First time scooter user

[phoenixflight]

Hi everyone!

I will be using a scooter for the first time during my upcoming trip to WDW. I have been to the parks before, but have only minimal experience in a wheelchair, which I know is very different than working with an ECV. I am in my 30s and have never driven a car before because of my disabilities. I don't want to run over anyone, hold anyone up more than needed getting on and off the buses, etc. Does anyone have any advice for me? How can I best prepare for my experience?

 

[Piper]

If you are renting, use an off-site company. The ECV will be delivered to your hotel. Practice before you go to the parks until you feel comfortable. Practice backing, turning, stopping. Watch out for others. They WILL walk in front of you, stop in front of you, try to cut you off, etc.

With that said, an ECV will give you the freedom to enjoy the parks.

 

[krisnme]

Relax! its really not that hard, push button to go, stop pushing and you stop. I would start using one in the grocery store or mall as often as you can. is there someone who can lend you one for the day? The most important thing is to be aware of the people and children walking around you. many won't see you, and step in front of you. the same rules as driving really don't apply, really the same rules as a wheelchair. good luck!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Go to a superstore or large grocery and borrow one of their ECVs to do shopping. Learn to use it in the store. Note that the store ones are slower and less maneuverable than Disney's and the off-site are much more maneuverable and a little faster than Disney's.

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information, including in Post #2 where people rent ECVs.

Or, if you want an easier route to the FAQs, click on the link in my signature.

 

[Mama Who]

Go to a superstore or large grocery and borrow one of their ECVs to do shopping. Learn to use it in the store. Note that the store ones are slower and less maneuverable than Disney's and the off-site are much more maneuverable and a little faster than Disney's.

This. I used one at Wal-Mart during my final weeks of pregnancy and boy was I glad it was a low traffic time! Get a little practice in before you have to deal with crowds.

 

[phoenixflight]

Thankfully I have done the Walmart store scooter thing before. Actually, I do my best to avoid using those unless I absolutely must, because y'all are absolutely right--the crowds are horrible, and most people don't look where they're going! It's bad enough avoiding running into folk when I am having a good enough day that I can walk.

I'll be sure and make a Wally World run a few times before my trip though. I'm out of practice.

53 days and counting.....

 

[ZoZo]

Watch out for others. They WILL walk in front of you, stop in front of you, try to cut you off, etc.

This is my experience exactly -- I was absolutely amazed at how many people cut in front of me, as if I wasn't there! Because there are no "brakes" on a scooter, you basically roll to a stop once you release the lever. You need to be hyper-aware that people will step in front of you suddenly, and be ready to release the lever right away.

 

[deegack]

Please take some time to learn the ECv you have. If you have questions about the operation of it ask the company you rent it from or if you are there when it's delivered have them give you a lesson on using it. Dh who is 6'7 240 was run over and knocked to the ground while standing in line because the gentleman behind him didn't know how to operate the ECv. He had it on the fastest speed and when he hit go it went and didn't stop. He was very apologetic but dh was already nursing a bad back sonwe had to go back to the hotel so he could rest.

 

[mycropht]

Everyone else said pretty much what I would say. I especially want to emphasise the whole "Practice at your hotel before going into the park."



And yes, do be prepared for people to either not see you or figure they can "beat" you so they cut ahead. Really bad problem on certain rides like Soarin'. But overall WDW CMs are so accomodating to the wheelies that you won't mind all that much.

I did write a really long blog post I've put elsewhere about my first wheelchair trip (from which I just returned.) I know it's not about ECVs, but it might be enlightening about the treatment the non-walkers receive in the parks.

http://mycropht.wordpress.com/2011/09/26/through-the-eyes-of-a-really-old-child/

 

[jdb in AZ]

Also, try to know when it's time to call it a day. I was with an ECV renter who got so tired she forgot to let go of the lever and the ECV kept moving. She had been driving the ECV all day and didn't realize she was "asleep at the switch." Fortunately she didn't do any serious damage but an irate witness gave her a major "wake up" call.

 

[KPeveler]

Definitely rent off-site. The scooters are smaller and easier to drive.

Read the FAQs so you know exactly what to expect with buses and parks and such. I find I am much more confident in a situation if I know what to expect.

Also you can try checking out Passporter's Open Mouse. It really is a great guide to be able to read.

I would cruise around the hotel for a bit before going to the parks when you get there, and especially try backing up into a spot and parallel parking like you will on the bus. Much better to try it before other people are there.

Hope you have a great trip!

 

[Nanajo1]

Simple things to remember whatever direction the front wheel is pointing is the drection you'll go forward or backward. There is no brake. Releasing the accerlator is the only way to stop. So give youself time and space to stop especially in crowded places. Relax. The ECV is you friend. Enjoy your trip.

 

[wdwnut76]

I agree with the answers above!

1. Practice at your hotel before going to a park. Don't forget to practice backing up!

2. Remember -- the "slow" speed is your friend!

3. I was really nervous my first time about getting on and off the buses. But don't worry...the bus drivers are extremely nice! They'll tell you how to do it. Just remember to go slow.

4. Watch out for inattentive tourists, and children who don't understand the danger of running in front of a scooter.

Oh, yeah...at bus stops, I would smile at the line and say, "I'm really sorry for holding you up!" No one ever said anything to me or gave me a dirty look, but I like to let them know I understand that loading my ECV takes time.

I can't tell you what a huge difference using a scooter has made for me at WDW. Don't worry...after a couple of days, you'll be driving like a pro!

 

[GranJan]

When I'm in crowds, I always keep my ECV on the slowest speed. I try to stay right behind my family so no one can cut in front of me...then I just focus on their feet in case they have to stop suddenly so I'm prepared to stop. This is usually only after a parade or show. As soon as the crowds clear out, you can relax & ride beside your family.

The advice about trying out the ECV's in the grocery store may scare someone from trying one at WDW. I've tried one at Lowes...maybe they're bigger than grocery stores ones...but if I'd never tried one of the smaller ones, I'd think there was no way I'd use one at WDW... I'd feel like I was driving a tank. I rented a 3 wheeled ECV to use at the zoo before I bought one for WDW & there's no comparison to the one at Lowes.