Getting on a bus with an ECV

[diberry]

Sorry to post yet another question! I'm going to be using an ECV this trip for the first time (waiting for knee replacement surgery) and I'm really scared of backing my ECV onto the bus lift and am wondering if it would be better to put it in the trunk of our car and drive to the parks. Any advice please?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Most of the buses now have ramps and you drive on. If you do get a bus with a lift the driver will assist you by giving directions. (They don't want you to have an accident; do you know how much paperwork is involved?)

And if you have a hire car you will need at least a full-size, four-door sedan to be able to fit the ECV in the trunk. See Post #5 of the disABILITIES FAQs.

 

[SueM in MN]

I'd suggest practicing a bit first. Get comfortable backing in a straight line, making a turn to the right and left while backing. When you are uncertain about doing something like backing, it's best to dial down the power to turtle (slow speed).

Also, if you are concerned about driving it in, someone else in your party can drive it in.
Or, it can be put into 'freewheeling mode', which allows it to be pushed, so someone in your party can push it onto the lift instead of driving it. Just be sure to put it back into 'drive' mode whenever you are not actually pushing it (like when it is actually on the lift). An ECV or power wheelchair in 'freewheeling mode' will roll because there is nothing to keep the wheels from turning.

 

[diberry]

Oh wow!!! You two are so helpful and knowledgeable. Thank you so much - it really helps me a lot trying to get my head round it all!

I've printed out the instructions for dismantling and re-assembling the ECV.

The information about freewheeling mode is great. My husband's a big strong chap so he can push it on for me!!

Thank you so much.

 

[mechurchlady]

I have to heft my mother's wheelchair into my car. It is hard on the body to be hefting ECV parts.

Backing up a car or ECV is easy and you can borrrow one at a Wal-Mart for testing or practice at your hotel. Keep the handle bar straight and it will go backwards straight. Turn the handle bar in the direction you want you rump to go and it will go that way. So, turn it right and in reverse your rump will be heading toward the right. Turn it left and your rump goes left.

In lines you start near the edge opposite of the direction you are going like far left to make a right turn. Turn to the far left side of the line on your right.
Make sure you have a bit of clearance though as wheels are under you.

Free wheel is for when the battery dies and it needs to be pushed or anytime that human pushing is needed. Hugs and good luck,

Psst, dont yell "Rump right" as you are trying to remember how to back up to your right lol.

 

[Vijoge]

And if you have a hire car you will need at least a full-size, four-door sedan to be able to fit the ECV in the trunk.

Don't know why. Mine fits in the trunk of my Pontiac Sunfire and it fit in our Pontiac G6 rental also.

 

[diberry]

Backing up a car or ECV is easy - practice at your hotel.

Wise words - I'll definitely be doing that!!

Psst, dont yell "Rump right" as you are trying to remember how to back up to your right lol.

Hugs and good luck.

Thanks - I'll need it!!!

 

[diberry]

Mine fits in the trunk of my Pontiac Sunfire and it fit in our Pontiac G6 rental also.

Thank you for the reassurance - though I'm sure my DH won't need much encouragement to upgrade to a bigger hire car!!!

 

[Angielou1079]

I'm glad someone has posted this my dad will be using one (he has had 7 back surgeries and is 60 yrs old) he can walk just not for long periods of time so he will need a ECV for disney.... we will be riding a bus from the Music resort to whichever park that day along with a double stroller and a single stroller...we're planning on using the "men" in our family to load strollers the ECV etc and the "women" to handle the bags and children...if anyone has any suggestions on how to make this smoother please let me know...we're going from Dec 23rd until Jan 1st so I'm sure the buses will be overcrowded...I just hope my dad is better at driving the ECV than the last time I saw him (they live in NY we live in FL) I was afraid he'd run over my toe LOL

 

[Vijoge]

Mine fits in the trunk of my Pontiac Sunfire and it fit in our Pontiac G6 rental also.

Thank you for the reassurance - though I'm sure my DH won't need much encouragement to upgrade to a bigger hire car!!!

Guess I should add that we do have to take it apart. Of yourse, no matter what car you drive you'll have to do that.

 

[DizneyDogs]

My mom used a ECV when we were in WDW in May - anyway after our many horrible experiences with the WDW bus system I would highly recommend the rental car

 

[diberry]

My mom used a ECV when we were in WDW in May - anyway after our many horrible experiences with the WDW bus system I would highly recommend the rental car

Oh dear, I'm sorry to hear about that. Thank you for the tip though - sounds like we'll be taking the car to the parks!

 

[Piper]

My mom used a ECV when we were in WDW in May - anyway after our many horrible experiences with the WDW bus system I would highly recommend the rental car

I just returned from WDW and used my own ECV. I had very positive experiences with the busses. Almost all the drivers commented that they were glad to get someone who knew how to parallel park! A week at the parks without running into anyone -- did have a few near misses when people jumped in front of me, but I know how to keep a close eye on crowds--I'm a teacher!!!

 

[Vijoge]

My mom used a ECV when we were in WDW in May - anyway after our many horrible experiences with the WDW bus system I would highly recommend the rental car

My ECV will fit in the trunk of a car but we still use the buses. Lifting the ECV into the trunk of a car several times a day is a pretty horrible experience in itself.

 

[diberry]

It really helps reading all these personal experiences - thank you! I think I'll just have to see how the ECV handles and how confident I feel (or not!!!) .
Congratulations Vijoge on 5 beautiful granddaughters!

 

[Vijoge]

Congratulations Vijoge on 5 beautiful granddaughters!

Thanks! They're all keepers~

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

I was determined that this time, I was going to do all the loading myself, and most of the time I did, but a few times, I had DH get the thing off for me, tha tis a little harder for me, cause I can't turn my head very far around to the right and it was difficult to see. I also needed DH to get my mom's ECV on for her, since she can't do it herself. I also makes it nice when the bus drivers make sure no one loads until after you do and all but one did this time. Even that one told the other people not to come on the bus, but they ignored him and kept going.

It sure made life and the trip easier to use the buses

Suzanne

 

[diberry]

Thank you Suzanne! I'm just self-conscious and I know that I'll be aware of all the people waiting to get on who can't do so until I've managed to get my ECV on and I'll probably make a mess of it!!
I'll have to see how brave I'm feeling!!

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

Thank you Suzanne! I'm just self-conscious and I know that I'll be aware of all the people waiting to get on who can't do so until I've managed to get my ECV on and I'll probably make a mess of it!!
I'll have to see how brave I'm feeling!!

Oh, you'll be fine. I was a little offended, but have since decided not to worry about it and if someone wants to say something, let them, I am no longer afraid to say something back, I will be polite but firm. Most of te time when we headed out, it was before the crowds were around, sorta odd times, so we would avoid the crowd situation. Let your Dh put it on the bus for you. With a "big" DH, I bet no one will say a word.

Suzanne

 

[diberry]

Oh, you'll be fine. What dates ar eyou going to be there?

Suzanne

We arrive on 3rd August and leave on 17th.