Question About Scooters and Using Them at WDW

Honestly, I'm not sure if this post should be here or in Community board as it is a little of column A and a little of column B.
I used to only be in a chair part time since age 8 last bunch of years that has jumped to 90%. Been to Disney in a wheelchair every visit but one. RA, EDS, and nerve damage have made it very painful to keep pushing my rims, Will be seeing a Rheumatologist soon and realized I have to make a change.

Soon we're going to look into purchasing a relatively inexpensive (about 600$ base) little scooter ECV for daily life and WDW. How are they viewed and handled in restaurants at WDW? I will have crutches to transfer, but can't walk at all once I've been sitting , so will need the vehicle close by. I have always just transferred from my chair to another seat then folded the chair so it can be stored out of the way.

This is alien territory to me and I do apologize if someone has already asked it. Also, any tips and tricks for learning to live with and use a scooter that work for you and your loved ones would be appreciated. Thank you for your time.
*smiles* ~Rebecca
This is the scooter... http://www.spinlife.com/Pride-Go-Go-ES2-3-Wheel-Scooter-Travel-Scooter/spec.cfm?productID=103231

restaurants can be problematic as the tables are VERY close together. my standard WC has a hard time fitting through on occasion. sometimes you can transfer and then have someone else park it out of the way for dinner to be brought back when it is time to leave/

Mrsjvb said:

restaurants can be problematic as the tables are VERY close together. my standard WC has a hard time fitting through on occasion. sometimes you can transfer and then have someone else park it out of the way for dinner to be brought back when it is time to leave/

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Same here my wheelchair has always fit - but yes sometimes it is barely. I'm really nervous as this a permanent change not just one I'll be using at Disney. I have to use ECV's at stores sometimes as quite often my limbs are dislocated . I really don't like ECVs yet , but am working hard to change that, and have a better attitude about this. Thank you so much for your reply I really do appreciate it!

ouch. my disability means an ECV is right out( trying to convince my insurance company to spring for a motorized chair is proving to be ...daunting...) if anything happens to my pusher( hubby) I am screwed heheheh

Mrsjvb said:

ouch. my disability means an ECV is right out( trying to convince my insurance company to spring for a motorized chair is proving to be ...daunting...) if anything happens to my pusher( hubby) I am screwed heheheh

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I will think good hopeful thoughts for you dear! Maybe everything will work out with insurance company. May I ask about your mobility limitations? I walk a tiny bit with crutches but only from one room to another when home. Actually spend 60ish% of time at home in bed right now. I'm frightened of a scooter, and know that is silly but it seems daunting to not be under my own power.

I've been using the same ECV you're looking at for several years at WDW. I have never had any problems with it at restaurants. We try to avoid eating at the most crowded times at counter service places & find a table off to the side that's easy to get to. At table service restaurants that require a reservation, just let them know you'll be on a small ECV & they'll seat you in a place that's convenient. Even if they don't ask me to, I usually prefer to have my husband move it out so I don't worry it's in the way...he just puts it in neutral & pushes it. A few times I've had them ask if I'm able to park it outside but they're very accommodating if you can't. They're not going to force you to walk if you're not able. I think they just ask because many people that ride ECVs can walk short distances. I leave the basket off to make it easier to maneuver in tight spaces & just hang a small drawstring bag on the back of the seat. Always turn the speed dial way down unless I'm in a wide open space, which isn't often in WDW. Restrooms have never been a problem either. If a shop is too crowded, I just don't go in...I'm not a big shopper anyway. I understand you being a little nervous about it...I was too when I got to the point I couldn't walk enough to leave the ECV. It's good that you're getting a small one. They're much easier. I bought a 4 wheeled one when I was replacing mine for one with a larger battery...took it to the grocery store & hated it. I knew it wouldn't work in WDW & returned it for another 3 wheeled, but still got the larger battery. Never had it tip, never ran into anyone, never had any problems with buses...except I hate the lift on the Magical Express bus, never encountered rude people or any of the other things you'll read on here that will worry you sick. You do have to always pay attention to everyone around you. If a crowd of people are standing in your path, you can be pretty sure one of them will step back as soon as you try to go around them. I just make sure they know I'm there. Always watch for children. I feel it's my responsibility to be extra cautious when driving my ECV & it's used as my way to get around & NOT...like I see too often...as a way to zoom through crowds to get where you're going quicker. I'm like you, I can get around in my home with a walker but only short distances & have to have level ground...no ramps. At home, when just going from a car to a restaurant, we have a cheap transport chair my husband pushes me in so he doesn't have to load my scooter for just a short distance. Anywhere with much distance to cover, the ECV is a necessity & makes life so much more enjoyable. You'll be fine at Disney, just get comfortable with your new scooter somewhere less crowded first.

GranJan said:

I've been using the same ECV you're looking at for several years at WDW.

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Oh my goodness the very same model! That is quite cool! It seems to have fairly positive reviews, looks comfy enough, and is somewhat small, so I'm hopeful.

GranJan said:

I have never had any problems with it at restaurants.

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You've no idea how relieved I am to read that!

GranJan said:

We try to avoid eating at the most crowded times at counter service places & find a table off to the side that's easy to get to. At table service restaurants that require a reservation, just let them know you'll be on a small ECV & they'll seat you in a place that's convenient. Even if they don't ask me to, I usually prefer to have my husband move it out so I don't worry it's in the way...he just puts it in neutral & pushes it. A few times I've had them ask if I'm able to park it outside but they're very accommodating if you can't. They're not going to force you to walk if you're not able. I think they just ask because many people that ride ECVs can walk short distances.

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Good advice...thank you for it. I usually transfer to chair fast, rip the seat off (velcro) then fold the chair and either my husband, my kids, or someone at the restaurant puts it in an out of the way place.

GranJan said:

I leave the basket off to make it easier to maneuver in tight spaces & just hang a small drawstring bag on the back of the seat.

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I promise I will be sure to leave the basket off for Disney.

GranJan said:

Always turn the speed dial way down unless I'm in a wide open space, which isn't often in WDW. Restrooms have never been a problem either. If a shop is too crowded, I just don't go in...I'm not a big shopper anyway.

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Sound advice and a nice thing to know about the bathrooms.

GranJan said:

I understand you being a little nervous about it...I was too when I got to the point I couldn't walk enough to leave the ECV. It's good that you're getting a small one. They're much easier.

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I just am so used to having that ease and maneuverability that a larger bulkier vehicle frightens me. I'll get over the fear though.

GranJan said:

I bought a 4 wheeled one when I was replacing mine for one with a larger battery...took it to the grocery store & hated it. I knew it wouldn't work in WDW & returned it for another 3 wheeled, but still got the larger battery. Never had it tip, never ran into anyone, never had any problems with buses...except I hate the lift on the Magical Express bus, never encountered rude people or any of the other things you'll read on here that will worry you sick. You do have to always pay attention to everyone around you. If a crowd of people are standing in your path, you can be pretty sure one of them will step back as soon as you try to go around them. I just make sure they know I'm there. Always watch for children. I feel it's my responsibility to be extra cautious when driving my ECV & it's used as my way to get around & NOT...like I see too often...as a way to zoom through crowds to get where you're going quicker.

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Such great information, and I'll be very careful in crowds. Already pretty used to that as in some ways chairs are nearly invisible and I try hard to be a safe wheeler.

GranJan said:

I'm like you, I can get around in my home with a walker but only short distances & have to have level ground...no ramps. At home, when just going from a car to a restaurant, we have a cheap transport chair my husband pushes me in so he doesn't have to load my scooter for just a short distance. Anywhere with much distance to cover, the ECV is a necessity & makes life so much more enjoyable. You'll be fine at Disney, just get comfortable with your new scooter somewhere less crowded first.

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That is wise to have a transport chair. I won't be getting rid of my wheelchair as I hope to get to use it sometimes, but my limbs dislocate and tendons and things tear so I just need to stop pushing my body to the breaking point. I'm trying to learn as much as I can about ECVs and everything you said above really helped me better understand what this will be like. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and knowledge!

@Glittercat, GranJan gave some awesome advice. That scooter is cute! And knowing you, you'll have it all personalized and adorable in no time flat!

I know this is a hard decision for you, and no amount of pixie dust changes your daily reality. I hope you can remember every day that we aren't defined by the tools we use to live our lives, but by the contributions that our tools have allowed us to make to our families, and the world around us.

(((hugs)))

as with anything new, you will have a hard time starting. the one thing I really like about the ECV is being able to take myself not having to have someone take me. before your Disney trip make some runs to the mall, stores or walmart to practice and get used to driving it. for me it is a lot easier to talk with someone beside not behind you. Gran Jan gave you great advice. you will do great with your outlook on life have a great trip

mamabunny said:

@Glittercat, GranJan gave some awesome advice. That scooter is cute! And knowing you, you'll have it all personalized and adorable in no time flat!

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Thank you so much for that! The scooter as you know has changed to the one that comes apart but actually I think I think it will be a good one!

mamabunny said:

I know this is a hard decision for you, and no amount of pixie dust changes your daily reality.

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It is a scary place to be, but your advice, and also that of others on here are making it MUCH less frightening! Feeling connected to and supported by others is maybe the very best kind of pixie dust!

mamabunny said:

I hope you can remember every day that we aren't defined by the tools we use to live our lives, but by the contributions that our tools have allowed us to make to our families, and the world around us.
(((hugs)))

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Wise words indeed and some that touched my heart

thank you for them dear lady!

Betty Rohrer said:

as with anything new, you will have a hard time starting.

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Truth indeed.

Betty Rohrer said:

the one thing I really like about the ECV is being able to take myself not having to have someone take me.

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That is a definite plus!

Betty Rohrer said:

before your Disney trip make some runs to the mall, stores or walmart to practice and get used to driving it.

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Good advice! In fact I think I'll start using them in stores instead of my chair so they don't feel as alien.

Betty Rohrer said:

for me it is a lot easier to talk with someone beside not behind you.

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Oh yes, this part I look forward to! The kids and Pete (husband) are pretty good about it, but there is always a fair bit of neck craning when we go anywhere. I also like how TALL scooters are! On them I'm not at bum level anymore!

Betty Rohrer said:

Gran Jan gave you great advice.

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Terrific advice that I am very grateful for!

Betty Rohrer said:

you will do great with your outlook on life have a great trip

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Thank you for that dear!

Thank you all so much for your thoughtful and kind replies! I feel so much better about moving forward on this part of my life now, and your tips are invaluable!!!

1) In MOST eateries, you will be fine.
2) In some places, like Le Cellier, the area is very confined and very crowded.
. . . They may ask if you can switch to a chair so as not to block an aisle.
. . . But, I can think only on 2-3 eateries where this might be a concern.

TheRustyScupper said:

1) In MOST eateries, you will be fine.

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This is quite nice to know.

TheRustyScupper said:

2) In some places, like Le Cellier, the area is very confined and very crowded.

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Also, helpful information, though we probably will avoid Le Cellier as they seem to heavily focus on meat and we're fish and veggie lovers.

TheRustyScupper said:

. . . They may ask if you can switch to a chair so as not to block an aisle.
. . . But, I can think only on 2-3 eateries where this might be a concern.

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I'm very grateful to you for sharing your knowledge, thank you very much!