Has anyone ever bought a used scooter from one of the scooter rental companies?

[Jgasink]

When Mom and I come down to WDW in November, we are considering buying a used scooter instead of renting one. Anyone have any experience with this?

 

[bedogged]

When Mom and I come down to WDW in November, we are considering buying a used scooter instead of renting one. Anyone have any experience with this?

What model of ECV are you considering purchasing? Also, will you be flying or driving down?

 

[bidnow5]

I have owned 6 used scooters most were a great buy I have a fold and go right now that I bought for $50 with 3 battery packs so even though it doesn't have big range with the three packs I will be able to go all day at Disney the batteries are $44 delivered for 2 so for $192 total I can save the rental fees when we do Disney. Its important to research some have a very short range and some have very expensive batteries. My newest one would not be any good with out the 2 extra battery packs

 

[Jgasink]

What model of ECV are you considering purchasing? Also, will you be flying or driving down?

1. we will be flying itno MCO, using Moms wheelchair and out of Daytona after our cruise. We can gate check moms wheelchair and the scooter can go as checked baggage.

2. we want a pride victory 9 or 10 four wheeler

John

 

[SashaFarce]

I'm also interested in this. My partner and I have discussed purchasing a used scooter while at the parks in a vague sort of way but haven't really figured out who sells them or what the cost difference would be between a used and a new.

 

[bidnow5]

I have bought scooters at yard sales flea markets and Craig's list but most scooter rental companies sell used ones as well as places that sell new ones

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

For what it's worth my opinion/experience;

- when buying second hand; KNOW the previous owner(s). Know the history. Improper usage can literally be the death of these types of aids. You could be buying an "almost brandnew 4 month old" ecv that has been abused so much, it can be in a worse state than a 3 year old one that has been treated properly.

- NEVER EVER buy ANY type of used that has previously been used as a rental. Rentals get abused more often than not. Most renters dont have a clue how to properly use an ECV so certain parts, batteries etc. etc. don't pay the price for it. Combine that with a nice amount of renters having no or little using experience, which can translate into more accidents etc. that rental companies might have.......... creatively "fixed" to optimize their profits and minimize costs. Nice for shortterm goal, perfect recipe for longterm loads of problems and costs. Not something you want to invest money in when looking for a trustworthy aid.

- try out before buying. Both to get a general idea of the brand and type but also try that specific second hand one you are considering buying. This will provide you with not just theory but also practical info about said type and brand and if it does fit your needs and likes

- 4wheels? Why? They offer some more stability, but imho very little. Yet that 4th wheel comes with a huge downside; much much bigger turning radius, very decreased mobility in all kinds of more secluded areas. Like in restaurants, crowded parks, elevators, on a cruise ship, in a shop, you name it. Threewheel can offer you much much more mobility in smaller spaces, which is a huge benefit to be able to enjoy your aid for as long as possible even if you find over time your mobility decreases and you need to use the ECV more and more or even inside in certain or more situations. REALLY give yourself a bit of a hard time before settling on a fourwheel and at least give threewheels a very good try and compare the fast difference of agility between the two.

Used can be a good option when keeping these things in mind. Also when buying used, kind of figure in needing to replace the batteries at purchage or soon after. Figure that into the total price. Some batteries are substantially more expensive than others, yet the ecv might offer the same comparable options, speed and distance radius. Price and durability of batteries can really make a difference, so keep an eye on that.

Where possible, might even want to consider having the ECV checked out by an independant (!) dealership, so you know what hidden safety issues or costs you might be looking at.

Don't be blinded by standard options and knocking off brands or types at that first look. Some ECV's have the option of easily changing battery etc. with which you can totally alter the max. distance, speed or other functions and options. Sometimes it can work out much cheaper and better fit to buy typeX and replace with a heavier battery than it is to buy typeY that has the same options but is more expensive to buy "off the shelve".

And to get the total picture; compare all. So used and new. Depends loads on what you need and want, but have seen enough situations where new would work out cheaper. Or for instance same price, but with such extensive warrenty or free maintanence and repairs new can be a smarter move financially.

When trying out which types might fit you; remember that esp. rentals tend to be used a lot and can therefor result in a different experience than one you might buy second hand from a private owner or new. Kind off like comparing a new car or buying your neighbours car and expecting a same driving experience as you had in that rental from the car rental company where you had a rental with 90.0000 miles on it already. Rentals can be a good try to give a very general feel of a type, but when not overly black-and-white clear if it fits you will want to try out the "possible buy" and not go on that rental try out experience.

Takes some time unfortunately, but so very worth the investment of that time to get the right aid for the best price. Oh and if buying with a dealer (whether new or used); negotiate!!!!!!! Same thing as with buying a car. Even more so in a way. There are huge buying discounts to be had in any and all medical and/or aid items that for instance the manufacturer gives to the dealer etc. Some dealers will extend some of that discount to you as customer, but you might have to work for it. But also working with a manufacturer themselves can be very beneficial. My days of being able to use an ecv are long gone, but where possible only work with manufacturers or importer of my wheelchairs. Results in me stricking up the 20/25% standard discount the would otherwise extend to the dealer. I don't need a dealer to sell me anything, I'll take the lower price thank you very much. ;-) This can come with some limitations (for instance needing to go back to manufacturer if warrenty issues, not a local dealer), but financially can be very very attractive.

Same thing goes for shopping globally. For instance, my manual wheelchair is a top notch custom brand based in the States. Buying the exact same chair in exact same configuration here and having it delivered at a US adress? Much much more expensive than what my bill ended up being, yet that included me buying the chair as a European citizen and thus also the transport costs, importer having his cut etc. It's nuts, but having that chair then sent back again to the States would still work out lots cheaper for someone living in the States than buying the chair directly with the manufacturer in the States.......... Have seen this for loads of aids and medical stuff where it would be much cheaper or much more expensive depending on the country in which you buy or order it. With the online options we have nowadays it can really pay off to shop around globally when having your decision made for a specific type and brand in a new state.