ECV Users - what is the minimum "range" for WDW?

[sharadoc]

Hi All,

I am considering buying an ECV so I can use it for other activities and vacations, not just when we go to WDW. I have been looking at SO MANY models and options. One of the things that jumps out at me is range. Some have 7 mile ranges on one battery charge, while others go as high as 20 or more. What do you think is the minimum range I would need to be sure I don't "conk out" at Disney?

Do ECV batteries have a memory where it would hurt the battery range if you charge it up, even if it's half-full or really doesn't need a charge. My thought is that if we go back to the room during the day, I would immediately plug it in since I don't want to risk the battery dying later that night.

Any other tips you can provide? I won't be able to get medical reimbursement, since I am movile enough in my home, so I don't want to pay for features I don't need.

Also, anyone recommend their favorite model?

Thanks for your help,

 

[Bete]

If you know you'll always have a rest period so you can recharge or won't exceed the minimum range then it might not matter on the range.

Portabilty is a major factor for most. Most want a lightweight travel scooter, no more than 120 pounds. They want it to break apart into 4 or 5 pieces. Most of these scooters are for people 250 pounds and under. Your weight affects the range on scooters. The more you max out on the weight the worse it gets with a scooter. It can reduce the range from 20 to 40%. Add in some inclines and that's another factor reducing range. The smaller and more lightweight the scooter the less comfortable it tends to be, as well.

I suggest visiting a mobility place that carrys scooters and do some test driving there. You don't necessarily need to purchase the scooter there, but you will be able to see some of the differences between models.

My preference is the GO GO ELITE models by Pride Mobility. They have a few models that are heavy duty and will take someone in the 300 pound category. The plus models have a range of 10 miles. These scooters only have one battery and I like it that way. Some bigger models are two batteries. That's how they get the better range.

I know you have to keep charging the battery whether you are using it or not even in storage. The battery will die completely if you don't do this as a normal routine. I was told by Pride that in the inactive state it's usually every 2 weeks to do a recharge at the minimum. Also, removing the battery from the scooter will help some, here. If the battery is connected onto to the scooter some juice leaks out.

 

[SueM in MN]

Another thing to look at is how long it takes to fully recharge the battery.

When someone had written about a problem with their ECV not holding a charge at WDW, I looked up the instruction manual for that model and found it took 16 hours to fully recharge. Since the person was at WDW, they were doing long days and were only getting about 1/2 a charge each night.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Basically there are three "levels" of ECV.

Lowest is the "easily transportable" such as the Pride Go-Go Series. These tend to have a removeable battery pack, a limit of about 250 pounds, and a range of ten miles or less on a full charge.

Most common is the standard ECV which can also be broken down for transport. These tend to have limits in the 350-400 pound range. They have two large "U-1" batteries rather than a removable pack and tend to have about a 25 mile range.

There are also heavy duty ECVs with capacities to 500 pounds. Some of them can be broken down for transport. They tend to also use the U1 batteries, but the range will not be as good.

The U1 batteries and the batteries in the packs are actually lead-acid as in a car, but they are sealed and spillproof. They generally are good for several years as long as you don't run them completely down.

 

[peemagg]

I know that the batteries for my ECV is gel batteries. I have not had an issue at all with my batteries running out of juice after a full day at the parks or wherever I am. I also try to remember to turn off the scooter when I am sitting still for periods of time. I also don't run it in high gear. Most of the time it is down to the lowest speed. The faster you go and the more weight on the scooter all ends up with less battery time.

People also don't think about the weight besdes theirs that they put on the scooter. For instance if you weigh 240 and the scooter is ranked for 250 lbs and you play pack mule for everyone, the weight that the scooter is carring is now 250+. This will greatly decrease the battery life of your scooter.