taking my mom and what we need to get her around the parks in.

[abaldacci]

She has limit mobility and can't walk for long distances she had bad back and type 11 diab. she also had breathing treatments she may need. should we do wc or ECV for her. will it be hard on us pushing her all day or is it like a stroller not so bad. to me. she is also bossy so she will fuss at us if she doesn't like how we are pushing her. Help what to do. She still hasn't said if she will go or not but I would like for her too. she was the one who got me hook on wdw you know.

 

[RNMOM]

I would suggest an ECV. I would also try taking her to Target, Walmart or a grocery store to practice. Be sure to go when they are not busy. Perhaps a M,T,W morning before sales begin. Let her drive around a bit and see how she feels.

Do let her know the mobility scooters at the parks and the ones you rent (best idea IMHO) are not going to have a large cumbersom basket on the front. They will also have a much more comfortable seat and arms and will move faster and will be easier to move and turn.

Having an ECV from the resort will allow her to put her inhalers, nebulizer and any other equipment she needs in a backpack and put it on the back of the seat or the basket so you can take it in with you to the places you leave the scooter parked. This is what I do. I haul everyone's stuff around with me but it makes it easier.

I love scooting around and having the independence but it takes a little getting used to.

 

[Haley Whippet]

I would rent off site and have access to the scooter all the time. They will diliver it to your resort, and pick it up too.

Before I owned my scooter DH pushed me in a WC at AK and said it was not easy due to the uneven ground. I love my ECV and it put the magic back in the magic kingdom.
Deb

 

[DisOrBust]

I was in the same postion as you and thought we would be ok with a wc,WRONG!!

There is alot of ground to cover before you actually get to the rental area at the parks. Then there is the whole hassle of renting at the parks, if one will be available etc..

Pushing a w/c is not that hard BUT slowing one going downhill can be scary. AK is really a challenge. Beside the rider has much less independence then in a ECV.

The next time we will rent an offsite EVC without ANY hesitation. I highly reccomend it.

 

[SueM in MN]

If you haven't yet, check out the disABILITIES FAQs thread; you will find information about palces to rent ECVs there.

 

[casaazul]

They looked happy and independant. In the line for Kil. Safari at Ak the ECV's and strollers were right with us. They separated once we got to the actual loading area.

The parks are so big, that I know I would be tired pushing a stroller with a kid, much less a grown person, who may be cranky!! Get the ECV offsite, get it delivered and you will rest assured your vacation will be much better.

Have fun!!!

 

[MN Dis Fans]

We are dealing with this question too. I'm afraid my mom will leave newly disabled people in her wake after she plows them over. We don't even let her drive a car.

 

[SueM in MN]

We are dealing with this question too. I'm afraid my mom will leave newly disabled people in her wake after she plows them over. We don't even let her drive a car.

If you are concerned about her safely driving an ECV, that is a good reason to get a wheelchair for her.
Driving an ECV takes concentration and the ability to make decisions about whether to stop or go based on the actions of people around you. And, it's not like driving, where people are in marked roads with intersections where people might turn in front of you. Since you on are paths that are wide, people can and do step out in front of you. Because of all those things, some people find that even though they don't get physically tired driving an ECV, it is fatiguing to be constantly on the alert and ready to react.

One way to determine how safe she might be would be to have her try one of the ECVs that stores like Target, Walmart or grocery stores have for guests with mobilty disabilities to use. If she can safely and confortably manage that, an ECV at WDW should be OK. (Although, keep in mind that she may still tire out from the concentration involved in driving).