Left side paralysis - Elec WC or ECV or manual?

[yippeeDCL]

This will be our third trip to the world. My son-age17- can walk (short distances) but not able to navigate the extreme walking (especially inclines). When needed at home, I push him in a manual chair. We've used the manual chair on our previous trips. However, he is old enough now to rent ECV or electric chair. My question... Which would be easiest for him? There were many times the bus was full of ECV/chairs, we were able to transfer and just fold the manual. Otherwise, we would have had to wait for another bus. Now, I have aged a bit it has gotten more difficult to "push" but, I can do it.

Any advice is much appreciated!

 

[geek+nerd]

From what electric wheelchair users have posted on here, he would probably be better off with an ECV. Apparently, electric wheelchairs are tricky to control and a lot of places won't rent them to you unless you have extensive experience. From your post, it doesn't sound like your son does.

You can easily rent an ECV from an off site provider and have it delivered to your resort. It's much cheaper than renting on site plus you will have it for use at the resort. You might have to wait a little bit for a bus if the tie down spots are taken but this will give your son much more independence and give you a break than a manual chair would.

Regarding his paralysis, if it affects his upper body as well, you might want to go to a local grocery store and have him try out the ECVs there to make sure that he is comfortable with the controls.

Good luck!

 

[jdb in AZ]

Which company did you find that will rent an ECV to a driver younger than 18?

 

[SteveMouse]

For most offsite rentals, the driver of the ECV must be 18. Randy's (as I recall) may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis after they meet you and test the driver (make sure you allocate time). Allowing someone else to use the ECV violates the contract and potentially exposes you to significant liability.

Most ECVs use a tiller for steering: some require significant upper body strength to turn (I have a 4 wheel Rascal that's a BEAR to steer). Forward/reverse is controlled by a throttle, kind of like a bike brake. You CAN operate it one-handed.

A three-wheel ECV may be easier to steer one-handed. (I often drive an ECV one handed), especially in light crowds).

 

[geek+nerd]

Which company did you find that will rent an ECV to a driver younger than 18?

I missed the age part. I'm not familiar enough with the off site rentals as I have my own customized manual chair. Sorry if I was misleading! That was not my intent.

 

[yippeeDCL]

For most offsite rentals, the driver of the ECV must be 18. Randy's (as I recall) may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis after they meet you and test the driver (make sure you allocate time). Allowing someone else to use the ECV violates the contract and potentially exposes you to significant liability.
.

Easy... It's legit I did not misrepresent ANYTHING!

 

[yippeeDCL]

From what electric wheelchair users have posted on here, he would probably be better off with an ECV. Apparently, electric wheelchairs are tricky to control and a lot of places won't rent them to you unless you have extensive experience. From your post, it doesn't sound like your son does.

You can easily rent an ECV from an off site provider and have it delivered to your resort. It's much cheaper than renting on site plus you will have it for use at the resort. You might have to wait a little bit for a bus if the tie down spots are taken but this will give your son much more independence and give you a break than a manual chair would.

Regarding his paralysis, if it affects his upper body as well, you might want to go to a local grocery store and have him try out the ECVs there to make sure that he is comfortable with the controls.

Good luck!

THANK YOU! That was very helpful info!! I've secured the 3 wheel ECV with Apple.

 

[SteveMouse]

Easy... It's legit I did not misrepresent ANYTHING!

You asked for advice. I noticed in your earlier post that your child was 17, and thought it useful for you to know that most offsite rental locations (including Apple) usually require the drivers of ECVs they rent to be over 18, and that there are risks involved when not complying with a contract's terms.

If you were successful in negotiating with Apple that your 17 year old son could legally use a scooter rented from them that is useful information for others to know when they are looking for solutions to similar problems.

 

[yippeeDCL]

You asked for advice.

Many, many thanks!!