Scooter / ECV query

[Sanibel Spirit]

Hi

We're going to renting a scooter for MIL on our trip which will be dropped off at villa and be oursfor duration of the holiday. My question is maybe a paranoid one, but how do you make sure it isn't taken by someone else at the parks? As it won't be a Disney one rented through them I wondered if you had suggestions on how to secure it when / if MIL does rides etc?

Thanks and apologies if I am being paranoid!

 

[peemagg]

I always just take my key with me whenever I need to be off of it. By doing this, it accomplishes 2 things. 1. it makes it more difficult for someone to just get on and ride off with it and 2. I don't have to try and remember to save battery time. You have to shut off the scooter in order to take the key out.

I wouldn't worry too much though. I have never had anyone mess with my scooter at all.

 

[RaySharpton]

Hi

We're going to renting a scooter for MIL on our trip which will be dropped off at villa and be oursfor duration of the holiday. My question is maybe a paranoid one, but how do you make sure it isn't taken by someone else at the parks? As it won't be a Disney one rented through them I wondered if you had suggestions on how to secure it when / if MIL does rides etc?

Thanks and apologies if I am being paranoid!

Hello, Sanibel Spirit. I'll try to give my experiences.

First, always remember to remove the key to the scooter when you leave it anywhere. I bought a wrist key chain that some people used to use at the beach. I just attach the scooter key to the elastic wrist band and put it on my wrist when I remove my key.

On another note, I do try and park my scooter outside the ride attractions where there may be a scooter and or stroller parking sign. Otherwise, I try to be courteous and park my scooter out of the way so that it won't be in the way of anyone.

Even though Disney is very secure whenever I have parked and left it, I would never leave anything valuable on the scooter that might be easy for thief to take like a camera or a Disney bag full of purchases.

Unfortunately, there are people out there that are thieves.

I think of treating my scooter like I would my car. I wouldn't leave any valuables on my scooter out in the open like I wouldn't leave any valuables out in the open in my car. Police authorities are always reminding mall shoppers to not leave laptops, or wallets or purses or shopping bags full of purchases in their car's front or back seat.

They suggest putting purchases in the car trunk.

I own my own scooter, so I will use a Disney bag to carry any valuables with me if I park my scooter. I also bought a black, velcro, bag that I attached under my seat to store my battery charger, rain gear, etc. I attached this bag under my seat with zip ties so that it wouldn't be removed.

Some people take backpacks and leave them hanging over the back of the scooter seat. It just sits over the seat like over a person's shoulders.

Some people will use a small combination lock, that might be used when travelling at the airport to secure the backpack to the seat in case a thief tried to walk by and lift the backpack off of the scooter seat.

But these are just my opinions if you were taking valuables with you and thinking about leaving anything on the scooter if you left it parked.

Your main question was would your scooter be secure. Yes, I beleive that it would be.

Even the Disney park rented scooters are everywhere and they all look the same, but I have never heard of their scooter being taken while parked.

But remember to take your scooter key because this would be your main security plan.

Maybe others can add there opinions.

Have wonderful vacation.

 

[SueM in MN]

Very nice list of hints, Ray.

The only thing I would add is that if you bring the ECV into lines with you, it will be parked inside the attraction, usually at or near the exit, where people are not likely to be touching it.

 

[Chip_Dale]

I use a bungee key chain. Casino use the same thing for ttheir slot mahine cards. Attach one end to one of my belt loops. The y key will go wih you when you leave the ECV

 

[Sanibel Spirit]

Thankouy all so much for your help and suggestions. I've never been in this situation before and appreciate the help.

Thankyou

 

[KPeveler]

I leave my personal powerchair outside rides like Pirates sometimes, and it is always there when I get back. As people said, ALWAYS take the key, and do not leave anything valuable on the ECV.

Some seat backs fold down, and I have found that making the seat look "unavailable" keeps people from sitting in it as if it was a park bench.

Sometimes CMs will move ECVs out of the way, so if you do not see it right where you left it, don't freak out right away. If you don't see it after a minute of looking around (usually in stroller parking) ask a CM, because they can help. Also, sometimes they move the scooters past the exit for you, so you may need to ask where they put it.

I HIGHLY suggest taking it in line whenever possible... The lines are longer than you think and often on an incline (thinking of Nemo and IASW), which is VERY tiring to stand on. Also, if you take it in line, a CM will take it to the exit or direct you through to the exit after you wait in the regular line where you can park the ECV. People are FAR less likely to mess with an ECV with a CM standing right there next to it.

You should be fine. Have a great trip!

 

[I Love Pluto]

Just take the key with you.

Other people don't seem to bother ECVs at Disney. I think it's just a common understanding that the owner/renter needs it. I would be shocked if anyone took mine.

I also agree that you are better off if you take it into the attraction. Lines can get long and tiring.

 

[pbrim]

I think it quite unlikely that anyone will take your scooter. However, if it is bothering you, you may want to look into getting insurance. Most rental places offer it a a low price (because the risk is so low). The first time I rented a scooter, I got the insurance not so much for fear of theft, but for fear I would do something horribly wrong and destroy the scooter. I didn't actually end up damaging it, but the insurance enabled me to relax and stop worrying.