First Time ECV User? PRACTICE!

[Hoodie]

Posting this here because most people looking for advice on how to rent an ECV come here.

We know that several people using ECVs at Disney World are first time users, mainly because you may not need it in every day life, but miles upon miles becomes a problem. They are great tools. But if you or someone you are traveling with are not everyday users and plan to rent an ECV at the parks, PLEASE take the advice offered and practice at grocery stores, Walmart, where ever one may be.

We've been onsite for over a week now and literally every day I have seen at least one user-caused ECV accident. Running into line markers, crashing into curbs, backing into a lightpost. All ECV vs. inanimate objects and not people. Thankfully the majority of them have been minor but one poor man misjudged a turn, caught the edge of the path at the resort and ended up on the ground with the vehicle on top of him. THere were a few of us who saw it, so we were able to get it off him, but he could not get up and of course after a fall like that, no one was going to move him. I must say though that Disney resort staff and management were there in a flash.

I know my mom will need one the next time she comes to the parks with us and I know that many people on this board offer the suggestion to practice to most newcomers, but honestly, I've always sort of blown it off. How hard could it be? Apparently very. Rest assured I will be making sure my mom practices before we go. It sounds like such a simple thing but it could really help your vacation!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Posting this here because most people looking for advice on how to rent an ECV come here.

We know that several people using ECVs at Disney World are first time users, mainly because you may not need it in every day life, but miles upon miles becomes a problem. They are great tools. But if you or someone you are traveling with are not everyday users and plan to rent an ECV at the parks, PLEASE take the advice offered and practice at grocery stores, Walmart, where ever one may be.

We've been onsite for over a week now and literally every day I have seen at least one user-caused ECV accident. Running into line markers, crashing into curbs, backing into a lightpost. All ECV vs. inanimate objects and not people. Thankfully the majority of them have been minor but one poor man misjudged a turn, caught the edge of the path at the resort and ended up on the ground with the vehicle on top of him. THere were a few of us who saw it, so we were able to get it off him, but he could not get up and of course after a fall like that, no one was going to move him. I must say though that Disney resort staff and management were there in a flash.

I know my mom will need one the next time she comes to the parks with us and I know that many people on this board offer the suggestion to practice to most newcomers, but honestly, I've always sort of blown it off. How hard could it be? Apparently very. Rest assured I will be making sure my mom practices before we go. It sounds like such a simple thing but it could really help your vacation!

and practice as often as possible before she heads to the World esp backing up and going down a ramp as in leaving a bus or the monorail. when you guys have that trip have a great time

 

[GranJan]

A lot of these issues could be solved by just slowing down. Turn the speed dial down so you don't accidentally go faster than you intended. Never turn the speed up unless you're in a wide open space. You should not be going faster than the people walking around you.

 

[mamabunny]

Agree with all of the points above.

Even *5 minutes* of practice at the Resort prior to going to the parks can make a big difference.

But... if you can, I recommend that you practice turning hard circles, and figure out where your "corners" are. Run up and down some of the ramps and curb cuts around the Resort, so you know how it feels, and how much inertia and gravity play a role in your rental. Practice backing up, drive through the Resort shop and the food court to see how you do in smaller spaces. Practice a "panic stop" until it's second nature. And if a newbie would want to "practice" boarding/disembarking the buses, I would recommend grabbing a bus down to Disney Springs, especially once the morning rush to the Parks is done; additionally, you can practice boarding the boats with the Water Taxis there.

I hate to hear that so many folks have had a hard time with their ECVs; all we can do is continue to spread the word: Practice makes better!!!

 

[Gracie09]

I always suggest people meet the ecv company representative if they are a first-time user. They can go over the basics with you. Then practice at the resort for a bit before heading out. We did that with MIL when she used an ecv and it really helped. Its a bit inconvenient when compared to being able to have one waiting for you but the ten minutes it takes is well worth it.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I didn't find it hard. And I've never run into anyone. Had a lot of people run into me though. Looking elsewhere and walking straight into me.

 

[Gracie09]

I didn't find it hard. And I've never run into anyone. Had a lot of people run into me though. Looking elsewhere and walking straight into me.

DH was standing still in a line and was hit so hard by an ecv it knocked him down and sent us back to the hotel because he hurt his back. Thankfully it was him and not our then 16 month old daughter standing next to him. The driver of the ecv was apologetic but had no clue how to run the equipment and had the speed turn all the way up. I turned it down and told him to use it in slow speed for lines. He didn't even know it had a speed setting.
If you are using equipment that weighs hundreds of pounds, near people and especially children you should at a minimum know basics, including the speed settings. Just because it hasn't happened to you, doesn't mean it doesn't happen. DH is 6'7" and was about 250 at the time. So the man on the ecv was going a pretty decent clip to knock him down. We weren't really paying attention to behind us in line but I guess a gap opened up and he gunned it for lack of better word but didn't know how to stop.

 

[Simba's Mom]

DH was standing still in a line and was hit so hard by an ecv it knocked him down and sent us back to the hotel because he hurt his back. Thankfully it was him and not our then 16 month old daughter standing next to him. The driver of the ecv was apologetic but had no clue how to run the equipment and had the speed turn all the way up. I turned it down and told him to use it in slow speed for lines. He didn't even know it had a speed setting.
If you are using equipment that weighs hundreds of pounds, near people and especially children you should at a minimum know basics, including the speed settings. Just because it hasn't happened to you, doesn't mean it doesn't happen. DH is 6'7" and was about 250 at the time. So the man on the ecv was going a pretty decent clip to knock him down. We weren't really paying attention to behind us in line but I guess a gap opened up and he gunned it for lack of better word but didn't know how to stop.

I agree with you about knowing the speed settings. Being able to control scooter speed is critical to driving safely. Sometimes, as I always say "The turtle is my friend!" I don't blame you for being upset meeting a man on a scooter who didn't know about the speed control.