign up for their newsletter. I already subscribe to Mousesavers and a few others.

 

[aubriee]

Thanks for the clarification. I was unsure how they chose which ones to be preferred. I like the option of it 'magically' being there for us and just being able to drop it off at the front desk instead of having to meet up with someone. But who knows if its for a good deal I may do it.

Actually you pick up and drop off the ECV at bell services, not the front desk. If using a preferred vendor they will drop it off and pick it up from at bell services. It will be waiting there for you and will have a tag on the back with your name on it. Just tell bell services and they will bring it out to you. On the last day, just drop it off the same place you picked it up at. For our last three trips we've used Apple Scooters and have been very pleased with them.

 

[sjs314]

I am another who thinks Apple has the best prices. I know last year they either were having a "sale" or a returning customer discount since It was cheaper per day than the previous year.

 

[StrwLady]

I just wanted to point out that it's not really "approved companies" - the few "preferred" vendors have agreed to a contract with certain specific terms and therefore they are allowed to drop-off and pick-up with Bell Services at the resorts. There are other vendors who are highly regarded by DISers but not "preferred" - they will make specific arrangements to meet a guest in person for drop-off and pick-up. There is not necessarily anything "unapproved" about them.

I agree with this. Walker is amazing in my opinion but they are not preferred. I know they have a discount if you pick up the scooter so if you have a car maybe that would be an option for you. The website says $20 a day for any scooter if you can pick up/drop off the scooter.

I do think they have good prices. Also their standard scooter goes up to 300lbs and is $185 for 7 days. Here is the link to their scooter options http://www.walkermobility.com/mobility-scooter-rental-orlando/

 

[StrwLady]

PS if he is a fun loving kind of guy you can even rent him a pink "Princess" scooter! LOL I would so do that if my hubby needed a scooter. He would play it up!