Which ECV rental company?

[CaryHaven]

I have no experience other than reading up on them. I've found these places have some loyal customers. What are your opinions? Price is important, but dependability moreso. We are staying offsite and driving our own car.

 

[shrinkydinky]

We rented from Buena Vista and they were very reliable. They have an area in front of the Boardwalk Villas where you can rent them, but better to call ahead and rent one for the time you are there. We did have a small issue with my sister's scooter not stopping as fast as it should when she took her hand off the handle. They quickly replaced it. Our scooters were in good condition and the batteries never went off full charge, even after a long day in the parks. i can't remember exactly what we paid, but it seemed reasonable.

 

[Toffeewoffy]

Florida Mobility were not only very reliable with fantastic customer service, but also extremely cheap! I will rent with them next time without hesitation.

 

[Starwind]

My November 2014 trip was the first time I had to use an ECV.

We had a split trip with a Disney Cruise in the middle; I only needed the ECV for the parks. Prices for both companies were comparable.

For the first part of our trip I rented from Walker. Since I had never used an ECV before, I wanted someone to show me how to use it and make sure I was good with it. Thus, Walker, as they have to deliver it to the guest directly. I was very pleased with their service and the ECV itself was fine. One thing about the ECV that I did NOT like was the hand action required to activate the scooter - I found it rather uncomfortable over time. So, at first it was fine to activate the device, but then holding the hand in the needed position to keep the scooter running I quickly found uncomfortable, even painful. I realize this is my issue/my joints, but it was frustrating.

For the second part of the trip we used Buena Vista. I assumed that since I would have used the scooter the first trip part I would know how to use it, so this gave me the chance to try them out. Also, no co-ordinating pickup and dropoff times, which I found I really appreciated. The CM who retrieved the scooter from scooter storage showed me how to use it and made sure I was comfortable with it; he even had a couple good tips for using it !. And, the hand action to use THIS scooter did NOT bother me at all -- a BIG difference.

Really, both were great company-wise, in my experience. For me the hand action makes enough diffference that in the future I will be a Buena Vista customer. But, that hand action may not bother others, or perhaps they will have the reverse issue. I figure that is a personal aspect and it certainly is not reflective of the company or anything, it is just a design issue with the scooters. I am reasonable sure most people would not even really notice the difference, let alone have an issue with one style or the other.

So the real difference is delivery to customer vs leaving with the resort and which of those one prefers.

SW

 

[Yvonneb]

Hi Starwind. I am trying to find a comfortable scooter for my mother. She has RA in her hands. What made the difference for you in the two scooters you tried? Was the hand action different all together, or was it the position, or something else? Thank you!

 

[Goofy14sure]

I haven't rented from K&M Rentals but they saved my trip by selling me a key for my scooter when I left the keys at home (I Know, I Know)
Great customer service and have a nice store on 192.

 

[Magjackmama]

I am concerned about how to arrange for an ECV when we are staying off site and are driving to the parks and resorts each day. Can anyone offer any advice? Has anyone rented in the parks?

 

[CaryHaven]

We are staying offsite and driving...we are calling ahead and reserving. I think all or most of the companies can deliver to your hotel. You will probably have to get a portable one unless you have a truck and a ramp or can lift 200-300 pounds of a scooter and put it in the back.

 

[Elevationist]

I have used Buena Vista both for my personal travel, as well as for my clients as a travel agent. Nothing but wonderful experiences across the board.

On my September trip, I did have one issue with the first ECV that was brought me... After the first couple days I noticed it wasn't getting a full charge overnight (and I even tried using different outlets). I call Buena Vista from the bus on my way to Animal Kingdom about it, and they immediately sent out somebody with a replacement ECV. I just figured they'd bring me a new battery pack, but nope, whole new scooter because they didn't want me having anymore problems.

I also assumed they would need me to meet them outside of AK or something, but nope! The gentleman delivering it just called me once he was at AK, asked me where I was inside the park, and he met me right in front of Expedition Everest. We swapped scooters, and everything was peachy after that. Amazing service and customer service, so I'm very loyal to Buena Vista Scooters!

 

[ThistleMae]

I have used Buena Vista both for my personal travel, as well as for my clients as a travel agent. Nothing but wonderful experiences across the board.

On my September trip, I did have one issue with the first ECV that was brought me... After the first couple days I noticed it wasn't getting a full charge overnight (and I even tried using different outlets). I call Buena Vista from the bus on my way to Animal Kingdom about it, and they immediately sent out somebody with a replacement ECV. I just figured they'd bring me a new battery pack, but nope, whole new scooter because they didn't want me having anymore problems.

I also assumed they would need me to meet them outside of AK or something, but nope! The gentleman delivering it just called me once he was at AK, asked me where I was inside the park, and he met me right in front of Expedition Everest. We swapped scooters, and everything was peachy after that. Amazing service and customer service, so I'm very loyal to Buena Vista Scooters!

So.....what is required if you rent a scooter from one of the companies that are not on the Disney list (walker)? I know I read about this somewhere but don't have the details. Can u help?

 

[lanejudy]

So.....what is required if you rent a scooter from one of the companies that are not on the Disney list (walker)? I know I read about this somewhere but don't have the details. Can u help?

You simply make arrangements directly with the vendor to meet for pick-up and return of the equipment. I believe most have a phone number you can call as soon as you are in the area (arrive at MCO or however you travel) and they'll meet you at your resort or possibly another location if you so request. They just aren't allowed to leave equipment with Bell Services at the WDW resorts.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[StirlingSilver83]

We rented from Walker Mobility this past April. It was my first time renting from an outside ECV vender so I did lots of research before settling on Walker. They had the best prices, the best reviews, and it helped that I could get a scooter in pink, lol. I picked my ECV up on our arrival day in the afternoon. They dropped it off in the front of our hotel and met with me to make sure I knew how to operate an ECV. When they were confident that I wasn't going to run anyone over I was on my way. It was awesome using the ECV and not having to worry about not being able to walk by the end of the day. Anyways the next morning I went to ride my ECV again and we had breakfast scheduled at the Poly. (I should mention we were staying at the Grand Floridian). Anyways the monorail was down so we ended up walking to the poly from the grand floridian. I noticed half way into it that my ECV was only half way charged and it was slowing down. I figured it must not of charged over night so the charger must not have been working. I called Walker up right when they opened at 7:30. The lady on the phone was very nice and helpful and was able to grab the guys before they left for the day and get a new scooter on the truck for me. I told them I was having breakfast at the Poly and they said no problem they would be there by 9. We ate at Kona Cafe and by the time we were done they were infront of the Poly with a replacement scooter and a new charger. After that everything worked great and I didn't have anymore problems with the new scooter. When we go to Disney again I will definitely be renting from Walker again. They had excellent customer service and the scooter worked great!

 

[Pappa Bear]

Here's another endorsement of Buena Vista. Last week was my first time to use an ECV and I could not have asked for better customer service. The unit had to be dropped off at a Hampton Inn near Universal and picked up 6 days later at Cabana Bay (WDW was sandwiched between the days at IOA) plus they helped me pick out the correct size for my mobility needs as well as portability in my son's truck. I had no charging issues; in fact, I never lost more than 1 or 2 bubbles on the charge indicator despite some long use days.

Kudos to Buena Vista and I will use them again.

 

[gwb]

Got a quote from Buena Vista and they were $30 more for 6 days over Apple. Walker was even more expensive.

 

[ThistleMae]

I have used Buena Vista before. I do have to say the scooter stay charged all day and night. I did read on the site that you shouldn't get them wet. However, I rode a half day in pouring rain with no issues. Walker does advertise as the only water resistant scooter, so I'm thinking there could be a problem with some scooters if it rains. I also thought the Walker scooters looked a bit smaller (observing them my last visit), easier to manage on and off bus, so I was considering them. I haven't checked out the Apple co. Has anyone used the Apple scooters? How do people feel about size and maneuverability with the ones you have rented?

 

[BeerMe]

We have used Walker a few times but for WC not ECV. We're renting an ECV from them this December since we'll have a 4YO with us and I can't push a WC and watch an active 4YO at the same time. From what I've heard and read, all of these companies are very good.

 

[Pats Dragon]

I have used apple several times and they were fine. The best thing about them is that they have theft and damage insurance included. Made for less stress when leaving them to ride a ride.

 

[bushdianee]

I just got back a few days ago and used Apple. I had an issue that I think was electrical as the key didn't seem to be connecting. It was getting harder to turn it on and keep the power on if I was going over rough or bumpy ground. I called and they brought out a new one in less than 30 minutes.

 

[ThistleMae]

Is apple on the approved Disney list, where they will just leave your scooter for you at the resort? Otherwise, my understanding is that you have to meet someone in person, if you choose another company?

 

[kaytieeldr]

Featured, not approved, but yes.