etiquette of using an ecv...

[scojos]

after the sciatic nerve post, i have been speaking to dh and think i may have to face the fact that i will not be able to walk as much as i could/should in the summer.
so, do they flat pack so i can get it in the car? do i need to request a special car to get it in?
we use the disabled, but not blue badge parking due to darling son being disabled but my main question would be what are the dos do nots of using tempararily an ecv?
thanks
tracy

 

[Cheshire Figment]

If you get a hire car that is a "full-size four door sedan" you should have no problem gettin an ECV in the boot. Just let the company that you will be renting the ECV from know that you need one that can break down for a car, which most of them can do.

If you weigh under 250 pounds some of the rentals are smaller than the "standard" ECV and would fit into a smaller car.

If you look at Post #5 in the disABILITIES FAQs there is a set of directions that will work for many ECVs on how to ake them apart to put in a car, and how to put them back together.

 

[Sazuburns]

If you get a hire car that is a "full-size four door sedan" you should have no problem gettin an ECV in the boot.

You live in Florida but you know that it's called a 'boot' and not a 'trunk'. Very cool!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

You live in Florida but you know that it's called a 'boot' and not a 'trunk'. Very cool!

But I also called it a "hire" car and not a "rental" car.

I am familiar with the quote from the late GBS: "The British and Americans are two people separated by a common language."

But there is also online an English to American Dictionary for those who need it.

 

[scojos]

how cool, im impressed with your vocab
what about info on using them in side the parks, is there etiquette on what you should shouldnt do?
where they should be parked etc?
thanks

 

[Bete]

when you park it. If it's in the middle of a parade route your scooter will be moved. They can be manually moved; although, it's not easy to do. Keeping it off the main strip is probably better, too. Usually where strollers are welcomed; so, are ECVs. Off to the side and not blocking an entrance to anything, etc is about the best advice for parking it. There really isn't a designated parking spot for it.

In regards to rules and such there's really nothing set in stone. There's no right or left side trail for an ECV in the parks. It's a little bit of a free for all. What I try to avoid is darting in and out of crowds just to gain a few inches. Always yield to people especailly children. This is probably the hardest part; because, people around you will expect you to stop immediately and they will cross your pathway. They will not yield most of the time. Many of them don't pay attention. You really need to watch.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

If you're parking up, it's best to leave it in the stroller parking area. Take the key out and make sure you cover the handle-bar controls and the seat with something waterproof. Be aware that CMs do sometimes tidy these areas up, so don't worry if your ECV is not exactly where you left it - it will be around there somewhere! Do be wary about trying to walk queues, as these can often involve more walking than you might think, or the wait may end up being longer than that posted, especially if the ride has technical difficulties. If you need to do some walking, I suggest you do this around the stores instead, and use the ECV in line.

As for etiquette, I just try to behave in my wheelchair the way I would on foot. However, not everyone on foot really understands the etiquette of interacting with people on wheels. Be warned that you will probably meet a lot of morons, who think it is a good idea to throw themselves under your wheels (well, I did say they were morons!). In tight crowds, you'll want to leave a bit of stopping distance between you and the person in front. Unfortunately, somebody will sometimes see this space as a convenient way for them to cut 0.2 seconds off their journey, and leap into it, then stop . Thankfully, the majority of Guests aren't nearly so dumb, and will try to give you the space you need. Also be aware of small children, as Disney is such a magical place that they are often too absorbed to notice you (I don't count little'uns as being among the stupid people; in fact they're often more sensible than their parents ).

Please note that none of these 'insults' were aimed at anyone in particular, and that my tongue was firmly installed in my cheek the entire time (I know you guys all know this, but you do get some of those morons toddling over here from time to time )

Oh, I also suggest you decorate your ECV up, because it's a lot of fun, and gets you a lot of positive attention.

 

[scojos]

Oh, I also suggest you decorate your ECV up, because it's a lot of fun, and gets you a lot of positive attention.

even a rental one??
would make it is too find i guess

2 years ago i ran into (well my asd son did) a dissers LGMH in an ECV, she told me how people presume you are stupid as you are in an ECV...so i guess thats fine, at least i wont have to pretend to be intelligent...
park next to stroller parking, dont swerve to get some where faster...easy on acceleration...
anything else i need to know?

what would you suggest i trim my ecv with??

 

[peemagg]

Don't use the horn on the ECV! People will assume you are using it to try and push through the crowds. They think it is rude to use it.

Watch out for the tracks down mainstreet. If you have to cross them go at them straight. The tracks have been known to have the tires of ECV's fall into them and then people tend to fall off the ECV. Also only take the sidewalks at the cut aways. I know it would seem to make sense that you can't jump off or over the curbs, but some do stupid things. Also crowds can push you into some of these issues if you are not on your toes.

 

[Sazuburns]

But I also called it a "hire" car and not a "rental" car.

I am familiar with the quote from the late GBS: "The British and Americans are two people separated by a common language."

But there is also online an English to American Dictionary for those who need it.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

even a rental one??
would make it is too find i guess

Of course you can decorate a rental! As you are going to be using a car, I suggest you decorate each of the broken down parts separately. Obviously, don't stick anything to it that you couldn't take off, or you might make them a little annoyed with you . I suggest you use ribbon, tinsel, beads or other strings of things, as you can wrap these around parts of the frame, and tie them off. You can also make a sign to hang on the back, and laminate it so it doesn't go soggy in the rain. The lovely LoveToScrap made herself a cover for the back of the ECV seat, that slipped over like a pillow case.

Lights are also a really good idea at night. I like the LED necklaces they sell on the carts, and you can also get glow in the dark necklaces to snap onto the frame and handle bars (try Poundland, they normally have a good stock!). I found some outdoor solar-powered fairy lights in Sainsbury's last year, which I drenched my chair in . Basically, anything that draws attention to you, in a polite but insistent manner is good! Also, if your ECV is pretty, it turns all of the stares into looks of admiration. It also starts a lot of great conversations with Guests and CMs alike!

park next to stroller parking, dont swerve to get some where faster...easy on acceleration...
anything else i need to know?

Look out for morons
People tend to get a little annoyed if you mow down their kids
Just go have fun, you'll be fine