Why wait in line?

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

You all bring up very good points, but you have to look at it from the other perspective as well. If there is a child in the ECV, well for all I know it's their ECV especially if it's an older child. Then if I tell them that their kid can't be in it, I get in trouble for picking on their kid, or whatever they come up with. If a child is sitting in the lap of a person in an ECV, and I tell them their kid can't be in their lap, then they get upset for whatever reason, I point out the safety concern and then I'm telling them how to parent. It's still a very fine line. Like I said, I will check with a manager (I've been off so unable to do so) and see what they say. I have a feeling though that they'll tell me to not say anything if it's a personal ECV.

You are probably right, as you would know your management better that us.

Here is an idea though, A number of years ago, I was in charge of a certain function at work that involved all the employees. After taking on the job, I evaluated all the actions and requirements. I then talked with management about some possible safety situations. In my situation, it would require employees to wear some safety equiptment and not be popular. Of course, it would also cost a little money.

When one of the managers implied that I should just forget about it and continue with the job, I just said.:

I just wanted to bring this to your attention, so that if or when someone is hurt, and I have to fill out any sort of report, internal company memorandum, OSHA report or other report, that I can say I brought it to the attention of management for action!

(it must NOT be said like some sort of threat, but in a way that you are stating that you are covering your 6, but also putting the manager in the "hot seat" by making him aware of a potential problem that COULD be prevented.)

It also helps to smile all the time, thus making the manager nervious! (hehehe)

good luck!

afterwords..have some RUM!!!

[Ms. Matterhorn]

Worst (best?) case scenario: SG swings own personal camera around. Cord breaks, flinging camera, which hits 8 yr old seated on grandma's lap on her own personal ECV. 8yr old launches ECV and hits original camera-swinging SG and runs him over. Instant Darwin award. :twisted:

Excuse me. I'm a little hyper now that school is starting next week. I'll be experiencing SGT withdrawal. :(

[mechurchlady]

The problem about ECVs, powerchairs and wheelchairs is the ownership. IF it is a disney owned item then the rule is that the ECV is for 18+, one person per chair with no lap sitting and only the person whose name is on the rental can use the ECV. If it is a rental company like Randy's then their rules apply. IF it is a personally owned item then Disney cannot do anything unless it is a safety hazard. Yes, you will see little kids with their own ECV.

ECV, powerchair, walker, cane, crutch, and wheelchair is an extention of a person and some people get real upset when you mess with their aides like wheelchairs.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Worst (best?) case scenario: SG swings own personal camera around. Cord breaks, flinging camera, which hits 8 yr old seated on grandma's lap on her own personal ECV. 8yr old launches ECV and hits original camera-swinging SG and runs him over. Instant Darwin award. :twisted:

Excuse me. I'm a little hyper now that school is starting next week. I'll be experiencing SGT withdrawal. :(

All right, SG street performers!!!!


WooHoooo!

[felinefan]

The way I see it is this: You own a car, make payments on it, pay for license, insurance, registration, gas, etc., BUT when you drive down the street, you are legally required to obey all applicable laws. It's one thing if you're driving around on your own property, assuming you have the brass to own a huge parcel of land, but quite another on a public street, road or highway. You are sharing the road with other drivers, so you must keep their safety as well as yours in mind. Because if you drive in such a way as to endanger others, or with an unrestrained child on your lap, you're in huge trouble. I think, regardless of whether people have their own mobility aides or are renting them, they have to obey safety measures in the park.

[Ladyfair]

Speaking as someone who is frequently tooling through the parks in my own personal ECV, I would always listen to, and obey any CM that told me to move, slow down (um, that happened once ) or whatever. Just like I listen to them when getting on or off ramps, etc.

One thing you'll notice (usually) about those of us with our personal ECVs is that we are VERY protective of them, and with good reason - $$$$$! Even with insurance, they ain't cheap. I know I'd NEVER even do anything to scratch it, much less do anything that would run down the battery (like hauling a child). We're the ones you'll see plugged into every available outlet, trying to keep a full battery charge so we can manage to get up the monorail ramp or even the bridge to Adventureland! Need to know where one is? Just ask me, I think I know all of them, in DS, MK and Epcot!

Also, those of us with our own ECV usually use them every day (I can't go to Publix without mine) and are VERY good at driving them. That's one way you can tell us apart from the renters, LOL! I've been known to get off mine and help others back theirs in and out of the Land elevator, and other tight spots. Its kind of a means of self-preservation - they might hit me if they keep ramming into things going back and forth!

Sorry for the long post - but if you see me in my VERY small, fire engine red ECV with no basket and a Helly Hansen bag on the back, usually accompanied by a tall guy and two tweenies, please stop and say "HI" and know that I'll be happy to go, do, park, ride however you tell me! (can slowing down be optional? Sometimes its an evasive maneuver!)

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Speaking as someone who is frequently tooling through the parks in my own personal ECV, (redacted)

One thing you'll notice (usually) about those of us with our personal ECVs is that we are VERY protective of them, and with good reason - $$$$$! Even with insurance, they ain't cheap. I know I'd NEVER even do anything to scratch it, much less do anything that would run down the battery (like hauling a child).

The thing is, you will never be a problem, like you pointed out, its the SG's that rent them that are probably 99 percent of the problem.

And that is a good point, when its your own (ECV, car, wheelchair, etc.) you take much better care of it that a rental!

[Sarah Magdalene]

One of my attendants got his foot run over by one a week or so ago.

I'm quite surprised that the lady on it said sorry and seemed like she meant it.

[joanna71985]

One of my attendants got his foot run over by one a week or so ago.

I'm quite surprised that the lady on it said sorry and seemed like she meant it.

This is my biggest fear. I had a friend who worked in Fantasyland attractions during his CP, and his foot was hit by an ECV and ended up hurting it really badly.

[TalkingHands]

My opinion is that if they are under legal driving age, they shouldn't be behind the wheel.....
I don't care how skilled their ten year old is!

If it a private ECV not a rental then the driver may be whatever age. If it has been bought for them, you can't tell them they can't use it. I have seen kids as young as 3 use a power wheel chair or ECV at school and they are quite good at it. The PT department makes sure of that.