Just returned, some ECV observations

[Nanajo1]

That can sometimes be the case but as a rule people usually take more care with their own equipment than they do with rented ones, also you dont see cow pushers on private ones like they have on the WDW ecv's

Folks do tend to treat their own equipment better but sometimes they are so comfortable with the familiarity of the scooter that they do take chances a less experienced driver might not.

 

[Talking Hands]

They don't. Disney calls them ECVs which is the abbreviation for Electric Convenience Vehicle - which is what they ARE.

Which they are NOT. They are not a convenience. If you are using them as a convenience then you should not be using them at all. They are called scooters by the manufacturers and the medical supply stores and always have been. Unfortunately the use of the word CONVENIENCE colors the attitude towards those who really need to use them, both cast members and guests. They feel people don't really need it, it is not a necessity but is a convenience because they are too lazy to walk. Seen it too many times. The name ECV needs to go.

 

[tarkus]

Which they are NOT. They are not a convenience. If you are using them as a convenience then you should not be using them at all. They are called scooters by the manufacturers and the medical supply stores and always have been. Unfortunately the use of the word CONVENIENCE colors the attitude towards those who really need to use them, both cast members and guests. They feel people don't really need it, it is not a necessity but is a convenience because they are too lazy to walk. Seen it too many times. The name ECV needs to go.

I do tend to agree with that thought. I would think the original idea was for those with a mobility issue. The problem is Disney has no choice but to allow them.

Not to mention it's a big $$ buisness for the off-site rental stores.

But again it's not the EVC or whatever we want call them it's the opperator.

Regards,
Alan

 

[Nanajo1]

Which they are NOT. They are not a convenience. If you are using them as a convenience then you should not be using them at all. They are called scooters by the manufacturers and the medical supply stores and always have been. Unfortunately the use of the word CONVENIENCE colors the attitude towards those who really need to use them, both cast members and guests. They feel people don't really need it, it is not a necessity but is a convenience because they are too lazy to walk. Seen it too many times. The name ECV needs to go.

Quite a while ago someone posted that the ECV stands for Electric CONVEYANCE Vehicle. Which meant it was an electric vehicle to move people. Over time the word morphed into convenience.
Whatever it is called I could not do without it. It troubles me when it is trivialized and used as a plaything.

 

[In a hurry]

We have been renting an ECV for my mom for the last 5 years when we are at Disney. She has absolutely no need for one IRL. Her biggest trips out are to the Dr.'s or the grocery. She is a cancer survivor, and we go to WDW everytime she finishes a round of chemo. Thus the need. She's not ever hit anyone, but has run into a railing or two along the way. Heck, I do the same thing walking.

I think that assumptions about other people's needs aren't usually a good thing.

 

[SueM in MN]

Quite a while ago someone posted that the ECV stands for Electric CONVEYANCE Vehicle.

Actually, I was the one who posted it and I made it up.
On that thread, I said they should use a word that had a better "fit" with the use of them than "Convenience." They are not particularly "convenient" to use (you have to be more aware of what is going on around you, they don't fit everywhere, etc.). They are not really a convenience for people who need them; in some situations, they are a help; in some situations, they are a complete necessity. CONVEYANCE kind of fit the use (and it began with C).

 

[waltfan1957]

Folks do tend to treat their own equipment better but sometimes they are so comfortable with the familiarity of the scooter that they do take chances a less experienced driver might not.

this is a strange reply as it was yourself who was complaining about the behavior of drivers you also stated it was offsite rentals and WDW ecv,s

 

[LindaBabe]

Sometimes it's not the 'user of the device' at fault - sometimes it's the pedestrians who try to squeeze through the door someone kindly held open for me, or who stop dead in front of me with no warning. Adults, in particular, do not SEE a person on the ecv. They look right over me or through me as they try to step over the front of my buggy. It certainly is educational to ride one - I am continually witness to the best and worst of human behavior.

 

[tarkus]

Sometimes it's not the 'user of the device' at fault - sometimes it's the pedestrians who try to squeeze through the door someone kindly held open for me, or who stop dead in front of me with no warning. Adults, in particular, do not SEE a person on the ecv. They look right over me or through me as they try to step over the front of my buggy. It certainly is educational to ride one - I am continually witness to the best and worst of human behavior.

I understand. If there was only a device that would allow a higher center so you could be seen better..........

But I do understand. I have had that happen often. In a place like WDW it takes extra car knowing that people on vacation sometimes have their heads in the clouds.

Best Wishes,
Alan

 

[Chuck S]

I also wonder how many people do not realize the most ECVs don't have brakes. They stop because of drag after power is removed.

 

[2angelsinheaven]

I think the biggest problem is the rental EVCs at the parks, they should get rid of those. If you need one, you'd already own one or rent one from an outside company. OVER Half the time I see old people who can't even drive it or manuver properly causing the bulk of the problems.

There are some folks who do not need an ECV on a regular basis per say but do need one for the miles and miles of walking WDW requires and who are not in WDW long enough to rent from an outside company. My mom for example, is waiting for surgery for two severely arthritic knees, we live about 45 minutes away and she does not own an ECV or would she be able to rent one for a last minute trip for 1/2 day from an outside company. We are very grateful that WDW offers rentals for those of us who do need them. Yes some people abuse them, but some do not... and she is a careful driver.

 

[MAGICX2]

My mom and step-dad also do not need ecv's on a regular basis. However, they would never be able to navigate WDW without help, and as DH and also 2 little ones to push around in a stroller, neither DH or can push them in wheelchairs. We feel that ecv's are the best option for our family to have an enjoyable time TOGETHER. However, I need some advice and info on offiste rentals or wether we should just get an ecv at the park entrance? Do they ever run out? Thanks!

 

[SueM in MN]

There is some basic info about renting ECVs in the disABILITIES FAQs thread. The companies listed there are places that DIS posters have had good experiences renting from.

They do sometimes run out of ECVs in the parks, especially if you go later in the day at a busy time. It's hard to say what "busy" is for ECVs though because sometimes the slower times for crowds in general are the more busy time for people with special needs.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

My mom and step-dad also do not need ecv's on a regular basis. However, they would never be able to navigate WDW without help, and as DH and also 2 little ones to push around in a stroller, neither DH or can push them in wheelchairs. We feel that ecv's are the best option for our family to have an enjoyable time TOGETHER. However, I need some advice and info on offiste rentals or wether we should just get an ecv at the park entrance? Do they ever run out? Thanks!

A lot will depend on your transportation. Although the off-site ECVs are better (more maneuverable and available all the time) in this situation use of the park ECVs might be better.

There is no car that can handle two rental ECVs. The buses can handle no more than two ECVs or wheelchairs. Depending a lot on when you are traveling (both time of year as well as time of day) you might have to split the group or wait for additional buses. Just something to consider. Also, the smaller hotel rooms (value resorts, WL and AKL) may be difficult to get two ECVs in.

 

[Nanajo1]

My mom and step-dad also do not need ecv's on a regular basis. However, they would never be able to navigate WDW without help, and as DH and also 2 little ones to push around in a stroller, neither DH or can push them in wheelchairs. We feel that ecv's are the best option for our family to have an enjoyable time TOGETHER. However, I need some advice and info on offiste rentals or wether we should just get an ecv at the park entrance? Do they ever run out? Thanks!

I would consider renting one ECV from an offsite vendor and renting one at the parks. It is easier to get on the first bus that comes with one ECV than with two. Your folks could switch off riding and walking while away from the parks.

 

[SueM in MN]

I would consider renting one ECV from an offsite vendor and renting one at the parks. It is easier to get on the first bus that comes with one ECV than with two. Your folks could switch off riding and walking while away from the parks.

Good idea.

 

[MAGICX2]

Good idea.

Thanks for the good advice. We are staying in a 2bdrm BWV May 11-19. Hopefully it won't be to crowded. I had never considered not being able to get two ecv's in the car, or the amount of room they would take up in our room. I think the idea of renting one offsite and renting one at the gate is a good idea. This way we still have one for walking around the BW and DTD. They can definitely handle switching off while doing these things but there is no way either of them could walk for any length of time while touring the parks. Thanks!