Using wheelchairs and scooters in WDW

[redrosesix]

I have been listening to the comments on the Podcast re using wheelchairs and scooters in the park. I think it's great that Disney has them for anybody to rent, since only the person renting it can know how much activity they can tolerate. My father had MS which progressed throughout my life so we grew up with all manner of accessible equipment around us, from canes to scooters to electric wheelchairs.

Having said all that, I think it is very important to point out to those who don't use this type of equipment at home that you can't just hop on and use them like a pro. Here are some examples:
* wheelchairs - the type you rent that you rent or borrow cannot do everything that you see people doing with wheelchairs. People pushing them should know that they can tip, that you need to back up over curbs, that you need to avoid sudden stops (so the person in it doesn't fall out) and that if you push somebody too fast it can make them extremely dizzy. If you're pushing yourself, at all, your hands can get very dirty. I also wouldn't recommend doing that too much because it is very tiring for your arms, back, neck and shoulders. Always make sure the tire pressure is the same on both sides or you will feel like you're pushing a bad shopping cart around the park all day.
* scooters - the obvious: avoid running over people's feet. It is enough weight to crush a child's foot. Also, when you're using one you have a tendancy to look straight ahead (as you would when driving a car) but doing so means that you may not see toddlers walking across your intended path. Scooters also go much faster than you would expect, and it will take some time to learn to drive it properly without being too jerky. Be very careful to keep it level to avoid tipping over ie. make sure you don't let one side go up on a curb.

I strongly recommend that anybody who does not have experience using this type of equipment do a couple of laps of the rental area before heading into the parks, where it is more crowded, just to get used to it.

Good luck!

 

[UrsulasShadow]

Good advice!

 

[DebºoºS]

..........
I strongly recommend that anybody who does not have experience using this type of equipment do a couple of laps of the rental area before heading into the parks, where it is more crowded, just to get used to it. ........

I couldn't agree more. Pushing a chair in AK is a challenge!
Last June DS (16) suddenly hobbled over to a bench in AK complaining of terrrible pain in his leg. It was a torn meniscus and took several months of physical therapy. After resting a bit we decided it was time to leave but he still couldn't walk. I ran/fast walked through Asia and Africa in a torrential shower to rent a wheelchair. Brought it back to him and proceeded to push him swiftly through the rain and crowds back to the exit. It was slippery going up and down hills that I had no idea were there as a pedestrian. The chair can get away from you if you're not careful. Dodging and weaving through crowds we made it to the exit of the park. We met with a "Dream Team" CM who shared his umbrella and advice while I caught my breath. He advised DS not to leave but to go back to the safari because all the animals come out in the rain. A must see. No pin, night in the castle just his advice. So of course I couldn't deny my injured son and pushed him all the way back through Africa, monsoons and slippery trails to the safari then back to the exit. Used a courtesy chair to the bus.
Go for the scooter in AK!

 

[redrosesix]

I couldn't agree more. Pushing a chair in AK is a challenge!
Last June DS (16) suddenly hobbled over to a bench in AK complaining of terrrible pain in his leg. It was a torn meniscus and took several months of physical therapy. After resting a bit we decided it was time to leave but he still couldn't walk. I ran/fast walked through Asia and Africa in a torrential shower to rent a wheelchair. Brought it back to him and proceeded to push him swiftly through the rain and crowds back to the exit. It was slippery going up and down hills that I had no idea were there as a pedestrian. The chair can get away from you if you're not careful. Dodging and weaving through crowds we made it to the exit of the park. We met with a "Dream Team" CM who shared his umbrella and advice while I caught my breath. He advised DS not to leave but to go back to the safari because all the animals come out in the rain. A must see. No pin, night in the castle just his advice. So of course I couldn't deny my injured son and pushed him all the way back through Africa, monsoons and slippery trails to the safari then back to the exit. Used a courtesy chair to the bus.
Go for the scooter in AK!

Good point I forgot to mention that part. It can be sooo tiring pushing a wheelchair all day -- luckily my dad would force us to take breaks. I think it was harder on my brothers though, since they were much taller than me and had to bend over somewhat to push.