I think we have ruled out Walker due to the thumb issue. We will likely use
Buena Vista. But what does everyone do if it rains? Do you take plastic to cover it? Do you need to cover the whole thing or just the controls? I also read someplace that suggested charging it while going in for dinner but are there charging stations at WDW? Has anyone tried Apple Scooters or Scooterbug? Sorry for all the questions but this is the first time with renting an ECV.
If you practice good "battery hygiene" you shouldn't need to worry about charging during the day. What that means is things like this:
- If you are stopped for more than a few seconds in a line? Turn off the ECV.
- If you are stopped to watch a performance, or consult a map, or take a break? Turn off the ECV.
- If you are stopped to watch a parade, fireworks, or FOR ANY REASON? Turn off the ECV.
So really - just turn it off when you won't be moving for - let's just say 10 seconds. It doesn't pull any extra voltage from the battery to turn it on and off because of the kind of motors that
ECVs use, so there is no harm - and a significant benefit in terms of battery life to be gained - from just turning it off whenever you aren't moving.
You *will* need to charge the ECV overnight, every night, in your room. Make sure that it is fully charged before you begin your day, and you mostly likely won't have any problems.
If you are concerned, for the first day or so, take along the charger. Ask your rental company how long the battery should last, and if you find that the battery doesn't last nearly that long, then call them (hopefully during regular business hours, but be sure to keep their after-hours/emergency phone number in your smartphone's contacts) and ask them to bring out a replacement battery or complete
scooter.
And rain...
When it rains, you will most likely use the little cover that the rental company gives you for the "tiller" which is where the electronics are most exposed for the scooter. Many of us here have learned (thanks to one of our more intrepid members - I can't remember who it was?) that we take the back flap of our rain poncho, and drape it over the seat back, and down the back of the scooter, to help keep not only your back dry, but also the seat back that you lean against. With the front flap of our rain poncho, we drape it over the controls, so that it goes down over the front of the scooter. Not only does that protect the controls on the tiller, but it also helps keep your hands dry while you drive in the rain.
If your seat back folds down, then when you get off the ECV, fold it down, and then drape your poncho over the ECV to help keep your seat bottom dry as well as the rest of the scooter.
You get *real* creative about finding places to park when it's raining!
Some folks will try to use an umbrella, but it can be difficult to drive one-handed at WDW for a lot of reasons, and fighting to keep the umbrella from blowing away, or poking the eyes of your companions, or dumping water down your back takes it's toll really quickly. Ponchos are the way to go - and you will be participating in a long-held Disney tradition of paying too much for a plastic poncho with a picture of Mickey on it! LOL