ECV in the rain.....

[trampslady]

any experienced folks out there? My grandma will be using an ECV next week ( a novice at that) and I want to make it as simple as possible for her. If it rains, what do you usually do?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

A lot depends on the amount of rain. The vendors suggest VERY strongly that the electronics control box on the tiller be kept dry, usually by use of a shower cap.

What I have done in a light (misty) rain is basically ignore the rain. For heavier rains I will use a poncho which will cover my legs while sitting as well as my upper body.

You might also want to carry a towel (especially if there is a sealable bag on the back of the seat) to dry off the seat if you had to leave the scooter in the rain while in an attraction. However almost all the restaurants have some parking space available inside and they will allow wheelchairs and ECVs, but not strollers, to use them.

 

[SueM in MN]

We're not experinced at ecvs (DD has a manual and a power wheelchair). In light misty rain, we just ignore it with her power chair. In heavy rain, she uses a poncho (or at home an umbrella).
Some people have posted that there was a shower cap included with their ecv for just such emergencies. I also remember someone posting that they brought some of those plastic wrap bowl covers that look like shower caps.

 

[cupcake]

My Walker EVC came with a shower cap for the control box. The most rain I got was heavy misting, which I didn't mind bc it was hot. Ponchos are readily available at the parks and it seems like that would work well in more inclement weather.

I just wanted to add... be more conservative when making tight turns on uneven surfaces and take the time to go around the larger part of a turn. Not to make you paranoid, but at the AK, I saw an ECV user almost tip when she went around the inside aisle on a tight turn on... don't remember which attraction, but it had themed and hence uneven pavement, and it was wet so I assume more slippery. Of course, even if it wasn't raining, I would not have done that, it's just common sense. But of all people, I know that sometimes when it's crowded, we can do things that in hindsight we never would have done!

Cupcake

 

[trampslady]

Ya'll have been very kind to respond. I appreciate it tremendously! I just want this to be a special trip for my grandmother!!!!!

 

[JudithM]

I had an ECV from Walker last week & it rained heavily last Thursday evening. We were at EPCOT. The ECVcomes with a shower cap to cover the controls, but even better was my Mickey poncho which covered me & most of the ECV! I put the shower cap over the controls, & my husband covered me & the ECV with the poncho! This way the poncho also kept items in the basket dry. My feet didn't get as wet as those who were walking.

 

[Nanajo1]

We had a week of heavy rain once. What I found out was to put the poncho on but don't sit on it, drape the back of the poncho over the back of the seat. That way the rain doesn't drip down your back and onto the seat. You sort of make a tent of the poncho. Also if you pick up inexpensive ponchos at the dollar store before you go you can have an extra one to cover your ECV if rain is threatening if you need to leave the ecv outside an attraction. This also a good idea for strollers. I have used the shower cap idea after I got home with my power chair.

 

[adamg]

I have a personal scooter and know a lot of people who do also. one of my friends puts a big poncho on and it's so big it fits around the whole cart that's my suggestion

 

[clkelley]

I used a large poncho to cover mine up when camping at Ft. Wilderness. I had to fold down the seat back and fold the handle bars down. But it stayed nice and dry parked in Golf Cart parking with the poncho over it.

 

[adamg]

I just wanted to know if anyone has ever stayed or know someone who strayed at the clarion hotel maingate. I have a room booked for jan and want to know how the accessibility is

 

[SueM in MN]

adamg-
I'm going to post your question as a new thread for you. It's more likely to get an answer that way.