First time ECV user

[frank430316]

We are heading out to the parks this Saturday for 8 days, and a few days ago my wife developed severe sciatic nerve pain. The doctors have it under control, but she cannot do very much walking. So we rented a scooter from Walker Mobility, (which seems to be a fantastic company to work with) and are going to see how it goes. This is the first time using an ECV, so we are somewhat nervous about it. Any tips or suggestions to make it a more enjoyable trip?

 

[gap2368]

I would look at this thread some of the things you will not need but the ones about mobility devices http://www.disboards.com/threads/di...disabled-1st-trip-next-trip-wish-trip.595713/

charge it up all night so the battier will last all day

when sitting for a bit turn it off so when eating when wait for the parade when you stop at HS to watch the citizens of hollywood ( you get the picture)

bring something to cover it when it rains for both the rider and the ECV ( electronics and water to not go well together)

I am sure other will have other things.

my mom has sicatic and dose some strecheing dose the dr have her doing anything like this

also if she want she can walk around some so she dose not get too stiff sitting even if it is parking it out side the store while she look inside might help her

have a great trip

 

[Selket]

There's some great ECV threads on here so take a quick look for them. I found the scooter very easy to operate but I did spend a little time driving it around the resort and getting used to the controls. Try getting in and out of elevators with it for example. Learn how to drive in reverse a short distance (backing out of an elevator helps with this). Also the way you park the ECV inside the bus is very similar to parallel parking - but easier and on a smaller scale cause it's just a an ECV. Practice parallel parking with it - find a flat spot with some concrete/paving (NOT out in the parking lots though!) and practice imagine the area you want to parallel park in. Really...it's not that hard to get it onto the bus although that seems to be the part that stresses many out.

I rent the portable model from Buena Vista and I love how easily it handles and it can turn on a dime and make sudden stops. I've never felt like I was going to run into anyone. I think most models that any company rents are like this.

I have a relatively mild case of sciatica but it can act up on occasion and I know how painful that is - but the main reason I rent it is because of my severely arthritic knees. I hope your wife has a wonderful trip and will enjoy the freedom to go all over the parks and resorts as she is used to doing. For me that has been the best part.

 

[Simba's Mom]

We are heading out to the parks this Saturday for 8 days, and a few days ago my wife developed severe sciatic nerve pain. The doctors have it under control, but she cannot do very much walking. So we rented a scooter from Walker Mobility, (which seems to be a fantastic company to work with) and are going to see how it goes. This is the first time using an ECV, so we are somewhat nervous about it. Any tips or suggestions to make it a more enjoyable trip?

Sorry, I've got no tips for you but when you come back could you please post any tips for me? My first time renting will be next month (also from Walker). I have rented once before, but just a couple of in-park rentals. I remember someone suggested you should tie a colorful scarf on your ECV because, like strollers, CMs tend to "rearrange" parking while you're on a ride.

 

[stitchlovestink]

Ask the CM at the attraction where to park it if you want or need to leave it outside of an attraction. People on here tell you to park it with the strollers but my family members spend a lot of time moving ECVs from the stroller area because they only want strollers there and ECVs/WCs in another area. Well this is how they want it where they work in the parks.
Also be sure to plug it up to charge EVERY night. And please don't use an extension cord without verifying that it is acceptable with the model you have. Otherwise it can be a fire hazard.
Watch your speed when loading on the bus or monorail. I own mine so I am very used to it. Each model has a turtle (for slow) and a rabbit (for fast). I need to be between the 2 to go up the bus ramp, but as soon as I am on the bus, I turn it to turtle. Be sure when getting off of the bus, you come straight down and clear the ramp COMPLETELY before turning!!! Otherwise you can easily tip the entire unit when it goes over that ramp's edge.
Also it's best to avoid the "train tracks" on Main Street USA in MK. When you need to cross any tracks like that always cross at least at a diagonal.
Keep the control panel on the handle bars dry if it rains and it is best to try and not drive through puddles. The wheels 'can' splash water up into the battery area and that can cause the unit to stall.
That is all that comes to mind at this,exact moment. If you drive a car, driving an ECV won't be any more difficult than that.
Enjoy your trip!

 

[Ahicks50]

My only advice for you is to make sure you fully charge your battery the night before. Also, when my mom came down, I tried a rental company called big orange mobility in kissimmee. Surprise, they were very helpful and seemed genuinely concerned about helping us. The price was pretty good too. Kudos!

 

[Bete]

A few more hints.....

Don't jump a curb; use all the ramp areas like the wheelchairs. Around the castle in MK is where this gets a little tricky.

Be aware that others will dart out right in front of a scooter; so, you need quick reactions to stop in time. Be on guard by looking in all directions.

Some rides will require you to get in a park provided wheelchair and the scooter will have to be parked.

For shows you get in with the wheelchair people and you can stay on the scooter.

I would park the scooter for eating times.

 

[frank430316]

Sorry, I've got no tips for you but when you come back could you please post any tips for me? My first time renting will be next month (also from Walker). I have rented once before, but just a couple of in-park rentals. I remember someone suggested you should tie a colorful scarf on your ECV because, like strollers, CMs tend to "rearrange" parking while you're on a ride.

We will definitely let you know how things go, and thanks for the tip about the scarf. We rented the bright pink "princess" scooter, just for that reason, but it might be more popular than I thought!

 

[frank430316]

There's some great ECV threads on here so take a quick look for them. I found the scooter very easy to operate but I did spend a little time driving it around the resort and getting used to the controls. Try getting in and out of elevators with it for example. Learn how to drive in reverse a short distance (backing out of an elevator helps with this). Also the way you park the ECV inside the bus is very similar to parallel parking - but easier and on a smaller scale cause it's just a an ECV. Practice parallel parking with it - find a flat spot with some concrete/paving (NOT out in the parking lots though!) and practice imagine the area you want to parallel park in. Really...it's not that hard to get it onto the bus although that seems to be the part that stresses many out.

I rent the portable model from Buena Vista and I love how easily it handles and it can turn on a dime and make sudden stops. I've never felt like I was going to run into anyone. I think most models that any company rents are like this.

I have a relatively mild case of sciatica but it can act up on occasion and I know how painful that is - but the main reason I rent it is because of my severely arthritic knees. I hope your wife has a wonderful trip and will enjoy the freedom to go all over the parks and resorts as she is used to doing. For me that has been the best part.

Thanks for the encouragement, sounds like they might not be too bad to handle!

 

[frank430316]

Ask the CM at the attraction where to park it if you want or need to leave it outside of an attraction. People on here tell you to park it with the strollers but my family members spend a lot of time moving ECVs from the stroller area because they only want strollers there and ECVs/WCs in another area. Well this is how they want it where they work in the parks.
Also be sure to plug it up to charge EVERY night. And please don't use an extension cord without verifying that it is acceptable with the model you have. Otherwise it can be a fire hazard.
Watch your speed when loading on the bus or monorail. I own mine so I am very used to it. Each model has a turtle (for slow) and a rabbit (for fast). I need to be between the 2 to go up the bus ramp, but as soon as I am on the bus, I turn it to turtle. Be sure when getting off of the bus, you come straight down and clear the ramp COMPLETELY before turning!!! Otherwise you can easily tip the entire unit when it goes over that ramp's edge.
Also it's best to avoid the "train tracks" on Main Street USA in MK. When you need to cross any tracks like that always cross at least at a diagonal.
Keep the control panel on the handle bars dry if it rains and it is best to try and not drive through puddles. The wheels 'can' splash water up into the battery area and that can cause the unit to stall.
That is all that comes to mind at this,exact moment. If you drive a car, driving an ECV won't be any more difficult than that.
Enjoy your trip!

Wow hadn't even thought about getting on the bus. Hopefully after a few practice sessions she'll be fine!

 

[frank430316]

A few more hints.....

Don't jump a curb; use all the ramp areas like the wheelchairs. Around the castle in MK is where this gets a little tricky.

Be aware that others will dart out right in front of a scooter; so, you need quick reactions to stop in time. Be on guard by looking in all directions.

Some rides will require you to get in a park provided wheelchair and the scooter will have to be parked.

For shows you get in with the wheelchair people and you can stay on the scooter.

I would park the scooter for eating times.

Sounds good, she can walk somewhat so parking it for eating sounds like a very good idea.

 

[frank430316]

I would look at this thread some of the things you will not need but the ones about mobility devices http://www.disboards.com/threads/di...disabled-1st-trip-next-trip-wish-trip.595713/

charge it up all night so the battier will last all day

when sitting for a bit turn it off so when eating when wait for the parade when you stop at HS to watch the citizens of hollywood ( you get the picture)

bring something to cover it when it rains for both the rider and the ECV ( electronics and water to not go well together)

I am sure other will have other things.

my mom has sicatic and dose some strecheing dose the dr have her doing anything like this

also if she want she can walk around some so she dose not get too stiff sitting even if it is parking it out side the store while she look inside might help her

have a great trip

Thanks, she is doing some stretching, but that really does not seem to help. her doctor just started some acupuncture treatments and they seem to really help.

 

[stitchlovestink]

We will definitely let you know how things go, and thanks for the tip about the scarf. We rented the bright pink "princess" scooter, just for that reason, but it might be more popular than I thought!

I go to WDW a fair amount and I can honestly say I have only seen the pink scooters a handful of times. I believe they are only available through Walker and they cost extra. More often than not, people don't want to pay any more than they have to. I believe that is why I haven't seen many.

A great majority of scooters are red. While I love red, I chose a different color for my personal scooter and I never have a problem locating mine. I think you made a smart choice!

 

[TelynnRose]

It can be a bit bumpy on the surfaces in EPCOT so if she has a cushion (wrapped in a bag then pillowcase) it may make the bounces less aggravating to her sciatica.

 

[rangerxenos]

Please let me know what your experience was, as I think I am going to have to rent a scooter for the first time in November, as I had unexpected back surgery last week and don't think I'll be anywhere near 100% in 6 weeks time. Do the ECV's fit in the rooms at the resorts?

I am starting to freak out a little, as I'll be traveling solo for my first couple of days before friends join me for the balance of the trip.

 

[stitchlovestink]

Please let me know what your experience was, as I think I am going to have to rent a scooter for the first time in November, as I had unexpected back surgery last week and don't think I'll be anywhere near 100% in 6 weeks time. Do the ECV's fit in the rooms at the resorts?

I am starting to freak out a little, as I'll be traveling solo for my first couple of days before friends join me for the balance of the trip.

Yes, ECVs will fit inside the room at any WDW resort.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I am starting to freak out a little, as I'll be traveling solo for my first couple of days before friends join me for the balance of the trip.

And please don't worry about using an ECV and being solo. My first time ever using an ECV was last year, when I had to rent an ECV on 2 days in the parks. No one to open doors was my big worry (besides the humiliation I felt-"I had to rent an ECV!"-but that's another story) was my biggest worry, but everyone was so nice. I found that everyone, of every age and description, helped, waited to hold the door open if they saw me approaching. But as far as ECVs fitting in your room and the whole recharging issue, I'm freaking out too! Three more weeks.

 

[BigAlsGal]

Thanks, she is doing some stretching, but that really does not seem to help. her doctor just started some acupuncture treatments and they seem to really help.

Do this pose 20 times a day. Helps to decompress the nerve. It's called cobra pose.

 

[rangerxenos]

And please don't worry about using an ECV and being solo. My first time ever using an ECV was last year, when I had to rent an ECV on 2 days in the parks. No one to open doors was my big worry (besides the humiliation I felt-"I had to rent an ECV!"-but that's another story) was my biggest worry, but everyone was so nice. I found that everyone, of every age and description, helped, waited to hold the door open if they saw me approaching. But as far as ECVs fitting in your room and the whole recharging issue, I'm freaking out too! Three more weeks.

Thank you, I had not even thought of things like opening doors. It gives me a new appreciation of what people who have to deal with this every day have to do.

 

[rangerxenos]

Yes, ECVs will fit inside the room at any WDW resort.

Thank you!