ECV experience

[Rental01]

See, here's my dilemma

My wife had Systemic Lupus and, due to a few strokes, she walks with a crutch for balance. When she gets sick or over tired, we have her rolling walker with us, but this isn't going to be a trip to the mall - we're going to be at WDW for 7 days. Would it just be worth it to get an ECV while we're there in case she needs it? Again, I'm not sure that she's going to need it, but if she does, I want to have it available for her.

What options are available?

 

[kaytieeldr]

Well, you could rent from Disney each day. Those ECVs can't be removed from the parks, and they often 'sell' out relatively early in the day. If she's not sure that she'll want to use one (I bet she will, after trying it!), you could bring the phone numbers for the recommended rental companies - see post # 2 (I think) in the FAQ and rent from Disney the first day. Once she realizes how much more relaxed and less uncomfortable she is, I bet she'll agree to renting one full time for the rest of your visit.

 

[toocherie]

See, here's my dilemma

My wife had Systemic Lupus and, due to a few strokes, she walks with a crutch for balance. When she gets sick or over tired, we have her rolling walker with us, but this isn't going to be a trip to the mall - we're going to be at WDW for 7 days. Would it just be worth it to get an ECV while we're there in case she needs it? Again, I'm not sure that she's going to need it, but if she does, I want to have it available for her.

What options are available?

I think you should just plan to rent one full-time while you are there. She doesn't need to get over tired--her trip will be so much nicer if she conserves her energy==for her and for you. It will give her a lot more independence. There are several companies that rent--I'm renting (and have rented) from Buena Vista Scooters. In fact, I just talked to them this morning to re-arrange my reservation because I'm doing a split stay.

 

[Bete]

See, here's my dilemma

My wife had Systemic Lupus and, due to a few strokes, she walks with a crutch for balance. When she gets sick or over tired, we have her rolling walker with us, but this isn't going to be a trip to the mall - we're going to be at WDW for 7 days. Would it just be worth it to get an ECV while we're there in case she needs it? Again, I'm not sure that she's going to need it, but if she does, I want to have it available for her.

What options are available?

You could practice with a grocery store scooter to make sure she gets use to it before the trip. The one for the trip will not be exactly the same, but it's the same idea. You won't have the huge basket as the grocery style one.

You can walk from 8 to 14 miles per day depending on how long you stay and what park you are doing. You can do a wheelchair, but then you need to push it all day. That would be a cheaper option. Scooters go from about
$25/day to $48/day (Disney rental). These scooters will all get 20 to 25 miles per charge.

The cheapest I have found is a Pride go go portable scooter available from Apple Scooters. The cost is $155/week. This version will get about 13 miles to one battery charge. It's lighweight and smaller. We are trying it on our December trip. You do have to remember to shut the scooter off when your idle like seeing a show or a parade. Watch your battery level. If you need an emergency charge in the parks you can get one at the scooter rentals in the park; they are nice about it. There may be other places you can plug in, as well. Remember, to take your battery pack to the park; so, you can charge it in an emergency.

You do need to be careful with the crowds. People will dart out at you and you have to stop. You need to watch carefully and have decent reflexes.

 

[Rental01]

kaytieeldr, toocherie, Bete,

First, I want to say "thank you" for your help! We use the chairs at grocery stores as often as we can. Everything we do saves time and energy. After talking it over with my wife, we're probably going to go and give it a whirl without renting one and, if necessary, rent one when we get there. I'm going to keep the information that you've all given me so that I'll have it available when we go.

Oh, and I totally know about people darting out in front of you or staring at you when you're rolling by. We have an actual power chair that she uses occasionally but we need to get new batteries for it... Hmm... Of course, I could just spend the $90 and get new gel cells...

Great - NOW I'm thinking again!

Thank you again for your help!

 

[Jeanieblue114]

I'm kinda glad to see this thread. I just got back yesterday and rented from Walker. This was my first trip with a scooter. They seemed to have good reviews and a good price and heavy duty scooters that also were able to be put in a trunk.

I had several problems, mostly minor issues, but it did start to add up and become a pain. It had a torn rubber cover on the hand grip that was irritating to my hand, the right arm rest wouldn't stay up, the battery case was cracked, seat had a hole, back of the chair looked dirty. They brought the big battery charger instead of the portable one that I requested and I had to wait for the replacement. On the second full day my battery died despite charging all night and all morning. I didn't know until I got to the park and ended up having my family push me around any area that had the slightest hill to it. It took 3 calls from the park for the receptionist to listen to my problem and send someone. The repair person did show up and change the batteries and was very nice. I didn't have any problems after that with the power. But I did sink a couple hours out of my vacation at various times for the issues.

Oh, and I have a huge trunk/Ford 500 and it was a major effort to get the heavy duty scooter to fit.
I don't know if I would use them again. The scooter was there when I arrived (although it had the wrong charger), and they came when I called. But, it would have been nice not to have all these little things happen. It was very upsetting to be stranded in the park during the limited time of the Halloween party.

 

[mousey]

My last rental in August was from Best Priced Mobility 866-866-3434. The price was $189 total for the week and the scooter was in great condition and easy to drive and break down to put in the car.

Previous rentals were from Buena Vista Rentals but the price would of been $230 for the week and I asked if they would price match and they said no.

 

[Jeanieblue114]

is it bad that I emailed Walker over a week ago when I got back and told them I was disappointed in the condition and issues that I had with the scooter and they haven't even acknowledged my email or responded in any way???

 

[LindaBabe]

I always rent from Walker. If I happen to get one with problems (or if I cause my OWN, which happened once charging only it didn't because some ditz (me) turned off the wall switch) They have always come to rescue me.

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

Hi,

I don't know much about Scootarama as a company and I'm sure they would be an excellent choice if you choose to rent from them. The Revo is a very good machine and easy to take apart for transport in the trunk of your car. For more information about the scooter you can visit pridemobility.com/scooters/revo.asp which is the manufacturers website.



Jay

SCOOTARAMA !!!

I got a Pride Revo from them the last time and I cannot say enough GOOD things about the service.

"Miss Scarlett" was exactly what we wanted. She was in great condition, broke down so we could load her into the car (we don't do Disney busses).

We were 1,000% satisfied!