All of which apply for electric carts as they exist today. I can tell you from painful - very painful - experience that people driving those things are as unqualified as Segway users are at there device. Someone driving their 500+ lb. cart over my foot still hurts even at 5mph.
Worse - the
ECV requires even less attention from the operator than a Segway. I would say the electric carts are WORSE for exactly that reason - and we've all witnessed people plowing through groups, running over children, and "drivers" just plain being rude. How many times have we've seen an icebreaker come barrelling through a crowded walkway!?! As the accessablity of these devices has increased, so have to problems. And too are the number of people using these devices for non-medical reasons.
To be very blunt and offend a lot of people here - but something that needs to be said - if Disney can allow some guests to drive a dangerous, uncertified, no-training-required cart because of weight then can can certainly figure out a way for people with other problems to have the same access to the park.
I sincerely hope you never have a mobility disability and are forced to eat your own words.
Yes, there are some people who drive ECVs without due care and attention. However, there are also people who walk, push strollers or wheel wheelchairs without due care and attention. Do you think people should have to take a 'walking test' before they're allowed to enter the parks? Because for those of us with disabilities, using a chair or ECV is our 'walking'.
Yes, maybe there are some people who use ECVs when they don't 'need' (and I use the word very loosely) them, but who are you to judge whether or not they do? They may have heart problems, joint damage, fatigue issues or a whole raft of other problems. I don't 'look disabled', I can even walk short distances, but if I don't have my wheelchair, I'll be housebound.
Besides, have you ever ridden through Disney at wheelchair or ECV height? Let me tell you, it's not the picnic everyone seems to think it is. You get a view of backsides, instead of castles; you're fairly regularly ignored; you have to concentrate completely on the crowds around you, rather than the beautiful surroundings (yes, I know some don't, but then they run the risk of getting whinged about on this board); you often wait longer for rides (oh yes, we don't get the wonderful 'front of line' perks that everyone seems to think we do); etc, etc, etc.
Anyway, I think all this is a little besides the point. Under the ADA, Disney must allow ECVs into the park, they are not required to permit Segways to enter as they are not officially disability aids. Segways have added dangers (the speed, the height of the user, the height of centre of gravity etc) that ECVs do not, and unless the item becomes an official disability aid, Disney has every right to refuse them entry, just the same as they can refuse entry to quad bikes (OK, I know they're different things, but I'm just making a point).
Anyway, that's my little rant over, sorry for getting carried away a bit there, I'm just having 'one of those days' and felt rather insulted but some of the earlier posts. Well, it's good to get that off my chest!
Fairy dust to all!
