ECV research

[iTenor1500]

Hello, friends,

I'm doing some research for our upcoming trip with my father, who requires an ECV now after heart surgery. He's always rented the regular ECV from Buena Vista, which has always been fine. In the last few trips (only one that he's been on), I've really become addicted to renting a car and not using Disney transportation, which drives me crazy for so many reasons. My question - does anyone have a recommendation for a lightweight rental that can easily be stored in the trunk of a small SUV? Thanks in advance!

 

[Surr]

Buena Vista offers a portable scooter that may fit your needs. The cost is the same as their standard scooter. Have you looked into that?

https://www.buenavistascooters.com/rental/portable-scooter/

 

[Accident]

There is an entire forum for disabilities here and they have lots of information on third party rentals and things to know for your father. start with the FAQ at the top of htelist of threads..

 

[glassslippergirl]

We rented a scooter once while staying offsite. It was really difficult hauling the scooter in the trunk of our car-- heavy to load and unload. You also can't use the trams in parking lots with the scooter (I guess not an issue if he has a handicapped placard). I'm with you on using your own car at WDW, but in this case, I think their transportation will be easier.

 

[mamabunny]

Since you have rented from Buena Vista before, start by calling them directly during office hours, and talking to them about availability of the type of ECV you are hoping to rent. They can tell you what models they have that break down, and how much the heaviest part will be for each scooter they rent. If your dad has a preference for a certain model, it may be that you can still rent that type, and just break it down to transport, and then reassemble at your destination.

And that's important - remember that you will have to assemble/disassemble the rental ECV in the parking lot - in the summer months, this can be a miserable experience with the sun and the hot asphalt; luckily the learning curve should be pretty short, just plan accordingly. Additionally, the ECV will not be allowed on the parking lot trams - so your Dad will have to drive the ECV across the parking lot.

There are ECVs that fold easily and are lightweight (my personal one can be stowed in the back of my Kia Soul just by dropping the handlebars and taking the seat back off) but they tend to be sold, not rented; most of the rental units used by Buena Vista and other rental vendors are pretty sturdy to hold up under the daily use they get at venues like WDW.

 

[iTenor1500]

Thanks, all! Lots of food for thought here!

 

[2Bnºoºt2B]

We rented the portable scooter from Buena Vista last time we were @ WDW. Like you I prefer to drive around instead of taking Disney Transportation (except for PORS boat transp) and have always rented a transportable scooter while on Disney property. While staying at Universal though we rent a regular scooter as we do not go off property.

Once you get the hang of disassembling and putting together the scooter, it goes pretty quick.