Questions for First Time ECV Rental

[Nicole786]

I have found such great useful information in the DISAbilities FAQ! Thank you to the amazing people that put that together, it has helped put some fears at ease. I just wanted to clarify some concerns I have and get some further help hopefully.

I'm taking my mom and my grandma (her first visit!) to WDW in April. We decided to rent an ECV from Apple Scooters for the duration of the trip. We'll be staying at the GF, so the buses aren't *too* much of an issue, although we are going to HS so I'm a bit fearful of this new system. My grandma can walk, just not for long periods of time. (We were at Chipotle a few weeks ago, in a wait equivalent to about 15-20 minutes and I told her she passed her disney test ) She has never used an ECV, but since she can not stand/walk for long periods of time, we know the ECV will be worth its weight in gold.

So with the backstory here are my concerns.

I don't ever seeing us utilizing the wheelchair accessible ride vehicles, since even on TSM, she can climb stairs with little issue. Do we HAVE to ride the ECV into attractions? I guess my biggest concern is where do we put it? Does it park with the strollers?

Similarly, what about restaurants? My grandmother will want to sit in a regular seat, can we leave the ECV outside?

I think this I'll post this question on the GF FAQ, but maybe someone knows: How does bus loading work at the GF? Is there a designated area for ECV vehicles?

What happens in the rain? I think I read somewhere that we should invest in a shower cap to cover the handle? Is this sufficient?

Is there anything extra we need to bring with us to the park in case we need to charge the scooter? We plan on doing rope drop mostly, with breaks in the afternoon before venturing out dinner time/show times.

Do they deliver the scooter pre-assembled or do I need to brush up on how to assemble an ECV

Thank you so much for the help this has provided! I consider myself a WDW pro, but this is new territory, and I regret to say that I've just never payed much attention before. I just want my grandma to have a care-free, pleasant trip

 

[SueM in MN]

I have found such great useful information in the DISAbilities FAQ! Thank you to the amazing people that put that together, it has helped put some fears at ease.

Thanks, it has been a long term project with input from a lot of people. Glad it is helpful.

I just wanted to clarify some concerns I have and get some further help hopefully.

I'm taking my mom and my grandma (her first visit!) to WDW in April. We decided to rent an ECV from Apple Scooters for the duration of the trip. We'll be staying at the GF, so the buses aren't *too* much of an issue, although we are going to HS so I'm a bit fearful of this new system. My grandma can walk, just not for long periods of time. (We were at Chipotle a few weeks ago, in a wait equivalent to about 15-20 minutes and I told her she passed her disney test ) She has never used an ECV, but since she can not stand/walk for long periods of time, we know the ECV will be worth its weight in gold.

Since she has not used an ECV before, I would suggest going to some businesses that have them - places like grocery stores, Target, Walmart.
Make sure she knows that the one you rent will be MUCH, MUCH smaller and easier to use than those are. If she can handle one of those, the one from Apple will be a piece of cake.
When you actually get the ECV, she should practice so she can confidently go forward and backward, stop, turn in both directions forward and backward. She should know how to turn the speed down (turtle vs rabbit). To get onto the buses, she will need to parallel park, but on the driver’s side (most people who parallel park cars park on the passenger side).
So with the backstory here are my concerns.

I don't ever seeing us utilizing the wheelchair accessible ride vehicles, since even on TSM, she can climb stairs with little issue. Do we HAVE to ride the ECV into attractions?

You don’t have to bring the ECV into attractions, but it is important to be aware that some attractions have a fairly long walk, even in the wait is short.
Examples of long walks include the Safari at AK and Soarin’ at Epcot . There are also some attractions that include a standing wait for all guests - often shows because they ‘gather’ guests for the next show or pre show and without bringing something to sit on, there may not be a place to sit and even if there is, no guarantee of getting a seat.

I guess my biggest concern is where do we put it? Does it park with the strollers?

If you park it, it would be parked with the strollers. Take the key with you. CMs may move it while you are gone to keep the stroller area organized. They are able to move it without the key.

Similarly, what about restaurants? My grandmother will want to sit in a regular seat, can we leave the ECV outside?

Yes. You can leave it outside. When checking in for table service, ask where to leave it.

I think this I'll post this question on the GF FAQ, but maybe someone knows: How does bus loading work at the GF? Is there a designated area for ECV vehicles?

All the Moderate, Deluxe and DVC resorts have a sign at the bus area that says ECVs and wheelchairs will be loaded first. There is not a designated spot at the resorts, although there is a painted size box on the ground where some people park. You want to make sure that the driver can see you when he/she drives up.

What happens in the rain? I think I read somewhere that we should invest in a shower cap to cover the handle? Is this sufficient?

You want to be aware of puddles and that the seat can get wet if you leave it parked outside. Some people bring an extra poncho or a shower curtain plus some clothespins to secure the poncho/shower curtain in place while it is parked.
Also, it does not take a lot of rain to make some of the surfaces slippery, especially on hills, so take it easy and allow more stopping distance.
Some people also bring a towel or something for the seat because the black upholstery can get very hot from the sun.

Is there anything extra we need to bring with us to the park in case we need to charge the scooter? We plan on doing rope drop mostly, with breaks in the afternoon before venturing out dinner time/show times.

You want to turn it off when it is not being used, even when sitting for a few minutes waiting for a show.Some people bring the charging cord with them to the park. you can ask CMs where to plug it in.

Do they deliver the scooter pre-assembled or do I need to brush up on how to assemble an ECV

It will be delivered ready to use. If you plan on transporting it by car, let them know when making the reservation so you have one that comes apart. If it does, there will be instructions included on how to do it.

Thank you so much for the help this has provided! I consider myself a WDW pro, but this is new territory, and I regret to say that I've just never payed much attention before. I just want my grandma to have a care-free, pleasant trip

Have fun

 

[Bete]

You can always help your grandma if she has problems loading and unloading the scooter on Disney transportation. If she gets it, it won't be a concern. My MIL took way too long to park the scooter on the buses; so, we did it for her. It was too tight of a space for her to be able to do it quick enough. We did the same for some rides and shows and got the scooter into position for her. I parked it for restaurants, too.

Also, we brought the scooter in and out of the resort room and elevators for my MIL. For the Soarin' ride at Living in the Land in Epcot you need to use an elevator to get to the level this ride is on. The Soarin' line queue is very long and I doubt if she will want to walk all the way there and out. I think it could be a mile to do it, in and out. Rides like TSM can have a lot of standing time; so, we like bringing the scooter all the way. Can your grandma stand for 45 minutes? There are areas where the scooters are parked just before you enter the ride.

I don't believe the smaller version of the Pride to GO GO scooters have a headlight; so, night driving may be an issue. It's not totally black and dark without one, but it's an adjustment using a scooter at night. We actually purchased and bought a bike light that we could attach to a rental scooter.

Make sure you charge the scooter every night. As stated don't leave the scooter on when watching a parade, fireworks or a show. Even in long ride lines we'll shut it off and on. Keep a look at the battery level to make sure you aren't going down on juice all the way.

 

[kadesha]

Thanks, it has been a long term project with input from a lot of people. Glad it is helpful.
Since she has not used an ECV before, I would suggest going to some businesses that have them - places like grocery stores, Target, Walmart.
Make sure she knows that the one you rent will be MUCH, MUCH smaller and easier to use than those are. If she can handle one of those, the one from Apple will be a piece of cake.
When you actually get the ECV, she should practice so she can confidently go forward and backward, stop, turn in both directions forward and backward. She should know how to turn the speed down (turtle vs rabbit). To get onto the buses, she will need to parallel park, but on the driver’s side (most people who parallel park cars park on the passenger side).
So with the backstory here are my concerns.

You don’t have to bring the ECV into attractions, but it is important to be aware that some attractions have a fairly long walk, even in the wait is short.
Examples of long walks include the Safari at AK and Soarin’ at Epcot . There are also some attractions that include a standing wait for all guests - often shows because they ‘gather’ guests for the next show or pre show and without bringing something to sit on, there may not be a place to sit and even if there is, no guarantee of getting a seat.

If you park it, it would be parked with the strollers. Take the key with you. CMs may move it while you are gone to keep the stroller area organized. They are able to move it without the key.

Yes. You can leave it outside. When checking in for table service, ask where to leave it.

All the Moderate, Deluxe and DVC resorts have a sign at the bus area that says ECVs and wheelchairs will be loaded first. There is not a designated spot at the resorts, although there is a painted size box on the ground where some people park. You want to make sure that the driver can see you when he/she drives up.

You want to be aware of puddles and that the seat can get wet if you leave it parked outside. Some people bring an extra poncho or a shower curtain plus some clothespins to secure the poncho/shower curtain in place while it is parked.
Also, it does not take a lot of rain to make some of the surfaces slippery, especially on hills, so take it easy and allow more stopping distance.
Some people also bring a towel or something for the seat because the black upholstery can get very hot from the sun.

You want to turn it off when it is not being used, even when sitting for a few minutes waiting for a show.Some people bring the charging cord with them to the park. you can ask CMs where to plug it in.

It will be delivered ready to use. If you plan on transporting it by car, let them know when making the reservation so you have one that comes apart. If it does, there will be instructions included on how to do it.

Have fun

Is this true for Value resorts also? My husband will be using an ECV for the first time on our upcoming trip and I can't seem to get a straight answer on how the bus situation is working now.

 

[SueM in MN]

Is this true for Value resorts also? My husband will be using an ECV for the first time on our upcoming trip and I can't seem to get a straight answer on how the bus situation is working now.

I assume that they do too, but I have personally seen them at the Moderate, Deluxe and DVC, but have not been to the Value resorts, so can't say for those.

 

[Nicole786]

Thank you so much to everyone for answering my questions! I feel a lot better now. We'll continue to practice with her at Target until April. 2 more months! We're so excited

 

[Fºoºz]

Thanks, it has been a long term project with input from a lot of people. Glad it is helpful.
Since she has not used an ECV before, I would suggest going to some businesses that have them - places like grocery stores, Target, Walmart.
Make sure she knows that the one you rent will be MUCH, MUCH smaller and easier to use than those are. If she can handle one of those, the one from Apple will be a piece of cake.
When you actually get the ECV, she should practice so she can confidently go forward and backward, stop, turn in both directions forward and backward. She should know how to turn the speed down (turtle vs rabbit). To get onto the buses, she will need to parallel park, but on the driver’s side (most people who parallel park cars park on the passenger side). I saw one video on YouTube showing the ramp access on a Disney Transport bus - but didn't see how a scooter is "parked" inside - guess I will have to wait and see when we get to WDW ... with DL though, there are no need for buses for the hotels on-site correct?
So with the backstory here are my concerns.

You don’t have to bring the ECV into attractions, but it is important to be aware that some attractions have a fairly long walk, even in the wait is short.
Examples of long walks include the Safari at AK and Soarin’ at Epcot . There are also some attractions that include a standing wait for all guests - often shows because they ‘gather’ guests for the next show or pre show and without bringing something to sit on, there may not be a place to sit and even if there is, no guarantee of getting a seat.

If you park it, it would be parked with the strollers. Take the key with you. CMs may move it while you are gone to keep the stroller area organized. They are able to move it without the key. There hasn't been any incidents where a scooter has been 'lifted' (i.e. stolen) has there? When you rent a scooter, do the companies off-site have "damage/theft" riders avail for purchase? Vandalism I hope is pretty rare ...

Yes. You can leave it outside. When checking in for table service, ask where to leave it.

All the Moderate, Deluxe and DVC resorts have a sign at the bus area that says ECVs and wheelchairs will be loaded first. There is not a designated spot at the resorts, although there is a painted size box on the ground where some people park. You want to make sure that the driver can see you when he/she drives up.
I saw that some scooters are outfitted with lights - I read somewhere here that someone was thinking of getting a bicycle LED flashing light to put on - is it recommended or a good idea to put a light on if you are scootering around at night?

You want to be aware of puddles and that the seat can get wet if you leave it parked outside. Some people bring an extra poncho or a shower curtain plus some clothespins to secure the poncho/shower curtain in place while it is parked.
Also, it does not take a lot of rain to make some of the surfaces slippery, especially on hills, so take it easy and allow more stopping distance.
Some people also bring a towel or something for the seat because the black upholstery can get very hot from the sun. So is it recommended to cover the steering wheel assembly if there is a possibility of rain?

You want to turn it off when it is not being used, even when sitting for a few minutes waiting for a show.Some people bring the charging cord with them to the park. you can ask CMs where to plug it in.

It will be delivered ready to use. If you plan on transporting it by car, let them know when making the reservation so you have one that comes apart. If it does, there will be instructions included on how to do it.

Have fun

Like the OP, looking at renting a scooter for the first time, for my DW during our stays at DL and WDW before/after our cruises. Her mobility is limited as she needs a cane to get around now ... last time we were at WDW was about 10 yrs ago and it has been 16 years since DL. So anything to make things more comfortable for her, not over-extend her stamina and mitigate any health concerns.

We plan on staying at on-site resorts at both DL and WDW. However as you can see, DEFINITELY not familar with the layout of the 'new' Disneyland as it has been a while since our last visit ... Someone mentioned somewhere that DL is more compact than the Magic Kingdom at WDW so feels more crowded and is less conducive to ECV traffic - so is it more convenient to walk around and save use of the scooter for DtD and DCA?

Not sure if I need to be aware of anything else ECV related but thanks for any information ...