tips for first time ecv users

[Bob S]

just got back from a 2 week trip. my wife used a scooter rented from an offsite company. no problems there.
if you are renting a ecv for the first time especially if its for an elderly person it would be a good thing to take 10 minutes and have them practice driving it before going off into the parks.
turning, backing up into a space, quick stops and evasive manuveres would be a good idea. (not kidding)
it amazed me how oblivious people are to everything around them. we had
people stop short in front of us, walk right in front of us like we were not even there and believe it or not crash right into us.
i was thinking of attaching a large truck tire around the scooter so she could play human bumper cars. (just kidding)
i saw a lot of people struggling with their ecv's especially in a crowded situation so a little practice a head of time would go along way.
bob

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

We almost always suggest that a person who will be renting an ECV at WDW go to a large grocery or other store that provides ECVs for shoppers and practice with them. The Disney ECVs are not as cumbersome, and the off-site rentqals are much easier to maneuver than Disney's (and can go faster also). That way they will at least have some experience.

 

[bidnow5]

I second the test drive mart carts to get used to a scooter my first few times in Disney I ran over a lot of toes. Now I can read body language pretty good so I haven't run over toes in a long time

 

[Bete]

in that a practice run should take place at your grocery store or equivalent. It's a lot easier in that environment and a lot less crowded.

It still won't prepare you totally for Disney, but all of us at one time or another have stated how everyone ignores the scooters whether it's an adult or child in the Disney parks. You need to be aware and adjust accordingly.

We have found the earlier you get to the parks if you are using a scooter the better off you are because there are less people.

Thanks for observations. You confirm what many of us feel.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Even Guests who don't have the opportunity to 'test-drive' an ECV at home still have the chance onsite.

Guests renting from off-site companies have the best opportunity, since they can find a relatively out of the way area at their resort in which to practice - either outside or possibly in the lobby. If you arrive at an off-time and the ropes are up but nobody's around, that's a great time to practice maneuvering.

Guests renting in Epcot have the best chance to practice, since there's more 'free' space by the stroller/wheelchair rental location there than anywhere else. Even at the other parks - look around, or ask. And do practice

 

[LJM1949]

I am thinking about renting an ECV offsite like ya'll did. I am a large person, I may weight 295, or I may weigh 310. For that reason, I want to rent one for 350 lbs. This is more info that I will give my own grown kids.

We are arriving on Memorial Day (next Monday) and will be there for a week and staying at Coronado Springs Resort which is large. I think I really need to rent one. Are they hard to put on the buses? Is there a size requirement or restriction on the buses or do you know?

Thanks for any info you can give me. I really appreciate it.

 

[peemagg]

There is a size restriction, but as long as you don't rent the Dream ECV, you should be ok.

I would make sure that you get the HD version of whatever one you rent.

Buses aren't bad except that you have to be able to back up onto the lift and then parallel park it in the spots on the bus. When backing up I found that it was better to turn my speed up a bit to get up onto the ramp and then turn the speed all the way down before getting off the lift.

Since you are going to need it so soon, you should probably be calling and reserving one tonight or tomorrow at the latest.

If you check out the disAbilities FAQ's section at the start of the forum, there is a lot of info in there about renting and using a ECV.

 

[LJM1949]

You mentioned The Dream ECV, so of course, I had to google it and it is pretty nice. It says it is only for on Property Use only and can be transported by the buses....Is this one they have outlawed?

 

[peemagg]

Not fully banned, but not a scooter for a amatuer scooter user. The company says it will fit on the buses, but the dimensions themselves and the weight of the scooter do not fit in the requirements for the ADA of wheelchairs and scooters. It is both longer and heavier, especially once the weight of the rider is put into the factor. I personally would rent the HD version that Apple Scooters rents. I know that the regular size one is a very nice travel scooter. I have one for myself at home and love it!

 

[LJM1949]

Well, I reserved one on line through Apple Scooters and it turns out it was the best price too!

I guess I will hear from them tomorrow. Thanks for your help!