I was okay with an ECV, now I'm scared again

[Tara619]

There is a post on the Theme Parks board with pictures of the crowds. How am I going to drive my ECV through the crowds without running someone over or accidentally bumping them? It was shoulder to shoulder. Does DH walk in front of me with the stroller and DS? How easy are the controls to go slowly and stop suddenly if necessary?

Any tips? I had come to peace with the ECV, now I'm not so sure again.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

You are going in June. I will be there June 6-13 at POFQ. You will be fine, we go at this time of year for the last 3 years and it is not that crowded, since most schools won't get out for another week. The pictures were probably from Spring Break which is a much busier time. I have used an ECV for 8 of my nine trips and have come out just fine. I watch very closely for myself, since I know those that are walking won't see me. Sometimes Dh will walk in front of me and sometimes to the side or behind me to sort of lead/protect me in crowded areas.


Suzanne

 

[mechurchlady]

Single file helps other guests and he can make room for you but people are like water and they fill all the empty spaced. It is very annoying when a group is walking 8 across but sometimes you want to be with your family. I think you will be fine when you get there and will be able to handle the ECV fine.

Be assertive. EXCUSE ME is important. People will stand in front of an oncoming 6 foot tall draft horse and not move. CLANG CLANG and they do not move. I swear that some people are so dense that they would not move if the horse bit them on the shoulder, lol. If people are rude then be polite.

I am not sure how WDW works but at DLR I have taken my hands off the tiller and screeched to a halt. They are designed to only take off if you are seated and you should be able to operate with either hand. I change hands and at DLR can push the lever with the knuckles or back of my hand thus making for 4 positions to use and not wear my hands out.

ECVs are fun especially when you use CMs as pylons. don't try that but I have done that twice lately.

hugs
Laurtie

 

[Windjammermay]

You will be fine, don't worry. You can kick back enjoy your ride. Be patient with the pedestrians and relax. After a few hours you will feel that the scooter is part of you and you will be able to control it with some awesome manuvers.

You can pull over anywere and you don't have to look for a seat to sit down, lucky that you brought your own seat. That helps tremendously with pain and energy management so you will have some stamina to deal with the pedestrians.

Dawn your sun glasses and leather jacket, and stretch out your leggs and start singing "Born to be Wild" be glad you don't have to wear a helmet

It is more than a challange....it is an Adventure

 

[Earstou]

You do have to be careful in crowds, especially as people will step directly in your path. Even with your dh in front of you, someone will probably try to squeeze between the two of you. But you will probably be moving so slowly at that point that you can stop.
But, the biggest problem I had, was first starting off after having stopped. Sometimes I would forget I had my speed set high when I stopped, so that when I started again, the ecv "jumped" and almost hit someone. I had to learn to dial my speed down every time I stopped. You will learn alot your first day using it! After that, you'll be fine!

Using TourGuideMike will help you with crowds if you are still worried. I used him in July and we had minimal crowds.

 

[mom3sonstt]

I had to learn to dial my speed down every time I stopped. You will learn alot your first day using it!

Also check it when you get back on before you take off. I don't know if it was my kids, or if it was other random people, but it seemed like sometimes when I would get on it would be turned all the way to the fastest setting - I never had it on that. My youngest also got annoyed when people would walk in front of me, I would let up on the speed, and he would reach over and hit my horn . What I needed to train my family on was the trolley tracks, using the ramps on the sidewalks and not just the curbs, and picking a direction and sticking with it. They were notorious for standing around trying to decide where we were going to go and picking the opposite direction than I was pointed But we are going back in less than 4 months, I already have my ECV reserved and I can't wait to get there!

 

[lunapnp]

I don't have any personal experience with an ECV, however, my oldest DD does use a power wheelchair. Just know that at some point you probably WILL bump into someone, run over someone (accidentally of course), or have someone cut you off. That's just a fact. My DD is very observant of her actions in her power chair, but we all get very frustrated at the lack of consideration from some of the other guests at DW (or the public in general...not just at DW). I don't think they realize how bad those things do hurt when they hit a shin or run over a foot...usually only takes them one time to figure that out! Like another PP said, you will always have a seat...comes in very hand at parades and long lines! Go...enjoy yourself. Don't reconsider the ECV because of other guests. This is your trip, too. Do what you need to do so that you can fully enjoy your trip, too.

 

[Cheryl592000]

One thing I learned is that if you purchase a flashing novelty light toy or ring while at the parks and put it right in front of your scooter basket at night, people do stop for you to pass thru. They are wondering what the heck is that cool colored light thing, they stop or slow down and let you go thru. I have heard many people comment on my "light technique" they say, "Oh, I should get one of those things for my wheelchair/ECV. At least at night you will be noticed and people will let you pass.

 

[Windjammermay]

That is an awesome idea. I totally love it

That is the nicest way I have heard for mobility devices at night. I have running lites under my electric chair but it drains my batteries a lot. I was concerned with trying to get it on the plain. Now I can unplug them and get threw security. I will pick up some lites at WDW and use hand held and attach them. That is great

 

[shellybaxter]

We use seasonal lights (christmas, halloween, valentines day) that my husband adapts to battery power. This is a nice way to let people know you are there.