"UPDATED" With "REVIEW" Has anyone rented "The Dream" ECV from Scooter Vacations? About This Page:

[lindadarrall]

I saw a link to Scooter Vacations on another thread and found The Dream -- "the Cadillac of onsite ECVs"

Has anyone rented one of these? It doesn't look any longer than a conventional ECV, but I'm not great at parallel parking on the bus to begin with. ...I'd like to know how easy these are to get on the buses.

Here's a link to the video: Electric Wheelchair, Convenience Mobility Vehicle ECV usage demo video

Whaddayathink?

Thanks!! - Linda

[EmpressLizBunny]

well im renting one in september and i just sent them an email asking them about the buses and such i let you know about my experences once i get back


edited to say the owner just called me saying that the ecv will work even on the oldest buses and that turns that are 3 points on a disney scoooter are one on this one also they just introduced it 3-4 weeks ago so theyre arnt many reviews out there yet

[SueM loves WDW]

I looked at in in response to a question on a different board and found the company that I think makes that ECV.
I want to make it clear that I'm not positive it is the same company, but it sure looks like it:
Sportster Metro | Electric Vehicle |

If it is that one, you should be aware that it appears to be about 60 inches long and 29+ inches wide (not including the rear basket).
According to the website, the empty ECV is 297 pounds (which is why the rental company says it is for "on site use only" - it is too big and heavy to get into a van or car for transport). The company that makes it says it is "excellent for transporting in public transportation".
BUT, the ADA definition of a "common wheelchair" includes that a "mobility device does not exceed 30 inches in width and 48 inches in length and does not exceed 600 pounds occupied." That size is the ADA standard for transportation, so that is the size that boats, buses, etc are set to accommodate.
The WDW website and Guidebooks for Guests with disabilities says that "Some motorized wheelchairs and ECVs are too wide or too long for the bus lift. The standard lift size is 32" x 48".

I can tell you from riding on a variety of WDW buses over the years that it would NOT fit on any of the older buses with lifts if it is longer than 48 inches long - 48 inches is the maximum for those. And, I expect it would have problems even on the newer buses with ramps because it is so long. In many of the buses, you just get to the top of the ramp and have to make a quick turn to get into place.
Some of the boats may not be that easy either because they require a kind of sharp turn. You could probably pull straight in and straight out of the monorail.
It would not be allowed in any of the lines that are marked "must transfer from ECV", even though some smaller ones do fit. Because of the length, it also may not fit in some of the lines that are usually OK for ECVs. I don't know if the company is counting on being able to turn the front wheel to the side to fit - that might make it shorter, but might also make it harder to manouver. I don't know how long or how wide it would be with the front wheel turned completely to the side.

By comparison, the Maxima, that is a heavy duty ECV rented by Welcome to Buena Vista Scooter Rentals ... Orlando's Choice for ECV and Mobility Rentals, Products, Sales and Service is 25.5 inches wide and 46.25 inches long.

I'll be curious to hear what people's 'real life' experience with it is.

[EmpressLizBunny]

the guy who contacted me said it was exactly 48 inches long(maybe they modified it?)

[Teresa]

I haven't seen it before, but it certainly looks nice. Hope you that are renting one enjoy it.

[SueM loves WDW]

Originally Posted by EmpressLizBunny

the guy who contacted me said it was exactly 48 inches long(maybe they modified it?)

?? it certainly looks longer in his pictures than 48 inches.

[lindadarrall]

Well, I'm going to try it!...

I just called too, and was told that these scooters are 48" long and can go on any Disney bus, although they must back onto the oldest buses (which, again, I'm not very good at.)

I was also told they're going like hotcakes, and that if you want one you'd better reserve it well in advance.

[karlamaria]

Originally Posted by lindadarrall

I saw a link to Scooter Vacations on another thread and found The Dream -- "the Cadillac of onsite ECVs"

Has anyone rented one of these? It doesn't look any longer than a conventional ECV, but I'm not great at parallel parking on the bus to begin with. ...I'd like to know how easy these are to get on the buses.

Here's a link to the video: Electric Wheelchair, Convenience Mobility Vehicle ECV usage demo video

Whaddayathink?

Thanks!! - Linda

I am so interested in this scooter!! Please can you come back and tell us what you thought of it ? I go in November and so far have not hear anoyne getting it. thanks

[SueM loves WDW]

Originally Posted by lindadarrall

Well, I'm going to try it!...

I just called too, and was told that these scooters are 48" long and can go on any Disney bus, although they must back onto the oldest buses (which, again, I'm not very good at.)

I was also told they're going like hotcakes, and that if you want one you'd better reserve it well in advance.

Someone on another forum posted this:
"Now the guy who rents the Dream has assured me that although it is a bit longer you can back onto the lift then turn the front tire 180 degrees and the lift gate closes easily. "
The lifts are a little bit longer than 48 inches, so it sounds like it might be 48 inches with the front tire turned.

[stonewall]

Well, it sure looks great, but the thing is HUGE!!!!!! It looks like it turns very easily, and a 3 wheeler always turns easier than a 4 wheeler, but I would be more comfortable if they had actually shown one getting on a bus- and I can't help but wonder if it would cause problems on the ferry that goes from the WL to MK- if the water level is very low,ordinary ECVs can be banned from the boats, so imagine what would happen with this bruiser!
Just a reminder for anyone who is renting an ECV, most of them have vinyl seats which get HOT and STICKY, so remember to take something to cover them (that gave me an excuse to buy a really cute, plaid "Mickey" towel at the YC/BC store!!!).

[Nini5055]

Has anyone actually used this one in the parks and on a bus yet???

[EmpressLizBunny]

im going in 28 days and using it then hopefuly i can poast an update that night

[lindadarrall]

I finally have time to write about my adventure on the Dream, and believe me, it WAS adventurous!!

My first concern was getting into the buses, especially the oldest ones where the rear steps unfold to make a lift. So of course the first bus I had to get onto was one of those!! The scooter does fit onto the lift, but you have to back onto it perfectly straight, then turn the handlebar WAY to the left to allow the lift to close. Being rather Pooh-sized, I got a few bruises until I learned to turn my body to the right, THEN turn the handlebar...Getting on the other buses, however was a breeze (pull straight up onto the ramp, head up the aisle a bit, then back into your space.) And in our 6-day stay I had only three bus drivers who were a little miffed at having to deal with my scooter. Most drivers were not only intrigued by it, but they seemed to think it was easier to park thant he other scooters...or maybe I'm just great at parallel parking!...

You need to know that forward motion on the Dream is operated only with the right hand; the left hand operates the hand brake (or you can just left go of the "gas", as with any other scooter) -- arthritic guests may have a problem with this.

I had a small basket on the front of appropriate size, but a only pouch on the back, which I rarely used -- I only mention this because the video shows a rear basket -- I don't think it would fit on the older buses with the basket.

Overall, I would rent the Dream again...the seat was incredibly comfortable, and my back felt wonderfully supported. The battery charge lasts forever (I charged it every night and I think I saw the gauge come off the "full" mark once). It took no more space in our room than any other scooter I've ever rented, and it turned on a dime -- no forward-reverse-forward to get around the tight turns in those queues!

Two negatives, however -- I did have incredible difficulty getting out of the elevator taking us up to the Monorail loading platform at Epcot...I'm still not sure how that happened, except that it is a tiny elevator. And I had a freak accident where I think I must have turned too tight and squished my mother up against a display rack in a gift shop. She took home a few black-and-blue souvenirs, too...

Be prepared to be stared at if you rent the Dream -- little kids and older men were simply fascinated by it!! I saw only two others in the parks while we were there; I spoke with one of the riders (a 60ish lady) who absolutely hated it and found it be too bulky to handle.

I don't know that I would advise renting the Dream if it was your first experience with a scooter of any kind...I've rented several times before and felt comfortable with the basic operation. But it is a HUGE scooter and a first-timer might be overwhelmed.

I'd love to hear what others who've used it have to say...

[Teresa]

I'm glad you enjoyed the Dream. I've been wondering about how it went - I think it looks really cool.

[Eeyore Tattoo]

Thanks for the review..
Sounds interesting..
Deb