Taking scooter on DME

[wdwcrazy07]

We have used DME several times but this will our first time taking a scooter with us. I am not checking the scooter but will drive it to and from the plane. My question is this: will we be picked up at the airport by a bus that is wheelchair accessable or will the driver want to break the scooter down to transport it? Thanks a bunch!

 

[Vijoge]

If you can manage the steps on the bus your ECV can be stowed under the bus with the luggage-no need to break it down-there is plenty of room.

Also, I have used Disney buses extensively with my ECV and have not had one driver yet who would allow me to remain on my ECV while the bus was in motion. You can if you're using a power wheel chair, but not an ECV. It just isn't safe.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Notify ME prior to your arrival, and remind them when you get to the check-in area. They will them make sure that a lift-equipped bus is brought out. (They keep these buses available, and avoid using them when the lift is not needed.)

You will have to drive the ECV onto and off the lift. The ECV will be tied down. You will be required to transfer to a regular seat.

Note there are legal restrictions, as well as manufacturers recommendations, that you not be seated in an ECV while riding on a bus. This is both Federal Law for safety purposes.

 

[wdwcrazy07]

Thanks for all your help! Only question I have now is to the drivers ability to lift the scooter and place it in the luggage compartment under the bus. It weighs 250 lbs.

 

[Vijoge]

Thanks for all your help! Only question I have now is to the drivers ability to lift the scooter and place it in the luggage compartment under the bus. It weighs 250 lbs.

DH lifted mine and put it under the bus. I just asked him and he thinks the bus driver was going to do it but DH did it just because he's used to lifting it at home. I'm sure someone else will have a much better answer.

 

[Sandi]

Thanks for all your help! Only question I have now is to the drivers ability to lift the scooter and place it in the luggage compartment under the bus. It weighs 250 lbs.

If your scooter is that heavy, I would think that requesting the lift-equipped bus would be the way to go (as suggested by Cheshire Figment).

 

[Vijoge]

Thanks for all your help! Only question I have now is to the drivers ability to lift the scooter and place it in the luggage compartment under the bus. It weighs 250 lbs.

If your scooter is that heavy, I would think that requesting the lift-equipped bus would be the way to go (as suggested by Cheshire Figment).

ITA. Mine weighs about 150#.

 

[SueM in MN]

There are now pictures of the DME bus steps and the lift in action in the disABILITIES FAQs thread, page 2.
I agree that it would be better to ride a lift bus with a heavy ECV.
Also look at the picture of the steps; because the luggage is stored underneath the bus, the seating area is very high up. If you don't think you can do the steps, a lift bus is the way to go.

 

[Mickiethepooh]

If you can manage the steps on the bus your ECV can be stowed under the bus with the luggage-no need to break it down-there is plenty of room.

Also, I have used Disney buses extensively with my ECV and have not had one driver yet who would allow me to remain on my ECV while the bus was in motion. You can if you're using a power wheel chair, but not an ECV. It just isn't safe.

That is very interesting because every time I have used a Disney bus on my scooter they have had me stay on the scooter, not much fun either.

 

[wdwcrazy07]

Thanks for all the replies on my question about taking a scooter on DME. After reading them though, I wonder now if it might not be easier to just check the scooter. I have no problem walking long distances through airports.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

You are much better off "gate checking" the ECV. You tell them when you check on and they will give you a special tag. You will be able to drive the ECV all the way to the plane and itwill be one of the last items loaded in the baggage compartment and on arrival it will be taken to the plane's door.

That way there is much less chance of something strange happening to it and if something does happen you will be immediately aware of it.