Still have a question on strollers/wheelchairs

[kaffinito]

Me agian.

I finally got it through my thick head that only certain kinds of strollers are safe to tie down on the WDW buses, but was wondering about wheelchairs.

If you use a wheelchair can that be tied down on the bus with someone in it? Or does the person in the wheelchair have to transfer to a seat for the ride?

TIA!
Karen

 

[SueM in MN]

Wheelchairs are fine. They have sturdy frames and lots of places that can be used to tie them down securely. Because they have 4 wheels, they ate more stable than 3 wheeled devices.

A person using a wheelchair can choose to transfer to a seat if they want to, but don't have to. For some, like my DD, transferring to a bus seat is impossible, so she has no choice - she needs to stay in her wheelchair. The buses do have seatbelts and anyone staying in a wheelchair is much safer using the bus seatbelt, even if their wheelchair has a seatbelt.

I know where the safe tiedown points for DD's wheelchair are and always make sure the bus driver is informed where they are. I have them marked with bright fushia tape and also tell the driver they may attach to any part of the wheelchair that is purple because that is a secure part of the frame. On her wheelchair, any black parts are not safe.

When looking for safe places for tiedown, you want to use areas that are part of the frame - not bolted or attached on and not any removable pieces.

 

[syko]

Wheelchairs are tied dowm and you stay in.
Sometimes if you have a folding type one the person will get out and use the bus seat and then hold on to the wheelchair.

 

[MinnieVanMom]

I have a thick head also and just learned that even if the manufacture says it is ok to tie down the 4 wheel adult stroller, it is not by Disney.

We are just going to have to fold up the adult stroller and apologize to those around us for taking up so much room.

 

[KPeveler]

I have a thick head also and just learned that even if the manufacture says it is ok to tie down the 4 wheel adult stroller, it is not by Disney.

We are just going to have to fold up the adult stroller and apologize to those around us for taking up so much room.

Actually, no bus (disney or not) would allow you to tie down a stroller not made for transport. I believe it is somewhere in federal transportation law.

People will get over the stroller taking room, you need it so just ignore them. I really do not trust what the people at the manufacturer say - i would just not tie down to an axle. The tie-downs on a bus are very strong and retract with considerable force, and it could bend the frame.

Also, no 3 wheeled vehicle is ever going to be safe to stay in when tied down. They tip over too easily. That is why people on ECVs are required to get off the scooter when they get on the bus.

 

[kaffinito]

Whew - that's a big help to me. I've been trying to figure out the whole stroller vs wheelchair issue.

DN4's stroller is more of a giant wheelchair thing and is super heavy, so I've been trying to figure out a way for him to safely ride the bus and have transportation for when he gets too pooped to walk.

So, I think I'll go for a pediatric wheelchair instead of a stroller for him at Disney.

I am so relieved - you have no idea - this has been worrying me to bits how to get him on and off the bus!

 

[KPeveler]

Whew - that's a big help to me. I've been trying to figure out the whole stroller vs wheelchair issue.

DN4's stroller is more of a giant wheelchair thing and is super heavy, so I've been trying to figure out a way for him to safely ride the bus and have transportation for when he gets too pooped to walk.

So, I think I'll go for a pediatric wheelchair instead of a stroller for him at Disney.

I am so relieved - you have no idea - this has been worrying me to bits how to get him on and off the bus!

If you have a pediatric wc, or can get one (talk to your pediatrician or dr), they may actually be easier. your 4 yr old may be happier in something that doesnt look like a "baby" stroller.

strollers (especially 3 wheel ones) fold "front to back" and are made of less sturdy/lighter materials than a wheelchair. This means a stroller can fold with your child in it if it is tied down in a bus and the bus stops short.

A wheelchair folds side to side (if it folds at all), and is made to be tied down, so it is safer.

A wheelchair will automatically be loaded by the ramp/lift (so no need to hope the driver sees the wheelchair-as-stroller tag), and will automatically be let into all lines.

And, of course, a wheelchair may be more "stylish" than a stroller, which is all-important to a 4 yr old!

If you cannot get a ped wheelchair, do not try to stick him in an adult chair - he will be very uncomfortable. Use the stroller and just ignore the looks. You will do fine!