I got ran over by a scooter!

[BillSears]

We were strolling out of Philharmagic walking past the "stroller parking lot" when someone rolled over and parked their electronic scooter...................ON MY FOOT!

First of all the lady in the scooter was rude and you didn't deserve to be treated that way. However...

As a wheelchair user I'm fairly certain that you actually ran into her not her into you. For her wheels to actually roll over your foot your foot has to be under the scooter. If you were standing still maybe she could have rolled up over your foot but with both of you moving the front of her scooter would be in front of you before her wheels could touch your foot. Since her scooter occupied the space first, you ran into her. If the front of her scooter had hit you then she would have been at fault.

Since you never mentioned that you saw her before the wheel was on your foot I assume you didn't notice her until the accident. At the very least both of you were at fault but mostly I think you needed to pay more attention to where you were walking.

I've had many people walk right into me. I do apologize when it happens. Bascially it's civil to apologize when 2 people bump into each other no matter who is "at fault".

 

[disneynewbee]

I see alot of excuses for ecv uses that it's not there fault for running over others because people stop in front of them and such. I just want to say when I was ran over I was sitting still watching illuminations. I think alot of people are using these machines for the first time at disney and that is part of the problem, it's like driving a car for your very first time on a highway.

 

[CindyBella]

I'm not understanding your statement or question. Of course, you should assume they are disabled. It still sounds like you are assuming this woman wasn't disabled because she could walk. As many others have posted, being able to walk does not mean someone isn't disabled.

What do you mean you can't win either way?

Gosh..sometimes the thoughts in my head do not come out right here. When speaking with others, they said they would never want anyone to treat them as if they were disabled just because they chose to rent a scooter. Yet others seem to think anyone renting a scooter must have a disablity and needs speacial treatment.

My Mom has bad knees she however is too vain to use a scooter. She is someone that would not to be JUDGED as disabled! If she did use one, do bad knees qualify as a DISABILTY ???? I do not agree. For my Moms case, it is not a disability, I love her to death but, it is a lack of excercise!!

 

[Bliss22]

I'm not understanding your statement or question. Of course, you should assume they are disabled. It still sounds like you are assuming this woman wasn't disabled because she could walk. As many others have posted, being able to walk does not mean someone isn't disabled.

What do you mean you can't win either way?

I did not say anything about making a doctor appointment to get a "note". Think that under the disabilities act they should issue "permits" or something of that nature for people who truly need these vehicles. But nice "knee jerk reaction though, would not expect anything less here. This comment was made in general, I never referenced the "old lady". To many people take advatage of services like this. Disney does not have to have the "scooters" at all. This is a service they provide.

 

[madfordonald]

whoo boy...this isn't what this thread needed.
Thanks for your insight Bill but what are you going to get for calling OP a liar? There have been a couple of other posters that have stated that they or someone they saw have been "run over" by one of these ECV. They were in the way first?

Regardless of who was in the way first, the fact remains that it hurts peds. alot more than it hurts the riders. It might be a jaywalkers fault he got hit by the car, but he's the one that's going to hurt or go to the hospital.

 

[Allison]

I did not say anything about making a doctor appointment to get a "note". Think that under the disabilities act they should issue "permits" or something of that nature for people who truly need these vehicles. But nice "knee jerk reaction though, would not expect anything less here. This comment was made in general, I never referenced the "old lady". To many people take advatage of services like this. Disney does not have to have the "scooters" at all. This is a service they provide.

Huh?? Why are you quoting me? Your response has nothing to do with my post.

 

[Allison]

Gosh..sometimes the thoughts in my head do not come out right here. When speaking with others, they said they would never want anyone to treat them as if they were disabled just because they chose to rent a scooter. Yet others seem to think anyone renting a scooter must have a disablity and needs speacial treatment.

My Mom has bad knees she however is too vain to use a scooter. She is someone that would not to be JUDGED as disabled! If she did use one, do bad knees qualify as a DISABILTY ???? I do not agree. For my Moms case, it is not a disability, I love her to death but, it is a lack of excercise!!

That's your mom. That doesn't apply to anyone else. If she is too vain to use a scooter and it lessens her enjoyment of the park, then I think that is a shame. Why not use something that would be of assistance to her?

I haven't seen anyone ask for special treatment here. All people have done is to tell you not to judge people based on what you see in the span of a minute or two. However, that appears to be a lost cause.

 

[rie'smom]

Considering the cost of renting a scooter I think this is a lot more rare than most people think. Considering the amount of time I've been in handicapped waiting areas at parks (Disney and non), I've never seen this happen once. I'd also be very curious to know the ages of the children driving this ECV supposedly, because WDW has a VERY strict age policy on driving and riding in one of the rented ones and the CM's have NO issue with stopping anyone underage from driving them.

The last two times we were at WDW-May,2005 & May 2006,My DH and I heard 2 different families laughing about using the ECVs for fun. While I don't remember the exact words, it was someting like this: We sure don't have to walk and get all sweaty,we can ride the whatever they called it One family's children about ages 10-12 were cutting up on the ecv and driving it in circles with little regard to those around them.We all know that CMs can't keep an eye on every little thing that people do wrong.
In fact, it may be a little more common than some people think. I don't think most of us have a problem with those who need them using them,but when you see this abused,it does get annoying.
If we are not around when a poster says they witnessed something,then it's really not right to insinuate that they are lying. One day,one of us may
want to share something we witnessed and we wouldn't want our integrity insulted.

 

[Robin4]

I'm sorry that happened! For such a happy place WDW has quite the group of rude people! 2 years ago when I went this older woman on an ECV literally ran over this lady! She was coming down from the little hill in MGM going into the area where Playhouse Disney etc. is and obviously she didn't let off the gas at all because she was going way too fast! This little girl (I'd say she was around 4) was standing near the In Character Giftshop (which I was in) and nearly got mowed over by this lady on her ECV. Thankfully her mom jumped in the way but in the process got ran over. The ECV lady was still hitting the gas! Someone had to pick the ECV off the mom! It was really crazy to watch because I saw the ECV lady flying down the hill and then heard someone scream. Let me just say I was about ready to have a few choice words with to the ECV lady! The lady seemed really upset about what she had done and of course the mom was livid but Disney castmembers came to the rescue! That could have been (or was) a lovely lawsuit! It just drives me nuts how some people (just a select few) use their handicap to bully people in crowds or not use the ECVs properly. I'm sure lots of people have gotten hurt from similar incidents.

 

[CindyBella]

First of all the lady in the scooter was rude and you didn't deserve to be treated that way. However...

As a wheelchair user I'm fairly certain that you actually ran into her not her into you. For her wheels to actually roll over your foot your foot has to be under the scooter. If you were standing still maybe she could have rolled up over your foot but with both of you moving the front of her scooter would be in front of you before her wheels could touch your foot. Since her scooter occupied the space first, you ran into her. If the front of her scooter had hit you then she would have been at fault.

Since you never mentioned that you saw her before the wheel was on your foot I assume you didn't notice her until the accident. At the very least both of you were at fault but mostly I think you needed to pay more attention to where you were walking.

I've had many people walk right into me. I do apologize when it happens. Bascially it's civil to apologize when 2 people bump into each other no matter who is "at fault".

Thanks.... but she was trying to merge her parked scooter into the crowd exiting the attraction. She came from my right side. She was determined. Thanks for calling me a liar though.

 

[Ride Junkie]

I feel the OP's pain with this. Rude people are just the worst. Should she have made the comment about her walking into the store? Maybe not, but it seems she made the right judgement call on this particular person because if she was anything like most of the people railing on her for making this statement they would have called her out on that remark, but it doesn't appear as if this person did.

All the person on the scoooter had to do was say they were sorry, but they felt like some entitlement and couldn't even do that. I'm with you CindyBella. Seems like others on here are being pretty judgemental as well...

Thank you, you summed it up nicely.

I think the OP was just trying to make the point that ECV lady was rude for not apologizing. The whole walking thing was just a comment she made as a reaction to getting blown off (and many of us might have said something similar in the heat of the moment). Somehow, a bunch of people took THAT part of the post & ran with it. Some people are a little overly sensitive in here!

CindyBella, I feel bad that so many people flamed you on this. To those people I say: What-ever!!

 

[CindyBella]

That's your mom. That doesn't apply to anyone else. If she is too vain to use a scooter and it lessens her enjoyment of the park, then I think that is a shame. Why not use something that would be of assistance to her?

I haven't seen anyone ask for special treatment here. All people have done is to tell you not to judge people based on what you see in the span of a minute or two. However, that appears to be a lost cause.

That is the problem ...bad knees are not a disability in my book. She may enjoy the park more using one but....who wouldn't? It is just not right. It is lazy. Some people in this country just do not like to move their bodies even when they are physically able to. Using a scooter for some is just a way to continue that sedentary lifestyle while at WDW and I do not agree with it. There I said it!!

 

[Nala56]

The last two times we were at WDW-May,2005 & May 2006,My DH and I heard 2 different families laughing about using the ECVs for fun. While I don't remember the exact words, it was someting like this: We sure don't have to walk and get all sweaty,we can ride the whatever they called it One family's children about ages 10-12 were cutting up on the ecv and driving it in circles with little regard to those around them.We all know that CMs can't keep an eye on every little thing that people do wrong.
In fact, it may be a little more common than some people think. I don't think most of us have a problem with those who need them using them,but when you see this abused,it does get annoying.
If we are not around when a poster says they witnessed something,then it's really not right to insinuate that they are lying. One day,one of us may
want to share something we witnessed and we wouldn't want our integrity insulted.

We go to dw every year, the year before last we saw a large group that appeared to be several families touring dw together. They had three scooters, we were at MK and we ran into them several times during the day. Each time we saw them someone else was in the scooter. We watch them come off of a ride and again different people run to get onto the scooters that was parked by handicap exit.

I understand totally the op frustation, and that comes from a mother with a handicapped child. Some people ruin it for others that are truly handicapped.
I do understand all disabilities are not visable, and just because someone is able to walk does not mean that do not need a scooter. Just trying to see both sides of this conversion.

 

[OhhBother]

If you've never rented an ECV at Disney, let me assure you it's not all fun and games. My dad rented one last January after having a lung removed and undergoing chemo, which he completed two months before.

Every time we boarded a bus, it was a hassle for all involved. My poor dad felt so conspicuous. And we never asked to be in shorter lines. When we were directed to a special line, it often took longer.

We're going back in December, and my dad refuses to rent an ECV -- primarily because of the attitudes displayed by people like the OP and some others in this thread. Even though he only has one lung and 40% breathing capacity, Dad looks healthy as a horse. Heaven forbid he be seen parking the ECV and walking into a shop!

He'd rather push himself physically than deal with the hassle of the ECV and the closemindedness of people who, instead of judging others, should thank God for their health.

There's no question the OP was owed an apology by the ECV driver who parked on her foot. Likewise, there's no question the OP owes an apology to anyone with a hidden disability.

 

[OhhBother]

That is the problem ...bad knees are not a disability in my book. She may enjoy the park more using one but....who wouldn't? It is just not right. It is lazy. Some people in this country just do not like to move their bodies even when they are physically able to. Using a scooter for some is just a way to continue that sedentary lifestyle while at WDW and I do not agree with it. There I said it!!

Sorry, but that's completely illogical. By that same token, some might say you're lazy because you use a stroller. You're physically able to carry the kid, so why do you need a stroller? Using your logic, it's lazy. You may enjoy the park more using one, but who wouldn't? Isn't that what you said?

 

[rie'smom]

If you've never rented an ECV at Disney, let me assure you it's not all fun and games. My dad rented one last January after having a lung removed and undergoing chemo, which he completed two months before.

Every time we boarded a bus, it was a hassle for all involved. My poor dad felt so conspicuous. And we never asked to be in shorter lines. When we were directed to a special line, it often took longer.

We're going back in December, and my dad refuses to rent an ECV -- primarily because of the attitudes displayed by people like the OP and some others in this thread. Even though he only has one lung and 40% breathing capacity, Dad looks healthy as a horse. Heaven forbid he be seen parking the ECV and walking into a shop!

He'd rather push himself physically than deal with the hassle of the ECV and the closemindedness of people who, instead of judging others, should thank God for their health.

There's no question the OP was owed an apology by the ECV driver who parked on her foot. Likewise, there's no question the OP owes an apology to anyone with a hidden disability.

No one here is saying that those who need the ECVs shouldn't use them.
1.If your dad feels able to go through the parks without the ECV then maybe he's feeling stronger.
2. If he's not using the ECV and endangering his health,then maybe he shouldn't be so concerned with what other people think. You and your family should try to convince him to do what's best for his health.

 

[WaltD4Me]

That is the problem ...bad knees are not a disability in my book. She may enjoy the park more using one but....who wouldn't? It is just not right. It is lazy.

WHAT?!?

Wow, your insensitivity is ASTOUNDING.

Why are bad knees not a disability in "your book?" Knee pain can be very painful AND it can come from alot of things. I know a guy who is otherwise perfectly healthy and up until pretty recently, not at all "lazy" but he has a degenerative bone disease that is effecting his joints, early arthritis if you will, to walk down the hall, he's ok, but to walk long distances he uses crutches, he's never been to Disney, but if he did go, he says he would like to take daughter one day, he would need to use an ECV. Could you please mark it in your "book" so he will be able to do that?

 

[CindyBella]

If you've never rented an ECV at Disney, let me assure you it's not all fun and games. My dad rented one last January after having a lung removed and undergoing chemo, which he completed two months before.

Every time we boarded a bus, it was a hassle for all involved. My poor dad felt so conspicuous. And we never asked to be in shorter lines. When we were directed to a special line, it often took longer.

We're going back in December, and my dad refuses to rent an ECV -- primarily because of the attitudes displayed by people like the OP and some others in this thread. Even though he only has one lung and 40% breathing capacity, Dad looks healthy as a horse. Heaven forbid he be seen parking the ECV and walking into a shop!

He'd rather push himself physically than deal with the hassle of the ECV and the closemindedness of people who, instead of judging others, should thank God for their health.

There's no question the OP was owed an apology by the ECV driver who parked on her foot. Likewise, there's no question the OP owes an apology to anyone with a hidden disability.

I apologize to anyone with a hidden disability. If I have offended them. Truly that was not my intention.

I have been around the disboards long enough to know how people like to twist things around. Look, I am not someone that would EVER, EVER, EVER "make fun" of someone with a disability.

Look, I have a very proud dad that would not be caught dead on a scooter as well. If Dad was in a position were he needed a scooter and refused. Disney would be out. It is not worth it. Disney is great, we go 5 to 6 times a year but...not greater than my Dads health.

 

[SamRoc]

sorry op that you were injured by that rude woman, she should have apologized to you. There are too many abuses of people not needing scooters now. I know people that actually dont need them, but rent them to make their lives easier in the parks and cut in line. On of my neighbors here actually pulls this trick in Universal too, getting her husbands chirporactor to write him a note that he cant stand on lines (theres nothing wrong with this guy) Disney really has no way to know who needs scooters or not, and I do feel for people who need them, afterall everyone should be able to enjoy Disney. But there are too many peoople who love to get one over on others, they cheat in alot of aspects of their lives and dont feel they need to stand in line with the rest of us. This will be a contining problem, and I really dont know the solution.

 

[DonnaDuck]

I was ran over by an ECV last January. Let's just say, it has scared me of those things. My family and I were in an elevator at the CR, the doors of the elevator were closing. This lady wanted to get on the elevator bad so she hit the gas!! She came plowing through the doors and I was in her path! I was literally pinned against the wall. It's funny looking back now because her daughter looked at her and said, "Mom, what do you think you are doing?" The poor woman did not know how to work the thing and she could not get it off my foot. I was in agony!!! I did feel sorry for her. She appoligized over and over. I know she felt bad about it.

My Mom has lung disease and can't walk long distances. She has to be pushed in a wheelchair at WDW. She was going to try to get an ECV, but after this happened to me as she watched. She said she will never drive one of those things.

I just ask anyone that is driving one, please be careful. I don't know anything about them. But I hate to think what would have happened had my 2 year old (at the time) been in her path.