Just got back - Why all the motor scooters

[ktmmt]

For some reason I do not remember all the motor scooters in years past. Not a big deal, but the delay on the bus drives me crazy!!!

 

[DenLo]

I think in the past it was necessary to have doctor's prescription to get a wheelchair/EVC. Now with rental agencies out there, if a guest has problems walking or standing for very long, they get a EVC. That way they can enjoy the parks with their family and friends.

Also if it was your relative that needed to use an EVC you might be thankful that Disney has such a service. I too get impatient with the delays, but try to remind myself that but for the grace of God that might be one of us.

I think there is discussion about this matter is on the handicapped boards here on the DIS and since this subject is not really DVC related, the moderator will probably close this thread.

 

[JimMIA]

There certainly are a LOT more scooters than there were a few years ago. I suspect increased competition has forced rental prices down and many people who formerly used wheelchairs now get scooters. Or...it could be that increased availability and vastly more personal ownership of mobility devices has made WDW accessible to more people.

EIther explanation is a good thing, even though it may inconvenience me occasionally.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

In fairly recent years it used to be very difficult for a person to afford such an item. Thankfully it isn't so much anymore and people who were not able to do things like WDW now can.

In our case we often choose Disney for a vacation b/c of all the accessability and I think other's may be doing the same and accounting for some of the increase.

 

[spiceycat]

before the internet - most guests do not even know about scooters or even wheelchairs (could have used one for grandmother - definitely did for mother)

the scooters are for people before alzhemier - mother could not handle one - she just could not control it. so it was wheelchair for her.

in this hot weather - don't blame anyone. It is just too hot - if you are elderly, overweight, or really need one.

 

[kid-at-heart]

I think ktmmt was simply stating an observation. I also have noticed a large increase in scooters and strollers in the parks and on the buses. I assume this to mean that Disney is attracting a diverse population.

 

[Granny]

Baby boomers are aging and impacting many aspects of life such as this. A recent article in the local paper said that handicap parking spaces are increasing in number to accommodate the growing number of people who need them. Just an aging population with needs.

 

[FindTheMickeys]

I look at those folks in the scooters and thank the Lord that it isn't me that has a medical need to have one of those. I'm still healthy enough to walk. But sometimes I see those in the scooters and laughingly make a comment to my friends that next time I might rent one and do the parks sitting down It would be a tad easier on the aching feet

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

It's so funny, because we just came back and I commented that we hardly had ANY scooters on the buses at AKL this year! I guess it depends on the resort.

Now strollers? Yes. There were LOTS AND LOTS of strollers on the buses. BIG strollers, that even folded took up as much room as a scooter.

 

[Inkmahm]

I think in the past it was necessary to have doctor's prescription to get a wheelchair/EVC. Now with rental agencies out there, if a guest has problems walking or standing for very long, they get a EVC. That way they can enjoy the parks with their family and friends.

Also if it was your relative that needed to use an EVC you might be thankful that Disney has such a service. I too get impatient with the delays, but try to remind myself that but for the grace of God that might be one of us.

I think there is discussion about this matter is on the handicapped boards here on the DIS and since this subject is not really DVC related, the moderator will probably close this thread.

It was never necessary to have a doctor's prescription to rent a wheelchair or EVC.

 

[Greysword]

...But sometimes I see those in the scooters and laughingly make a comment to my friends that next time I might rent one and do the parks sitting down It would be a tad easier on the aching feet

WDW Scooter gang with colored flag antena and flames on the side? Maybe you could get a front plow attachment from a lawnmower and bolt it to the scooter. Add some thick padding, covered in black leather with red stitching (maybe a pictue of a cranky Donald on the front) and clear the road!