Help - General Noob ECV rental questions

[keishashadow]

Broken foot is taking it’s good ole’ time to heal. dr indicates ECV is a necessity for upcoming WDW trip. Wasn’t expecting this, now scrambling trying to decide which one/where to book one. Want to make sure I’m not missing anything important.

Adult family member has rented in the past for WDW, he won’t be along on the trip to advise. Will admit to not really paying much attention to all the ins & outs as he had it well in hand.

Did bring it inside the room each night for security & to give it a full charge for next day.

He had a larger one that was only used on disney transportation. Looking at a small, 3 wheel one from GMS. Site indicates it breaks down & can fit in car. We will have a rental, midsize. Appears an empty car trunk would be big enough to transporting it. I think???

Site states GMS could meet us at both resorts of split stay, WL & Portofino at Universal. Price seems reasonable (assume no coupons floating about). Reviews I’ve read here seem positive and that they are prompt with delivery & pickup.

The battery specs for the 3 wheel don’t match up with what I consider a ‘full day’. Will be well under the maximum weight limit. Are they conservatively estimating things re the battery? If not, are there specific places in the parks where you can charge battery if we find it is draining rapidly? I hope there is a battery indicator, is that standard?

When it rains, will a poncho wrapped around the electric console suffice to protect it? Maybe should bring a small tarp from home & bungee cords?

When transferring to a ride, is it ‘safe’ to keep a bag with just replaceable stuff - ponchos, water bottles etc. in it?

TIA

 

[Lewisc]

Goldmobility, and other companies, pick up and deliver to bell services at PBH.

Gold gives you a shower cap you put over the console if it rains.

You charge overnight. The bigger model could probably go 2 or 3 days without charging. The go go should last the day. Probably not 2 days. We didn't have an issue I haven't read any posters having issues.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Goldmobility, and other companies, pick up and deliver to bell services at PBH.

Gold gives you a shower cap you put over the console if it rains.

You charge overnight. The bigger model could probably go 2 or 3 days without charging. The go go should last the day. Probably not 2 days. We didn't have an issue I haven't read any posters having issues.

The go-go, from my experience. will last at least a day and a half. One night I forgot to charge it (NOT recommended!) and the next day, although I went to the park in the morning, I was so uneasy, I went back to my resort after my lunch ADR.

 

[Heather07438]

What we’ve learned on recent trips:

Gold is the best overall value and service. They include some very worthwhile extras others charge for. They also give 4 free ponchos that came in handy.

Bell Services no longer hold ECVs. We need to meet the drop off in person. Gold has been awesome, whole process seamless. They’ll keep in contact with you directly beforehand and ask you to confirm when your flight has landed or you’re getting close to the area. They realize schedules can change during travel.

We’ve had good luck with battery power. Every night we bring in room to charge it. On long days we make sure to bring power cord along, once in a while we’ll need to top off juice. We’ve plugged in around WDW in QS and random outside walls that have sockets etc. Disney does not seem to mind.

Almost all of WDW transport takes ECVs. One exception is resort boats, those depend on which size boat is currently in use.

Attraction Access Categories

^very helpful link to plan parks/rides with ECV.

 

[keishashadow]

Ok, thanks for the info so far. Trying not to overthink this, failing.

DH brought up a point, since the foot is supposed to be kept as elevated as possible, perhaps the 4 wheel would be better. Appears as tho could possibly rest foot upon wheel well/bumper if stationary with some maneuvering?

Not sure if 4 wheel would be more difficult to maneuver, being there over 4th of July.

 

[Evita_W]

I definitely would suggest using Gold Mobility and call them to discuss and you can book over the phone. But if you are going 4th of July, I would call now, I know there will be high demand and you don't want them selling out before you can book.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Ok, thanks for the info so far. Trying not to overthink this, failing.

DH brought up a point, since the foot is supposed to be kept as elevated as possible, perhaps the 4 wheel would be better. Appears as tho could possibly rest foot upon wheel well/bumper if stationary with some maneuvering?

Not sure if 4 wheel would be more difficult to maneuver, being there over 4th of July.

I am not sure any ECV will allow you to elevate foot enough to make a difference from my trips. if you find you need to raise foot for awhile I would look at a stop by first aid for a rest

 

[LoveToDisney]

I have a Pride Go Go Sport 3-wheel and the large battery is more than enough for a full day. Be sure to plug it in to charge each night and you will be set for the next day. A 3-wheel is easier to use within the lines to make turns around the corners. Enjoy your trip!

 

[keishashadow]

A 3-wheel is easier to use within the lines to make turns around the corners. Enjoy your trip!

thank you!

Decided to do a practice run at local walmart on one of the big, clunky scooters they have yesterday. Got just a bit too confident after 15 minutes navigating up & down the uncrowned aisles.

I wound up clipping the back left wheel on a rack of shirts, drug it along a foot or so, with it screeching all the way. A few more training trips are surely in order

 

[Betty Rohrer]

thank you!

Decided to do a practice run at local walmart on one of the big, clunky scooters they have yesterday. Got just a bit too confident after 15 minutes navigating up & down the uncrowned aisles.

I wound up clipping the back left wheel on a rack of shirts, drug it along a foot or so, with it screeching all the way. A few more training trips are surely in order

remember the smaller 3 wheeled one turn a lot easier than the Walmart ones even the smaller 4 wheel ones

 

[HappyDisneyWife]

When transferring to a ride, is it ‘safe’ to keep a bag with just replaceable stuff - ponchos, water bottles etc. in it?

As to this particular point, you have to do what you are comfortable with, but I do Disney with 2 bags hanging on my chair- a little one that I take with me (it’s got my necessities- like med’s & my phone), and a backpack that I leave hanging all the time (it’s got extras- like my rain jacket, snacks, etc). I always ride my Fold & Go all the way up to the ride loading area, then just unclip the little one & go ride! I used to worry a little, but I don’t anymore. I’ve never had anything taken off my chair (but I also have a tracker attached to it & accept that I have to be willing to lose whatever I leave with it).

I had a strange thing happen last time I rode pirates- my sister dropped me off & I loaded while she was moving my WC with a CM who was trying to insist that I take all bags with me so they wouldn’t be held responsible for my belongings !?? We’d never run into anything like that before. She assured the zealous CM that I always leave them unattended, and we accept full responsibility if there is a theft of those nonessentials… then she walked away and joined me on the ride. It was so odd & hopefully a one-off.

 

[Flamingo Karen]

Broken foot is taking it’s good ole’ time to heal. dr indicates ECV is a necessity for upcoming WDW trip. Wasn’t expecting this, now scrambling trying to decide which one/where to book one. Want to make sure I’m not missing anything important.

Adult family member has rented in the past for WDW, he won’t be along on the trip to advise. Will admit to not really paying much attention to all the ins & outs as he had it well in hand.

Did bring it inside the room each night for security & to give it a full charge for next day.

He had a larger one that was only used on disney transportation. Looking at a small, 3 wheel one from GMS. Site indicates it breaks down & can fit in car. We will have a rental, midsize. Appears an empty car trunk would be big enough to transporting it. I think???

Site states GMS could meet us at both resorts of split stay, WL & Portofino at Universal. Price seems reasonable (assume no coupons floating about). Reviews I’ve read here seem positive and that they are prompt with delivery & pickup.

The battery specs for the 3 wheel don’t match up with what I consider a ‘full day’. Will be well under the maximum weight limit. Are they conservatively estimating things re the battery? If not, are there specific places in the parks where you can charge battery if we find it is draining rapidly? I hope there is a battery indicator, is that standard?

When it rains, will a poncho wrapped around the electric console suffice to protect it? Maybe should bring a small tarp from home & bungee cords?

When transferring to a ride, is it ‘safe’ to keep a bag with just replaceable stuff - ponchos, water bottles etc. in it?

TIA

Hi! Just adding 2 thoughts. I don't believe any of the rental places rent 4 wheel scooters that break down. If you are going anywhere that you want to drive in the car and have the chair with you I would certainly look at the breakdown one. I know your family will have no problem taking it apart and putting it in the trunk. As far as charging the battery, there are plugs all over the park, but they are not easy to spot as they are usually painted the same color as the walls they are on. My power wheelchair goes all day without charge, but my sister's 4 wheel travel scooter does not. Wherever you eat, there will be plugs available. Just ask a cast member and they will tell you where to find one. If we are going on a ride with a long wait time, she will sometimes plug it in while we are in line and riding. Keep the bag in the chair basket. We go 20 to 30 days a year and have never had anyone take anything. Have a Magical trip.

 

[robinb]

I rented a 3-wheel Victory from Gold last month. I rested my foot up on the fender occasionally, but it did kind of stick out and may be a problem when you're moving. It was very maneuverable and turned on a dime. I managed to go through every line without hitting anything ... even those with marks from other unsuccessful scooter riders. I left the ponchos and water bottles and refillable mug in the basket. I also accidentally left my phone more than once! It was my DH's job to remind me .

 

[Poohs Wishing Star]

If you rent a mobility scooter from Gold Mobility Scooter, or any other company, and you need to keep your foot elevated, try calling the company directly and explain your situation. Someone at the company might be able to retrofit something for you.

If you search "mobility scooter leg rest" and look under images on a search engine, you will find pictures of leg rests that can be attached to a mobility scooter. (As someone else indicated, it might cause problems with your leg sticking out too far from the scooter itself.)

One of the companies might be able to design something similar. (Randy's Mobility, my go-to company, had hand-crafted and added an attachment for a rollator to a scooter for me. This was long before walker attachments became standard upon request.)

There are instructions for disassembling various models of 4-wheel mobility scooters on YouTube. The following video has instructions for disassembling three versions of 4-wheel scooters:

I have used mobility scooters at Walt Disney World and Disneyland during the previous 20 years. The two best pieces of advice that I can give to you are:

1. Turn the key to "off" every time you will be stopped for a few minutes, such as restaurants, fireworks shows, parades, slow-moving lines, etc. The battery will maintain its charge for a longer period of time.

2. When going up a ramp, such as the monorail ramps at Epcot, Magic Kingdom, or Transportation and Ticket Center, do not worry if the battery seems to be discharging quickly. It is only a temporary situation when reading the battery charge meter, and will correct itself when on flat land again.

 

[Evita_W]

Hi! Just adding 2 thoughts. I don't believe any of the rental places rent 4 wheel scooters that break down. If you are going anywhere that you want to drive in the car and have the chair with you I would certainly look at the breakdown one. I know your family will have no problem taking it apart and putting it in the trunk. As far as charging the battery, there are plugs all over the park, but they are not easy to spot as they are usually painted the same color as the walls they are on. My power wheelchair goes all day without charge, but my sister's 4 wheel travel scooter does not. Wherever you eat, there will be plugs available. Just ask a cast member and they will tell you where to find one. If we are going on a ride with a long wait time, she will sometimes plug it in while we are in line and riding. Keep the bag in the chair basket. We go 20 to 30 days a year and have never had anyone take anything. Have a Magical trip.

3 wheel generally go further than 4 wheel devices.

But I believe Gold Mobility does have some 4 wheel ones the break apart. But I honestly would say the 3 wheel victory 10 is the best for having some where to put a leg slightly up as far as scooters go. Additionally, as the PP said, I am sure if you call and explain they can help come up with something.

Alternatively, there are companies like Fold and Go that will rent you a folding wheel chair shipped to your home and then you could use it at the airport, etc. And some have optional leg rests that can be used to put your leg up. It really comes down to what you are comfortable with and what works best for your needs.

 

[Evita_W]

As to this particular point, you have to do what you are comfortable with, but I do Disney with 2 bags hanging on my chair- a little one that I take with me (it’s got my necessities- like med’s & my phone), and a backpack that I leave hanging all the time (it’s got extras- like my rain jacket, snacks, etc). I always ride my Fold & Go all the way up to the ride loading area, then just unclip the little one & go ride! I used to worry a little, but I don’t anymore. I’ve never had anything taken off my chair (but I also have a tracker attached to it & accept that I have to be willing to lose whatever I leave with it).

I had a strange thing happen last time I rode pirates- my sister dropped me off & I loaded while she was moving my WC with a CM who was trying to insist that I take all bags with me so they wouldn’t be held responsible for my belongings !?? We’d never run into anything like that before. She assured the zealous CM that I always leave them unattended, and we accept full responsibility if there is a theft of those nonessentials… then she walked away and joined me on the ride. It was so odd & hopefully a one-off.

On a trip right now and I have noticed every CM at every attraction insist you take all of your valuables with you. On some attractions, they will not let us take our refillable cups, but they are both Disney and currently available for purchase, so one CM assured us if something did happen under such circumstances when we expressed concern, they would replace it.

 

[Heather07438]

When transferring to a ride, is it ‘safe’ to keep a bag with just replaceable stuff - ponchos, water bottles etc. in it?

We leave stuff behind too. We try not to leave anything we’d greatly miss but often we left WDW shopping bags in our basket and covered them well with junk like hoodies, crumpled maps and half drank water bottles lol. DH has a small backpack that hangs easily on back of scooter seat by arm straps and that’s where keep valuable stuff like cameras etc and we always take with us.

 

[mamabunny]

Ok, thanks for the info so far. Trying not to overthink this, failing.

DH brought up a point, since the foot is supposed to be kept as elevated as possible, perhaps the 4 wheel would be better. Appears as tho could possibly rest foot upon wheel well/bumper if stationary with some maneuvering?

Not sure if 4 wheel would be more difficult to maneuver, being there over 4th of July.

3 wheels tend to be more maneuverable, especially through the queues.

One thing to remember: You can always take short breaks at First Aid, and ask for an area to elevate your foot, and they also have ice packs you can use as well. That may help prevent you from leaving the Park before you are actually ready. First Aid at all 4 Parks is well-marked on the maps (both the paper versions, and in the My Disney Experience app), and everyone there is always very kind and friendly.

I would certainly reach out to your medical team, and make sure they know you are going to WDW - just in case they have any further information for you prior to the trip.

 

[Heather07438]

Ok, thanks for the info so far. Trying not to overthink this, failing.

DH brought up a point, since the foot is supposed to be kept as elevated as possible, perhaps the 4 wheel would be better. Appears as tho could possibly rest foot upon wheel well/bumper if stationary with some maneuvering?

Not sure if 4 wheel would be more difficult to maneuver, being there over 4th of July.

The biggest difference we found between 3 & 4 wheel is in ride queue switchbacks but both are still maneuverable.
The scooters we’ve used had a swivel chair which would come in handy after finding something to prop your foot up. I’m not sure the distance from chair to the front of ecv would be comfortable to put foot up? Also people may bump into the foot when it’s on the end. Ouch

 

[Evita_W]

The biggest difference we found between 3 & 4 wheel is in ride queue switchbacks but both are still maneuverable.
The scooters we’ve used had a swivel chair which would come in handy after finding something to prop your foot up. I’m not sure the distance from chair to the front of ecv would be comfortable to put foot up? Also people may bump into the foot when it’s on the end. Ouch

The ones we get from Gold Mobility have the ability to push the seat back, even DH at 6'2" tall wouldn't have his leg extend past the end of the scooter if his leg was propped up with the seat pushed all the way back. This is on a victory 10 with captains chair. You may need to lower the tiller more as a result, so it is closer to you though.