ECV in reverse.

[LockShockBarrel]

I just got back from a great trip and wanted to offer up this little tidbit. I offer this only to help, not as a knock to anyone, but if you are not used to using an ECV, learn how to use it in reverse. I didn't see a billion people on them this time around, but a good deal of the users didn't seem very familar with how to use them, and almost none of these people were able to use them in reverse. There were lots of places I saw where people had to back up on the ECV and took several tries to do it and needed someone guiding them through it. So you may be able to save yourself some frustration, and frustration on the parts of other people who may be riding with you particularly on buses and boats if you get comfortable with being able to back up on an ECV.

 

[I Love Pluto]

I totally agree. You don't want to crash into anyone or injure yourself or someone else.

 

[Chickenlady]

I'd just like to say that it's not always taking the time to get used to the ECVs. Sometimes it's just a different ECV. At home I use a very light weight, low power scooter. The ones I rent from Randy's are supercharged! They are also a very different size and weight from what I am used to. I'm a very capable scooter driver but the buses and the boats can be very difficult with the equipment differences.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

Thank you for that point Chickenlady. I've never driven one and hope never to have to, it's just something I noticed a lot on this past trip and for those who aren't used to using an ECV I thought it would be a good point to bring up, something that they might not have thought of when considering using an ECV.

 

[DisneyNut4Life]

Another point to consider is the ECV user is probably very self concious feeling like everyone is watching her. So that adds to the stress of having to back it up. I know I hate that part and I am actually a very good driver and have been complimented several times by bus drivers.

 

[cynzilla]

Yes, I get totally flustered being bombarded by the "ughs" or "come ons" while people who have been waiting in line, tired and aggrivated are NOW BLAMING ME for them waiting even further. And sometimes, the bus drivers ARE NOT cooperative. For this very reason when it comes to loading on the busses or boats backwards, I, personally, have my husband do it. The monorail is the only place where I find it easy because the CMs clear the area around and stop pedestrian traffic.

The rental scooters are super heavy and even on the slowest speed they are not as manuverable as the light weight one I use at home.

I am fully capable of using it backwards, but also understand there is also the issue of avoiding people, curbs, bags, children, birds and feet sometimes adds to the difficulty of backing up as well, especially in the parks.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

Thank you for your comments guys. I absolutely get where you're coming from. I only bring it up for those who aren't used to using an ECV, that it will probably be something they'll encounter and should anticipate.

 

[mom3sonstt]

Yes - they do take practice! The one I rent you push the lever on the right to go forward and the left for reverse and depending on how tight you are turning or which direction you are turning it is sometimes awkward. My big problem going backwards is looking over my shoulder to make sure I don't run into anything or anybody, and by turning to look I turn the handle enough to no longer be going exactly where I intend to go (like when backing into an accessible spot in a theater).

For the previous poster who said she has her husband load it on the bus .... ....I wish I could get my husband to do it. He would rather dictate to me how to do it instead of doing it himself. Now we stay at Epcot resorts more often so we can avoid buses as much as possible!