mobility scooter

[Meredith9217]

Going this summer - have used wheelchair for the last 4 times I was there but thinking about a mobility scooter. Trying to make it easier on the family. Any recommendations? Need a battery that lasts long. Also can you plug in at the parks at Disney World? Just don't want to be stuck.

 

[The Hunchback]

I like Walker Mobility. Their scooters last me 12 plus hours. You need to remember to turn of the power when parked for parades and such. Others on the board have talked about plug in spots in each park so hopefully they will chime in. It seems like the maintenance staff at Disney often know where to plug in but most cast members should be able to help you.

 

[Bete]

Battery charge length is very dependent on your weight. If you are heavier you may want to consider a two battery scooter; they last a long time and don't need boosts in the parks. One such scooter is called the Pride Victory.

As already mentioned you need to conserve your battery power by shutting your scooter off during shows, parades, and fireworks.

I would use a Disney featured scooter rental. They are allowed to leave the scooter at a Disney onsite resort without you being present.

 

[mamabunny]

I can't emphasis this enough: Your best strategy is to make sure that the battery(s) is/are charged fully prior to leaving for the Parks every morning. Start the day with a fully charged battery, and you should be OK.

After your first day or so, you should have a good idea of how long your battery will go. You may not need to carry along the charger if you use some of these tips I have collected from everyone here:

In addition to turning off the unit for shows, parades, etc., don't forget to turn it off when on buses, boats, and the Monorails. Also, I turn off my personal scooter if I am going to be sitting for more than 30 seconds or so (in line, or looking at something in a shop, or chatting with a CM) Turn it off at meals - even if you sit on the unit to eat.

To clarify, when we say "turn off" the ECV, what we mean is either turn the key switch (if so equipped) to "Off", or turn the power button to "Off". Regardless of key switch or power button, the idea is to make sure that you have turned the power to the unit all the way off, to help conserve battery life.

Don't use the headlight in the daytime. It won't give that much additional visibility, and it will drain the battery faster. Some folks don't even use the headlight at night. On my personal ECV, I have a bicycle lighting system that is self-contained and rechargeable so it doesn't pull from my ECV battery. The only time I tend to use the headlights/taillights is at night, between the Park entrance and the buses, just for an extra bit of visibility.

Practice good battery "hygiene" and I bet you won't have any problems!

PS: Make sure you put your Rental vendors contact information (including office hours and after-hours emergency contact info) into the "Contacts" or "Address Book" on your phone. If you do have a problem, you will have the information you need at your fingertips. (literally!)

 

[Simba's Mom]

I remember there's a plug in Animal Kingdom at "Finding Nemo" by the door going out, where you park your scooter if you're going to "transfer". I remember one guy told me he always charges his scooter there while he's in watching the show. I've also had great service from Walker, but they're not a featured provider. The Featured Providers can drop off, pick up the scooters at bell services, so you don't need to arrange to be there at a time. That may or may not be important-I'm wrestling with that decision now, that inconvenience, versus known good service.

 

[GrammyJudy]

There are plugs in the parks but you have to look for them. Last trip I forgot to charge one night and the next day at MK I basically found plugs all day to charge. It worked but what a pain. Always carry the charger. I am renting from Buenos Vista this trip because of good reviews.

 

[married2mm]

I've been considering a scooter also-
However; I too have concerns if I break down -what would happen?
Does anyone have experiences good/bad to share?

I'm quite a worryguts at the best of times-therefore if hiring a scooter would add to stress rather than alleviate it;
What to do?!

 

[The Hunchback]

If you rent from Disney, you call (or have a cast member call) and they bring a different scooter quickly. However Disney does run out of scooters often.

Most people on this forum rent from outside vendors. I used Walker Mobility. I have rented at least yearly for the last 15 years. I have had problems twice. Once was an accident so not a real breakdown. Both times were during the business hours for Walker and they brought me a new scooter at the spot I broke down. If you elect to rent from an outside vendor, ask when you are checking prices what the policy is on breakdowns. On some you may need to get to the main gate of the park for a scooter swap. I think breakdowns are rare.

 

[mamabunny]

I've been considering a scooter also-
However; I too have concerns if I break down -what would happen?
Does anyone have experiences good/bad to share?

I'm quite a worryguts at the best of times-therefore if hiring a scooter would add to stress rather than alleviate it;
What to do?!

Please don't worry - breakdowns (and short-life batteries) are the exception, not the rule.

As I said above: Make sure you put your Rental vendors contact information (including office hours and after-hours emergency contact info) into the "Contacts" or "Address Book" on your phone. If you do have a problem, you will have the information you need at your fingertips. (literally!)

If something were to happen - let's say the rental scooter just croaks - you call the Vendor (if it is during their regular business hours) or you follow their after-hours procedure. If for some reason you can't get ahold of them, then reach out to the nearest CM (Cast Member) - regardless of what position they hold (cashier, wait staff, maintenance, attractions, doesn't matter) and tell them you need assistance.

Depending on what your exact problem is, they may tell you to go to Guest Relations, or they may be able to dispatch some other form of help. The main take-away from this is: Reach out to a CM as soon as you know you need help. If the first one you talk to doesn't know what to do, or seems unsure of how to help, find another CM. WDW is crawling with them. Be clear and concise in describing what you *need* "I need help because my rental scooter has broken down, and I can't walk all the way back to the buses at the front".

But the chances are *very good* that you won't have any problems. Rent from a reputable vendor. Make sure you have all of their contact and emergency information in your phone. Try to meet the vendor upon delivery, so that they can go over all of the features of the ECV with you. Know if there is a parking brake, or a brake release, where that is. Charge the battery EVERY NIGHT and make sure it is fully charged before leaving the Resort in the morning. Stop as soon as you notice a problem with the ECV and call the vendor - don't go all day thinking it will "heal" itself and then find yourself without wheels after they have closed for the day.

You'll be fine. Seriously.

Have a lovely trip!

 

[married2mm]

Please don't worry - breakdowns (and short-life batteries) are the exception, not the rule.

As I said above: Make sure you put your Rental vendors contact information (including office hours and after-hours emergency contact info) into the "Contacts" or "Address Book" on your phone. If you do have a problem, you will have the information you need at your fingertips. (literally!)

If something were to happen - let's say the rental scooter just croaks - you call the Vendor (if it is during their regular business hours) or you follow their after-hours procedure. If for some reason you can't get ahold of them, then reach out to the nearest CM (Cast Member) - regardless of what position they hold (cashier, wait staff, maintenance, attractions, doesn't matter) and tell them you need assistance.

Depending on what your exact problem is, they may tell you to go to Guest Relations, or they may be able to dispatch some other form of help. The main take-away from this is: Reach out to a CM as soon as you know you need help. If the first one you talk to doesn't know what to do, or seems unsure of how to help, find another CM. WDW is crawling with them. Be clear and concise in describing what you *need* "I need help because my rental scooter has broken down, and I can't walk all the way back to the buses at the front".

But the chances are *very good* that you won't have any problems. Rent from a reputable vendor. Make sure you have all of their contact and emergency information in your phone. Try to meet the vendor upon delivery, so that they can go over all of the features of the ECV with you. Know if there is a parking brake, or a brake release, where that is. Charge the battery EVERY NIGHT and make sure it is fully charged before leaving the Resort in the morning. Stop as soon as you notice a problem with the ECV and call the vendor - don't go all day thinking it will "heal" itself and then find yourself without wheels after they have closed for the day.

You'll be fine. Seriously.

Have a lovely trip!

Thankyou ever so much for this.