Left Handed Scooter

[Sleepy425]

We are flying my FIL down for a quick 2 day trip (only doing one park day, and it will be just an abbreviated one so he doesn't get exhausted) at the end of our stay. He has had a heart attack and a stroke, leaving him unable to handle walking to the extent that Disney requires. I want to rent him an ECV, but a couple companies have already told me that he wouldn't be able to use them (he is left handed, and coincidentally the stroke affected his right side). Lately I've been talking to Buena Vista Scooter, and I'm told his only option is an electric wheelchair, but my husband and I are both concerned that he will be too self conscious in one and will cut the park day even shorter just to get out of it.
Anyone have any insight for me? I tried to google "Left handed scooter" here on the Dis, but came up with nothing.

 

[gap2368]

I know some one that had a strok it effected her right side and she drives her ECV left handed. I think she pushes back on the thradle to make it got forward so I know there is one out there but not sure what one she has

 

[stitchlovestink]

I am left handed. There's no such thing as a left handed scooter. What you need is one with what I would call a dual controller. Meaning the controller extends out on both the left and right side. I will try to remember to take a photo of mine and post it tomorrow to show you exactly what I mean. My controller allows me to go forward or in reverse using either hand. The thing is, right handed I 'push' to go forward. Left handed, I would 'pull' to go forward. Does that make any sense??
I think the photo will help explain this.

 

[mamabunny]

My personal scooter can be used either right-handed or left-handed; you just literally turn the tiller around "backwards" to use it on the left. However, no one in the Orlando area rents that model.

What you need is the *name* of a model that can be operated by the left hand - then you can call the rental companies and ask if they have one available.

A fast Google search for "left handed mobility scooter" yielded a couple of potentially helpful pages:

First, Best Mobility Scooters for Left Handed People has some information

And, One/Left Hand Scooters shows a page from EasyMedOnline that has a list of scooters that can be operated one handed or with the left hand.

Use some of these models shown on these pages, to call around and ask if any of the Orlando rental places have them in stock!

 

[Toffeewoffy]

I usually hire the Victory Pride 10. It has a tiller on both sides, mounted between what is effectively a flattened oval handlebar. I hold the handle nearest me and squeezing the right hand tiller towards my body makes it go forward, the left making it go backwards. However, by the same token pushing the tiller away with your right hand makes it go backwards and pushing away with the left hand makes it go forwards.

It's not ideal, but it would work.

 

[Bete]

A power wheelchair is harder to use from what I understand. I don't think they are very portable either.

What I would do for a scooter is call a local mobility store and talk with an expert. They should be able to perhaps give you names of models that could work. Then, you can call the rental companies to see if they have the model that will work.

I would consider whether or not it might be stressful for him to use a scooter all day. Also, if you are using Disney buses someone else may have to drive it in and out of the bus depending on his limitations. That could be too hard. The same would be true of a Disney boat or monorail. Also, are his reactions good enough so he doesn't hurt someone in the park. Crowds at Disney make it pretty difficult sometimes. You have people darting right out in front of you.

I would consider a portable travel wheelchair and you would need to have pushers for him. He would not have to concern himself about navigating. If he is resistant going this route I don't really have any other suggestions.

 

[Sleepy425]

Thank you all for your help!!!

As far a wheel chair that would have to be pushed - unfortunately for our group it really isn't an option. My kids will be 2, 2, 4, and 6 - my husband and I need our hands free just to get them through the parks. But he is coming at the end of our 10 night stay, so we plan on hitting up all of the "must do" things before he gets there, so the one day we do MK with him he can see the kids on a few rides and eat dinner with us at Be Our Guest. We just want to make sure he gets to experience Disney a little bit with our kids, since my parents go with us every trip (they are leaving early so he can come).

 

[Sadie22]

Why do your parents have to leave early? It sounds like it would be better if they were there to help you and the children while your DH pushes his dad in a wheelchair if the scooter idea does not work for your FIL.

 

[stitchlovestink]

Why do your parents have to leave early? It sounds like it would be better if they were there to help you and the children while your DH pushes his dad in a wheelchair if the scooter idea does not work for your FIL.

I bet it's due to space issues. If they ADD the FIL in, that is 9 people. That's a lot of people to have accommodations for.

 

[Sleepy425]

Why do your parents have to leave early? It sounds like it would be better if they were there to help you and the children while your DH pushes his dad in a wheelchair if the scooter idea does not work for your FIL.

Two reasons - we get a 2BR, so it would be awkward for him and my parents to be in the same one if someone had to sleep in the living room, and beds are limited. And also because my kids fixate on my parents, and this is going to be his one and only time seeing his grandkids in Disney. I want to make sure he gets their attention.
And a third reason - my parents, after being told my plan, found a good deal somewhere on an island off the coast and are excited to have alone time after spending a week in Disney with my kids!

 

[Bete]

Go to a local mobility store with your FIL and figure this out with the experts. He can take test models and ride them a little. Get a couple of scooter models that work and then see what you can rent. Pride is a popular scooter brand and it's readily available from many vendors. Maybe, even go to a local zoo and rent a scooter there and see how it goes.

You may find this is not going to work; I certainly would do a trial run. Getting in and out of a scooter and in and out of rides all day may not be easy for him. It could be exhausting for him. What if he falls getting in and out of a ride due to a balance issue or whatever. Both of you by your own admission will be too busy with the kids to help him much in and out of rides.

I think I would even consider a pool day at the resort with the kids and maybe skip the park. After 9 days at the parks you can certainly take a break from the park. You can have dinner at a Disney resort; so, you really don't need to go to a park.

If you insist on doing the park consider hiring a helper to push your father in law in the wheelchair if he can't handle the scooter. There are services. It comes at a premium like $20/hour with a three hour minimum and you need to pay for a park ticket usually and gas mileage. If you truly want to make it fun and enjoyable for your FIL don't put extra demands on him using a scooter. I think you should ask him the kind of day he would like to have with his grandkids.

 

[Sleepy425]

FIL came over this morning, he determined the Victory Pride 10 (thanks @Toffeewoffy ) would work for him.
He still works 50+ hours a week and six days a week and drives, so he isn't completely disabled - but he stays in his bubble of what he is comfortable with and doesn't exit it (no public events - carnivals, parades, etc). So I'm not expecting much from him this trip - we have annual passes so it doesn't matter to me if we have to leave the park. We do have BOG reservations at 4:20, but if we have to just one parent will stay with a couple kids to eat so the other can take FIL back to the room.

 

[Bete]

I'm glad you explained it a little more and I'm glad your FIL picked out his own scooter model.

 

[mamabunny]

FIL came over this morning, he determined the Victory Pride 10 (thanks @Toffeewoffy ) would work for him.
He still works 50+ hours a week and six days a week and drives, so he isn't completely disabled - but he stays in his bubble of what he is comfortable with and doesn't exit it (no public events - carnivals, parades, etc). So I'm not expecting much from him this trip - we have annual passes so it doesn't matter to me if we have to leave the park. We do have BOG reservations at 4:20, but if we have to just one parent will stay with a couple kids to eat so the other can take FIL back to the room.

Yay! Sounds like you all are going to have a great trip! We'll be glad to hear how it goes!