UPDATE (Apr - May '22) I had previously posted above about adding a day to my scooter rental - (it turned out to be longer than that but I'll get to that) - I arrived at Coronado Springs and used my personal scooter to pick up the rental which was in their Bell Service area. First thing I noticed was the beat up condition of the scooter - tears, duct tape, dents - but I wasn't expecting a brand new one. It was a 3 wheeler as requested. Second thing I noticed (upon using it) is the front wheel felt very off - like sluggish - and for a moment I thought about calling for a replacement but it wasn't all that horrible. As I scooted more things were obvious - the scooter did not go as fast as most rentals I've used, but was certainly faster than WDW ones. The back up beep sounded like a louder than possible beep. My first day - with a full battery - the scooter decided it didn't want to go up the Monorail ramps from EPCOT to TTC - I'm talking dead stop where I had to push the button on the battery for it to become reborn. Going forward for the next steep trips I did use a slower speed which is probably better for me.
I also realized how many people are touching the scooter.. each attraction has someone moving it.. and I did not use hand sanitizer because I had an issue with my eye and sunscreen and the sanitizer got in my eye when I unconsciously rubbed it to remove the sunscreen. I did observe other scooters and must say that without exception the Gold Mobility scooters looked perfect. (I am using them next trip.) By day 4 my trip became a bit complicated because.. I GOT COVID19! So, bear with me for a short off-topic explanation. I'm double vax'd and double boostered because I am immunocompromised - I wear an N95 mask in ALL indoor locations and close outdoor ones. On the 3rd day of my trip my throat felt sore and I felt more fatigued than usual. Thinking it was my CUZ (my travel planner who had me going early in the AM, etc) I figured I'd just nap it off. The next day was slightly worse so I did return to my hotel for a nap and pulled out a do it myself test. OMG . So at that point I started my 5 day ISOLATION at the Coronadovirus Springs Resort. (I took 5 days of PAXLOVID) I do wonder if the aforementioned scooter touching had anything to do with it. Obviously even if this is the case it is not the fault of the vendor. Once I went into isolation I contacted Scooterbug and they had no problem extending my contract.
I think one of the most convenient parts of using SB is the ability to both pick up & drop off at Bell Service desk at resort. However, everything I've read indicates that Gold will work with renters regarding the time and I think the idea of a newer machine is worth the slight need of preplanning.
