Offsite ECV

[czmom]

I am in treatment for chronic Lyme disease and will need to use an ECV for our trip in 4 weeks. Where is the best place to rent one from?

Also- I'm super nervous about getting it on/off the buses? Any tips? I've only used an ECV at Disneyland and no buses there

 

[HonnyDipp]

I have a rare muscle disease that took away my ability to walk. I'm in remission now and I'm even walking again (slowly) so ECV is a MUST for me when I go to WDW. I rent from Buena Vista Scooter Rentals. We checked into AoA and the scooter was waiting for me at the bellstand. The buses. I've had good experiences and bad ones dealing with Disney transportation i.e. buses. The drivers were never a problem. They were always kind, considerate and patient with me and my family. I had experience with scooters, so being able to load and unload the ECV on my own made it easier. I found that the only ones with the issues were the other guests who were ticked off that I was allowed on the bus before them. But they can get over it. I didn't pay $200 for a rental because I'm lazy, I rented it because I have a disability!

 

[minnie mum]

I am in treatment for chronic Lyme disease and will need to use an ECV for our trip in 4 weeks. Where is the best place to rent one from?

Also- I'm super nervous about getting it on/off the buses? Any tips? I've only used an ECV at Disneyland and no buses there

There is a list of rental companies on the FAQ sticky. See post 2:

http://www.disboards.com/threads/di...disabled-1st-trip-next-trip-wish-trip.595713/

The nice thing about the offsite rentals is that they are smaller and more manoeverable than the Disney ecvs. The trick is to dial down your speed and go slow at first. Getting on a bus requires a hard right turn after you go up the ramp, and then parallel parking into your space. When you first get your ecv, practice. Set up a couple of obstacles and practice parallel parking between them. Tip: just like with a car, backing into the spot is easier.

 

[czmom]

Thank you both!

 

[mamabunny]

I am in treatment for chronic Lyme disease and will need to use an ECV for our trip in 4 weeks. Where is the best place to rent one from?

Also- I'm super nervous about getting it on/off the buses? Any tips? I've only used an ECV at Disneyland and no buses there

Don't be nervous about the buses - once you get a good feel for it, it will be pretty simple! Best advice is to line up straight on the ramp - don't try to approach from an angle. The drivers will assist you - they really are marvelous (as are all of the Transportation folks at WDW; boat captains, Monorail attendants, etc) and they will guide you through the process. Go slowly, don't be afraid - literally THOUSANDS of times a time at WDW those ramps are used by folks in ECVs! - and above all remember that if you need help with the loading, you can always have a member of your party drive it on, or it can be put into manual mode and pushed up the ramp if needed. I'll bet you $5 right now you'll be fine! Take a few minutes to get used to your rental, figure out how tightly it turns, and how quickly it stops, etc. and you'll be fine!

Just as an FYI, there is a similar size portable ramp that they use for the boats and the Monorail. Again, you just take your time, and get used to it, and pretty quickly you'll be driving round like an old Pro! You can ride most of the boats at WDW with the ECV - it's only the smaller boats that have a step down into them that aren't accessible. The only other time that getting on/off a boat is an issue is if the water levels happen to be too high or too low for the crew to safely drop the portable ramp. But I've only had that happen a couple of times since I have been using an ECV at WDW, so no worries!

As far as other guests go, if anyone ever says anything, just politely remind them that even though you do get to board first, you also have to get off last, after everyone else. But I have to tell you, we have been to WDW 3 times in the past year, and I have noticed that folks just don't seem to care that much about ECVs anymore. The few who do are not worth the time and trouble to worry about. You get on that thing, and go have a Magical time at WDW, and don't worry!

 

[Selket]

I've rented from Buena Vista Scooters and gotten this portable model which I really like because it is smaller and very maneuverable: https://www.buenavistascooters.com/products_details.asp?id=3 I rented the portable one even when I didn't need to break it down to put in a car because I like it so much. That company gets good reviews here - as do a few others. I personally like that they can deliver and pick up at the resort without me being there to hand it off but that isn't an issue for some people. And I guess I like that ECV so much I've not wanted to try any other company! I did get the damage waiver just in case. I tried it with the rear basket this time and did not like that as it sticks out so far in the back I didn't like trying to park it that way on the bus.

As for the busses - don't worry. The bus drivers are very helpful and most will offer to do it for you if you have trouble (well probably all of them would). I have never had an issue with an unfriendly driver and even when I messed up the parking they just moved it into position. I found I needed a fairly high speed to get up the ramp in that scooter but you'll see how it works once you drive it up the ramp...lol!

 

[czmom]

I've rented from Buena Vista Scooters and gotten this portable model which I really like because it is smaller and very maneuverable: https://www.buenavistascooters.com/products_details.asp?id=3 I rented the portable one even when I didn't need to break it down to put in a car because I like it so much. That company gets good reviews here - as do a few others. I personally like that they can deliver and pick up at the resort without me being there to hand it off but that isn't an issue for some people. And I guess I like that ECV so much I've not wanted to try any other company! I did get the damage waiver just in case. I tried it with the rear basket this time and did not like that as it sticks out so far in the back I didn't like trying to park it that way on the bus.

As for the busses - don't worry. The bus drivers are very helpful and most will offer to do it for you if you have trouble (well probably all of them would). I have never had an issue with an unfriendly driver and even when I messed up the parking they just moved it into position. I found I needed a fairly high speed to get up the ramp in that scooter but you'll see how it works once you drive it up the ramp...lol!

Love the idea of a portable one!!!

 

[StirlingSilver83]

I rented from Walker Mobility last year and they were great! My scooter was even pink! Getting it on and off the bus got easier, I was a nervous wreck the first time but the drivers are really nice and help you out as much as possible...just make sure you turn the speed dial down to a snails pace before getting on and off the bus.

 

[Stefecatzz]

I rented from Walker Mobility last year and they were great!

I rent from Buena Vista Scooter Rentals.

I've rented from Buena Vista Scooters and gotten this portable model which I really like because it is smaller and very maneuverable

Thanks, OP for this post! I have no experience with ECV rentals but was wondering the same things. So thanks PP's also for the helpful info!

Can anyone comment on how long their ECV lasted in the parks? I broke my ankle in Dec. & will most likely have to rent one for my upcoming trip in May. One thing I worry about is if it will last me a 12 hour day in the parks (with plenty of breaks). I know some of them come with chargers that you could charge them in the parks but where are these places you could charge while you're there if need be? I do like to hop to two parks in one day & take breaks at nearby resorts midday so usually don't go back to my room for them. Maybe I should be renting one that is one step up from a standard or travel model for this reason?

 

[StirlingSilver83]

Thanks, OP for this post! I have no experience with ECV rentals but was wondering the same things. So thanks PP's also for the helpful info!

Can anyone comment on how long their ECV lasted in the parks? I broke my ankle in Dec. & will most likely have to rent one for my upcoming trip in May. One thing I worry about is if it will last me a 12 hour day in the parks (with plenty of breaks). I know some of them come with chargers that you could charge them in the parks but where are these places you could charge while you're there if need be? I do like to hop to two parks in one day & take breaks at nearby resorts midday so usually don't go back to my room for them. Maybe I should be renting one that is one step up from a standard or travel model for this reason?

My ECV lasted in the park we were usually out the door by 7 AM for a breakfast ADR and then we would usually get back into the resort around 8-9 PM. I always took my charger with me in case I needed to charge it. I always shut the ECV off while we were waiting in line for rides or shows and I shut it off when we were eating. Just don't leaving it idling and it should be good.

 

[Selket]

Thanks, OP for this post! I have no experience with ECV rentals but was wondering the same things. So thanks PP's also for the helpful info!

Can anyone comment on how long their ECV lasted in the parks?

I had the portable model (that breaks down to put in a car if you want) - although last week I was at WDW only and didn't even have a car! I was out about 14 hours a day and had no problems. I did bring the charger with me. You could always ask a CM where to charge it but often a good time is while you're having dinner (especially a table service dinner). I did charge it once while I ate just in case but it was still showing full battery. We park hopped almost every day and didn't go back to the resort for rest.

How long the battery lasts I "think" is also related to your weight - so a heavier person would need a heavier duty scooter for going through the park and having it last all day. I'm not a light weight by any means (and I'm also tall) and that portable scooter lasted fine - probably for most people under 220lbs it would be fine all day - I believe is what they told me. I remember talking to them at Buena Vista about this issue and they assured me my weight on that scooter all day would not be a problem. So I suggest when you call a company to ask them - they really should know.

I also did as the PP said and turned it off when I was just sitting. I also did get up and walk some - but I did spend a good amount of time on it every day. Actually I drove it all over the parks while my son was off riding something so I did put a lot of miles on it...lol! Perhaps if you know that you'd really not be up walking at all - you may want to step up to their regular scooter as the battery may be better. Ask them about it!

 

[jdb in AZ]

Thanks, OP for this post! I have no experience with ECV rentals but was wondering the same things. So thanks PP's also for the helpful info!

Can anyone comment on how long their ECV lasted in the parks? I broke my ankle in Dec. & will most likely have to rent one for my upcoming trip in May. One thing I worry about is if it will last me a 12 hour day in the parks (with plenty of breaks). I know some of them come with chargers that you could charge them in the parks but where are these places you could charge while you're there if need be? I do like to hop to two parks in one day & take breaks at nearby resorts midday so usually don't go back to my room for them. Maybe I should be renting one that is one step up from a standard or travel model for this reason?

Every ECV we've rented has come with a charger, since you'll need to plug it in all night every night to recharge it. If the ECV gets sluggish in the parks we just plug in the charger while we take a lunch or dinner break. Just ask a Cast Member where their electrical outlets are. It's probably not a question they get asked every day, but the cast members are very accommodating. Any outlet will work.

If the battery was fully charged and in decent condition to begin with, you shouldn't have problems. The charger is helpful "just in case." As mentioned previously, if you turn off the key whenever the ECV is just sitting there, you'll save enough "juice" to get you through the day.

 

[czmom]

I think I'm going with Buena Vista. Is the damage waiver suggested? We are only at wdw for 3 days before heading to vero.

 

[Stefecatzz]

Thanks for the info, everyone! Now I am going to be thinking about any 'add-ons' that might be beneficial to me like a cup holder or sun shade.

OP- I am also thinking about the damage waiver if only for the fact that it might rain & I've read that they're really not supposed to get wet.

 

[stitchlovestink]

Thanks for the info, everyone! Now I am going to be thinking about any 'add-ons' that might be beneficial to me like a cup holder or sun shade.

OP- I am also thinking about the damage waiver if only for the fact that it might rain & I've read that they're really not supposed to get wet.

The tiller isn't supposed to get wet....The part where the electronic controls are should always stay dry. The battery should be encased to protect it from water. So other than those areas, the rest can withstand rain...