Renting an ECV scooter with wrist/hand issues?

[jenny8484]

Hello all! We have a trip to WDW coming up in a month, and I wanted to get some feedback on renting an ECV scooter, if it would be possible with someone who has wrist/hand issues. My husband will need a ECV scooter, as he had foot/ankle surgery and just starting to bear weight on his foot. The other issue is that he has nerve damage to his right hand/wrist and has a poor grip. Would this be an issue, as I noticed in the photos you have to grip a lever in order to make the scooter accelerate?

 

[pryncess527]

I have absolutely no use of my right arm and I’ve been assured I can operate it with just my left, though I’ve yet to try …

 

[Simba's Mom]

I have absolutely no use of my right arm and I’ve been assured I can operate it with just my left, though I’ve yet to try …

Although I'm right handed, I have had times when I've had something in my right hand, and so I had to navigate the scooter with my left hand. Although it hasn't been at all difficult, he might want to practice a little before he goes out into the "World"

 

[pryncess527]

Although I'm right handed, I have had times when I've had something in my right hand, and so I had to navigate the scooter with my left hand. Although it hasn't been at all difficult, he might want to practice a little before he goes out into the "World"

This thread got me watching videos on Golds Mobility YT channel

It actually might be a bit annoying all day - it looks like I’ll have to reach across my body to hold the forward handle but I’m glad it’s not difficult. I’ve gotten pretty good with my left arm.

OP I hope the ability to use the left helps your husband mitigate stress on his right

 

[Groot]

Hello all! We have a trip to WDW coming up in a month, and I wanted to get some feedback on renting an ECV scooter, if it would be possible with someone who has wrist/hand issues. My husband will need a ECV scooter, as he had foot/ankle surgery and just starting to bear weight on his foot. The other issue is that he has nerve damage to his right hand/wrist and has a poor grip. Would this be an issue, as I noticed in the photos you have to grip a lever in order to make the scooter accelerate?

No. Most of the main scooters (ex. Vic 10’s) have a ”Delta Tiller” where you can both drive and reverse the scooter with one hand. The lever is easy to pull too.

I’m also one handed. (Right hand)

This thread got me watching videos on Golds Mobility YT channel.

I watch Marc’s Mobility. He gives you the full rundown on scooters and powerchairs.

 

[AprilsZoo]

When you pull the right side lever to go forward you’ll notice the left side lever moves backwards (& vice versa) … so it’s possible to operate one-handed— it is a little weird having to push the lever rather than pull, but it’s easy to get used to doing it. You do not need to reach across your body to the opposite handle.

For me, it was a natural adaptation to do it whenever my right hand would sometimes fall asleep (carpal tunnel).

Your DH will do fine… especially since he’s likely already used to using one hand to do the work of two.

 

[Groot]

When you pull the right side lever to go forward you’ll notice the left side lever moves backwards… so it’s possible to operate one-handed— it is a little weird having to push the lever rather than pull, but it’s easy to get used to doing it. You do not need to reach across your body to the opposite handle.

That’s exactly how I drove scooters before I upgraded to my powerchair.

 

[Simba's Mom]

When you pull the right side lever to go forward you’ll notice the left side lever moves backwards (& vice versa) … so it’s possible to operate one-handed— it is a little weird having to push the lever rather than pull, but it’s easy to get used to doing it. You do not need to reach across your body to the opposite handle.

For me, it was a natural adaptation to do it whenever my right hand would sometimes fall asleep (carpal tunnel).

Your DH will do fine… especially since he’s likely already used to using one hand to do the work of two.

Yes, that's exactly what I did when I only had use of my left hand.

 

[LoveToDisney]

I have a poor grip and the Delta tiller is the best for that. You can use either hand as others have said. You don’t have to grip-twist like other tillers so it’s the easiest for those with grip issues.

 

[Bjkandma]

I have both wrists fused and RA has taken away all but two fingers in each hand. I've rented a scooter from Gold Mobility each trip. What we do (adult daughter and I) - she actually walks on the right side of scooter and controls it. Getting on buses, monorail, boats or skyliner she walks backwards controlling scooter at all times. I only move scooter on my own when absolutely necessary. I've asked her numerous times if she minds and keeps saying "it is so much easier than pushing a wheelchair". It definitely isn't for everyone but it works for us.

 

[Bete]

I think your best answer is to go try a store scooter. WalMart, Target and other places like your grocery store have scooters to use in their stores. Go during a quite time to begin with and try to find a safe area to do some turning maneuvers. With turning you have to steer some and you want to make sure he's capable.

Another challenge is using scooters on and off Disney transportation. This can be tough even when your hands are perfectly good. If you have someone that can do this for him that will make it better.

If you have a zoo you can go to that would be perfect practice for scootering. Most zoos rent scooters. That is a good place to learn. Then, you will need to navigate around people and such.

I knew someone pretty compromised with their hand and they were able to handle a scooter. He was a truck driver for a living; so, he might have been stronger than the average Joe.