Lots of questions

[kisobel]

My trip is in September and I hope my back will be up for it. But I think I need to be realistic. I'm looking at needing to rent a scooter. Now I know you can't recommend a specific place, but what should I be looking for in a scooter rental? How can I find out who's reputable and who's not. What do I need in a scooter? I've seen extra batteries, sun shades, baskets. I can stand and walk for a little while, for lines and rides. I've never paid much attention to where scooter parking is. Is it safe to leave anything with the scooter? In September, I know it can rain a lot. What do you do with your scooter then? Is it safe in the rain? Any other advice? Thanks.

Kate

 

[Bete]

I'll start off and others will add to it. What scooter model you choose is dependent on how long you expect to be in the park and your own weight and what you carry with you, too. We like the Pride Victory model. Although, not recommended by some rental companies as a travel scooter it is portable, too. It's just much heavier. This model has a heavier battery (lasts longer) and goes up to 325 pounds for weight capacity. The more you weigh the more your battery will use juice. Generally this scooter can last 6 to 8 hours a day. You can conserve power by shutting the scooter off at shows, parades and fireworks. We go early morning to the parks, leave early afternoon and recharge our scooters and go back for the evening. We even take an afternoon nap. Some people top off their batteries in the park when they can like when eating and seeing a show. It may be hard to find an outlet to use; so, you do need to pay attention for one if you are going to top off your battery.

There are 5 scooter companies that have the privilege of leaving scooters with the bellhop area of a Disney resort. What's nice here is you don't have to be present when the scooter is delivered.

In your case I would practice with some free store scooters before going to Disney. The park scooters will be easier to handle. If you will be using bus transportation at Disney to get to the parks, that will be a little bit challenging. You have to park it in an exact position on the bus. You are allowed on the bus first; so, you don't hurt anyone else that would be on the bus. You get off last for the same reason. Usually, two scooters and/or wheelchairs fit on a bus at one time. Going on a monorail or ferry is easier with the scooter.

In most of the resorts you are required to keep your scooter in your resort room. It could be a safety hazard and that's why you need to do so. I would not leave any valuables in/on the scooter if you are not there. Phones and cameras should be taken with you, as well as, any money or credit cards. I have left a jacket, hat, water bottle and things like that and I've not had a problem.

If it rains you should seek shelter. It's not good for a scooter to get wet. You could have mechanical problems. We find ourselves paying good attention to the weather reports. Also, we look out for dark clouds and look up at the sky a lot to check. If we feel a few drops we get to shelter. If you are going to leave your scooter for a length of time park it somewhere there's coverage for it, if possible. Don't leave your scooter in a path where's there's a lot of walking. Some park scooters with the stroller parking. Many of us use a poncho or at least a shower cap to cover the tiller on a scooter. Also, it's a good idea to push your seat down; so, it's covered and won't get as wet that way.

Okay, hopefully others will chime in with their advice. But their is a thread/post already with many guidelines for scooters, right here. I don't know how to link it, but maybe someone else will help.

 

[gap2368]

This is taken from the disability stick at the top but it dose answer some of your question on where to rent ECV.

( just a few notes ECV for the most part can not get wet so bring a bag to cover the steering things, and stay out of big puddles that can get the batteries wet, I have hard the sun shades are more of a problem then helpful, but I have really not used an ECV. now for the post I copied )

ECVs

• also called electric scooters or power scooters
• 3 or 4 wheeled battery powered mobility devices.
  3 wheeled ECVs are more manouverable because they can turn in a smaller space.
  4 wheeled ECVs may feel more stable. Many heavy duty ECVs have 4 wheels.
• usually have a tiller to steer (sort of like steering a bicycle), a throttle that controls sped and another control for backward or forward. Most find them easy to operate with a little practice.
• Park rules (and the rental contract for most companies) say that only one person may be on the ECV (only the driver, no passengers). It is very dangerous to let children ride or drive the ECV.
• People under 18 years of age are not allowed to rent or use WDW park rental ECVs. This is also true for most of the offsite rental companies.
• Link to thread about WDW rules for ECV use.

Wheelchairs

• most wheelchair for rent at WDW parks and offsite rental companies are similar
• sling seats (similar to a director's chair)
• WDW park wheelchairs do not have elevating or adjustable footrests or swing away/removable armrests. Wheelchairs rented offsite might.
• can be easily folded
• can be propelled for short distances by the person sitting in it; most inexperienced users don't have arm strength for long distances
• most are adult size. Some larger adult and a very small number of small adult/large child size wheelchairs at the parks.
• Some offsite rental companies have smaller wheelchairs available.
• Some offsite rental companies have "Companion Chairs". These have 4 small wheels and are best for smaller users.

Power Wheelchairs

• driven with a joystick which controls turning, speed and direction all at the same time.
• look easy to drive, but take a lot more practice to be able to drive one than to drive an ECV.
• not for rent at Disney parks
• rental companies usually ONLY rent one to someone who already has/uses a power wheelchair regularly
• Some power wheelchairs owners choose not to travel by plane with them (afraid of damage).
  Rental power wheelchairs are of common sizes. Guests needing unusual sizes or specialized seating/control features may not be able to rent one.
• Power wheelchair renters are expected to be experienced drivers and will probably be asked for some settings from their current power wheelchair so that the rental chair can be set up to match.
• Link to a thread that compares driving an ECV to driving a Power wheelchair.

General information about using wheelchairs and ECVs at the parks
Most lines (queues) and attractions are wheelchair and ECV accessible thru the regular lines.

WDW and DL have the same policies which apply to all mobility devices (not only scooters), whether owned by the user or rented. This is from a pdf file about the policies that a CM shared with me:
RELATED WDW & DLR POLICY MESSAGE POINTS:

• All wheeled mobility devices must have 3 or 4 wheels and maintain stability and balance when stopped, unpowered, or unoccupied.
• Training wheels or similar modifications are not permitted.
• Electric vehicles are to be operated while seated. Devices that require the user to stand while operating them are not permitted.###
• Electric vehicles must be single-rider and are not to be used to carry passengers.{my bold}
• Devices should not exceed 36" in width. This dimension is in keeping with the size of our entrance gates.
• Electric devices must be battery powered. No gasoline or other type of flammable/hazardous fuel is permitted.
• Mobility aids must not be devices that have been converted from their intended use. For example, pull wagons or coolers on wheels are not permitted.
• ALL Segways and other motorized stand up devices are NOT ALLOWED IN OUR PARKS ** ###
• Modified Segways which include a seat are NOT ALLOWED IN OUR PARKS

** this does not include wheelchairs which can be operated in a standing position. Guests using those must lower to a sitting position while in lines and crowded areas.
### Disney recently started renting stand up ECVs. Here is a link to a thread about them, with pictures. I do not have the new language, but the main points are that Segways are still not allowed and any devices designed to be used in standing position must follow point one from above: "All wheeled mobility devices must have 3 or 4 wheels and maintain stability and balance when stopped, unpowered, or unoccupied."
General information about renting wheelchairs and ECVs at the parks

• Wheelchairs are available for rent, first come, first serve at all parks and Downtown Disney. They may not be reserved ahead of time.
  Power wheelchairs are not available.
• ECVs can be rented first come, first serve at WDW theme parks and (in very limited number) at Downtown Disney.
• Park Rental ECVs are heavy duty. Weight limit is 350 pounds. All parks have the same type
  This is a picture of the WDW park ECVs.
  
  
  
  
• There is a pretty good supply of wheelchairs, but ECVs are in limited number and frequently are all rented out by mid-morning.
  If all are rented, there may be a waiting list - guests leave a cell phone number and receive a call or text when ECVs are available.
• Guests must be at least 18 years old to rent/drive ECVs.
• ECVs and wheelchairs may be used only in the park where they were rented. (You can't transfer them from park to park).
• If you are planning on returning to the park or visiting another park on the same day, keep your wheelchair/ECV deposit ticket. This will allow you to obtain another wheelchair or ECV, if available, at the next park at no additional charge.
• Getting a wheelchair at a second park or when you return to the same park is seldom a problem. The parks have many wheelchairs and very seldom would run out. ECVs are limited in number.
• If you plan to return to the same park later in the same day, ECVs can sometimes be held for you when you leave the park.
• Length of Stay rental ticket for strollers and wheelchairs allows you to make a one-time payment for as many days of rental that you will need. The first time you rent a wheelchair at the park, you pay in advance for the number of days that you want to rent a wheelchair. Upon visiting a theme park, show your receipt at the stroller/wheelchair rental location and you will be directed through the queue with little or no wait. THIS IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR ECVs.
  
  Current costs at WDW parks
  Single strollers: $15/day (no deposit) OR $13/day Length of Stay rental
  link to DIS page about strollers with pictures of park rental strollers
  This is a picture of the WDW park strollers at MK; all parks have the same kind, just different colors
  
  
  
  
  Double strollers: $31/day (no deposit) OR $27/day Length of Stay rental
  For the length of stay rentals, on your first day, you purchase an individual ticket for each day of your stay. Turn it in at the stroller rental area at a park each day to get your stroller.
  
  Wheelchairs: $12/day rental (no deposit) OR $10/day Length of Stay rental
  
  ECVs: $50/day and $20 key deposit that you will get back when the key is returned, so you pay $70 and get $20 of that back with the key return.

-If an ECV/wheelchair from the Magic Kingdom is not available, a guest can be waitlisted by providing their cellphone number. (If the guest does not have a cellphone, they can ask any Cast Member for access to a house phone.) If one becomes available, they can pick it up at the main entrance rental location. (This is from the WDW website and is subject to change)

Downtown Disney (DTD)
Small shop at the old DTD Guest Relations Office next to Restrooms and Toys for the following only:

Rental of
$15 - Single Strollers (plus $100 refundable deposit)

$12 - Wheelchairs (plus $100 refundable deposit)
$45 - EVCs (plus $100 refundable deposit)

The $100 refundable deposit is because Downtown Disney is a relatively easy area to remove things from.

They also sell a selection of baby/infant items as well as First Aid supplies to include Sunscreen and Suntan Lotion.

It is a sales and rental location only, they do not provide Guest Services but it is right next to the companion restroom at the Marketplace.

• 
  
  Rental Locations (besides that listed just above for DTD)
  Marketplace: Guest Services (ECVs)
  Marketplace: Wonderful World of Memories (Wheelchairs)
  West Side: DisneyQuest Emporium (Wheelchairs)
  
  Some of this information is from the WDW official webpage of information for Guests with Disabilities. I had read that there is a very (very - like less than 5 ECVs) limited number of ECVs available to rent at DTD, so if you need one, it's not practical to rent one at DTD. It's also possible that they could stop renting them renting them at any time.

Loaner wheelchairs are no longer available at WDW resorts as of November 1, 2015.
Your resort can help you to rent one if you do not know how to.

Boardwalk:
There is a company called Buena Vista Scooters, that started renting ECVs in Spring of 2007 at the Boardwalk in the same area where surrey bikes can be rented. They are listed because some people have asked for a Boardwalk option.
They also will do repairs to personally owned ECVs, power chairs and regular wheelchairs. Their warehouse and shop is on Disney property.

Off-site ECV, Wheelchair, Medical Rental Companies
Renting from off site means the equipment will be available for use at your resort as well as in the parks.
The off-site rental places will usually not rent ECVs for use by someone under 18 yrs old. (A few may occasionally make exceptions for older teens who are experienced ECV drivers - for example a teen with a chronic health problem who has used an ECV before.)
NOTE: Some of the companies have items that may not be on their website. So if you like a company and they do not show exactly what you are looking for, email or call them and ask. The website may show only the most popular or commonly rented.

As of November 1, 2012, WDW Resorts began a new policy regarding ECV and wheelchair delivery to their resorts:

• 
  
  • Featured Vendors are welcome to check equipment with Bell Services for guest retrieval and return.
  • Non-featured vendors are welcome to do business on Disney property, but they must hand the equipment directly to the guest, and collect the equipment directly from the guest.
    
  • Here's some key facts:

• Disney is trying to limit their liability for leased property on their property.
• Disney used a 3rd party company to collect information about companies that do rental business on Disney property.
• Bid packets were sent to a number of primarily ECV rental companies.
• The approval process included business verification, insurance verification, and equipment inspection.
• I have also heard that Disney had 2 other goals - one was to limit the speed of the scooters and the other was to limit the size (to make sure they fit on buses and in queues).
  I have heard that the Featured Vendors also agreed that a certain percentage of their scooters would meet the speed and size guidelines.
  Some very well known and recommended companies were not able to replace their fleet of scooters at this time and did not meet the guidelines for Featured Vendor for that reason.
• Some chose not to apply (Randy's always delivered and picked up in person, for example, and was not interested in being able to drop off)
• Contrary to 'popular opinion', the Featured Providers don't pay a fee to Disney (from my contact with many of the companies and with Disney Disability Srvice).

++ power wheelchairs for experienced renters
This is a list of the Featured Vendors in alphabetical order:

• Apple Scooter
  321-726-6837
  http://www.applescooter.com/
  Apple rents scooters, manual wheelchairs, single and double strollers.
  They do rent smaller, 16 inch wide wheelchairs, suitable for smaller people (and children) between 80 and 135 pounds.
  Apple has many good reviews from DIS posters and is a long time favorite. There have been some recent (2015 and early 2016) negative reviews.
• Best Price Mobility
  321-402-5955
  Toll Free: 866-866-3434
  http://www.bpmobility.com
  Best Price rents scooters, manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs ++, single and double strollers. Little feedback from DIS posters
• Buena Vista
  (407)938-0349 or toll free (866)484-4797
  www.buenavistascooters.com
  Buena Vista rents scooters, manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs ++, transport chairs, single and double strollers, lift chairs, knee walkers and some respiratory equipment.
  They also service and repair personal equipment.
  Buena Vista has many good reviews from DIS posters and is a long time favorite.
• CARE Medical:
  Phone (407) 856-2273 " Toll Free U.S and Canada (800) 741-2282
  http://www.caremedicalequipment.com/
  CARE is a full Service Medical Company, has many good reviews and has been a long time favorite of DIS posters.
  They rent ECVs, manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs++, walkers, companion chairs, strollers, special needs strollers, bath equipment (including pediatric bath chairs), commodes, reclining chairs, hospital beds, oxygen & respiratory equipment, among other things.
  CARE also repairs personal equipment.
• Scooterbug
  1-800-726-8284
  Scooterbugmobility.com
  little feedback from DIS posters.
  They rent ECVs, standing ECVs, manual wheelchairs, single and double strollers (weight limit to 60 pounds).
  From what I can tell, this company provides strollers, wheelchairs and ECVs for the WDW parks; and probably pool chairs. They also rent the large grey ECVs that can be rented in the parks, plus a form of Standing ECV that guests can drive from a standing position. Here is a link to a thread about them, with pictures.

Vendors not on the Featured Provider List:
The specific companies are listed because DIS posters have used and recommended them over the years. The companies with little feedback are listed along with that information.
We will NOT list a company on the FAQs thread without a significant number of recommendations from established posters. Also, some companies encourage/promote allowing children to ride as passengers on scooters. We will not knowingly post a link to any company that encourages behavior that is unsafe and companies that manufacture ECVs specifically warn against in their instruction manuals.

• Randy's Mobility
• According to information from Randy, they have a London, England phone # that connects directly to their US. Office.
  US. & CAN. (321-281-6603)
  UK. (02030062368)
  http://randysmobility.com/randysmobility/rentals/
• Randy's has been a long time favorite of DIS posters.
• Randys rents ECVs, manual wheelchairs and Joovey strollers, including Joovey Caboose where one child can stand behind. Randy's will sometimes rent ECVs to older teens on a case by case basis.
• Walker Mobility:
  1-888-726-6837
  www.walkermobility.com
  Walkers rents ECVs, manual wheelchairs, Power wheelchairs ++, single and double strollers.
  They do rent smaller, 16 inch wide wheelchairs, suitable for smaller people (and children) between 80 and 100 pounds.
  Walker is a longtime favorite of DIS Board posters and Walker Mobility is also a wdwinfo.com sponsor
• Scootarama
  877-736-8328k
  http://www.scootarama.com/
  Scootarama rents scooters and power wheelchairs (which they, confusingly, call another type of scooter).
  Not as much feedback as Randy's, Care and Walker, but people who did post about them reported they had no problems.
• Scooter Vacations
  866-778-4748
  UK 02079 932302
  http://www.scootorlando.com/index.html
  Scooter Vacations rents scooter of various types (which they confusingly call 'electric wheelchairs')
  Not as much feedback as Randys, Care and Walker, but people who did post about them reported no problems. Their website lists them as "Disney Premier Providers" and "Universal Premier Providers". Neither Disney nor Universal has any listing for "Premier Provider".
• Scootaround
  1-888-441-7575
• https://locations.scootaround.com/orlando
  
• Not as much feedback as Randy's, Care and Walker. Scootaround rents ECV, wheelchairs and walkers/rollators. They also rent power wheelchairs.
• They are a nationwide company.

Orlando Medical Rentals
http://www.orlandomedicalrentals.com/medical-equipment-rentals-orlando.asp
If you need specialized equipment, like reclining wheelchairs or tilt in space wheelchairs, I would look here first.
There is little feedback from DIS posters.

Strollers, Baby Equipment & Special Needs Strollers
As of September 1, 2013, WDW Resorts named Featured Stroller/Baby Equipment Vendors.
Baby equipment includes items like cribs, rented baby toys, booster seats, high chairs, car seats, diaper genies, changing tables rented from a vendor.

It does not include items like diapers, formula, baby food, pacifiers, which can continue to be dropped off by vendors.

• 
  
  • Featured Vendors are welcome to check equipment with Bell Services for guest retrieval and return.
  • Non-preferred vendors are welcome to do business on Disney property, but they must hand the equipment directly to the guest, and collect the equipment directly from the guest.

Some of the Featured Vendors listed above for ECVs and wheelchairs also rent Strollers.
This is a list of the Featured Vendors who rent only Baby Equipment in alphabetical order:

• Kingdom Strollers
  407-271-5301
  www.kingdomstrollers.com
  single and double strollers, BOB stroller with weight to 70 pounds and height to 47 inches. Liberty Special Needs stroller
• cribs
• Kingdom Strollers is well known and well reviewed by DIS posters.
• Magic Strollers
  866-866-6177
  www.magicstrollers.com
  single and double strollers
  Magic Strollers is well known and well reviewed by DIS posters.
• Orlando Stroller Rentals
  800-281-0884
  www.orlandostrollerrentals.com
  single strollers and double strollers, including one single stroller with a weight limit to 65 pounds and one to 75 pounds.
  glider board attachments that allow a child of up to 45 pounds to stand behind the stroller.
  They also rent Special Tomato Jogger, which is a special needs stroller with a weight capacity of 110 pounds.
  Orlando Stroller Rentals is well known and well reviewed by DIS posters.
  
• Several of the Featured ECV Providers also rent single and double strollers; they are also Featured stroller providers.

A Baby's Best Friend - NOT a Featured Vendor
www.abbf.com
Wide variety of items, from single and double strollers to cribs, bassinets, backpack carriers, toys, rocking chairs and more.
They also rent wagons, which are NOT allowed in the parks.
Although they are not a Featured Vendor, they are well reviewed on the DIS site.

Accessible Vans and taxi
We have little feedback about these companies. Check when making a reservation about how and where the van will be delivered to you and how it will get back to the rental place.

• http://www.wheelchairgetaways.com/franchise/florida_orlando/home.htm (We have not used them in Orlando, but have used them at home when our van was out of commission. The van was delivered to and picked up from the shop where our van was being repaired. Since each is individually owned, this may not be the case at all sites.)
• http://www.rainbowwheels.com/ People have posted several times that they rented from this company and were pleased with the service. Link to 12/07 review by someone who used them.
• http://www.medicaltravel.org/van/van_rental_fleet.html
• http://www.discountmobilityusa.com/van_fleet.html Someone reported a bad experience in June 2007 with this company.

Accessible Taxi vans
The company used most often by DIS posters is MEARS, which includes buses and taxi vans. Mears taxicabs operate under the Yellow Cab Company, Checker Cab Company and City Cab Company brand. You can use these accessible taxis to get to places within WDW and also to get to other nearby locations like Universal or Sea World.
Taxicab Dispatch: (407) 422-2222

 

[anonymousegirl]

Don't drink and drive. I had to rent a scooter once at EPCOT (for a sudden back flare up) and it just killed me to not be strolling along with my Grey Goose Slushie from France. Half of September is Food and Wine at EPCOT, so it will be more crowded, especially at night and on the weekend. Your scooter will have a light, but you will want to drive slowly at night, since they don't have brakes.

 

[The Hunchback]

There are preferred vendors who can drop the scooter at bell services in the Disney hotels. Buena Vista is one of those. Others like Walker Mobility have to meet you at the hotel. I have only used Walker Mobility as we stay off park.

Average batteries last all day most of the time. Carry the charger if you have concerns. It should tuck in the back of the seat pocket. If you elect to charge in the park, plugs are often in the flower boxes. Many are tucked behind restaurants against main walls. Be sure to plug it in overnight at the hotel. Watch that the light switch not turn off the power to the plug when you turn off the lights. I did that once. Had to walk the next day. Hurt for three days after.

Yes, rain can be an issue. Walker scooters are water resistant unlike most other models. I carry a poncho and a couple of close pins to secure it as wind is also a factor. There are spots to park for rainstorms in MK in tomorrowland and in Epcot at Land. Usually the shows at all other parks let scooters go in, so go to the shows. Rain is often brief in FL in Sept.

Do not leave valuables on scooter. I had a cane stolen once. I do leave a backpack on the rear of the seat. I clip it with D rings to discourage quick grap artists. It has snacks and rain coat for me and the scooter.

I would skip the sun shade. It blocks your view. Small baskets often come with the rental. I like the cup holder too. Some have said rear baskets won't fit on Disney busses.

Avoid the trolly tracks in MK as they snag scooter wheels. AK is the roughest ride due to "natural" terrain. Take your time and go slow in that park. Actually, slow everywhere is good idea.

I find riding is more stressful than walking. People step out in front of you all the time. Be aware of everything around you. Don't ride into the flower beds. Disney frown on that and you can get stuck. (It wasn't my fault. I had to avoid a kid.)

Have fun and don't worry about it. There will be lots of tips added here.

 

[Kaytie]

There are 5 scooter companies that have the privilege of leaving scooters with the bellhop area of a Disney resort. What's nice here is you don't have to be present when the scooter is delivered.

These companies pay for the privilege. They all have fans and detractors, as do numerous reputable equipment companies that chose not to be able to use Bell Services.

There are preferred vendors who

Not preferred. Featured. Preferred implies a status not necessarily deserved simply because said companies choose to pay Disney for convenience.

 

[The Hunchback]

Kaytie is correct. I used the wrong word. They are featured vendors. Disney does not care which vendor you use. The only one who gets a lot of complaints is Apple. Their BBB reflects that unless it has been upgraded lately.

Another tip I thought of is to bring some light sticks or battery operated blinking lights for the scooter basket. Makes it easier for others to see you at night. Dollar store or Walgreens season area is a good spot to look for those.

If you can, plan to walk a bit each day so you legs don't swell.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I'd think twice about a sun shade-they limit your vision to the side and rear. The first time I rented a scooter, like you, I had lots of questions (some not until I'd gotten the ECV). CMs and other scooter-users around you can be very helpful. My big question after I'd had the scooter a couple hours was "Where do I park when I go to the restroom?" Since I was solo, no one was available to watch it. Finally, I just drove up to a group of scooter drivers I didn't know and asked them. They were so nice to me! By the way, just park right next to the building-don't forget to take the key and anything else. Compare prices-some of the featured only pick up and drop off in the morning, so you may pay more than a non-featured providers. But there's the cost of convenience!