More ?'s about ECV rentals ...

[Fºoºz]

Have read the posts re: scooter (ECV) rentals but had a few more questions. Looking at renting one for the first time for my DW due to limited mobility and health difficulties so it is my first foray into the do's and don'ts of ECV etiquette. Checked out the Walker, Colonial, Care and Randy's websites re: rentals. I like the option of drop-off and pick-up at the hotel by a company but still need some more clarification. So here goes ...

1. Has anyone had any problems with theft or damage to the rentals while at any of the theme parks? Is there theft/damage insurance coverage that goes with the rentals?
2. Where do you park the ECV if one decides to go on a ride or in a restaurant in a theme park? Is there a special place designated for them?
3. The same as in #2, but now related to visiting shops or eating in restaurants in Downtown Disney or Universal Citywalk?
4. Does the collapsible scooters fit easily into the trunk of a car?
5. Is there anything else I or my DW should be aware of re: rentals or the use of a ECV?
6. Any recommendations as to which company to go with?

Thanks for any help that you can offer.

 

[Peg]

recently broke my foot and will be in Disney soon
Peg

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I have used rental ECVs for at least ten trips. I have never had any problem with theft of the scooter as I always remove the key when I get off it. I never leave anything of value in the basket. Usually I will keep a poncho and folding umbrella in the zipper bag on the back of the seat.

Depending on the attraction I will tend to take the ECV in as far as I can go, and then transfer to the ride vehicle. I will take the key, but one of the CMs will put it into "Freewheel" and move it to a location that is easy for me to retreive.

Usually I will leave the scooter outside of restaurants in the stroller parking area. Sometimes if the weather is a strong change of rain I will bring it inside and have never had a problem parking in a sheltered area.

Nortmally I will always ride the ECV in stores, although sometimes maneuvering can be tight. I cannot anser for Universal.

The normal rental scooters disassemble into five pieces, the heaviest about 39 pounds. My last rental was a Buick Century and it was a ticht fit in the trunk. When I have used Buick LeSabre or Park Avenue, which are larger cars, the ECV was easier to load and unload. Note if there are only two people a smaller car will work by keeping the seat in the back seat of the car.

I have used Walker on each trip. The couple of times I had minor problems they arranged to meet me and replaced the scooter on the spot within an hour. I understand that Randy's is lower price, but they will not deliver the ECV unless you are actually present to accept it and sign a waiver of liability; They may also require that you be present to turn it in. I tell Walker my expected arrival time at the hotel and the ECV has always been waiting for me; similarly I let them know my expected departure time and they will come to Bell Servicews for pickup some time after I have left.

I hope this information helps

 

[Nanajo1]

I have used an ECV for several trips. My mobility flucuates. On one trip I was not walking at all. I took the ECV into restaurants when told where to park it I just said I can't walk and the hostess would say fine and lead us to our table. Often my DH would free wheel the ECV to a less crowded spot and bring it back to me at the end of the meal. I have taken it all over DTD, into all the shops without a problem(other than people not "seeing "me).
Have a great trip.

 

[Fºoºz]

Thanks Cheshire Figment for the tip re: Walker's rentals ... that seems more amenable for us.

It's great to hear your first-hand experience and Nanajo1's with ECV's. Helps prepare how we can plan things for my DW ... we want to make it as pain-free as possible for her as she worries about holding us up.

Thanks

 

[Talking Hands]

With my electric wheelchair and before when I had the scooter I have to remember to slow down so my husband can keep up with me. She will not be slowing you down, so tell her not to worry. Have a great time.

 

[Fºoºz]

Thanks Talking Hands ... just have to make sure that she doesn't mow me down once she gets behind the wheel

 

[cupcake]

I will be touring for the first time in a scooter, by myself no less! I have toured many many times w/ a wheelchair but my dh has a conference in October so if I want to get around, it's going to have to be in a scooter (I have extra bones in my feet and my walking limit is about 90 minutes). We are staying at the Swan and I am renting from Walker.

I am worried about lots of the same things you are, esp how I will manage on the buses by myself. I'm the type of person that hates to parallel park or drive in really heavy traffic, but I have received lots of encouragement from everyone here and am feeling good about my choice.

We will be returning on October 20th. I will post when we get back! I'm going to Epcot the first day bc I can just drive over (no bus!) and I figure the more open layout will help me get used to the scooter. I am also making my dh go somewhere with me in the scooter on a bus at night for moral support so I am not by myself the first time I do it.

Cupcake the Brave (ok, ok, the Scaredy-Cat)

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I think you will find the freedom a mixed blessing. When your DH is pushing your wheelchair, at least he is visible. When you are in a scooter by youself you become invisible.

You will have people suddenly stop in front of you, or "Stroller Terrorists" (as they are referred to on RADP) not noticing you.

Often I have wished for air horns, but the only portable ones I have seen are for boats and designed to be heard over several hundred yards and would bee too loud for their need.

If you run into anyone, especially if it is their fault, be nice and say something about "just having gotten the license from a box of Cracker Jacks" or something similar. Remember, it will probably be their fault and it will hurt them more than it will hurt you.

As far as the buses, usually the driver will be able to assist in boarding and getting off. From the Swan, the Friendships are very user-friendly for boarding ad debarking, which will help in getting to the Studio and Epcot.