Rollator

[FortWildernessLoopy]

I am a frequent (and about to become even more frequent) visitor to WDW. In the last few years, I have had to rent a wheelchair due to issues with my knees and back. I normally do not need one until I have had to stand for extended periods of time which wreaks havoc on my knees, back and to a much lesser extent my feet...not even walking, but standing. I saw one of these on ebay when I was looking for an inexpensive WC to use on days I visit the parks. I thought it may be perfect since I can roll it around with me and put my stuff in the basket (so I don't have anything slung over my shoulder straining my back) and if I begin to have problems standing, I can just sit down while waiting in lines, I can lean on it when I have to walk long distances, and if worse comes to worse, my DH can use it as a companion WC and push me.

Has anyone else with mobility issues like mine ever used one of these or know someone who has?

 

[peemagg]

I have one of those and they are good if you need them, but remember they are basically a rolling walker with a seat. As far as being pushed in it, it really isn't meant for that. I found it to be hard on anyone who pushed it or if I tried to sit on it and push it, it didn't work so well. When you sit on it, it becomes top heavy for pushing and turns tippy.


I would suggest a ECV instead.

 

[FortWildernessLoopy]

thank you, it was showing that it could be used as a transporter chair. Of course, if it works the way I was hoping, I doubt I'd need it for that purpose.

I prefer not to rent an ecv...they are a bit too expensive and I think others need them more than I. Its the standing that kills me, and I can walk far distances if I have something to lean on, like a shopping cart. I also have the same issue with an ecv as a WC, getting up after my back has stiffened up. I think I could sit while in line and still be able to get up alright, but after sitting all day I practically have to be airlifted out of it just to get on a ride. At the end of the day, I am all kinds of fresh and ready to go, but my poor DH is exhausted (he insists on pushing me no matter how many times I mention that I can do it myself and his driving sucks to the point that everyone within a half mile of us has shin/calf injuries).

Do you still bring yours to the parks or have you switched to an ecv? What do you do about the attractions where you have to leave your ecv out with the strollers?

 

[peemagg]

I bring my own ECV from home. I can't walk hardly any distance at all, so it is ECV for me.

With the ECV or rollalator, you can bring it right up to the ride vehicle and then transfer to the ride. Most rides are mainstreamed, but those that aren't, there is usually a different entrance for you and 5 others in your party. If you have to board at one place and get off at another, your ECV or rollalator will appear at the end of the ride.

 

[SueM in MN]

On our last 2 trips, I saw a lot of people using rollators and they seemed to work well. You would be able to use the rollator the same as a wheelchair - so all the way in line to the boarding area.

My FIL used to use my daughter's wheelchair sort of as a rollator. It was very helpful for him, as he had bad knees and hips and it gave him something to brace himself on while walking. A rollator adds the element of being able to sit for a while if you are tired.

Most rollators are not really meant to be also used as a transport chair. They don't usually have a comfortable place for the helper to push it. I have seen people sit on them and sort of 'walk' it forward with their feet. That can work well for slow moving lines.

Many of the ECVs you see parked with the strollers are ones people have chosen to park there and walk in line. There area few attractions where the lines are wheelchair accessible, but not ECV accessible. For those, there will be a wheelchair at the attraction that you can switch into if you choose. There are some attractions the 'regular' boarding area is not accessible or is on one side of the track and the exit is on the other. In those cases, people with ECVs and wheelchairs usually are sent to the exit for boarding (usually, it is a bypass just before the 'regular' line reaches the boarding area.

If you have not checked out the disABILITIES FAQs thread, you will find a lot of helpful information there.

 

[mgilmer]

I am considering one of these for our trip next year due to my decline in health. If you do use this, please post your opinions afterwards.