Scooterbug rental, which kind of scooter?

[Dukland]

My husband and I were planning our first trip to DisneyWorld last October, but we had to cancel because he had a stroke. So this October, we are trying again!

The only problem is, now he gets tired much more easily and while he can walk, he shuffles a little, especially when he’s tired. He needs to take frequent breaks. I am considering renting a scooter for him from Scooterbug. But we’ve never done something like that before and I have no idea which one to get! Do all of the scooters fit on the buses? If we take a Minnie Van from one of the parks to our hotel (Caribbean Resort) will any of the scooters be able to fit? Will we have to bring an extra battery to the parks?

I am a Disney nut and all of our family couldn’t keep up with me before. Now my husband will have a really hard time! We are even doing two nights of the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!

 

[lanejudy]

I believe ScooterBug offers 4 scooters, 2 with 3-wheels and 2 with 4-wheels, one of each being a higher weight capacity. Weight also includes any waterbottles and/or backpacks, etc. that might be carried on the scooter. If he is near the top of the weight limit, go up to the higher limit device. Most people find 3-wheel more maneuverable in the tight queues.

Any of ScooterBug's rentals will fit on the WDW buses and the accessible Minnie Van. You do not need to bring an extra battery to the park; you may want to bring the charging cord but always ask where to plug in. A good scooter should last all day if you are careful about turning it off when stopped and not running it with max weight capacity. Be sure to recharge every night in the hotel room.

You may find that you want to take this trip a little slower for his stamina. Driving a scooter all day can be tiring because he has to be constantly alert to those around him who may step in front of him.

 

[Dukland]

Another question…Do scooters fit on the Skyliner?

 

[bluecruiser]

Another question…Do scooters fit on the Skyliner?

Yes they do. I've ridden a couple times, always in a scooter.

At most stations they have a separate line for scooters, where they divert designated gondolas off the main line and stop them for as long as needed so you can load/unload without having to stop the whole line. Once loaded up, the cars rejoin the main line.

It's different at the Riviera station. They don't have a separate scooter/wheelchair line, but they will slow down the designated gondolas in station to make it easier to drive on with your scooter.

 

[Bete]

4 wheel scooters are considered to be more stable. There's better balance. I agree a 3 wheel scooter is easier getting through ride lines. The lighter weight scooters are not meant for heavy people. The larger scooters often come with two batteries; so, they last longer. You need to watch the battery power gauge. You don't want to run out of juice and be stuck somewhere. Bring your charger to the parks just in case. Make sure you shut the scooter off when standing still for shows, parades, fireworks, etc. to conserve battery power.

I strongly suggest practicing with a store scooter ahead of the trip. You can do so at various stores. See how he maneuvers through the aisles and people. Disney will be mobbed, and kids will dart out of nowhere; so, you need good reactions. If you have a zoo locally, I would do that for a day. Many zoos have scooter rentals. You need to make sure he can handle a scooter. Be prepared.

Once you are at your resort, practice with the scooter there before going to the park. Also, keep in mind maneuvering a scooter on and off Disney transportation is no easy task. You may have to take over for that part. Hopefully, he can get on and off on his own accord for the transportation.

My husband has had two strokes, and I absolutely suggest taking breaks from the parks. He used a scooter. We would hit the parks early and take a break in the afternoon and then come back for the evening. This allowed us to recharge the scooter battery. Also, alternate rides and shows; so, there is a rest period at the shows. A park meal provides a rest, too. Parades are another rest period; so, are fireworks. Scooters are welcomed in the handicap areas.

We would bring my mom to Disney World and she couldn't handle a scooter. So, I would push a wheelchair for her.

I wish you the best but make sure your husband can handle a scooter before the trip.

 

[Lewisc]

4 wheel scooters are considered to be more stable

I think that's a theoretical difference. I haven't read a single post reporting stability issues with 3 wheel rental ECVs

 

[Bete]

I think that's a theoretical difference. I haven't read a single post reporting stability issues with 3 wheel rental ECVs

I say this from personal experience. It does depend on the speed. I'm not a racer. If you go slow there is probably not that much difference. I had a situation where one of the back wheels left the ground for a short second.

 

[kylenne]

I can’t co-sign enough the advice to have him practice with one beforehand. Putting someone in one with no experience can be rough because they can be very difficult to handle. I just got back from a weekend in Vegas with my family and my sister booked the MGM Grand, probably the worst hotel for people with mobility concerns, when our senior cousin was with us. The hotel had Scooterbug rentals for use on property so she got one for her and she nearly crashed into everything just trying to get on and off the elevator. Thankfully she was okay but it was very harrowing and extremely stressful. We ended up returning the scooter.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I think that's a theoretical difference. I haven't read a single post reporting stability issues with 3 wheel rental ECVs

I agree! When I bought a scooter a few years ago, I asked if the 4 wheel was more stable. The salesperson said that it used to be true, but not in the last few years. And since the 4-wheel scooters cost a little more, and the salesperson may have been getting a commission, I took it as a good sign that they encouraged me buying the less expensive one.

 

[chrisney]

We're local, and our party of 3 is 2 scooters and a walker. We've had a little experience... The only time I've felt at all concerned with my 3 wheeled Travelscoot was going over the tracks on Main Street. That is easily handled by crossing at an angle.
Battery usage is usually not a problem. We no longer attempt 12+ hour days, and I've sometimes gone several days without charging.
Rain can be a problem. Given a heavy enough exposure, it can cause shorts (the electrical variety). Be sure to have a poncho to cover him and the body of the scooter. Also have a shower cap or a plastic bag to cover the handlebar controls (on/off/throttle). Avoid large puddles *** the splashing might affect the battery.
DO PRACTICE both at stores at home and at your resort. Going forward and backwards, taking turns, going up ramps, slowing down--many scooters don't have actual brakes, but rely on your not using the throttle to stop. This last one is REALLY important, and you will understand after this, my last tidbit of needed knowledge.
The level of attention required to drive safely is surprising. You sit low, and people don't "see" you. Or they're wrapped up in their own little group. Or their kids run into/in front of you. Directly into you. Or they need to reference a map or app and stop. Again, right in front of you. Or any of a myriad f things, not because they're jerks (well some are) but because they're clueless. So to avoid injuring or being injured, go fairly slow,don't follow too close, stay to the side. Scan the crowd as you go. I once had a kid decide to jump between planters. He was running and jumped just as i entered that space. Fortunately neither the kid, me, or my scooter were badly hurt, though I did break my rule about being kind and let the parents have it!

 

[maxiesmom]

Keep in mind Caribbean Beach resort does not have elevators. You need to request a ground floor room, and check again at check in.

 

[elvispursley]

Id also call the wdw reservation line and have them ad that you require a ground level room due to mobility issues. We've now just taken to booking an accessible room to make sure.

 

[Lewisc]

Keep in mind Caribbean Beach resort does not have elevators. You need to request a ground floor room, and check again at check in.

Nice catch. OP needs to RESERVE a HA room. That's the only way to guarantee a 1st floor room. Otherwise change the reservation to CSR. POR has buildings without elevators , I'm not sure about POFQ

 

[maxiesmom]

Nice catch. OP needs to RESERVE a HA room. That's the only way to guarantee a 1st floor room. Otherwise change the reservation to CSR. POR has buildings without elevators , I'm not sure about POFQ

Very true. This is exactly the reason I'm booked at CSR next year and not CBR.

 

[chrisney]

Nice catch. OP needs to RESERVE a HA room. That's the only way to guarantee a 1st floor room. Otherwise change the reservation to CSR. POR has buildings without elevators , I'm not sure about POFQ

Going by old names... The Bayou section of PO Riverside does NOT have elevators, whereas the Riverside (Mansions) does.

 

[elvispursley]

Pretty sure POFQ has elevators. I seem to recall pushing our double stroller into one years ago.

 

[lanejudy]

CBR is the only resort without any elevators for any building.
As PP noted, POR Bayou section does not have elevators but the Msnsions do. POFQ has elevators.
Only 3 building at OKW have elevators, the rest do not.
All other resorts have elevator access to all guest rooms.

 

[Lewisc]

Going by old names... The Bayou section of PO Riverside does NOT have elevators, whereas the Riverside (Mansions) does.

Irrelevant. Riverside Mansions is not a reservable room type. 1st floor Bayou is.not a reservable room type.

Guests who have a medical need for either a a 1st floor room in the Bayou section or a room in the Mansion center MUST reserve a HA room. That is the ONLY way to indicate a medical need vs a preference.

Guests who arrive early can usually get a room in an elevator building or in the 1s floor. You may have to wait and the answer might be no.

Same issue with CBR.