Picture of an ECV?? Easy to drive?

[ms.ojo]

I was wondering if anyone had a picture of an ECV? Are they difficult to maneuver in the parks for a rookie?

I've recently had foot surgery and I'm not sure I'll be ready to walk the miles at Disney next month. I was thinking of perhaps asking for a wheelchair at the hotel if we need it, but sounds like that's not always available. I'm not use to motorized driving of a wheelchair as this is a new and temporary (hopefully) condition for me. Right now I use a manual wheel chair or the mall)

ANyway, any pictures and information about manipulating one would be very helpful.

Thanks!

 

[FoggyToad]

My friend and I rented an ECV for the first time in November. It was a little intimidating for the first five minutes but after that it was a breeze. The CM told us the ECV's are only a couple months old and that these new ones are easier to handle and smaller than the old ones were. I wouldn't have been able to make it around any of the parks without one. People say to try out the ones at Walmart, etc. but they look much larger and bulkier than the ones at the parks. Go for it!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Basically you might want to go to a WalMart (or equal) or a large grocery store. They normally have ECVs available for free use. Be aware that the ones in the stores are larger than the ones Disney rents and much larger and nowhere near as maneuverable as the off-site rentals.

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. The top item is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information, including where people rent ECVs. Or, if you want an easier route, click on the link in my signature.

But basically they have a handlebar with a lever which can easily be pressed near the middle of the handlebar. In all instances pushing the lever will make the ECV move and releasing it will make it stop. There are two possible methods depending on the ECV; one is push the right side of the lever to go forward and push the left side to back up, the other is a separate forward/reverse switch and pushing the lever will make it move. And it steers just like a tricycle. To see pictures, user manuals, etc., one manufacturer is www.pridemobility.com and you can look there.

 

[ms.ojo]

Thank you for posting! I'll give it a try at Wal*Mart. I find it very hard to do that store now w/ just my cane anyway. That's a great idea to see how they handle.

Do the ECVs at Disney have a basket too?

Thanks again!

 

[FoggyToad]

Thank you for posting! I'll give it a try at Wal*Mart. I find it very hard to do that store now w/ just my cane anyway. That's a great idea to see how they handle.

Do the ECVs at Disney have a basket too?

Thanks again!

Yes, Disney ECV's have baskets and the arms on each side of the seat go up and down for easier entrance/exits.

 

[SueM in MN]

In the disABILITIES FAQs thread, there are links to a number of different off-site companies that rent ECVs. If you click on the link, most of them have pcitures of the various ECVs that they rent.
I have some pictures of the new WDW ECVs, but I have not had time to post them. I could email a picture to you if you would like.

 

[ms.ojo]

In the disABILITIES FAQs thread, there are links to a number of different off-site companies that rent ECVs. If you click on the link, most of them have pcitures of the various ECVs that they rent.
I have some pictures of the new WDW ECVs, but I have not had time to post them. I could email a picture to you if you would like.

Thank you, but I don't want to put you to any trouble. I'll go to the links in the FAQs and check out the pictures there.

I'm feeling more uncertain about this trip! I see my foot Dr again tomorrow as it's just not improving and in some ways is worse! I'm beginning to wonder if this trip is feasible. Typically DH and I each push a child in a stroller. DS7 is old enough to be able to walk more, but places like EPCOT are really difficult still. And I don't think he can push dd5 all day either (and dh push me) so that's why I'm thinking of an ECV. Then dh can push dd and ds just has to walk. I'm going to read up on the FAQ and I believe I saw a link to something about how to load onto diff't rides when you're in a wheelchair or ECV. I hadn't thought of that! I'm fortunate, I should be able to step down into the boats ok. I don't know, maybe we should consider bringing our wheelchair from home. I'd have it in the airports too. But then I'm one more thing to push and less a set of hands for luggage (actually 2 w/ whoever is pushing me is unable to carry anything) Oh dear, I really need to think this through...

Thanks again!!!

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Firstly, don't panic: you're going to Disney, they're wonderful there! Whatever happens, Disney will do everything they can to help you.

Here's my suggestion (feel free to ignore it if you wish): Try out the ECVs at Wal-Mart. If you're happy driving them, you'll be fine on any ECV you use (the store ones are normally monsters compared to a lot of the others). The easiest thing for you may be to rent an ECV from off site (all the details of various rental companies are in the FAQ). That way you have it 24/7, so you can use it around the resort, at DTD and getting to and from the buses. You also wouldn't have to worry about them running out of ECVs at the parks. As you said, your husband can push your daughter and your son can walk (or you could look into renting a double stroller for the pair of them, if they'd fit).

Alternatively, if you find you really don't feel happy using an ECV (some people love them, some don't) you could use your wheelchair and your daughter could ride on your lap sometimes. You're not allowed to do this with ECVs, but it's OK with wheelchairs. Just make sure you don't get sore from having her sit on you for so long (even a small child can get pretty heavy after a long time).

Whichever option you go for, before you leave you might want to read through the FAQ. This has loads of information on boarding buses, what to do at rides, etc. It also has a link to a thread with tips for wheeling WDW (I've given you the link to save some time). Also, if you get at all stuck in the parks, or have any problems, just ask a CM and they'll sort you out!

Hope this helps, and we're here to answer any more questions you have!

 

[ms.ojo]

Thank you so very much! I am really thankful for this forum, the vast amt of information, and supportive people like those who have replied to my thread!! I also appreciate the quick link to such useful information!

I will post when I do my trial run at W*M.!! If I can do the ECV, it certainly would make it easier so dh could push dd in the stroller. It's jsut manipulating it in a store...and trying to get through throngs of pp are very diff't. This actually goes for the wheel chair too. I suppose either way, I'm going to get an appreciation of my children's butt high view from their strollers of the park!!!

DD has ridden on my lap at craft shows in the wheel chair and ikwym....she gets heavy even though she's only 38lbs. What's worse is her jumping on and off. If she just sat still I think I could take it better. LOL

Well, thanks again for the links and tips. And for the support!

 

[OneLittleSpark]

A 5 year old? Sit still? Never!

Yes, unfortunately the view could be better, but at least you can enjoy the bits you can see, and don't have to worry about the pain. Have you got crutches? If so, you could have a crutch-holder fitted to your rental ECV (just ask and they'll attach one for a small fee. I think it's about $10 for the whole rental time), then you could use the crutches in shops, so you don't have to navigate the often narrow aisles on wheels.

Good luck with the test-drive, and do keep us posted. If there's anything else you need help with, just post it up here and we'll do what we can!

 

[kimsuenew]

I was wondering if anyone had a picture of an ECV? Are they difficult to maneuver in the parks for a rookie? I've recently had foot surgery and I'm not sure I'll be ready to walk the miles at Disney next month. I was thinking of perhaps asking for a wheelchair at the hotel if we need it, but sounds like that's not always available. I'm not use to motorized driving of a wheelchair as this is a new and temporary (hopefully) condition for me. Right now I use a manual wheel chair or the mall)

ANyway, any pictures and information about manipulating one would be very helpful.

Thanks!

While I do not have a picture, I wanted to say that the ECV's available to rent at the WDW parks are VERY easily manuevered and used. They are nice, have a basket (for things such as a bag, purchases, a cane), and are easy to use. They are "first come, first served" and do run out (we actually got the last one available for rent at AK on a Saturday)! DTD does not have EVC's but I do believe wheelchairs are available there. Your resort may have wheelchairs available as well (for non park days)! HAVE FUN!

 

[SueM in MN]

Here is a picture of the new WDW parks ECVs.

 

[Dedejf]

Note that little black lever under the seat. It wasn't until our third day renting a WDW ECV that a CM explained what it was. It swivels the seat outwards so that one can board it or disembark easier as well as view performances, parades, etc. from a different angle than looking straight on.

 

[SueM in MN]

Note that little black lever under the seat. It wasn't until our third day renting a WDW ECV that a CM explained what it was. It swivels the seat outwards so that one can board it or disembark easier as well as view performances, parades, etc. from a different angle than looking straight on.

Good point.
Being able to swing the seat also makes parking for shows and parades easier. Instead of having to drive into a spot and then back or pull the ECV forward into a spot so it is facing forward, you can pull straight in and just turn the seat. That also helps when it's time to leave; you can just return the seat to the forward facing position and then drive straight out.

 

[kimsuenew]

Note that little black lever under the seat. It wasn't until our third day renting a WDW ECV that a CM explained what it was. It swivels the seat outwards so that one can board it or disembark easier as well as view performances, parades, etc. from a different angle than looking straight on.

LOL, I never realized that the whole time! Boy... that would have made things ALOT easier!

 

[bopper]

You go in the ECV and have DH push a doublestroller. The kids can walk if they want, ride if they want, and everybody is happy.

 

[bbyee]

I'm a lifelong power wheelchair user and I've also been to WDW/Vegas/etc several times...PLEASE make sure that you or your loved one can *safely* use an ECV before renting one for him or her. As much as they are considered a 'convenience' (which is a horrible name for it), it comes with a great deal of responsibility to make sure that the user does not hurt him/herself or others. Admittedly, to me, it's how I walk and is second nature, but not the same is true for non-regular users.

I've seen too many well-meaning folks get an ECV for someone who has trouble walking to make their vacation 'easier', it actually literally puts at risk everyone around them and/or themselves if they don't know what they are doing.

I agree with other people who have said to have them try out the chairs beforehand...you might even want to go to a local medical supply company to see if they have ones to try. These are more realistic than the ones at grocery stores.

If you do ultimately decide to rent an ECV for a non-regular user, you will want to make sure tha the device is not set to full speed ahead initially, and make sure that the person has good fine motor skills (how the person will push the buttons/levers to activate power). They will also have to be SUPER aware of others around them to make sure they don't cause any squished toes incidents and they also will need to be prepared to stop at a moment's notice when a "walkie" gets in their way (it happens all the time). Make sure they will be able to back up, turn, and navigate places that aren't always wheelchair friendly (ie, not the nice, flat, open surfaces).

For the record, the purpose of using an ECV is to replace the ability to walk independently. That means no other "passengers" on laps/backs/etc on the ECV.

The cast members and other permanently disabled, regular wheelchair users will spot out the ECV renter at a millisecond glance. The first instinct, I hate to say it, is to stay out of the way. The best thing the ECV renter can do is learn to use the device properly BEFORE hitting the public areas.

 

[toocherie]

Note that little black lever under the seat. It wasn't until our third day renting a WDW ECV that a CM explained what it was. It swivels the seat outwards so that one can board it or disembark easier as well as view performances, parades, etc. from a different angle than looking straight on.

Thanks for this tip! I have rented an ECV at DLR and the CMs never told me about this!

 

[toocherie]

The cast members and other permanently disabled, regular wheelchair users will spot out the ECV renter at a millisecond glance. The first instinct, I hate to say it, is to stay out of the way. The best thing the ECV renter can do is learn to use the device properly BEFORE hitting the public areas.

LOL! But one thing you should remember is that the person you are seeing may have an ECV at home but choose to rent one in WDW rather than transport their own ECV on a plane and risk damaging it. So they may not be such an amateur after all!

 

[bbyee]

LOL! But one thing you should remember is that the person you are seeing may have an ECV at home but choose to rent one in WDW rather than transport their own ECV on a plane and risk damaging it. So they may not be such an amateur after all!

True, but (and this is something I mentioned to my husband last night) it seems like people who use ECVs at home are more likely than not to rent one for their trip from a private renter rather than WDW. This automatically raises them up a bit in my perception ("at least they preplanned the use even if they aren't great with it)....gives the impression that they care enough to take care of business ahead of time. Plus, it also seems like most of the ECV rental companies now do delivery service and are less expensive overall than the ones in the parks (and certainly more convenient than having to return it every day and between parks).

I can absolutely understand not wanting to bring one on an airplane. Since I'm a power wheelchair user and am just so comfortable in my own chair, I wouldn't want to not have it).

Admittedly, my perception is different than those who are truly in need of adaptive devices to get around will take care of their needs before descending onto the parks. The last time I went to WDW - in 2000, I believe - I was still using a motorized scooter (which I would never refer to as an ECV) and I was so disgusted by the ECV users who had no business using one that I put signs on the back of my scooter which said, "It's MINE - ALL the Time!". Perhaps it was a bit snotty, but it made my point and several CMs noticed and giggled.

I live in southern NJ and I get a number of the "I wish I had one of those" or "Mom/Dad/Grandma/Sister, that's what you need to get!"....really, honestly, having this 6 wheeled power chair (which I love) is not by choice, it's a necessity, and if these people had an ounce of common sense they would realize that they need the adapted minivan that goes with it since what good is a power chair if you can't get it in and out of your vehicle? Yes, I'm very independent, but that's in a large part because I have all of the devices I need to make that be the case. In concert with this, I hear the "don't run me over!" when I'm by myself and zipping along and at least 5 feet away from someone.....um, I know what I'm doing, and yes, the occasional toe squish can happen when someone (usually the walkie) isn't paying attention and runs into me, but contrary to popular belief, using a power chair is not "driving" and such references aren't needed, it's just another way to walk when your own body won't let you for whatever reason.

Again, I realize this is a hot button topic for me, that I'm new on the boards, and that I probably seem like a rotten person, but I'm just as likely to chime in on threads about where to stay/dine and will be asking a ton of questions for our upcoming trip in May 09. I'm just hoping that if someone is reading my rants on ECVs they get a different perspective on what's involved.

Let me be clear - for people who need them and can use them safely and comfortably (just like walking, as I say), then more power to them....motorized mobility devices are truly wonderful.