Home scooter or rental

[Floridadreaming2016]

I was planning on bringing a scooter. A small scooter with 1 battery. I was told that home scooters can't handle Disney. Is this true?

 

[Bete]

Can you give us the exact name and model. It would help to decide.

For the cost of a scooter rental (depends on your length of stay) you may be able to buy a second battery. Then, you could switch when necessary. You could rent a locker at the park. If you take a break at the resort mid afternoon then you could switch to the new battery that way, as well. Keep in mind though you will have to charge two batteries everyday.

To conserve battery power, you need to shut off the scooter as much as possible like when you are seeing a show, parade, or fireworks. If you are eating at the parks then you can find an outlet and top off your battery while you eat. Battery power also depends on the weight of the driver. The heavier you are the more battery power is used up. Don't carry extra heavy weight in the basket like a camera or bottles of water. If you follow all these steps you can probably go between 6 to 8 hours on a smaller scooter. Another issue is how old the battery is and how much you use it. If the battery is old and you use it a lot then you may have an issue.

 

[Floridadreaming2016]

Can you give us the exact name and model. It would help to decide.

For the cost of a scooter rental (depends on your length of stay) you may be able to buy a second battery. Then, you could switch when necessary. You could rent a locker at the park. If you take a break at the resort mid afternoon then you could switch to the new battery that way, as well. Keep in mind though you will have to charge two batteries everyday.

To conserve battery power, you need to shut off the scooter as much as possible like when you are seeing a show, parade, or fireworks. Is you are eating at the parks then you can find an outlet and top off your battery while you eat. Battery power also depends on the weight of the driver. The heavier you are the more battery power is used up. Don't carry extra heavy weight in the basket like a camera or bottles of water. If you follow all these steps you can probably go between 6 to 8 hours on a smaller scooter. Another issue is how old the battery is and how much you use it. If the battery is old and you use it a lot then you may have an issue.

It is a golden buzz around lite.
The battery holds a charge well. I have to replace the handle paddles as well.

 

[SueM in MN]

I had written an entire post and it didn't save, so here goes again!

The information sheet says the maximum weight is 250 pounds (driver, plus anything you are carrying).
The maximum range is 8 miles. The range is the average distance you should be able to go on a fully charged battery with a weight load of 250 pounds or less.
If you weigh less, your range should be greater than that.
Other things that affect the range include whether the battery is fully charged to start with, speed and things like climbing hills or driving on uneven terrain (like gravel, which you won't find at WDW). The maximum speed is listed as 4 mph, so if you are consistently going at full speed, your range will be affected.
You should turn it off whenever you are not driving - that's both to conserve battery life and for safety.
Most people don't need to top the battery off, but you should at least carry you charger with in case you need to.

This is a link to the information sheet.
http://www.goldentech.com/wp-conten...lBuzzaround/BuzzLiteGB106SellSheet.090413.pdf

The only part I didn't see is how long it takes to fully recharge. My guess is that is a big factor for some people running out of power. Some can take as short as 6 hours and others as long as 12 hours, so if you don't have that much time to charge, your range will be decreased the next day.
That can be very important if you have a long day and then are getting an early morning the next day.

You should be able to figure out the charge time or find it out from the place where you bought it.

 

[Floridadreaming2016]

Thanks so much

 

[chelynnah]

Something often overlooked is if you do take your own scooter and encounter a problem, you should know ahead of time of a local repair. The gonus of renting is that the rental companies will meet you and fix or swap right ther in the park (if they're a preferred company). If it's your own, you could be out of luck. I have read on the WDW mobility page that Buena Vista rentals will actually service personal scooters for a cost, so it might be worth taking their number with you just in case.

 

[mamabunny]

I take my personal scooter to WDW all the time. It's a different model, but after looking at the manual for yours, I think it would be OK. Only you know for sure if you will be comfortable sitting on it for several hours every day; as long as that isn't an issue, I say bring it!

Only thing I think we need to discuss is this:

If you are flying with your personal scooter, be sure to arrive at the airport at least an additional 30 minutes earlier than "normal". You will want to work with the gate crew so that they can ensure that your scooter is properly gate-tagged, and to let the flight crew know that there will be a battery-powered device in the hold.

Most airlines will board you first, so be prepared.

Every airline has different rules regarding mobility devices. Generally speaking, however, you should be able to drive your scooter right down to the gate of the plane, and hand it off to the gate crew. It will come back up to you at the gate (typically after most of the plane has emptied), so be sure to plan for a slightly longer layover if you have connections.

You are allowed to bring one bag on board the plane that has the charger, the battery (if it is removable) and/or a spare battery and it will not count against your regular carry-on limit. That bag is considered to be part of the scooter, and so should "fly for free". There should be no additional charge by the airline to fly your scooter - it should be treated as medical equipment.

Regardless of whether you drive or fly, it's always a good idea to bring along a heavy-duty extension cord (with three prongs on the plug end, and three holes on the receptacle end) for charging your scooter.

 

[SueM in MN]

I take my personal scooter to WDW all the time. It's a different model, but after looking at the manual for yours, I think it would be OK. Only you know for sure if you will be comfortable sitting on it for several hours every day; as long as that isn't an issue, I say bring it!

Only thing I think we need to discuss is this:

If you are flying with your personal scooter, be sure to arrive at the airport at least an additional 30 minutes earlier than "normal". You will want to work with the gate crew so that they can ensure that your scooter is properly gate-tagged, and to let the flight crew know that there will be a battery-powered device in the hold.

Most airlines will board you first, so be prepared.

Every airline has different rules regarding mobility devices. Generally speaking, however, you should be able to drive your scooter right down to the gate of the plane, and hand it off to the gate crew. It will come back up to you at the gate (typically after most of the plane has emptied), so be sure to plan for a slightly longer layover if you have connections.

You are allowed to bring one bag on board the plane that has the charger, the battery (if it is removable) and/or a spare battery and it will not count against your regular carry-on limit. That bag is considered to be part of the scooter, and so should "fly for free". There should be no additional charge by the airline to fly your scooter - it should be treated as medical equipment.

Regardless of whether you drive or fly, it's always a good idea to bring along a heavy-duty extension cord (with three prongs on the plug end, and three holes on the receptacle end) for charging your scooter.

Even with the same airline, it might depend on the airport and how close your gate it to an elevator that goes down to the ground.

I used to advise bringing a heavy duty extension cord, but noticed in the last few years that some of the instruction manuals specifically say not to use any kind of extension cord. So check the manual for your specific device.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Before I was fully in power chair I use to bring my gogo elite traveller from the UK on the plane. It saved money and it performed well in the parks. Mamabunny offers good advise around the powerlead and airline if needed.

I found my own better than rental. You know your own machine! The only place it struggled was EPCOT going up the slope near UK to IG. It would get through batteries in that park but it is large! Bring a cable to charge it at lunch judt in case!

 

[chaoslobster]

The rental places offer the same model options as you find when you purchase a scooter at home. It's not like renting automatically means you're getting something better -- honestly most rentals are worse if only because you're used to the steering and control of your own and switching will throw you off. Unless you specifically rent some kind of extended battery life special scooter, which I have never heard of but maybe they exist, the rental is just as likely to have battery issues as a personal scooter. Probably more so because they're used so frequently by many people.

 

[Floridadreaming2016]

Mine needs repairs so I will have to rent anyhow

 

[stitchlovestink]

I take my personal scooter to WDW all the time. It's a different model, but after looking at the manual for yours, I think it would be OK. Only you know for sure if you will be comfortable sitting on it for several hours every day; as long as that isn't an issue, I say bring it!

Only thing I think we need to discuss is this:

If you are flying with your personal scooter, be sure to arrive at the airport at least an additional 30 minutes earlier than "normal". You will want to work with the gate crew so that they can ensure that your scooter is properly gate-tagged, and to let the flight crew know that there will be a battery-powered device in the hold.

Most airlines will board you first, so be prepared.

Every airline has different rules regarding mobility devices. Generally speaking, however, you should be able to drive your scooter right down to the gate of the plane, and hand it off to the gate crew. It will come back up to you at the gate (typically after most of the plane has emptied), so be sure to plan for a slightly longer layover if you have connections.

You are allowed to bring one bag on board the plane that has the charger, the battery (if it is removable) and/or a spare battery and it will not count against your regular carry-on limit. That bag is considered to be part of the scooter, and so should "fly for free". There should be no additional charge by the airline to fly your scooter - it should be treated as medical equipment.

Regardless of whether you drive or fly, it's always a good idea to bring along a heavy-duty extension cord (with three prongs on the plug end, and three holes on the receptacle end) for charging your scooter.

Actually I know for fact on SW (and previously AirTran) you absolutely are NOT SUPPOSED to bring the battery into the cabin. They will inquire as to what type of battery you have. If you have a wet cell battery (like what a car uses) most newer models don't use this style but I cannot speak for the type of battery a powerchair would use...anyway wet cell batteries require special care by the airline for transport and must be put in a special box during the flight and absolutely should not be in the passenger cabin.
Please check with your airline!! SW does not limit you to one bag. Whatever needs to be removed from your ECV, so it doesn't get damaged is what you take off. Carry it on the plane with you as it doesn't count as a part of your allotment as it is considered medical equipment and medical equipment is excluded. It is really quite easy and EXTREMELY convenient to travel with your own ECV.
And as Sue commented earlier an extension cord may not be a wise idea. I strongly suggest checking your owners manual about the use of an extension cord. Mine clearly states it voids my warranty.

 

[mamabunny]

Actually I know for fact on SW (and previously AirTran) you absolutely are NOT SUPPOSED to bring the battery into the cabin. They will inquire as to what type of battery you have. If you have a wet cell battery (like what a car uses) most newer models don't use this style but I cannot speak for the type of battery a powerchair would use...anyway wet cell batteries require special care by the airline for transport and must be put in a special box during the flight and absolutely should not be in the passenger cabin.
Please check with your airline!! SW does not limit you to one bag. Whatever needs to be removed from your ECV, so it doesn't get damaged is what you take off. Carry it on the plane with you as it doesn't count as a part of your allotment as it is considered medical equipment and medical equipment is excluded. It is really quite easy and EXTREMELY convenient to travel with your own ECV.
And as Sue commented earlier an extension cord may not be a wise idea. I strongly suggest checking your owners manual about the use of an extension cord. Mine clearly states it voids my warranty.

Right. I agree - and I assume that anyone posting on this forum should read, and be familiar with, their owner's manual for their personal mobility device. I carry mine in the battery bag, and have a .PDF copy downloaded to all of my devices.

My batteries are Lithium-Ion (Li-On) and are removable. All of the airlines we have ever flown on have asked for the battery(s) to be removed and stored in the cabin, per FAA regs. My DH works for a major airline, so I'm familiar with the rules The manufacturer (a pilot who designed and created the device) of my ECV very clearly states on the website that this is the expected procedure for this type of battery.

Yes, "wet cell" batteries are handled differently, again by FAA decree; so are Nim-H and certain other "dry cell" batteries. (although I don't know what percentage of devices in the medical mobility market use those battery technologies) Batteries in general are a huge headache for airlines; thats why we need to arrive a bit early to make sure that they have a chance to decide *how* your device will fly, and where the batteries are to be stored.

So there isn't a "one-size fits all" rule for this; you assume that the battery must fly under because that's how your device flies. I have a different experience due to the different battery chemistry that my device uses.

You are correct that medical equipment doesn't count against carry-on limits. I make do nicely with the battery bag that my ECV manufacturer supplies. Luckily, I don't need to remove anything else from my scooter for it to fly safely. Again, I realize that this might not be the case for everyone; without the battery, my ECV is so lightweight that 95% of the time the gate crew just carries it down the jetway stairs and into the hold it goes. Without the battery (and me) the entire ECV weighs less than 30 pounds since I typically travel without the seat back installed.

And as far as extension cords go... again, not all manufacturers embargo the use of extension cords. I typically don't need one, but carry it because I am always over-prepared; the cord that is attached to my chargers (I carry one for each battery that I travel with) is typically more than long enough.

So, clearly you and I have very different mobility devices. That's OK. I always assume positive intent when reading or posting here; I also always assume that anyone who has the need for a personal mobility device will have taken the time to learn all they can about it.