Scooter advice

[Cookie Princess]

I need some advice. DH slipped and fell this winter and herniated a disc in his back. He is still in treatment and nothing seems to be helping a great deal. He doesn't want me to cancel our family trip on his account.

Standing/walking for more than a few minutes bothers him. We leave in about 8 weeks. Has anyone rented a scooter when they arrived in FL? If so, how would I go about doing this? Also, could DS (14) and I lift the scooter into our rental car or would it be too heavy? HELP...we leave in 8 weeks and I am panicking. I offered to cancel and change to a beach vacation, but he and DS won't hear of it. We really thought he would be better by now. This is his 2nd herniation, but an injection about 4 years ago improved that one. HELP...

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information. I would suggest you look at Post #2 concerning recommended off-site rental locations, Post #4 which concerns the Disney buses, and Post #5 which deals with ECVs and cars. The rentals break down into five or six pieces, depending on brand/model, in each the heaviest piece is in the 40-50 pount range. So there should be no real problem in getting the ECV into and out of the car.

Or, if you want an easier route to the FAQs, click on the link in my signature.

 

[Bete]

Portable travel scooters are hard to come by as a rental; although, there are a few places that may rent one. You would have to ask when inquiring whether the unit breaks down to smaller pieces and I would say it would probably be higher priced to rent, if available. When broken down, the heaviest piece usually doesn't go more than 30 pounds, but again, you need to ask when renting it. I would go as far as to say, you better have it demonstrated to you how it comes apart and then you do it to make sure you can handle it, as well. Make sure you can put it back together, too. Many of these kinds of scooters breakdown to 4 or 5 pieces; so, they can fit in a car trunk, but a small car can still be difficult to fit everything, but you may have room in the back seat of the car to fit whatever, too. Maybe, there are a few people here who can point you in the right direction on these issues and which rental place may have this kind. Basically, all scooters are not alike. Also, be aware when you rent from outside of Disney World parks, etc. you need to charge the unit each day.

As another option, you can rent scooters at the parks and be scooter free with the car. In this case, you don't need to worry about charging the unit each day, either. If it's too much walking from car to park entrance, you should get a wheelchair rental for the times outside the actual park. Most wheelchairs will fit in a trunk, but again, be aware all do not. In fact, you can wheelchair for all of it and skip a scooter; it would be cheaper. I wheelchair my mom for 10 days everytime I go; it's not that bad.

You'll still have fun; afterall, you are at Disney. Maybe, there's enough time left to find a better answer about the back. We'll pray for you.

 

[SueM in MN]

All of the companies listed in the disABILITIES FAQs thread (in post #2) rent scooters that can be broken down for transport in a car trunk or van. Just let them know when you arrange for rental that you are planning on transporting it by car so that you can get the correct type of ECV. There would be no additional cost for one that is 'car transportable' compared to one that is not.
If you need a heavy duty ECV for someone who is heavier, there may be fewer choices of ECV model.

Some of the companies have assembly instructions on their website - I know that Walker Mobility has both a video and pictures that show how to do it.
Another company, Randy's Mobility delivers the ECV to you in your room, rather than leaving it at Bell Services. The person who delivers ECVs from Randy's will demonstrate how to break the ECV down and how to re-assemble it.

Be aware that if you decide to rent an ECV in the parks, it is possible that they will be out of them when you arrive in the park and you will not be able to get one. If the ECV is vital, I would suggest renting from one of the off-site companies. If you are OK with pushing a wheelchair if all the ECVs are rented at the time, then you can go with renting at the parks.
Also, as Cheshire Figment pointed out, if you are staying onsite, you can also take the buses or other WDW transportation with an ECV.

 

[Bete]

All of the companies listed in the disABILITIES FAQs thread (in post #2) rent scooters that can be broken down for transport in a car trunk or van. Just let them know when you arrange for rental that you are planning on transporting it by car so that you can get the correct type of ECV. There would be no additional cost for one that is 'car transportable' compared to one that is not.
If you need a heavy duty ECV for someone who is heavier, there may be fewer choices of ECV model.

I did not know this was this easy, now; sorry, I made it sound harder to get a car portable scooter.

 

[SueM in MN]

I did not know this was this easy, now; sorry, I made it sound harder to get a car portable scooter.

that's OK. You didn't know and did post that you were not sure.

 

[mechurchlady]

I did not know this was this easy, now; sorry, I made it sound harder to get a car portable scooter.

For that you will be harshly punished.

First you will be dole whipped then you will be put in the time out corner. Around here that is the Coke Corner where you will get a hot dog, chips and a cherry coke for your efforts at trying to help. At least you are trying to help people and that is most important to me. Now off to the Coke Corner with you and remember to share the chips.

Note: The above is a joke and I am teasing of course.

 

[peemagg]

When they go to Coke corner do you have to drink Beverly or is that only punishment for those who are really bad? LOL

 

[Bete]

I'm so happy we all help each other.

 

[mechurchlady]

When they go to Coke corner do you have to drink Beverly or is that only punishment for those who are really bad? LOL

I do not know of one person on disboards that I would wish a beverly on. the only people that have hurt me outside of Disboards enough to warrant a Beverly probably would enjoy the Beverly.

Thankfully Coke Corner does not have Beverly. Now you are going to have to join me at Coke Corner for a hot dog, lemonade and chips or french fries.

 

[peemagg]

Just let me know when my punishment starts.

 

[mechurchlady]

Just let me know when my punishment starts.

Today is small payday and I am so tempted to go there today.

To the Corner with you and do not come out until you clean your plate.*

*My version is all you can eat by the way.