ECV (offsite/rented) battery life and other driving questions

[eternaldisneyfan]

I just learned that my mom wants to rent an ECV (offsite) for my Grandma. In past trips, Dad has always pushed her in a rented manual chair. Will the ECV battery last all day? Have offsite ECVs been taken by others when left unattended (bathroom, ride transfer, etc)? Any tips to keep people from cutting in front of her? I told her that you have to be an aggressive driver. I know from experience that if you leave the smallest space people will cut in front of you. Then you have to frantically try to stop. I especially dislike it when people shove their kids in front of you...I always try to stop but it can be very stressful...

One final question, how long is the walk from the train drop off to Conservation Station at Rafiki's Planet Watch in Animal Kingdom? The train only holds three wheelchairs (we have four). If we have to make two trips it will take almost an hour to get there (15 minutes each way). Grandma walks around at home and Wal-Mart. She walks at the mall but has to stop to rest and catch her breath. Do you think she could manage at Rafiki's Planet Watch? We are just planning on doing Conservation Station.

Thanks for your help.

Christamae

 

[Cheshire Figment]

When I have rented from off-site there were days when I went back to the hotel and left the ECV in the trunk overnight and got a second full day out of it. The batteries are large enough that you should be able to get about 25 miles at full weight and speed from one charge.

There is a key that goes into the controller. I automatically remove the key when I leave the ECV unattended.

Once she becomes used to an ECV (which is very little time) she will learn to just push the control lever a little and the ECV will creep along. There is no need to do quick starts and stops.

Also, if someone attempts to cut in line ahead of me I will first let them know the error of their ways and then I will apologize in advance that "I can't control this thing too well and I will probably crash into your feet often" and will then proceed to do so.

Sorry I can't help on the last question

 

[SueM in MN]

I can answer the last question. I don't know the distance, but the train doesn't leave you off close to the buildings. It's at least a five minute walk if you don't stop (longer if it's hot).
This map of AK might help. You can see the train tracks at the top right of the map. The long, thin building with sort of blue green roofs is the train station. The thin, kind of pink/tan line is the walkway that goes from the station to Rafiki's Planet Watch. That's the blue roofed building with all the little blue roofed things in front of it. (it might be a 10 minute walk even, looking at how long it looks).