I hate mobility scooters

[phorsenuf]

I use an ECV. Do I need it on a daily basis? No. But when we go somewhere with a lot of walking I do. Both my husband and I need one actually, so using a wheelchair is out of he question. I can't push myself and he can't push me, likewise the other way around.

We stopped going out to the parks because we just couldn't do it any more. After my cancer surgery I broke down and bought one. It pretty much sits in our trunk so it's ready. We can now go to the parks and enjoy ourselves once again. We didn't get two so we share the one and it works out great. It keeps each of us from wearing out too quickly. I suppose to everyone we look like we are just using it because we are lazy since we switch off. I learned not to give a damn though. It greatly improved our way of life, so that's all that matters.

Are there people that abuse them? I'm sure there are, but it's not really fair to lump everyone in together. It's tough enough having to use one nevermind being looked down on because of one, both literally and figuratively. Do you really think people enjoy using them? Do you thing we like looking at butts all day? Being kicked in the head by parents carrying their kids? Hit in the face by hands and people not seeing us? You know how hard it is leaving after wishes, try navigating that throng. Believe me, using one is no picnic and it's sad to see people be so judgmental of those that do.

With the way the new DAS is set up they limit it against people with mobility disabilities. They tell you to rent an evc or wheelchair (way to increase your revenues Disney), so they are the ones contributing to the rising number of them in the parks and being driven by inexperienced people. Perhaps most of the blame should be directed towards them and not the poor souls that use them.

For all those who just hate them, try renting one for a day at the parks and see how tough it really is. I'm willing to bet you will quickly change your tune!

 

[gwynne]

You do see people who can't get about by themselves but they are in wheelchairs being looked after by family, friends or an association - Different health care programs and the way people get helped I guess

Different is OK. It doesn't mean that either way is better. Whether that help is an ECV or a human assistant both are providing some level of access.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

This thread makes me fearful for my future! I have Lupus and have dealt with it for almost 20 years now. It's not severe and I have always been able to navigate the parks without assistance. My last two trips to WDW I skipped the parks entirely, as I just haven't been feeling up to the long hikes and my joints are all being problematic. We currently have 3 trips planned for the next year and the first is with my new (and only) grandchild. I am really looking forward to going into the parks with him. However, my DH has stipulated that I must rent a wheelchair (he has agreed to push me) in the event that I even have one bad day. I have to have a back-up plan. He said he simply can't bear to watch me be in as much pain as I have been in the past. I get that.

However, the mean spiritedness of many people on here have really made me look at this differently. Am I just suppose to sit at home and wait to die, when I have wonderful memories of a place I spent many mobile years? I think not. On the other hand, I told my DH that I refuse to let him push me up hills, etc. and that I will get out of my chair and walk with my cane until we reach a flat area again. Am I going to get rude comments from people like "See, she can walk!" It seems that until you are in the position of needing the option of assistance, it's easy to dismiss or ridicule those that do. I don't wish anything bad on people, but jeez, I feel karma needs to step in for some of these folks that have posted. I know that I am doing everything possible to remain mobile. I don't think that many of the people that have posted here are doing everything they can to be understanding.

Ignore people that would make you alter your lifestyle just because they don't want to see people on an ECV. It is THEIR problem and NOT yours.

You do what you need to do to enjoy life. You are as entitled to go to Disney as they are. Be it on two feet or sitting in an ECV.

 

[diznygirl]

Come on guys and gals this whole thread is mean.

The main problem being, you're lumping every ECV driver into the same category. Accidents happen and sure, its annoying when people hit other people. This happens with EVC's, push chairs (strollers) and people walk into one another too.

You don't know that person or why they're in the chair. I'm totally for free speech but if you can't say anything nice why say anything at all?

No, the trouble is that ECV users THINK we are lumping them all in the same category. When we complain about rude behavior and bad drivers, we are met with the same old excuses of "hidden disability" and "don't be mean." There are abuses and safety concerns and they need to be dealt with. And ECV riders who genuinely need their devices should support "use it only if you need and be responsible."

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Exactly. In this case being 'equal' meant slowing two entire tours down to her pace.

Is there a policy that guaranteed what the poster expected?


Recall I said equal ACCESS. Disabled people will slow down some processes. We can be empathetic. Or we can complain that the person in the wheelchair took longer.

One is nice. One is not.

 

[phorsenuf]

No, the trouble is that ECV users THINK we are lumping them all in the same category. When we complain about rude behavior and bad drivers, we are met with the same old excuses of "hidden disability" and "don't be mean." There are abuses and safety concerns and they need to be dealt with. And ECV riders who genuinely need their devices should support "use it only if you need and be responsible."

It's hard not too when you see this complaint many times over. It's hard enough psychologically having to use one, and when you hear such negativity about them it still stings. That's just human nature.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

No, the trouble is that ECV users THINK we are lumping them all in the same category. When we complain about rude behavior and bad drivers, we are met with the same old excuses of "hidden disability" and "don't be mean." There are abuses and safety concerns and they need to be dealt with. And ECV riders who genuinely need their devices should support "use it only if you need and be responsible."

This thread is laced with sentiment that goes beyond that. When someone's family member is reduced to tears when comments are made in her presence, it brings to mind--

Just because you have the thought in your head doesn't me a you should see it out loud.

I can recall only ONE rude person in an ECV. It wasn't her device that made her rude. It was her nasty attitude that likely existed before she ever rented her ECV for her trip. I hated her behavior. Not her mobility device. She did a great job of making at least a hundred guests feel uncomfortable with her constant complaining. I hashed out the story before, so won't rehash it here. But there are ugly people in this world. It isn't the ECV's fault.

Think before being permitted to have a negative opinion in ECV usage, one should spend a day riding in one.

 

[SMD]

Is there a policy that guaranteed what the poster expected?


Recall I said equal ACCESS. Disabled people will slow down some processes. We can be empathetic. Or we can complain that the person in the wheelchair took longer.

One is nice. One is not.

Knowingly having a negative impact on another person's experience without a head's up or making arrangements for a slower tour isn't nice either. There is no ADA requirement to be nice, and it certainly shouldn't be an expectation towards someone who showed no regard for others. Also, the non-public corridors of a theme park are not a public accommodation and Disney doesn't need to provide access to them at all, equal or otherwise.

 

[BagOLaughs]

No, the trouble is that ECV users THINK we are lumping them all in the same category

I'm not an ECV user, in fact I don't know anyone that does use one. Yet my impression from this thread is that actually you are lumping them all into the same category.

The title of this thread is not - I hate inconsiderate ECV users. The title of this thread is "I hate mobility scooters" taking that at face value is pretty obvious.

 

[sam_gordon]

Hand to God I don't recall ever seeing an ECV accident (doesn't mean that I is never as I could have forgotten, but I don't recall at all).

And hand to God, 14 years and my mom has her to run over someone's toes. Doesn't mean there haven't been kamikaze lane crossers who seemed to be gluttons for a toe smashing.

How prolific are these accidents to cause such disdain among those who proclaim Hatred?

I jumped into the thread because a poster basically said "If I run into you, it's not my fault". Now, that may be the way I read it, and not what was meant by the poster. I have a problem with a blanket statement like that. Are there times an ECV user hits someone because they couldn't help it (someone jumps into their path)? Sure. And I would forgive someone that. However, if I'm walking up the street and stop and an ECV user hits me from behind, yes, they're at fault. A PP said these things stop within 6". Heck, I'll even double that. If it stops within a foot and you still hit me, you're following too close.

And did I say a wheelchair was heavier? No--I didn't think so. But even even an average weight person was in one, it is going to hurt if your toes are run over. Or are you claiming it feels good?

eTA: I see you quoted another poster. A wheelchair is heavy and bulky once a rider is in it. Lacking a motor it is bulky and heavy. I have ridden in in around DC. Not fun at all! A lot of work. And I did my best to help. But any incline and I couldn't do it. Have you tried using ONLY your arms to get up a small incline? Does the wheelchair feel "light" to you?

Go back and read what I was replying to. It was in response to a poster who claimed putting an ECV in a car is easier/lighter than a manual wheelchair. Now, if you're trying to lift the wheelchair with the person in it into the trunk of a car, you've got bigger problems. There is no WAY a manual wheelchair weighs more than an ECV.

 

[sam_gordon]

I'm not an ECV user, in fact I don't know anyone that does use one. Yet my impression from this thread is that actually you are lumping them all into the same category.

The title of this thread is not - I hate inconsiderate ECV users. The title of this thread is "I hate mobility scooters" taking that at face value is pretty obvious.

The problem is that's ONE poster. So you're lumping everyone who has expressed displeasure with ECVs with him. But that's OK apparently, but someone who lumps all ECV users (considerate and inconsiderate) should be burned at the stake?

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Knowingly having a negative impact on another person's experience without a head's up or making arrangements for a slower tour isn't nice either. There is no ADA requirement to be nice, and it certainly shouldn't be an expectation towards someone who showed no regard for others. Also, the non-public corridors of a theme park are not a public accommodation and Disney doesn't need to provide access to them at all, equal or otherwise.

What do you do about busses then?

Who would anyone assume anything they ever do would be free of people with disabilities? We have the ADA for a reason. These people should be assumed to be nearly anywhere you could go.

And since Disney hires disabled people of all sorts of abilities, it is irresponsible to make a proclamation that it does not apply back stage. Because it most certainly does.

And since the tour is sold to the public--that is problematic for ADA to NOT apply without declaring why that is so.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I jumped into the thread because a poster basically said "If I run into you, it's not my fault". Now, that may be the way I read it, and not what was meant by the poster. I have a problem with a blanket statement like that. Are there times an ECV user hits someone because they couldn't help it (someone jumps into their path)? Sure. And I would forgive someone that. However, if I'm walking up the street and stop and an ECV user hits me from behind, yes, they're at fault. A PP said these things stop within 6". Heck, I'll even double that. If it stops within a foot and you still hit me, you're following too close.


Go back and read what I was replying to. It was in response to a poster who claimed putting an ECV in a car is easier/lighter than a manual wheelchair. Now, if you're trying to lift the wheelchair with the person in it into the trunk of a car, you've got bigger problems. There is no WAY a manual wheelchair weighs more than an ECV.

I did. I edited and added further commentary.

They do make light weight ECV's.

I know my husband did not enjoy collapsing my wheelchair. It was bulky and heavy.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

The problem is that's ONE poster. So you're lumping everyone who has expressed displeasure with ECVs with him. But that's OK apparently, but someone who lumps all ECV users (considerate and inconsiderate) should be burned at the stake?

A quick search would show shared sentiment. And while it is one poster here, you are discounting the disgruntled park goers.

 

[BagOLaughs]

The problem is that's ONE poster. So you're lumping everyone who has expressed displeasure with ECVs with him. But that's OK apparently, but someone who lumps all ECV users (considerate and inconsiderate) should be burned at the stake?

When on earth did i ever say that people should be burned at the stake? What the heck? The message I'm trying to get across is this discussion is mean spirited. I'm not saying just because you have a different opinion that you should be crucified.

Wow you try and get people to be more considorate towards others by trying to put them in others shoes and they accuse you of being out to "get" people.

 

[whitney250]

I really hope some of the posters on this thread never have to use a scooter... Because Karma will bite them HARD. There have been times when I have been made late to class, etc because there was someone with a disability getting on our bus, or getting stuck behind them on narrow walkways, etc. I may get a little frustrated that I am late, but it's NOT their fault, and maybe I should have left home sooner. I am NEVER upset with the person. I always thank my lucky stars that I am healthy and have such little things to worry about.

 

[Missy1961]

This thread makes me fearful for my future! I have Lupus and have dealt with it for almost 20 years now. It's not severe and I have always been able to navigate the parks without assistance. My last two trips to WDW I skipped the parks entirely, as I just haven't been feeling up to the long hikes and my joints are all being problematic. We currently have 3 trips planned for the next year and the first is with my new (and only) grandchild. I am really looking forward to going into the parks with him. However, my DH has stipulated that I must rent a wheelchair (he has agreed to push me) in the event that I even have one bad day. I have to have a back-up plan. He said he simply can't bear to watch me be in as much pain as I have been in the past. I get that.

However, the mean spiritedness of many people on here have really made me look at this differently. Am I just suppose to sit at home and wait to die, when I have wonderful memories of a place I spent many mobile years? I think not. On the other hand, I told my DH that I refuse to let him push me up hills, etc. and that I will get out of my chair and walk with my cane until we reach a flat area again. Am I going to get rude comments from people like "See, she can walk!" It seems that until you are in the position of needing the option of assistance, it's easy to dismiss or ridicule those that do. I don't wish anything bad on people, but jeez, I feel karma needs to step in for some of these folks that have posted. I know that I am doing everything possible to remain mobile. I don't think that many of the people that have posted here are doing everything they can to be understanding.

Please don't let the comments of a few ruin your future. If you need a scooter to do something you enjoy, use it. Please.

 

[SueM in MN]

Knowingly having a negative impact on another person's experience without a head's up or making arrangements for a slower tour isn't nice either. There is no ADA requirement to be nice, and it certainly shouldn't be an expectation towards someone who showed no regard for others. Also, the non-public corridors of a theme park are not a public accommodation and Disney doesn't need to provide access to them at all, equal or otherwise.

when they are part of a tour, they DO have to provide accessibility under the ADA because it is a public accommodation.

I jumped into the thread because a poster basically said "If I run into you, it's not my fault". Now, that may be the way I read it, and not what was meant by the poster. I have a problem with a blanket statement like that. Are there times an ECV user hits someone because they couldn't help it (someone jumps into their path)? Sure. And I would forgive someone that. However, if I'm walking up the street and stop and an ECV user hits me from behind, yes, they're at fault. A PP said these things stop within 6". Heck, I'll even double that. If it stops within a foot and you still hit me, you're following too close.


Go back and read what I was replying to. It was in response to a poster who claimed putting an ECV in a car is easier/lighter than a manual wheelchair. Now, if you're trying to lift the wheelchair with the person in it into the trunk of a car, you've got bigger problems. There is no WAY a manual wheelchair weighs more than an ECV.

The first poster that wrote that was talking about not being able to lift a POWER wheelchair into a van and needing a lift or ramp van.
They didn't say power wheelchair, but it was a response to power wheelchairs.

 

[kaytieeldr]

There was one in the Keys To The Kingdom tour group that started before ours last year. We kept catching up to that group because of the slowdown it caused. I think we missed a ride we were supposed to go on because of this. It's a walking tour and the description you must be able to be on your feet for hours. It was very inconsiderate.

Exactly. In this case being 'equal' meant slowing two entire tours down to her pace.

The official website description doesn't specify a requirement to be on one's feet for hours, nor does it indicate that any exact number of attractions will be experienced:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/magic-kingdom/keys-to-the-kingdom-tour/

Using the horn was fine but she was trying to plow through people faster than the crowd was moving and she was expecting everyone to move out of her way. Frankly if she couldn't slow it down or control it in a crowd, she would have been better off hanging back until most of the exit crowd was gone.

Watch again. There's a person on an ECV directly ahead of her. He's moving, too. I think sure continuous use of the horn was to alert walkers that she was there and not to suddenly swerve into her path, what with ECVs being invisible and all. Maybe she was with the man ahead of her and, like all other couples/families/groups, didn't want to be separated.

 

[Jdbsfw]

I don't have much sympathy for perpetually unmotivated, lazy people with poor dietary habits who wind up in an ECV but I have no idea which ECV users those are nor do I care honestly.....I can deal with it.