ECV Ran Over Little Boy Thursday Night at Epcot

[shortbun]

Very true. And the problem is aggravated by people who are driving them for the first time.

They are very easy to run. They don't stop on a dime. I've used them a few times because of my knees. I so hope the tyke is ok and recovers quickly if he's injured. Strange accidents happen once in a while. It's awful!

 

[BCDisneyFanatic]

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that that would violate the ADA.

The general gist of the ADA (as it pertains to this) is that modifications must be made to allow someone with a disability to enjoy the park (or whatever) in an equal way to someone without a disability AND that the park (or whatever) cannot ask for proof of said disability.

So, if someone cannot walk (or says that they cannot walk), an ECV would be the appropriate modification and WDW cannot ask for proof of need.

Nor can they force people to take a test to use the ECV (though I do agree that it would help reduce accidents). The analogy to driving a car (and needing a test for it) fails because everyone needs to take a test to drive a car. Only ECV drivers would need to take a test to enter WDW, since they cannot enter without an ECV (or, rather, would not be able to do anything at WDW without an ECV) and would be forced to take the test to use an ECV.

You need a licence to drive a car or a motorcycle. Why is it unreasonable to require a licence to drive an ECV in public? If that were to pass into legislation, then any person (able-bodied or physically challenged) would need to take a test to drive an ECV.

 

[akhenaten]

I used one in Epcot once. It was busy but there was lots of room.. I had one boy run in front of me but I took driving that thing as seriously as I drive my car! I sure did not want to be responsible for hurting anyone...
I was able to stop. But I am sure everyone here has had a person cut in front of them and bumped into them while walking... everyone needs to be more cautious.

I have to say I was very glad i did not have to use it at the MK , because that was much more crowded..

I was also glad to have family with me who could stand behind me and clear the way when I ad to back up...

I hope the little boy is OK... and Conservative Hippies experience was shocking...

 

[GeorgeG]

This is getting nasty over difference of opinion and lack of understanding of others' needs. To say ECVs should be banned is like saying small children should be banned from the parks.

Yes, there are people who abuse ECVs ranging from those who are just plain lazy to those who have no sense of responsibility. There are also those walk right in front of them (as well as other pedestrians) who either think they're more important or just aren't paying to attention to the area around them.
Wheelchairs and strollers are just as dangerous as ECVs when people don't care or pay attention.

Some people do need a powered scooter. They may not have anyone with them able to push a wheelchair all around for them. My wife has back problems and nerve problems in one leg from back surgery. Most of the time she can manage walking the smaller parks, but on a bad day or any day at Epcot, the only way to go is with an ECV. Some of the time, I could push a wheelchair, but not all day one a good day and I don't have all good days, myself. I suppose we might be judges unworthy of a day in a park.

When crowds aren't too bad, there's hardly ever a problem. Last week Epcot got crowded later in the day and it was challenging to move around no matter how you were traveling (not everyone does the parks commando style) and one guy just walked right in front of her ECV while talking on his cell phone. There was no way he could not have seen here so he must have been very important (rude idiot).

So, when we use an ECV it's because we need it to enjoy our day at the park. We are always careful no to run into others (my wife has be run over by an ECV) and will make every attempt to stop before running over people who aren't paying attention or are just idiots. When we walk, we set our own pace and enjoy the day so if we're too slow for you just jog around us and save the snide remarks about old people for someone who cares. We all want to enjoy the parks so let's just do that and keep it safe.

 

[CDoobee]

This is getting nasty over difference of opinion and lack of understanding of others' needs. To say ECVs should be banned is like saying small children should be banned from the parks.

Yes, there are people who abuse ECVs ranging from those who are just plain lazy to those who have no sense of responsibility. There are also those walk right in front of them (as well as other pedestrians) who either think they're more important or just aren't paying to attention to the area around them.
Wheelchairs and strollers are just as dangerous as ECVs when people don't care or pay attention.

Some people do need a powered scooter. They may not have anyone with them able to push a wheelchair all around for them. My wife has back problems and nerve problems in one leg from back surgery. Most of the time she can manage walking the smaller parks, but on a bad day or any day at Epcot, the only way to go is with an ECV. Some of the time, I could push a wheelchair, but not all day one a good day and I don't have all good days, myself. I suppose we might be judges unworthy of a day in a park.

When crowds aren't too bad, there's hardly ever a problem. Last week Epcot got crowded later in the day and it was challenging to move around no matter how you were traveling (not everyone does the parks commando style) and one guy just walked right in front of her ECV while talking on his cell phone. There was no way he could not have seen here so he must have been very important (rude idiot).

So, when we use an ECV it's because we need it to enjoy our day at the park. We are always careful no to run into others (my wife has be run over by an ECV) and will make every attempt to stop before running over people who aren't paying attention or are just idiots. When we walk, we set our own pace and enjoy the day so if we're too slow for you just jog around us and save the snide remarks about old people for someone who cares. We all want to enjoy the parks so let's just do that and keep it safe .

Good post!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Thursday night when I was getting my bag checked at the back entrance of Epcot a little boy was run over by an ECV.
Luckily two men quickly lifted it off him but from the look of his legs and the incredible crying we have wondered and prayed about this boy.

Hoping a family member or friend is part of the Dis and could let us know that he is ok.

Everyone the boy was not moving. He was in front of his Mom while waiting for her bag to be checked.
He wasn't running around like a crazy man.

He was a little boy that was hit from behind by an ECV with a very large woman driving it. The woman's weight plus the weight of the ECV I'm sure did some major damage.
She plowed into him, I'm sure not on purpose.

I don't know if it was a Disney rental or not. I do know it was very large. Headlights, baskets loaded down with items.

He was hurt and we were looking for some feed back from a friend or family member.

First, I hope the little boy is okay.

Second--if this was at bag check, that happens outside of the park. The ECV could not have been a WDW ECV as those are only for use once you are inside the gates and cannot leave the park for any reason (based on our rental experiences). IIRC, I don't think Disney ECV's have headlights either.

When my son was 7, he was hit and knocked down by an ECV in Animal Kingdom. He was ok, just has a skinned knee. Yes, my 7 year old ran into the path of the EVC. It's a shame, but you have to hold small children by the hand because of the vehicles that are allowed drive among walking people.

I have also had my toes smashed when an EVC in front of me at a parade started to back out. VERY painful.

I have never posted in an EVC thread before because of the controversy, but I'll risk it now to say I wish EVCs would be BANNED in WDW.

And if the EVC drivers feel terrible, they SHOULD. Feeling terrible will not solve the problem.

They are dangerous. Only wheelchairs should be allowed. Heavy moving vehicles should NOT be allowed to drive among people walking, where there are children running and being children but have to be told to be careful because a 300 lb electric moving vehicle may be coming by.

Wheelchairs only!

And did y'all hear about the guy who suing WDW for not being allowed to use a segway in WDW, claiming he needed it for medical reasons?

I've held my tongue for all these years about EVCs and I can't take it anymore. The CM who came to our aid when my son was hit only shrugged and apologized, knowing he was powerless to get rid of this EVC problem that the CMs have to deal with on a daily basis. Ask any CM, they'll tell you how many people every day get hit by EVCs.

I disagree.

(Segways are not medical, especially since they have alternative means of transport available to rent/borrow. They ban certain types of strollers as well. I hope he loses.)

But anyway. There is little WDW can do except perhaps eject the offending individual who caused injury. But I'm sure they would get sued and then it would be settled quietly out of court.

I've never hit anyway, neither has my mom and I have never witnessed anyone getting hit. While it happens--so do many other injuries on a regular basis at Disney each day. Sometimes an accident is simply an accident.

........ The fact of the matter is I can guarantee that the vast majority of individuals who need an ECV don't want to need one. I'm 6'4 225 lbs and I have major back issues due to shattering and compressing my L1 about 10 years ago, if I ever needed an ECV and only had a wheelchair as an option my DW and I wouldn't be able to enjoy Disney World because there is no way she could push me around in the Florida sun for 8-12 hours. Your wish to eliminate ECVs is the epitome of selfishness.

I'm not sure how you can guarantee anything. But I do agree with your final statement.

Let's not ban ECVs but how about requiring the drivers demonstrate proficiency driving them before being allowed to? They are, after all, a vehicle. We have to have licenses to drive cars. Why not ECVs?

I like the idea of a speed limiter too. Can any one tell me why an ECV would need to go faster than the average adult walking pace?

I think if patrons were informed about the physics and safety of the scooter, that would be sufficient. Testing individuals is not right as it isn't a car and it singles out folks which is against ADA. So unless every guest entering the part gets a safety quiz, it won't fly.

People can be rude no matter what. Whether they're in a ECV or on foot.

DD was in her wheelchair on the far right side of the ramp leading to the monorail at closing. We had numerous people literally climb right over DD as she sat in her chair in shoulder to shoulder traffic. DH was pushing DD's chair at the time and was sure to give them an "ankle check" as they stood in front of DD.
It got so bad that DH had to take DD out of her chair and try and carry her up the ramp and onto the platform.

Rudeness has no limits.

I'd like to say I'm surprised--but I'm only surprised that I wasn't an anomaly. This happened to me in the Main Street bakery when I Was sitting in my moms wheelchair (at her suggestion as she has to take "standing breaks" from it and I was pregnant and she was being all mom on me...). We were selecting our desserts when it was in the old configuration and some young men/old boys (not sure their ages) decided to take a short cut since sidewalks were blocked from parade viewers. (This was before they came up with the genius plan to have clear walking paths through the sea of people.)

I was blocking their path and without so much as an excuse me--I was straddled by 2 different men as they crossed me and continued on their short cut.

I mean--who has the audacity to do such a thing?

I wish I had spoken up and I wish you could have, too!

I cannot believe anyone else would do that to people. But maybe that also happens on a regular basis at Disney.

Of course if you want to restrict it to people that really do need it... I think it would be easier to simply ban them from WDW. Because if you think about what people REALLY DO NEED, well they don't NEED WDW... they might want to go there but it isn't anything that anyone needs.

But noone NEEDS to go to Disney. Not a single person who visits Disney. It is not in our hierarchy of needs to see the mouse.

So no--you cannot ban an element of people (who require ECV's as opposed to a non-motorize wheel chair) for a day at the parks just because they don't need it. No different than banning persons of color, people from Saudi Arabia, or highly opinionated discussion board posters.

Your post makes absolutely no sense.

 

[dzorn]

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that that would violate the ADA.

The general gist of the ADA (as it pertains to this) is that modifications must be made to allow someone with a disability to enjoy the park (or whatever) in an equal way to someone without a disability AND that the park (or whatever) cannot ask for proof of said disability.

So, if someone cannot walk (or says that they cannot walk), an ECV would be the appropriate modification and WDW cannot ask for proof of need.

Nor can they force people to take a test to use the ECV (though I do agree that it would help reduce accidents). The analogy to driving a car (and needing a test for it) fails because everyone needs to take a test to drive a car. Only ECV drivers would need to take a test to enter WDW, since they cannot enter without an ECV (or, rather, would not be able to do anything at WDW without an ECV) and would be forced to take the test to use an ECV.

It is also against ADA to have someone prove a disability.

Denise in MI

 

[orangecats2]

What is with all the red be's? be be be
Is it the computer or or people doing it on purpose? It's annoying.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

What is with all the red be's? be be be
Is it the computer or or people doing it on purpose? It's annoying.

I don't see it. Not sure why you are seeing that.

 

[crashbb]

What is with all the red be's? be be be
Is it the computer or or people doing it on purpose? It's annoying.

I have no idea what you are talking about. Can you provide an example?

 

[Aisling]

This is getting nasty over difference of opinion and lack of understanding of others' needs.

Forgive me if I'm mistaken, but I don't see where this thread is getting nasty. I think we're all giving our opinions/experiences and being civil about it.

 

[Aisling]

I don't see it. Not sure why you are seeing that.

I don't either. But it made me laugh when the poster said be be be!

 

[Conservative Hippie]

I am sure that they don't have a class because how would they deny someone the use of them. I mean, really? "Sorry Mrs. Smith, you can't navigate this scooter, so we can't let you use it.." I can see that making the news.

I do not agree with the amount of scooters I see out there. I think they are ridiculous.

In the 80's they were not all over the place. Even in the early 90's. If people had issues walking they used a cane or a wheelchair. And they (gasp!) wheeled themselves. Now, I can drive a mile and see at least a few of them. Anybody can get one, and for any reason. You don't need a doctors prescription to get one.

In the 80's there just weren't rentals - if you wanted to use a scooter, you had to own one. My dad owned one at least as early as 1988. He could still walk short distances with crutches back then, but we used to go to the zoo a lot and he used his scooter for that.

 

[Conservative Hippie]

I used one in Epcot once. It was busy but there was lots of room.. I had one boy run in front of me but I took driving that thing as seriously as I drive my car! I sure did not want to be responsible for hurting anyone...
I was able to stop. But I am sure everyone here has had a person cut in front of them and bumped into them while walking... everyone needs to be more cautious.

I have to say I was very glad i did not have to use it at the MK , because that was much more crowded..

I was also glad to have family with me who could stand behind me and clear the way when I ad to back up...

I hope the little boy is OK... and Conservative Hippies experience was shocking...

My dad has used one in all four parks, and sometimes he has people run out in front of him, but he is an experienced (20+ years) scooter driver!

When I got run over, my only injury was sore knees from when I hit the ground to avoid dropping my baby. Although if I had been wearing flip-flops instead of closed toe shoes it probably would have been worse.

 

[sam_gordon]

Nor can they force people to take a test to use the ECV (though I do agree that it would help reduce accidents). The analogy to driving a car (and needing a test for it) fails because everyone needs to take a test to drive a car. Only ECV drivers would need to take a test to enter WDW, since they cannot enter without an ECV (or, rather, would not be able to do anything at WDW without an ECV) and would be forced to take the test to use an ECV.

I don't think your logic passes. I don't see how an ECV is a REQUIREMENT at Disney. Does it make things easier (than a wheelchair)? Probably. Can you move quicker (than a wheelchair)? Sure. But it's not a requirement. Or do you think no one with limited/no mobility ever visited WDW before ECV's came into being?

I think if patrons were informed about the physics and safety of the scooter, that would be sufficient. Testing individuals is not right as it isn't a car and it singles out folks which is against ADA. So unless every guest entering the part gets a safety quiz, it won't fly.

No, it doesn't single out disabled people, it singles out ANYONE who wants to use an ECV. Do you disagree that ECV's, if not properly handled, can cause injury to others? So why not make sure the ECV's are being properly handled?

Presumably if someone couldn't walk (say because they were drunk) and was banging into people left and right on the walk to the ticket booth, Disney would say something.

 

[Eeyore5]

I don't think your logic passes. I don't see how an ECV is a REQUIREMENT at Disney. Does it make things easier (than a wheelchair)? Probably. Can you move quicker (than a wheelchair)? Sure. But it's not a requirement. Or do you think no one with limited/no mobility ever visited WDW before ECV's came into being?

No, it doesn't single out disabled people, it singles out ANYONE who wants to use an ECV. Do you disagree that ECV's, if not properly handled, can cause injury to others? So why not make sure the ECV's are being properly handled?

Presumably if someone couldn't walk (say because they were drunk) and was banging into people left and right on the walk to the ticket booth, Disney would say something.

My 1st trip to Disney would have been impossible without an ECV. My mom and I went and both are disabled. We both needed to use an ECV. I was a wheelchair athlete as a teen and there is still no way I could have pushed myself in a rental wheelchair. They are heavy and would have wrecked my shoulders. My mom and I both walk and don't need a chair for daily activities, just long distances and in my case as a teen for sports. There are manual chairs that are lighter weight but since I don't need one every day, I don't own one. And, since I am not a daily wheelchair user, I don't have the arm strength to manage at Disney.

 

[LivingtheWDWdream]

When my son was 7, he was hit and knocked down by an ECV in Animal Kingdom. He was ok, just has a skinned knee. Yes, my 7 year old ran into the path of the EVC. It's a shame, but you have to hold small children by the hand because of the vehicles that are allowed drive among walking people.

I have also had my toes smashed when an EVC in front of me at a parade started to back out. VERY painful.

I have never posted in an EVC thread before because of the controversy, but I'll risk it now to say I wish EVCs would be BANNED in WDW.

And if the EVC drivers feel terrible, they SHOULD. Feeling terrible will not solve the problem.

They are dangerous. Only wheelchairs should be allowed. Heavy moving vehicles should NOT be allowed to drive among people walking, where there are children running and being children but have to be told to be careful because a 300 lb electric moving vehicle may be coming by.

Wheelchairs only!

And did y'all hear about the guy who suing WDW for not being allowed to use a segway in WDW, claiming he needed it for medical reasons?

I've held my tongue for all these years about EVCs and I can't take it anymore. The CM who came to our aid when my son was hit only shrugged and apologized, knowing he was powerless to get rid of this EVC problem that the CMs have to deal with on a daily basis. Ask any CM, they'll tell you how many people every day get hit by EVCs.

It's a shame that my vertabrae and the discs around them are degenerating and are filled with arthritis that make walking nearly impossible even in the shortest of distances. It's a shame that I have had to have a knee replacement. It's a shame that people feel that I should not be allowed to enjoy the theme parks because I use a motorized scooter to be able to get around the theme park with my family. I guess I should just sell everything I own and check into a Nursing home because I might interfere and might cause parents to have to be responsible in teaching their children to watch their surroundings, and to be accepting of everyone regardless of ability.

I'm sorry that any child gets hit, as an motorized mobility aid user, our goal in life is NOT to hit anyone but when a child runs in front of us we try hard to stop but unfortunately can not always stop in time. It's a two way street, we have to be responsible users and go slow and try and take the path less traveled but pedestrians have to also take responsibility and try and give us space as well.

Unless you want to repeal the ADA laws and regulations, I don't see Disney or any other amusement company stopping people from using MOBILITY aids to enjoy the parks.

I hope anyone who feels that ecv's/motorized scooters shouldn't be allowed never has to use one themselves for any reason, or have family members who need one because remember if we kick out ecv's you or your family members will be required to walk or to stay home. What a shame right missing out on your families magical moments, and enjoyment.

ETA: A wheelchair is not always an option for times when I try and enjoy the parks alone so an ECV would be my only option as I noticed people mentioning how its not necessary for ECV. If anyone wants to volunteer to push me around the parks I visit the parks quite often living in Central Florida so maybe we could start a "push Amy around the parks" swap list if you would like me to not use my ECV.

 

[bgirldeb]

I think there should be seperate, roped off lanes for ECV's only, like a bike lane.This would solve the problem for both groups. No kids getting mown down by ECV's and no one jumppingin front of an ECV.

I agree with this.
Not necessarily the roped off part, but a painted line on the sidewalk would be helpful.

What is with all the red be's? be be be
Is it the computer or or people doing it on purpose? It's annoying.

Did you do a search on the word 'be'?

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I don't think your logic passes. I don't see how an ECV is a REQUIREMENT at Disney. Does it make things easier (than a wheelchair)? Probably. Can you move quicker (than a wheelchair)? Sure. But it's not a requirement. Or do you think no one with limited/no mobility ever visited WDW before ECV's came into being?

No, it doesn't single out disabled people, it singles out ANYONE who wants to use an ECV. Do you disagree that ECV's, if not properly handled, can cause injury to others? So why not make sure the ECV's are being properly handled?

Presumably if someone couldn't walk (say because they were drunk) and was banging into people left and right on the walk to the ticket booth, Disney would say something.

Pre-ADA, disabled people missed out on many things. So your logic doesn't fly.

The answer to your question is folks either did without or suffered through it. But truth be told--motorized scooters existed prior to WDW stocking them as did electric wheelchairs. And there are some pretty darn zippy ones.

I wonder--what about all the people with their private motorized mobility devices. You can't just single out the WDW renters.

Many things cause injury to others--but what I am curious about is what % of users are causing injury to others.

There may be drunk people at Disney--but they aren't making all guests prove they are sober when they walk in the door. Or are you suggesting you are willing to take a Breathalyzer test to prove you are sober enough to enter the parks?

If someone is driving a scooter erratically, that should be dealt with--but singling out an entire population of users is not the answer.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I agree with this.
Not necessarily the roped off part, but a painted line on the sidewalk would be helpful.




Did you do a search on the word 'be'?

Someone mentioned earlier about crossing guards....as a joke, perhaps.

I just wanted to comment--after 2 full marathons at Disney--one thing is certain...even with CM's guarding walkways to keep runners safe and allowing folks to pass when it is safe--guests do not like to listen. They cannot have their plans held up just so that someone can not be injured or not cause injury to others.

While it would be a decent idea to have designated lanes--that will last all of 2 seconds because there are guests who just don't care and will ignore signage because they must get to Expedition Everest NOW.

(Yes--jerky guests crossed in my path and I had to be evasive to avoid collision which would have injured ME and them. But at least they made their fast pass time 15 seconds sooner.)