Taking the ECV plunge, need help

[snyderla]

I have RA, having been going to WDW since 1975 (currently DVC member so we go frequently), and the last 2 trips my DH has had to push me in a wheelchair. We've decided it's time for me to purchase an ECV. What is the best ecv for WDW? I want one with a headlight, tight turning radius, long battery life, light weight for hubby. I know battery life is sometimes effected by weight, I'm about 125 pounds.

Any suggestions? Anything I need to keep in mind when shopping for one? Thank you very much.

I have a state issued permanent disability card. Are these needed for anything at WDW?

 

[POOHsie]

I am thinking you should look at the Pride GoGo Elite Traveller Plus, a scooter that has tons of praise. It would be a good fit for you and your weight, very tight turns, and an 18 AH battery. It does not have a light. A lot of the smaller scooters don't. Not a deal killer. It is light for your husband to handle. You can take the battery off easily (29 lbs), the seat lifts right off (18 lbs.), and the rest is 50-60 lbs.

I had an earlier version of this scooter and I liked it fine but it had a smaller battery (12 AH) and the battery pooped out too soon for going around Epcot. I upgraded to a bigger scooter.

I would suggest you rent this scooter for your Disney trip. Apple Scooter has them. http://www.applescooter.com By renting one for your Disney trip instead of purchasing one, you get to try it out. Maybe you will love it. Maybe you would really like something bigger.

The Pride GoGo is a reliable scooter. You can buy it online. I recommend Spinlife.com. They are highly rated and always have the lowest price. I bought both my scooters that way. Free shipping, no tax. And you can purchase a 2-3 year in-home warranty. The scooter comes mostly assembled. Below is a link to their page about this scooter. But you can look around their site and see their other scooters. They go from really light to really heavy duty. Go to Pride Mobility website to look for service dealers. In my area, there are three, so you shouldn't need to worry about where to fix the scooter if something should happen. (Nothing has happened to my scooters EVER!)
http://www.spinlife.com/Pride-Go-Go...Wheel-Travel-Scooter/spec.cfm?productID=81106

You don't need to show proof of disability at Disney except for the handicap parking spots. If you have a blue handicap parking permit at home, bring that to Disney for handicap parking. If you don't, then when you arrive at the park lots, tell the CM directing parking that you have a scooter but no permit. He/She will direct you to the handicap parking area, but you will park next to the handicap spots, not in them (big fine). If you don't park in the handicap lot, you could be far away. DH could take the tram but your scooter wouldn't be allowed.

Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip.

 

[peemagg]

I agree with Poohsie on everything. For a tight turning radius, the 3 wheel models turn tighter than the 4 wheel models.

One thing to consider, is a lot of people think that they need all these bells and whistles on the scooter and the big captains chairs, etc. All these things do is add weight to the scooter. Some things, such as a light, puts added drain on the battery. I would consider this before ruling out a scooter without all those things you think you must have.

I have the scooter that POOHsie talks about and LOVE it!! It doesn't have a light, but I don't drive it in the dark that often and when I do, I just use a flashlight or one of those lights that you can wear on your head. I have not needed a light at Disney, because they keep things lit well enough for me to see where I am going.

I have rode my scooter all day at Disney and other places and the seat that on it, I found it to be quite comfortable. I have never wished that the seat was more comfortable. I just fully enjoy this scooter!

 

[bidnow5]

I bought a bicycle light for the front and back of my scooter for those night rides in the parks. I also agree a smaller scooter should be great for your weight I am a big guy so my scooter is heavy and very difficult to load into my car I can't do it without help. You will love using a scooter in the parks. The first time I rented changed everything our Disney trips are so much better now

 

[snyderla]

Thank you all for the input. It really has helped make my decision easier. I thought I needed a headlight, but DH agreed that there are ways to get light on it, either for me to see the path ahead or to help others see me, without the added drain to the battery. It was really overwhelming with so many to choose from!

Also, thank you for the encouragement amount making the transition. My first 17 trips I was able to walk the entire time. The last couple of trips my DH has had to push me in a wheelchair and frankly I was depressed and wondering if my trips would be as enjoyable as before. I think the freedom I will have with the scooter will be much better than the dependence I felt with the wheelchair. It will certainly be less painful! But I'm concerned about navigating the crowds.
Thank you all again.

 

[peemagg]

The crowds can be difficult at times, but I found that as long as I was paying attention, I learned to watch peoples body language and could kind of figure out what they were going to do. If your husband walks next to you, it will be easier and in really crowded areas if he walks in front, right by the tiller, it can help to part the crowds. I found that I just sometimes stopped and let the crowd do what they were going to do and then move on. It was safer for all.