Here now and mom needs EV but scared! What is slowest easiest one to use?

alldiz

DIS Veteran
Joined
Oct 15, 2006
Messages
8,171
Hi,
My mom needs a scooter and she is scared to drive it:-(
Let’s just say she can’t swim or ride a bike.
Thanks
 
People say 3 wheel one is easier to drive. Does she need a lot of help or just a little help and a place to sit. Would a wheelchair that she could use as a walker but good enough? On flat areas (I know there aren't that many of them) wheelchairs aren't that hard to push. But just having a place is sit is priceless.

Soon the experts will chime in what works best.

My DH used one for the first time last trip, and was also scared. He went slow and did fine.
 
Then, if you've someone able to push her in a wheelchair, that will be the far better option.

Operating an ECV safely is somewhat like driving a car, particularly in Disney crowds. It takes focus, concentration and skills your mom likely doesn't have even if accustomed to using electric store carts.

Also, people will unexpectedly stop or dash across right in front of an ECV user--kids and adults. ECVs don't swerve aside or stop quickly.

I learned quickly by painfully jamming one foot into our front door while running DH's powerchair into the house that driving those is a lot more complicated than I thought.

On future trips, have her practice with an ECV in crowded stores or malls before she tries to use one at Disney.
 

People say 3 wheel one is easier to drive. Does she need a lot of help or just a little help and a place to sit. Would a wheelchair that she could use as a walker but good enough? On flat areas (I know there aren't that many of them) wheelchairs aren't that hard to push. But just having a place is sit is priceless.

Soon the experts will chime in what works best.

My DH used one for the first time last trip, and was also scared. He went slow and did fine.
Thanks for quick response!
She is 74 , out of shape, not too heavy.
It’s just too hot out and the walking is killing her.
I even told her I would drive it on and off monorail and crowded spot….. which I’m sure will get me some looks lol.

It’s her quality of life.
I can’t push her in a wheelchair , and the sit walker seems like work lol.
TYSM
 
I didn’t see all the quick responses
TYSM!!
Any chances I can order one now?
Should I go to concierge? I’m at the GF(DVC)

I will have her practice around the resort and get her confidence .
And I can drive in crowds, she can walk just not a long… and in heat!!!

Feel like I need to get a shirt that says….
I’m driving this for my mom right now… for your safety… don’t judge :/) lol
 
It’s ‘compact’ but it’s been great for me - so easy to maneuver when navigating crowds!
 
I have used Golds Mobility twice, and had great experiences both times. The 3 wheeled versions are easier to maneuver.

Btw, my brother in law helped get the scooter on and off buses and always helped me park on the boats. No one will look twice.
 
If you are walking.....
You can alternate attractions so she can have a rest. See a show like Beauty and the Beast where you sit for a while and then do a ride. Do a ride and then have a drink, snack or meal for a little rest. See a parade and then do a ride. See fireworks and then do a ride.

Some rides like A Small Small World, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of Carribbean allow you to sit for a while. Spaceship Earth and Living with the Land allow for sitting for awhile. You get the idea.

I pushed my mom in a wheelchair on at least 6 trips. I was in my early sixties at the time. By following the above schedule and alternating more restful attractions with the other rides I managed. I went at rope drop which is a cooler part of the day. Did it for 4-5 hours and then took a resort break. Went back for the evening which is also a cooler part of the day.
 
Thanks so much everyone I called Gogo nothing tmrw
Called link on here buena vista and that delivering tmrw for 2 night!
TYSM everyone :-)
just be careful that she is not running you too much too keep up with her by the second day. and yes I mean that even at her age as it is easier than she thinks. bet she will never want to go back to walking.
 
Let us know how it turns out. Sharing helps other people who are afraid using a scooter the first time.

When my husband used it for the first time. I had him practice outside of resort away from people, backing up to a trash can, making turns, etc.
 
Thanks so much everyone I called Gogo nothing tmrw
Called link on here buena vista and that delivering tmrw for 2 night!
TYSM everyone :-)

Awesome! Have her practice around the resort and you practice also. No one will care if you drive it on and off of busses or monorail or whatever for her. She can take it through most attraction lines but ask the CM at the entrance about it. She can also park it and walk through the lines. I usually take it through the long (either long wait or long walk) lines like Soarin - even if I have Genie+ for example Soarin is a long walk back to ride and out.

My young adult son will sometimes drive my rental ECV while I walk - especially Epcot where I don't want to park and leave it in a land and walk to another land cause it's a far walk. Sometimes my knees are good for walking. She doesn't need to feel like she can't get out. I usually walk in stores and park it for restaurants...depending on how bad my knees are. I think she will be very happy - it's not hard to drive just take it easy!
 
The current special event, Wicket Wind Down, is $55/person. You call MS to reserve, but it ends Aug 11th…no word if it is being extended yet…

If it is not, then there is nothing to reserve any more and you simply show up…if it’s full, you go on a waitlist and they text you when there is room.

If it is continued, then you can pay for the event which guarantees your table until 30 minutes before fireworks.

In that case, any night it is sold out, chances are when you go on the waitlist, you won’t get called back until closer to 9:00 pm.

The first post of this thread details DAS. You only need to read the first post, not the whole thread.

Applying for DAS 30 days in advance of a visit is quite new for WDW, within the past year. Prior to that, DAS was only given in the parks once you arrived.

DAS does 1 thing -- it allows the user and their party to obtain a Return Time, sort of like a FP. Do whatever you'd like until the return time: get a snack, take a break, do another attraction with a short wait, etc. Then go to the ride any time after the time noted, it doesn't expire but you cannot obtain another until you use it.

Usually DAS allows the DAS-holder plus 5 others. It may be possible to add more guests, but any given attraction will likely limit to 6. So your family might be added, but depending on how many that makes you may need to rotate who rides with the DAS-holder. If there are attractions the DAS-holder will not or cannot do, you might consider purchasing Genie+ because the DAS-holder must ride in order to use DAS.

Will you feel comfortable giving this family access to your MDE account -- log-in and password? If you manage their profiles they will need that to initially set-up the DAS as well as in-park to schedule DAS Return Times. It might be better to let them create their own MDE and then link everyone as Friends & Family. That way they control their own account but both groups will be able to work on plans -- DAS Return Times, Genie+ or I$LLs, ADRs, etc.

Getting DAS is not based on diagnosis, and Disney is not interested in seeing a doctor’s note or other written material (unless it is easier for the guest to communicate in writing).

The DAS applicant (or their parent, guardian, or companion) needs to explain the problem the individual has with waiting in a regular line. If the problem relates to stamina (tiredress) or mobility exclusively, it is likely that the Cast Member will not issue DAS but instead recommend a wheelchair, ECV, or other device. The individual with the disability must be present when the application is made (either virtually or in person).

GoGo Elite Traveller 3Wheel - It’s the Easy Peezie Lemon Squeezie ECV!

Go go lite from gold mobilty scooter looks like a smaller scooter.

Let us know how it turns out. Sharing helps other people who are afraid using a scooter the first time.

When my husband used it for the first time. I had him practice outside of resort away from people, backing up to a trash can, making turns, etc.

Awesome! Have her practice around the resort and you practice also. No one will care if you drive it on and off of busses or monorail or whatever for her. She can take it through most attraction lines but ask the CM at the entrance about it. She can also park it and walk through the lines. I usually take it through the long (either long wait or long walk) lines like Soarin - even if I have Genie+ for example Soarin is a long walk back to ride and out.

My young adult son will sometimes drive my rental ECV while I walk - especially Epcot where I don't want to park and leave it in a land and walk to another land cause it's a far walk. Sometimes my knees are good for walking. She doesn't need to feel like she can't get out. I usually walk in stores and park it for restaurants...depending on how bad my knees are. I think she will be very happy - it's not hard to drive just take it easy!
 
OP here!!
Hi OMG!!! This has been the most life changing thing for my mom!!!! And ME!!

She is the original chicken!!!! Like I have said, never learned to ride a bike, swim, no scary rides…. And what I mean by scary is splash mountain, BMTRR!! Anything past it’s a small world, Soarin is a thrill ride. Full disclosure I am just getting my big girl panties with rides. Love avatar!! Tried Everest, scared to try galaxy, won’t do space mountain RNR, TOT …. Ok I digress!

Ok My Mom got in the seat upon delivery and it was “a whole new world”!!!
Went Gaspirilla, monorail, navigated gridlock after parade like a champ!!!! Like omg!
I have not even sat in it yet!!! LOL
She has it on turtle mode and it’s perfect!!!!
Slow crawl walk speed!!!
Today I couldn’t keep up .. I’m like mom slow down. Can’t keep up did u make it faster???? She like yea nobody around LOL!!!
I’m like I can’t walk that fast!!!!
Also felt like VIP we brought in some rides, before realized about parking it.

She did not hit anyone!!! Not even me!!!
However 2nd floor GFV big pine bldg pole at elevator might have a ding;-)
AND she parked in spot at pirates at full turtle speed heard lil bang…. We have never laughed so hard!!!! We had to stop and let people pass on line to cross our legs and not pee our pants!!
I can’t say enough good things and one of the best decisions I have ever made!
Thanks everyone!!
 
OP here!!
Hi OMG!!! This has been the most life changing thing for my mom!!!! And ME!!

She is the original chicken!!!! Like I have said, never learned to ride a bike, swim, no scary rides…. And what I mean by scary is splash mountain, BMTRR!! Anything past it’s a small world, Soarin is a thrill ride. Full disclosure I am just getting my big girl panties with rides. Love avatar!! Tried Everest, scared to try galaxy, won’t do space mountain RNR, TOT …. Ok I digress!

Ok My Mom got in the seat upon delivery and it was “a whole new world”!!!
Went Gaspirilla, monorail, navigated gridlock after parade like a champ!!!! Like omg!
I have not even sat in it yet!!! LOL
She has it on turtle mode and it’s perfect!!!!
Slow crawl walk speed!!!
Today I couldn’t keep up .. I’m like mom slow down. Can’t keep up did u make it faster???? She like yea nobody around LOL!!!
I’m like I can’t walk that fast!!!!
Also felt like VIP we brought in some rides, before realized about parking it.

She did not hit anyone!!! Not even me!!!
However 2nd floor GFV big pine bldg pole at elevator might have a ding;-)
AND she parked in spot at pirates at full turtle speed heard lil bang…. We have never laughed so hard!!!! We had to stop and let people pass on line to cross our legs and not pee our pants!!
I can’t say enough good things and one of the best decisions I have ever made!
Thanks everyone!!
Which model did she end up with?
 












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