Disney introduces Electric Standing Vehicles for guests with disabilities

[Lord_Vader]

They aren't to protect you it's to protect the scooter when people who have never used one before crash into curbs, walls, benches, poles, trees etc.

and other guests...

 

[Weather_Lady]

The problem is really that while the ADA doesn't require Disney to provide these things, it does, pretty much, require Disney to let people with their own things use them in the parks. By offering something like this, Disney likely reduces the number of people who bring their own mobility device, which may be overpowered or not well-maintained.

Very true. I guess my thinking was skewed more in the direction of, "if people have to bring their own mobility devices, it's more likely that only the truly disabled will be using them in the parks, and not teenagers who just wanted a joyride."

 

[OrderMuppet]

These are the ones that are going to be used in the parks.

That thing looks a bit rickety, and not at all comfortable. I wonder how many people (out of those with medical issues who genuinely need one) will choose to use it. If someone goes flying over the handlebars, who is liable?

 

[WWWD]

These are the ones that are going to be used in the parks.

That thing has to have a weight limit!

 

[mousehockey37]

That thing looks a bit rickety, and not at all comfortable. I wonder how many people (out of those with medical issues who genuinely need one) will choose to use it. If someone goes flying over the handlebars, who is liable?

The last person in EPCOT who sold them the drink that "put them over!"

 

[Becky]

According to ADA Section 35.137, subsection C - Mobility Devices
(1) Inquiry about disability. A public entity shall not ask an individual using a wheelchair or other power-driven mobility device questions about the nature and extent of the individual's disability.

Disclaimer: I'm not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV nor the Internet, but this sounds pretty clear. I would be curious of your interpretation.

Disney can not ask the nature of the disability. That much is correct. However, if a person with a disability asks for a REASONALABLE accommadation (the word reasonable IS in the ADA law) Disney can ask for proof the person has a disability but not the type ect. Also Disney DOES require proof of disability in some cases. The most obvious instance is the requirement to display a disability sticker, hang tag or other proof to use the disability parking spaces.

 

[Nubs70]

Oh dear. I've never really heard of these, are they common for people with disabilities? Or just another way for people to avoid actual physical activity?

Now they can do a sequel of WALL-E with standing ESV's

 

[StarWarsGirl]

I'd love to see pictures! I am not sure which disability would mean that you need a "stand up" vehicle. I think most elderly folks won't be using it, but perhaps wounded veterans?

There's a girl at my school who would benefit. She's got some kind of disorder that makes it hard to walk, but she can keep her balance to stand as long as she has something to lean on. I know she must get sick of being in a wheelchair as I often see her in during non school hours.

 

[luv]

So, did disney win their Court thing? And, if so, will they start using the segways again and re-start the tours?

 

[Vader2112]

As a discrimination attorney and federal law clerk with over a decade of experience, I am also very well versed in the ADA, and my shorthand description of it was not meant to suggest that anyone else's description was lacking, or to criticize your comments in any way. I was "jumping off" of your comment, not disputing it. Now can we just agree that your is much bigger than my nonexistent one, and move along?

LMAO. Thanks for the laugh. Keep up the good fight

 

[Nubs70]

Disney isn't a public entity, and they also own all of the private property they 'govern'.

Regardless, WDW (or any private entity) is obligated to install infrastructure that is ADA compliant.

 

[jeff59rt]

When we went to universal it was 65$ to upgrade to their fast pass for the day. Now I can upgrade at WDW for 50$ a day and I get a free car to drive around plus fast pass this is a win win!...By the end of the week I may actually gain weight instead of losing 10 pounds by not walking the 15 miles a day though.

 

[RandomPrincess]

Very true. I guess my thinking was skewed more in the direction of, "if people have to bring their own mobility devices, it's more likely that only the truly disabled will be using them in the parks, and not teenagers who just wanted a joyride."

People come from all over to visit WDW my Grand mother is in her 80s and can't make it a whole day in the parks walking anymore. She has her own scooter at home so she can go with her kids, grand kids and great grand kids to the zoo, DL etc. If she wants to come to WDW she either has to rent a scooter or figure out how to get her's across the country. Not renting scooter to people who really need them is not the answer either.

 

[litaljohn]

Check out the vehicle photo here....

http://community.babycenter.com/post/a41742505/electric_standing_vehicles_esvs_now_avaible_to_guests

If that's the vehicle? I'm really trying to figure out who would want it... someone disabled would HAVE to stand, and any WALL-E Characters would probably find it WAY too much work . I'm trying to figure out WHO this is for?

I can tell you right now it seems like a great idea for my mother. She's prone to back problems given her lengthy medical past. It's easier for her to stay standing than constantly up and down ( also bumps on regular wheelchairs kill her back, it's not like the wheelchairs have the same suspension as cars after all) but anywho yeah people with certain nback problems benefit more from standing than sitting. ( she also has a battery pack that is implanted in the ol backside region meaning while everyone else is sitting on a seat she is sitting on a seat as well as an implant that can't be comfortable.) the real problem is the people ( in general not directed towards aby one person) who assume its lazy over actual problems who give disgusted looks unless she has a shirt explaining her disabilities and listing her surgeries. I get some people abuse these things but why is it we all seem to just assume this off the bat and believe everyone is faking instead of assuming first that the people may have a reason?

 

[WWWD]

I get some people abuse these things but why is it we all seem to just assume this off the bat and believe everyone is faking instead of assuming first that the people may have a reason?

Because the people who don't need scooters seem to make it blatantly obvious to those around them that they don't really need them. I do feel bad for the people who truly need to use a scooter and get the dirty looks. A couple years ago I was in that gift shop across from where Duffy is in EPCOT and there was a very obese family of four all in scooters (the kids were pre-teen and the parents appeared mid-thirties). They were all hoping on and off their scooters to look at souvenirs. Now the chances that the entire family was disabled (besides weight) would have to be slim.

Now I admit after that encounter and a few others, when I see an obese person in a scooter, I wonder if they are obese because of their disability or disabled because they are obese. I never seem to question the use of a scooter from an elderly or average size person. Just my own personal experiences in the parks have led to this train of thought.

 

[Timekeeper]

Just one more thing for the local collegiate group to use to "race around the world" in Epcot.

 

[batkc]

http://www.wdwmagic.com/resorts/wal...ing-vehicles-for-guests-with-disabilities.htm

So, if you rent one of these what's stopping you from "falling off" and suing Disney?
They should strap you in a five point safety harness and make you wear a helmet.

 

[Disvillain63]

According to ADA Section 35.137, subsection C - Mobility Devices
(1) Inquiry about disability. A public entity shall not ask an individual using a wheelchair or other power-driven mobility device questions about the nature and extent of the individual's disability.

Disclaimer: I'm not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV nor the Internet, but this sounds pretty clear. I would be curious of your interpretation.

Basically, that seems to mean that they can't ask, "What is your injury?" or "How restricted are you from being able to walk?" ... questions like these. It does not appear that Disney or any other entity could not request to see a card identifying you as someone who needs special assistance. They require it on driver's license...if you need to wear your glasses when you drive. If they're not going to be able to ask for identification that you have a disability and need special equipment for your day at WDW, then Georgia shouldn't be able to note that I need to wear glasses when I drive.

 

[Goofyernmost]

Now I admit after that encounter and a few others, when I see an obese person in a scooter, I wonder if they are obese because of their disability or disabled because they are obese. I never seem to question the use of a scooter from an elderly or average size person. Just my own personal experiences in the parks have led to this train of thought.

I believe that renting a scooter does not need to have ANY disability connection. If you want one, you can get one even if you have a briefcase full of documentation that you are in perfect health. It's a mode of transportation, it was meant for those that had trouble getting around and enjoying the parks. If that is because they are fat, believe me they have more then paid for that affliction in many, many ways.

Bottom line...if you want to use a scooter, you can. You don't need a reason other then you want one. When it becomes a problem is when it is used to take advantage of lines or whatever. If I were to rent a scooter, ride to the ride and then get off and stand in line, it totally puzzles me why anyone would think that this was a problem. Can anyone explain how, exactly that would or will affect your visit in any way? Or does everyone just have in insatiable need to feel superior?

I play golf and use a golf cart most of the time. Do I need it? No, I can and do walk it, but, you know what? I find it a lot more fun to drive a cart around. Sometimes people do things just to have fun and enjoy themselves. They pay for it so what's the problem? Many people drive around in a BMW when a Ford Focus will get them there as well. What's the difference?

 

[nytimez]

Now can we just agree that your is much bigger than my nonexistent one, and move along?

Just when I thought I was going to read all the same arguments that always pop up in ECV threads, someone slips in a joke.

Bravo!