ECV questions

[jennz]

Hi all - my DM will be joining us for a few days in the parks...great news! She will need an ECV to get around. They live in Orlando and she doesn't own one, as she can get around for short periods or by holding on to carts in the stores, but she will definitely need on at WDW. I was thinking about trying to rent one in the parks (there will be a day at Epcot, a day at MGM, and a day at AKL) but the walk from the lot to the rental area is far and she wouldn't have one at the lodge. They'll be driving and meeting us.

It seems as if renting from an outside company for 3 days will be best for us...my question is, how heavy is the ECV and can it fit in the trunk of a mid-size car?

One final question...do they come in different sizes? My mom has noticed that there a larger wheelchairs that are much more comfortable for her, is it the same w/the ECV?

Thanks so much for your help! If I'm misguided on this...let me know.

 

[mrmagicmph]

First & foremost, congratulations that your mom's coming along with you! Now, on to your questions.

First of all, even though you didn't "really" ask, yes, getting an ECV from an outside vendor will be a VERY good thing to do. I got mine at the beginning of October from Walker Mobility (check the sticky with information on ECV rentals and other resources for them & other companies) and they were VERY helpful. Their ECVs do break down for easier loading (both the "regular" & "large size" ones). WHOEVER you call and rent from, ask them both about if they break down for easier loading AND also be sure to tell them about how your mom is more comfortable in the larger size wheelchairs and ASK THEM if their larger size one is likely to be "better" for her. When I rented mine (I'm near but still below their cutoff point for the regular size ones), I asked them whether I should go regular or larger size and we talked it through to figure out what was really best for ME (went with the regular size one, don't think it was a mistake at all).

As for whether it will fit inside a midsize car, depends on the car to be honest, as well as how many people are going to be IN the car. Most of the ECV will undoubtedly fit in the trunk (assuming there isn't too much already in there), but whether it all will or whether you'd need to put the seat in the backseat of your car, that's harder to say. You didn't say if its your own car that you'll have or if you're going to be renting a car. IF you are renting, from my own experience this month, I'd recommend at least CONSIDERING something like the Chrysler Pacifica which we got from Dollar using the rental discount code KISS2. The price (including taxes) came to under $180 and the ECV actually fit in the back WITHOUT having to be broken down. We just had to tilt down the tiller & also the seatback, & in it went. Something to think about.

Any questions, feel free to ask away!

Enjoy the Magic, & remind mom, rabbit speed is TOO FAST, YOU won't be able to keep up with HER!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi Jennz and to disABILTIES!

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. The fourth item down is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information, including where people rent ECVs.

Most of the rental locations, when you contact them, will ask for the height and weight of the person, so they can make the best selection. Most of the rentals have a 300-350 pound capacity, but they have some that will go up to 450 pounds.

My ECV, which is a former rental, is a little under 150 pounds including the battery packs. The rentals are easy to disassemble, and instuctions are provided. Normally the heaviest piece weighs a little under 40 pounds. One of the section of the FAQ gives an idea of how to take apart an ECV and store it in the car's trunk, as well as how to reassemble it. If you will be renting a car it is worth it to get at least a full-size foud door sedan, or even go to a premium or luxury which have even more trunk room.

 

[SueM in MN]

Besides what was already written, if she will only agree to rent one from the parks, here are some hints.
If she is able to step up onto the parking lot trams, have her (or whoever is driving) let the the CMs in the parking lot know that she can't walk far and they are planning on renting an ECV in the parks. The CMs save spots on the ends of rows near the tram spots for situations like that. The trams drop you off quite close to the park entrance. The exception to this is MK, where the parking lot trams will drop you off at the Ticket and Transportation Center. From there you will need to walk to either the boats or the monorail.

 

[jennz]

You guys are awesome! Thanks for the help. DM has decided that she will just meet us at AKL and do some of the tours with us there - next time we'll go for the parks (we'll try for a cooler month, Jan or Feb). I will be renting an ECV for her and have it dropped off at AKL, it will make our visit much better.

Thanks for everything!!