What is the most portable/lightweight ECV to rent?

[herrmannpt]

We are traveling in early June. My mother, who has breathing and mobility issues, has finally agreed to a scooter rental. My mother is also very COVID cautious. She would prefer to avoid the Disney buses, so we will be renting a mini-van. I know some of the scooters break down, but they still look like a lot to move around. Anyone have advice? Are there any super light scooters out there? My mother is fairy small at around 5ft and 140 lbs.

 

[Selket]

The portable scooter rented out by many companies is not too bad to take apart and put together. My husband managed it by himself a few years ago when we rented one. If you have a bad back, etc. it could be a challenge. You could discuss with the rental company what the heaviest piece is.

I guess my other thought is that if she is concerned about being on the Disney bus with the possible covid risk that presents... I just wonder how she is going to feel about many places at Disney now that the mask mandate is relaxed indoors and much of the plexiglass is down. Most of the ride lines and rides themselves (or shows) are fairly well packed with people. The bus would seem like a drop in the bucket really.

I don't know if Minnie Vans would be back by June but that would be a good alternative ... a bit pricey. They had some vans that would take a full size ECV without a problem. Another thought would be if you're traveling with more than you and your mom that someone could take the ECV on the bus for her and everyone else take the rental van and meet up at the park.

 

[Bete]

If you are willing to buy a scooter there are models that go 50 pounds or less. I've never seen those scooters for rent. They are more expensive.

You want a portable, transportable rental scooter that breaks apart. Those rental scooters go around 100 pounds. They break down into 4-5 pieces depending on the model. The battery goes 30-35 pounds. The base is heavier, too. Keep in mind scooters with one battery don't last as long as two battery bigger scooters. Be careful to shut the scooter off when you are watching a show, a parade or fireworks. Conserve your battery; so, you can make it through your day. Watch your battery guage. If you are getting too low on power you may have to charge the battery at the park; so, make sure you have the charger with you at the parks.

Another option is to get a wheelchair and push her to the park and back. Then, you could rent at the park and they will hold your wheelchair. The issue here is you have to arrive early to the park to secure a scooter rental. They can sell out; it's first come, first serve. Worse to worse, you push all day in the wheelchair.

 

[herrmannpt]

Thanks all. I may look into just buying a lighter weight ECV. Amazon seems to have several options, and I’m sure it’s something my Mom will be able to use outside of Disney. Renting at the parks would be nice, but we don’t plan to be in the parks early, so I’m afraid there wouldn’t be a scooter left. My son has Autism and will have a medical stroller, so it would definitely be best if my Mom’s is battery powered vs a traditional wheelchair.
As far as her concerns on COVID, she will mask (another reason I’m worried about her breathing and want her to use the ECV). I don’t think she will actually do that many rides. She more wants to enjoy the atmosphere and watch her grandchildren have fun. We are DVC members and will have access to the extended evening hours, so we plan to take advantage of that. We will mostly dine outdoors when in the parks. If anyone else has suggestions for minimizing being around the crowds, please pass them my way!

 

[ZellyB]

We rented the Pride Victory 3-wheel scooter from Gold mobility and transported it in the back of a minivan. It is quite easy to take apart but not that easy to lift in and out of the van. I had two strong men with me and they managed it easily but trying to do it alone would be difficult for sure. But, if you have help to get it in and out, I do highly recommend this particular scooter for ease of use, comfort and battery life.

 

[Evita_W]

We rented the Pride Victory 3-wheel scooter from Gold mobility and transported it in the back of a minivan. It is quite easy to take apart but not that easy to lift in and out of the van. I had two strong men with me and they managed it easily but trying to do it alone would be difficult for sure. But, if you have help to get it in and out, I do highly recommend this particular scooter for ease of use, comfort and battery life.

Put it in neutral, then put the front wheel on the back bumper, then lift up the back and roll it in. Once in, put it in park.

If using this method, I highly recommend the extra insurance on the vehicle in case you scratch the bumper though.

This only works if you can fold the back row (or at least half of it) down.l, but it is how DH gets his in and out of our car all the time and it is the three wheel victory 10.2 purchased from Gold Mobility with the extended batteries.

 

[Bethctraveler]

We always use the the Pride Victory 10 3 wheel and sometimes 4 wheel scooters from Gold Mobility. While we normally use Disney transportation to get around exclusively, but we have used Mears Transportation taxi, the new Uber MT connect, and public bus system. Once we rented a large SUV, and we took apart 2 Victory 10's and put the back. It was fairly easy to take them apart. I would not recommend a portable scooter or a folding scooter because the batteries are quite limited. We are a rope drop to fireworks group. So a small portable scooter is out of the question. We require the longevity and dependability of the Victory 10's. We have never once had a problem with battery life.

 

[mamabunny]

Thanks all. I may look into just buying a lighter weight ECV. Amazon seems to have several options, and I’m sure it’s something my Mom will be able to use outside of Disney. Renting at the parks would be nice, but we don’t plan to be in the parks early, so I’m afraid there wouldn’t be a scooter left. My son has Autism and will have a medical stroller, so it would definitely be best if my Mom’s is battery powered vs a traditional wheelchair.
As far as her concerns on COVID, she will mask (another reason I’m worried about her breathing and want her to use the ECV). I don’t think she will actually do that many rides. She more wants to enjoy the atmosphere and watch her grandchildren have fun. We are DVC members and will have access to the extended evening hours, so we plan to take advantage of that. We will mostly dine outdoors when in the parks. If anyone else has suggestions for minimizing being around the crowds, please pass them my way!

Please be careful when purchasing mobility equipment on Amazon; if there is any problem at all with the device, you may be stuck, with no recourse other than to try and ship it back (if the vendor accepts returns).

I have a super-lightweight "scooter" called a TravelScoot - although it *is* more expensive than anything you will see on Amazon, I know that I can call them and Tony will either have a video for me to watch, or he (or one of the other nice folks who works there) will talk me through whatever I need. Their service is superb, both before and after the sale. The Travelscoot is currently backordered, but the current model is less than 35 pounds completely assembled, with battery installed. I have gone a full Disney Day on a fully charged "large" TravelScoot battery.

Similarly, I have a Fold & Go Magshock power chair. Yes, again, it's more expensive than something that looks similar on Amazon, but they support their product, and if I have any problems (especially with airlines when traveling) they are very helpful. There's a reason why they are so popular with folks here.

Sometimes, you can still get what you pay for!

If you are shopping for price, consider checking out places like
MonsterScooterParts.com or 1800wheelchair.com - they sell brand name equipment, and have the knowledge and parts to back up what they sell.

I just don't want y'all to spend money on something that won't hold up to a Disney Day - or that won't have any service/support options if you should (hopefully not/fingers crossed) need it.

 

[Goldelpack]

I have a VIVE 3 wheeler that weighs in at less than 80lbs fully assembled. The heaviest piece is about 30lbs - the base and I have little to no problem lifting it into the hatchback of my very small HONDA FIT. In normal conditions it would last about 12 miles - but.. as a solo traveler I tend to zip in and out of places because I'm not with a group and don't remain in turtle speed - plus I'm heavy so my battery life is good for about 5 hours or so without charge. In a normal use it would be much better - when I travel with family I go at a more normal speed (walking speed) and it lasts longer. I purchased direct from VIVE but I just looked and the 3 wheeler is sold out. The primary reason I purchased it was the portability to transport in my car.
Having said that - I do rent from an outside vendor for all trips because their batteries last twice as long as mine - I use mine to/from and in the airport and around the resort once I return from parks, etc.

As far as COVID concerns - same here - I even spent ridiculous $$ to fly 1st class as there's less people. I mask in all risky locations regardless of guidelines but do feel comfortable enough in the outdoors to not (unless I'm standing still - or sitting still where I'm technically LOWER than the breathing people. (sort of)

 

[Selket]

Thanks all. I may look into just buying a lighter weight ECV. Amazon seems to have several options, and I’m sure it’s something my Mom will be able to use outside of Disney. Renting at the parks would be nice, but we don’t plan to be in the parks early, so I’m afraid there wouldn’t be a scooter left. My son has Autism and will have a medical stroller, so it would definitely be best if my Mom’s is battery powered vs a traditional wheelchair.
As far as her concerns on COVID, she will mask (another reason I’m worried about her breathing and want her to use the ECV). I don’t think she will actually do that many rides. She more wants to enjoy the atmosphere and watch her grandchildren have fun. We are DVC members and will have access to the extended evening hours, so we plan to take advantage of that. We will mostly dine outdoors when in the parks. If anyone else has suggestions for minimizing being around the crowds, please pass them my way!

I was there in early December when masked were required indoors and the crowds were back for the most part. Genie+ may be an expensive option if you have several family members but it would allow everyone to move more quickly through the lines usually. Perhaps you get a DAS for son with autism - if so it essentially uses the same line (the old FP line) and I don't think you would need both Genie+ and a DAS. I'm not sure if would be worth Genie+ it if she doesn't plan to ride too many things. Some of the WC seating for shows seems a bit more distanced than the regular seating - I'm guessing she may enjoy the shows. If you think she is game to ride things like Haunted mansion, Jungle Cruise, Midway Mania, etc. then the Genie+ could help out. Your family could also create a bit of a buffer zone around her so no one is right up behind her or beside her (people will stand next to me sometimes - not sure why lol!).

I personally didn't find the bus to be any worse than standing in some of the indoor lines (like for the Frozen ride). I think the Disney bus still requires masks but of course that could end by June. When I rode the skyliner with the ECV I always had my own car even if alone. She also may not mind the boat as much as where you park the ECV is a bit away from the seats and it feels breezy in there. Monorails feel more crowded to me. If you're staying at a resort served by the skyliner I think you could avoid driving those days perhaps. I hope you have a great trip!

 

[FrankDIS72]

I've seen scooters that fold up. That may be easier to get in and out of your car. But don't fold it up while someone is sitting in it.

 

[SteveMouse]

A HUGE consideration is the user’s size, both in terms of weight and height.

A small scooter usually comes with a comparatively smaller bartery. Small battery+bigger person=less range/shorter battery life.

If the user is 150 pounds or less. A small scooter isn’t likely to be an Issue. The bigger the person, the more of a concern.

Smaller scooters also tend to have smaller, less comfortable seating.

 

[TCRAIG]

Ask for a GoGo Elite Traveller-it’s not necessary to take it fully apart (you can if you want to-the batter pack is the heaviest piece) - we usually just take the seat off and the battery pack and throw it in the back of our Honda.