Here's a few tips for a first-time
ECV driver:
Who to rent from is very subjective. I recommend CALLING and talking to several companies, and see which one you like best. Prior to buying my own personal ECV, I rented from Walker, but that was several years ago.
If she can, practicing her ECV driving and parking skills with the electric carts at Wal-Mart, Target, Lowe's, the grocery store, etc. will help a great deal. If you can tame one of those wheezing beasties, a mere rental at WDW will be a breeze! Having said that, do take the time to practice at the Resort (or somewhere outside the Parks) with the rental, to familiarize herself with how it stops, turns, etc. 10 to 15 minutes should suffice.
Please remember that WDW has a rule - for everyone's safety - One device, one rider. Period. Don't try to hold a child and drive an ECV at the same time.
Bring a brightly colored scarf, ribbon or bandana to tie on the rental scooter. It will help it stand out in a sea of similar units (if you stop to ride, eat, or shop a bit).
You will have to park the ECV in your room every night to charge it, so if you need to make a bit of space, ask for the table and chairs to be removed. You are not allowed to park it outside in a hallway or breezeway, or down at the lobby or bell services. (Pro tip: go directly to the front desk to ask for the table & chairs to be moved - don't call the "Front Desk" from the room phone, as that call goes to a Call Center for the Resorts, and not the Front Desk of the hotel you are at)
If the scooter has a key, always take it with you any time you park it anywhere except the Resort hotel room.
Don't be surprised if you park the ECV to go on a ride, or attraction, and it is moved when you return. The Cast Members are in a constant struggle to keep walkways clear and safe, as well as making sure that parking areas for mobility devices and strollers stay reasonably tidy. You will typically find it quite nearby, but if you don't, just ask any CM you see, and they will help you find it. (This is where that brightly colored ribbon or bandana comes in handy!)
Remind her to stay sharp and focused while driving the ECV - people at WDW tend to be doing everything but paying attention when they are walking, and many of us here have had folks run right into us, or walk right in front of us as we are moving! I try to make eye contact, smile politely, and offer an cheerful "Excuse me!" when needed, but know that she WILL at some point find someone who is either texting, taking a "selfie" or posting their latest selfie to Instagram and not paying attention. Children, who do not yet fully grasp all of the nuances of physics, are especially prone to running out in front of an ECV; they don't realize that most
ECVs can't just stop instantly. I try to build a "bubble" in front of me (if I can) so that I can more easily spot those folks who look like they might pop right out in front of me.
It's true: pprobably the hardest thing anyone will do with the ECV all revolves around dealing with the buses, boats & monorails. Just FYI - IT'S NOT THAT HARD! Make sure she is parked in the white painted rectangle at the bus stop (unless another guest beat you to it) so that the driver sees you, and knows you are waiting to ride. (The exception to this is at the Ft. Wilderness Campgrounds, where there are not any white painted rectangles at the internal Resort stops for all of the Loops.)
When the ramp comes down, try to be pointed straight at the base of the ramp, and go right up the center. At the top of the ramp the driver will typically have to turn a bit to the right. GO SLOWLY, especially until you are used to the ECV. Even experienced users take this carefully - the last thing you want is to run over the driver, or hit the side of the doorway going in. Important to know: the drivers will give you instructions and will help as much as they can, but it is up to her (or a member of her party) to actually get the ECV up into the bus. Mobility devices will always board first, and exit last. Your family can walk up the ramp and board behind after the ECV. The bus driver will let them know when it is safe to board the bus *after* the ECV is properly tied down. The bus drivers (and all of the transportation CMs) are nothing short of amazing at WDW!
She can take the ECV on all of the boats (except for the smaller launches) and the Captains have a portable ramp you should be able to use. It is identical to the portable ramp they will use at the Monorail stations. The loading/unloading procedure is actually fairly similar everywhere - she will almost always load first, and exit last.
Finally, a few quick driving tips: anytime at WDW (or anytime using an ECV for that matter) be aware of ramps, hills and slopes. Going up, she will want to lean forward to help shift the center of gravity towards the front of the ECV. Take your time going up steep slopes, hills or ramps, and if possible, approach them at a slight angle at the base.
Coming down, be very aware of your speed, and make sure you can brake effectively. This is not the time to try and drink a coffee from Starbucks; two hands on the wheel!
When crossing the train tracks embedded in Main Street at MK, be sure to cross at a 90 degree angle. Otherwise, you risk the wheel(s) getting caught, and you could find yourself dumped on to Main Street. Everyone wants to have an unforgettable trip - just for the right reasons!
Hope these tips help!