Does anyone have experience with the Convaid EZ Rider?

[Caren]

My grandson—almost ten—has outgrown his Maclaren stroller and we are looking at the Convaid EZ Rider. does anyone have any experience with this model, particularly with regard to Disney buses?

 

[Groot]

It is rated for transit with tie down points and an optional chest harness. In order to make the tie down points stand out, tie a thin ribbon or something to each one.

 

[lanejudy]

I don't have direct experience, but a couple of friends have a Convaid. They have really liked their strollers. Their kids can and do walk so they don't need a wheelchair but need help on longer treks.

Note that the EZ Rider has an option for Transport to make it safe for tie-down on buses; that is optional at the time the stroller is ordered and significantly bumps up the price; I don't know if it can be retrofitted. If there is interest or need in using the EZ Rider on buses, be sure it is purchased with the Transport option.

As to WDW and special needs strollers...reports vary. Since the vast majority of special needs strollers are not equipped for transportation use, it's my understanding the general rule is that all strollers must be folded on WDW buses. How that is enforced in practice may depend on the bus driver. I guess my point is that even if he gets the EZ Rider Transport, you may still be asked to fold it; if transferring is a problem for your grandson and he needs to remain in the stroller, you may have to explain it is transport-ready and point out the tie-down points.

 

[SueM in MN]

Note that the EZ Rider has an option for Transport to make it safe for tie-down on buses; that is optional at the time the stroller is ordered and significantly bumps up the price; I don't know if it can be retrofitted. If there is interest or need in using the EZ Rider on buses, be sure it is purchased with the Transport option.

As to WDW and special needs strollers...reports vary. Since the vast majority of special needs strollers are not equipped for transportation use, it's my understanding the general rule is that all strollers must be folded on WDW buses. How that is enforced in practice may depend on the bus driver. I guess my point is that even if he gets the EZ Rider Transport, you may still be asked to fold it; if transferring is a problem for your grandson and he needs to remain in the stroller, you may have to explain it is transport-ready and point out the tie-down points.

Agree. Make sure to choose the tie down option if it’s wanted.
My understanding, at least for wheelchairs with transport options, is that it needs to be ordered ahead of time and can’t be retrofitted. Sometimes choosing that option includes a strengthen frame, not just bolting on the tie downs.
Even with a wheelchair with tie downs, I usually have to point out where they are to the drivers.

 

[Groot]

On this model, transit is only required to be originally installed if you order the 5 point harness, otherwise it’s retrofitable. (They have other harnesses available). The price increase is there because no matter what you need to have the foot positioners on a transit ready chair and there’s no freebie option there.

Another thing I would recommend (especially if you’re flying) is to get a carry bag to fold the stroller in to help prevent it from getting damaged.

 

[Caren]

I don't have direct experience, but a couple of friends have a Convaid. They have really liked their strollers. Their kids can and do walk so they don't need a wheelchair but need help on longer treks.

Note that the EZ Rider has an option for Transport to make it safe for tie-down on buses; that is optional at the time the stroller is ordered and significantly bumps up the price; I don't know if it can be retrofitted. If there is interest or need in using the EZ Rider on buses, be sure it is purchased with the Transport option.

As to WDW and special needs strollers...reports vary. Since the vast majority of special needs strollers are not equipped for transportation use, it's my understanding the general rule is that all strollers must be folded on WDW buses. How that is enforced in practice may depend on the bus driver. I guess my point is that even if he gets the EZ Rider Transport, you may still be asked to fold it; if transferring is a problem for your grandson and he needs to remain in the stroller, you may have to explain it is transport-ready and point out the tie-down points.

I was looking at the transit option and may go for it even though my grandson is perfectly capable of walking on his own. Our concern is that the stroller will be very cumbersome to break down for the bus because it’s big. Will the drivers tie down a stroller with the transit option even if the kid isn’t in it?

We are also considering whether to try taking him without a stroller. The thing is, though, he will peacefully ride in a stroller, but the second he’s out, he will run off in random directions, usually looking for restrooms with hand dryers. Nothing like an autistic child with a hand-dryer obsession.

 

[lanejudy]

I believe that stroller folds rather easily. Similar style to an “umbrella” style child’s stroller or the Maclaren Major (I think you mentioned he has this). Though a bit longer; the folded dimensions are listed as approximately 45.5”x13.5”x17” (varies by 1/2 inch for larger/small seat). Depending on options purchased, there may not be much if anything to breakdown. The folks I know who use it easily fold and toss it in a car trunk, then unfold it easily as well.

 

[Groot]

I was looking at the transit option and may go for it even though my grandson is perfectly capable of walking on his own. Our concern is that the stroller will be very cumbersome to break down for the bus because it’s big. Will the drivers tie down a stroller with the transit option even if the kid isn’t in it?

I’d get a Stroller=Wheelchair tag just to be safe. Even though medical strollers look and function different than regular strollers, the misconception is still there.

We are also considering whether to try taking him without a stroller. The thing is, though, he will peacefully ride in a stroller, but the second he’s out, he will run off in random directions, usually looking for restrooms with hand dryers. Nothing like an autistic child with a hand-dryer obsession.

I’d still take the stroller just in case he gets tired. Disney is a big park.

 

[lanejudy]

I’d get a Stroller=Wheelchair tag just to be safe.

Just to clarify… the stroller-as-wheelchair tag is only for attractions. It really doesn’t pertain to buses — the vast majority of those tags go on strollers which are not equipped for tie-down on buses. As stated earlier, OP may still be asked to fold the stroller for buses unless the driver agrees to tie it down.

 

[Caren]

I believe that stroller folds rather easily. Similar style to an “umbrella” style child’s stroller or the Maclaren Major (I think you mentioned he has this). Though a bit longer; the folded dimensions are listed as approximately 45.5”x13.5”x17” (varies by 1/2 inch for larger/small seat). Depending on options purchased, there may not be much if anything to breakdown. The folks I know who use it easily fold and toss it in a car trunk, then unfold it easily as well.
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That’s good to know. The Maclaren has been more cumbersome than the regular stroller we used to use because it’s bigger and because the foot rest is a separate piece. i still might get the transport option just in case. We’re ordering the 16" model in hopes he doesn’t outgrow it in a year like he did the Maclaren.

 

[Caren]

I’d get a Stroller=Wheelchair tag just to be safe. Even though medical strollers look and function different than regular strollers, the misconception is still there.

I’d still take the stroller just in case he gets tired. Disney is a big park.

Tired isn’t the issue—that kid can run rings around any of us. The issue is that he can be difficult to manage when he’s loose.