Safe to leave stuff on scooters?

[shrinkydinky]

My sister and i will be using scooters for our vacation in October. Is it safe to leave items on the scooter when going into rides? i would not leave anything super valuable - just probably a backpack with bottles of water, first aid supplies, sun hat and lotion - stuff like that. Has anyone ever had stuff stolen from their scooter or wheelchair?

 

[robinb]

My sister and i will be using scooters for our vacation in October. Is it safe to leave items on the scooter when going into rides? i would not leave anything super valuable - just probably a backpack with bottles of water, first aid supplies, sun hat and lotion - stuff like that. Has anyone ever had stuff stolen from their scooter or wheelchair?

Stuff gets taken from strollers and wheelchairs every day. I did leave things in my DD's stroller and I was lucky that nothing was taken. My advise is to not leave anything you would miss terribly if it was lost.

 

[POOHsie]

I would say chances are someone wouldn't disturb your backpack on a scooter. But why risk losing costly valuables? I wouldn't leave a camera, wallet or phone in the backpack. It's too easy and too quick to remove them from a backpack while you're out of sight. Better to wear cargo pants and put your phone/wallet/camera in cargo pants pockets when you leave your scooter and backpack behind. OR do what I do. I have a backpack and a cheap fanny pack. I put valuables in the fanny pack, and the fanny pack goes in the backpack. When I leave the scooter, I take out the fanny pack from the backpack, and either wear the fanny pack as usual or sling it over my shoulder like a purse.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Don't do it. Even though you know nothing valuable is in the backpack, a potential thief doesn't. They'll just grab the backpack and take off.

 

[Disworldluv]

Stuff gets taken from strollers and wheelchairs every day. I did leave things in my DD's stroller and I was lucky that nothing was taken. My advise is to not leave anything you would miss terribly if it was lost.

Excellent advice from robinb. Why ruin your Disney experience and vacation you worked hard to enjoy.

 

[dawnhaze]

I leave a poncho, sweatshirt, water bottle, etc in the basket of my scooter. I figure, if they get stolen, I'll replace them. I wouldn't leave a bag or backpack, and definitely not anything valuable. It's really a matter of your own comfort level.

 

[shrinkydinky]

That's a little disheartening to know there are people at the happiest place on earth stealing things from little kids strollers and people's scooters or wheelchairs.

Do you think it would be better to put my bottled water and a clear bag with sunscreen, first aid supplies, and such in the front basket, so any thief could see it's not worth taking?

 

[lanejudy]

That's a little disheartening to know there are people at the happiest place on earth stealing things from little kids strollers and people's scooters or wheelchairs.

Do you think it would be better to put my bottled water and a clear bag with sunscreen, first aid supplies, and such in the front basket, so any thief could see it's not worth taking?

Unfortunately, thieves are everywhere and WDW is not immune. Some do it for the valuables. I honestly think some just do it for the opportunity regardless of the items involved. A clear bag may deter the former, but not the latter. Hopefully there aren't many of them, but it happens.

So it really just depends on your comfort level. As long as you would be OK with the possibility of replacing your water, suncreen, first aid supplies, etc. then leaving them is fine. If that would ruin your day, I'd find a way to carry them with you.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[POOHsie]

That's a little disheartening to know there are people at the happiest place on earth stealing things from little kids strollers and people's scooters or wheelchairs.

Do you think it would be better to put my bottled water and a clear bag with sunscreen, first aid supplies, and such in the front basket, so any thief could see it's not worth taking?

There's that old joke: Why do people rob banks? Because that's where the money is! ​

People who choose to be thieves select target areas where it's quickest, easiest and most financially rewarding to steal. Tourist entertainment spots fit the bill. Instead of lamenting the thievery, make it a vow that your family will take every smart step it can to prevent becoming victims.

If you have a concern about a backpack in the scooter basket, it's OK to leave water and supplies in the basket without one. But I would have a white towel or two to cover your things and protect them from the heat and intense sun. Then a Walmart plastic bag or other piece of plastic for rain protection for your basket.

If you are staying at a Disney resort, anything you purchase (except food) can be sent back to your resort for pickup the next day. Then you wouldn't have to worry about carrying around souvenirs in your basket.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Is it safe to leave items on the scooter when going into rides?
. . . no, no, no, no, no

Has anyone ever had stuff stolen from their scooter or wheelchair?
. . . yes, yes, yes, yes, yes

NOTE: Things from strollers-wheelchairs-ECVs are ripped off every day. This
includes ripping off the stroller-wheelchair-ECV.

 

[The Hunchback]

We take valuables with us onto attractions. But we leave raincoats, snacks, etc. on the scooter. I use a water proof, non-see thru bag. I use the cheap caribeaners (climbing snaps) on one of the bag straps. I clip it to the basket. I make sure that is under the bag and out of sight. If some grabs the bag, the snap will surprise them and they may drop it and run.

I have had one bag "moved" but I think the snap stopped it from being stolen.

 

[ttintagel]

I've personally never had anything stolen, but I wouldn't leave anything in the basket I would be upset over losing.

 

[bidnow5]

I tie my backpack to the back of my seat I leave inexpensive stuff in it and never had a problem always take your key for the scooter

 

[olwyngdh]

I have a canvas bag that has handles large enough that I can, with some maneuvering, get over the steering column of the scooter. It sits on the floorboard between my feet and holds our ponchos, water, the beach towel I put over the seat if it gets to hot...nothing expensive or irreplaceable but things that make my day easier. My mess, money, and camera go in a fanny pack, and anything we but gets sent back to the resort. I have never had anything taken, but they would have to dig through my bag rather than just grab it and run.

 

[JenniBugInPink]

As others have said, only leave things that you're willing to have stolen. And only leave them in a bag you are willing to do without. Be sure you have backup bags if you plan to do this repeatedly, as it will happen as often as you allow it. Do you leave your car unlocked with packages in plain view? Imagine the temptation of leaving a bag of unknown goodies in the basket of a scooter. If anything, I'd want a see-through bag so that potential thieves could see there isn't anything worth taking in my bag if I was going to leave it behind (which I'd only do if it were completely worthless).

 

[shrinkydinky]

i've always seen strollers outside rides, all loaded down with stuff, so thought there must be some kind of security, or else people just don't steal at WDW or Disneyland.

i do plan on having all valuables in my crossbody purse. i've had my purse stolen before from a shopping cart in a store, so now my purse never leaves my body. i like the idea of having all shopping items sent back to the resort. We're staying at the Boardwalk Villas.

But i'm so excited about this trip and wanted to be 100% Disney from my shirt to my shoes. i have a cool WDW backpack i use on my scooter at home. But would be very upset if i took it with me and had it stolen from my scooter at WDW. So i guess that stays home.

i do need to carry first aid supplies as i have thin skin and on blood thinners. The tiniest bump and my skin rips open. The gauze and wrap can be bulky, but maybe i can put a small supply in my purse than a larger bag in my scooter. i'll make sure i have ample supplies in my suitcase back in the room. So then it would just be water bottles, sunscreen, and ponchos. i could live with losing those. Just hope no one takes my scooter!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

i've always seen strollers outside rides, all loaded down with stuff, so thought there must be some kind of security . . .

1) There is NO security to watch strollers-wheelchairs-ECVs.
2) You leave things (including the unit) at your own risk.
3) CM's in the area cannot tell if a person is the an owner or a thief.
4) Nor should they.

 

[Toffeewoffy]

I frequently left rain ponchos and bottled drink in my scooter basket, but my bag always came with me.

Next year there'll be all 3 of us and I can't put a bag, folding stick, 3 drinks and everything else into the tiny basket. I'm taking a zip bag which fits over the back of the seat, but I will also be taking a lock and some zip ties to fix the bag permanently to the scooter for the duration.

 

[North of Mouse]

People have/will steal anything anywhere - Disney is definitely not immune - in fact I would venture to say that's why a 'very' few go there - to look for opportunities to rip people off.

I sat my cup down for a few minutes to get a FP a few years ago, went about 10' - remembered it - turned around to get it and it was 'gone' - that quick!!

Just don't leave anything unattended that you wouldn't want to get stolen!

 

[Guatemommy]

I have brought a tote bag that holds ponchos, water bottles, some snacks, etc. and I have room for it on the bottom under my legs that stays with the scooter. My purse, which I wear cross-body, holds anything valuable as well as my meds. I take the purse plus the scooter key with me wherever we go. I have never had anything even been touched, but that doesn't mean I think items are safe. I have done this ad WDW, DL, Sea World and never had an issue.

But as others have said, don't leave anything you would have an issue replacing on the scooter or wheelchair - they are not immune to thieves - WDW or anywhere.