ECV Ran Over Little Boy Thursday Night at Epcot

[stashbin]

We were there last summer and my MIL really struggled with the heat and all of the walking. We considered getting her a scooter but decided not to because she didn't have any experience driving one. Now, one might think, "It's a scooter...how much experience do you need?" Well after reading some of these posts, I would say at least some!
I am glad we didn't get her one because it would have been aweful for her to have hit someone because she wasn't familiar with how it operates.

Maybe that is something that needs to be considered. Maybe the CM's should ask the renters if they have experience with a scooter and if they say no, they should get a blue scooter. Everyone would know that blue means inexperienced driver (thus staying clear). Everyone with a red scooter would be the more experienced driver (thus being more relaxed around them).
All other scooters (from the outside) BEWARE!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Lets look at it a slightly different way, you have a pristine trail up into the mountains, undisturbed natures accessible only on the trail that is rather steep.... Many people in shape use the trail and enjoy the peaceful splendor... Now along comes a bunch of people that aren't in shape and can't climb up the trail to see the view, so they decide to bring ATVs so they can barrel up the trail... the result will be destruction of the trail, dangers for the people walking the trail and wildlife vanishing from the area because of the constant sounds of ATVs... Is that okay with you? I would suggest that people need to accept their limitations and not encroach on others pleasures thoughtlessly. And ECV at Disney is like the ATV on a mountain,

Uh--No. Not unless ECV's have some uncanny rollover risk.
Additionally--WDW is not a national park with natural paths. It isn't getting destroyed by ECV's. Unless you know of some renegade Grandma who went hog wild in Adventureland or something.

But you will be happy to know--Tom Sawyer Island is safe from this threat of destruction by the almighty ECV.

it might allow some to do something easier than they otherwise could, but it takes away from others in the process. While you mom may use an ECV, she could also simply go slower, take more time to do things and skip the ECV... or if she is in such horrible shape that she can't do that, well maybe she isn't fit to enjoy WDW and shouldn't go there. If I wasn't in shape to climb up the mountain I wouldn't feel it was my right to bring and ATV along and blast up it knocking everyone out of the way... as we get older there are things we simply are no longer able to do. At some point everyone will reach a point where no matter how much you like Disney or any other activity, you simply will not be able to do it anymore.... if your lucky that time wont happen until you are very old.... would you support allowing motorized hospital beds to push through for those that were bed ridden and couldn't be placed in a wheel chair or scooter?

You cannot be serious?

Perhaps ban all wheelchairs and strollers as well?

The world is only for people who can walk or be carried. The others get to go to an institution as they are now worthless in society.

 

[kaytieeldr]

You cannot be serious?

Perhaps ban all wheelchairs and strollers as well?

The world is only for people who can walk or be carried. The others get to go to an institution as they are now worthless in society.

Hey, Lisa loves Pooh - do you wanna tell Stephen Hawking that... or should we give thomas998 the honor?

 

[DizBelle]

I think that thomas998 meant that the impact of the ATV on the nature trail is similar to the impact of the ECV in a crowd or by an inexperienced driver - both can be destructive and greatly affect others.

I'm sure the boy with the broken legs will attest to that.

 

[Wadecool]

Lets look at it a slightly different way, you have a pristine trail up into the mountains, undisturbed natures accessible only on the trail that is rather steep.... Many people in shape use the trail and enjoy the peaceful splendor... Now along comes a bunch of people that aren't in shape and can't climb up the trail to see the view, so they decide to bring ATVs so they can barrel up the trail... the result will be destruction of the trail, dangers for the people walking the trail and wildlife vanishing from the area because of the constant sounds of ATVs... Is that okay with you? I would suggest that people need to accept their limitations and not encroach on others pleasures thoughtlessly. And ECV at Disney is like the ATV on a mountain, it might allow some to do something easier than they otherwise could, but it takes away from others in the process. While you mom may use an ECV, she could also simply go slower, take more time to do things and skip the ECV... or if she is in such horrible shape that she can't do that, well maybe she isn't fit to enjoy WDW and shouldn't go there. If I wasn't in shape to
climb up the mountain I wouldn't feel it was my right to bring and ATV along and blast up it knocking everyone out of the way... as we get older there are things we simply are no longer able to do. At some point everyone will reach a point where no matter how much you like Disney or any other activity, you simply will not be able to do it anymore.... if your lucky that time wont happen until you are very old.... would you support allowing motorized hospital beds to push through for those that were bed ridden and couldn't be placed in a wheel chair or scooter?

This argument has a hole in it big enough to drive an ECV through...

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I think that thomas998 meant that the impact of the ATV on the nature trail is similar to the impact of the ECV in a crowd or by an inexperienced driver - both can be destructive and greatly affect others.

I'm sure the boy with the broken legs will attest to that.

*I am not a stalker *

No--that isn't what he meant at all. I just "remember" the kinds of postings he makes. He finds them a nuisance and nothing more and likely felt that way long before this little boy.

Additionally--was there an update that the little boy had broken legs? I must have missed it.

Clearly, when involved in an accident--it would greatly affect the person harmed. But it isn't close to the analogy he gave which implies that all ATV's are destructive all of the time.

Plus the fact that he uses the phrase "not in shape". There are people with disabilities that have no relation to weight--but he seems to not be interested in that at all. He has clearly stated that Disney isn't a need and if one is not mobile, one needn't go at all. It is an ignorant position.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Hey, Lisa loves Pooh - do you wanna tell Stephen Hawking that... or should we give thomas998 the honor?

I bow to you oh great one...

I don't catch the reference, but I'm sure it is wonderful.

(*no sarcasm at all*--you are quite witty!)

 

[Metsfan520]

I think that thomas998 meant that the impact of the ATV on the nature trail is similar to the impact of the ECV in a crowd or by an inexperienced driver - both can be destructive and greatly affect others.

I'm sure the boy with the broken legs will attest to that.

Or thomas998 is trying to stir the pot.

 

[DaisyD]

I think that thomas998 meant that the impact of the ATV on the nature trail is similar to the impact of the ECV in a crowd or by an inexperienced driver - both can be destructive and greatly affect others.

I'm sure the boy with the broken legs will attest to that.

ECVs aren't destructive. Anyone can get injured whether its from am ECV, wheelchair, stroller, or Segway. Its not the vehicle, its the user. As far as thomas998 is concerned he has issues with people using ECVs anywhere. In other thread he stated that handicapped parking should be far away from entrances as they use wheelchairs and ECVs to get the stores. Ignorance is ignorance.

 

[Shmily1]

Oh gracious! What a debate! I just wanted to know how the little boy was. Does anyone have an update?

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

Oh gracious! What a debate! I just wanted to know how the little boy was. Does anyone have an update?

No. I just read through all the posts and checked online but there was nothing in the Orlando Sentinel

 

[momof5boys]

All I can say is that Karma is busy writing alot of people on her list!

 

[yoopermom]

You know, I have a DC who is disabled, but still enjoys going out in the woods and hunting. I am not going to begrudge the lanes we cut through the woods so that he can get his wheelchair to his blind, or the fact that he can legally use modified/more powerful equipment to shoot with because of his handicap. He's getting out, enjoying himself, and feels like a "normal" hunter, just like I feel like a "normal" WDW visitor, even though I use an ECV.

And I do feel sorry for the boy. It's why we call them "accidents".

Terri

 

[DizBelle]

ECVs aren't destructive. Anyone can get injured whether its from am ECV, wheelchair, stroller, or Segway. Its not the vehicle, its the user. As far as thomas998 is concerned he has issues with people using ECVs anywhere. In other thread he stated that handicapped parking should be far away from entrances as they use wheelchairs and ECVs to get the stores. Ignorance is ignorance.

FTR - I said they can be destructive.

And no, there was no report that the boy's legs were broken but the OPs description seemed to indicate that might be the likely injury. Broken or not, the boy is not in for a fun time.

 

[DaisyD]

No. I just read through all the posts and checked online but there was nothing in the Orlando Sentinel

Somehow I don't think getting run over by an ECV makes breaking news or even the Enquirer. I highly doubt his legs were broken.

 

[kamik86]

You know, I have a DC who is disabled, but still enjoys going out in the woods and hunting. I am not going to begrudge the lanes we cut through the woods so that he can get his wheelchair to his blind, or the fact that he can legally use modified/more powerful equipment to shoot with because of his handicap. He's getting out, enjoying himself, and feels like a "normal" hunter, just like I feel like a "normal" WDW visitor, even though I use an ECV.

And I do feel sorry for the boy. It's why we call them "accidents".

Terri

I don't agree with those that want to ban ECVs (if your child or one you knew was hit by a car would you try to ban all cars) however I think there do need to be some rules on the use of these items and that the drivers should be liable for their accidents when they cause serious harm as could easily have been done in this little boys case.

I find it some what amusing watching the different people at Disney world in general, on ECVs and wheel chairs included. I noticed that when a chair is obviously the person's personal chair and not from disney or another rental company that they almost never run into anyone. Even when someone steps in front of them they still manage to stop in time. They get on the bus very quickly and half the time them or family has them strapped in or out before the driver even gets a chance. I have never heard a negative comment about one of these users. Actually I have always been kind of in awe of how much some of them can do (like the guy that got his own wheel chair (not a powered one by the way) on the bus faster then most manage an ECV then got himself in position. I didn't see how he got strapped in but I know he got himself out of the straps and off the bus without help (besides the driver lowering the ramp that is)

Then there are those on the opposite end that clearly have no idea what they are doing at all. This right here is the problem. How do you ensure that those driving the ECV have at least some idea how to drive an ECV in a crowd of people? These are the people I have a problem with. Not the ECVs the people. I think the poster that said people should know their limitations got it partially right. People should know if they are capable of doing something without hurting others and if not they should know to find another way or to learn how to do it better.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I bow to you oh great one...

I don't catch the reference, but I'm sure it is wonderful.

(*no sarcasm at all*--you are quite witty!)

Stephen Hawking is a brilliant physicist with an IQ somewhere between 160 and 200. He has ALS and has been unable to walk, or breathe on his own, for years.

Useless according to thomas998.

 

[ead79]

It's really difficult for me to read threads like this and not feel extremely hurt and judged. I'm only 32, but I do need an ECV when at Disney in order to get around. Believe me, I can't tell you how much I wish this wasn't the case!

In my day-to-day life, I don't require an ECV to get around. I have a severe ankle issue that acts up if I walk a great deal for more than 1 day in a row. So at home it's not really an issue (i.e. if I walk around the mall for a day, my ankle will recovery quickly as long as I don't do much walking the next day).

However, at Disney, walking so much day after day really tears my ankle up. To the extent that I can't walk for more than a couple of steps, my ankle swells up to be very large, and I'm in considerable pain. Renting an ECV has been such a life-saver for me. It allows me to keep up with my husband and friends when park touring without being in pain after the first day.

I typically rent my ECV from an offsite company since their scooters are nicer and are in fact easier to steer, stop, etc. than Disney's. While I certainly didn't receive any lessons on operating the ECV, I am *beyond* careful when operating it. The thought of running into someone (whether or not they stepped out right in front of me), mortifies me. I don't take in the scenery when riding on the ECV--I focus on those around me and operating the ECV safely. I leave gobs of space whenever possible, take the longer way around if the crowd is less thick going the long way around, etc.

That being said, I have seen my fair share of rude people--both rude people on ECVs and rude people walking on two legs. EVERYONE just needs to think about more than just themselves and try to look out for others. Walkers need not to jump right in front of an ECV assuming they stop on a dime. ECV drivers need to not try to "weave" through foot traffic.

I was once riding my ECV in Epcot (I can't remember where my DH was at the time, but he wasn't with me at that moment), and we were in a wide open part of Future World. A man walks toward me and just after he passes me he loudly says, "look at all these LAZY people riding around on scooters." I was so upset I almost cried. It wasn't right for him to assume that I'm just lazy. I mean, what 32 year old woman in her right mind would choose to use an ECV if she could walk just fine. Believe me, I WISH I could walk for days in a row and enjoy WDW on foot!

So please folks, remember that you have no idea why someone might need an ECV. Just be grateful if you are fortunate enough not to need one.

 

[DizBelle]

It's really difficult for me to read threads like this and not feel extremely hurt and judged. I'm only 32, but I do need an ECV when at Disney in order to get around. Believe me, I can't tell you how much I wish this wasn't the case!

In my day-to-day life, I don't require an ECV to get around. I have a severe ankle issue that acts up if I walk a great deal for more than 1 day in a row. So at home it's not really an issue (i.e. if I walk around the mall for a day, my ankle will recovery quickly as long as I don't do much walking the next day).

However, at Disney, walking so much day after day really tears my ankle up. To the extent that I can't walk for more than a couple of steps, my ankle swells up to be very large, and I'm in considerable pain. Renting an ECV has been such a life-saver for me. It allows me to keep up with my husband and friends when park touring without being in pain after the first day.

I typically rent my ECV from an offsite company since their scooters are nicer and are in fact easier to steer, stop, etc. than Disney's. While I certainly didn't receive any lessons on operating the ECV, I am *beyond* careful when operating it. The thought of running into someone (whether or not they stepped out right in front of me), mortifies me. I don't take in the scenery when riding on the ECV--I focus on those around me and operating the ECV safely. I leave gobs of space whenever possible, take the longer way around if the crowd is less thick going the long way around, etc.

That being said, I have seen my fair share of rude people--both rude people on ECVs and rude people walking on two legs. EVERYONE just needs to think about more than just themselves and try to look out for others. Walkers need not to jump right in front of an ECV assuming they stop on a dime. ECV drivers need to not try to "weave" through foot traffic.

I was once riding my ECV in Epcot (I can't remember where my DH was at the time, but he wasn't with me at that moment), and we were in a wide open part of Future World. A man walks toward me and just after he passes me he loudly says, "look at all these LAZY people riding around on scooters." I was so upset I almost cried. It wasn't right for him to assume that I'm just lazy. I mean, what 32 year old woman in her right mind would choose to use an ECV if she could walk just fine. Believe me, I WISH I could walk for days in a row and enjoy WDW on foot!

So please folks, remember that you have no idea why someone might need an ECV. Just be grateful if you are fortunate enough not to need one.

Fret not! It is not people like you that people have issues with. It is the people like the PP reported who was knocked over while holding her infant the whole time the ECV driver was yelling at her to "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" while the ECV was parked on top of her.

 

[NotUrsula]

You know, this whole question goes back to the debate on how to take the keys away from Grandma. I suspect that many accidents like the one the OP describes are caused not just by inexperienced scooter users, but by elderly inexperienced scooter users.

For the same reasons that older folks with age-related physical impairments are more apt to have issues while driving, I think that they probably are also apt to have more issues while operating any kind of wheeled vehicle that requires good reflexes and decent visual acuity. Honestly, I'd say that if a person had to give up driving because age-related problems meant that he could not safely do it anymore, then driving an ECV in a crowded theme park may also be beyond him.

How many people do you suppose realize that they are facing an imminent collision and, in a panic reaction, hit the tiller switch in such a way that they accelerate rather than stop? I'll bet it is fairly high, just as impaired drivers sometimes stomp on the gas when they mean to hit the brake.

The UK has recently passed a nationwide speed limit for ECV's (4 mph off-road, 8 mph on streets.) Older people there are more likely to use them to go out and run errands in their neighborhoods than they are in most parts of the US, and they had a real problem with pedestrians getting hit -- particularly elderly pedestrians. In some cases they have also started offering town-sponsored training classes for people to learn to ride them.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8605916.stm