As Disney scooter rental practices become more popular, so do accidents…
Increase in Disney Scooter Rental Accidents in the Parks
Disney parks, renowned for their family-friendly environments, are experiencing a significant rise in accidents involving mobility scooters, commonly referred to as Disney scooters or ECVs (Electric Conveyance Vehicles).
Recent reports indicate a surge in ECV-related incidents, with numerous guests suffering serious injuries. In a particular case, a guest at Magic Kingdom was hospitalized after being run over by a Disney scooter, an incident highlighting growing safety concerns among visitors.
As the parks remain crowded throughout the year, the conflict between scooter users and pedestrians becomes increasingly evident. Visitors with mobility issues rely on Disney scooter rentals; however, both groups must navigate the congested environment cautiously.
Witness accounts detail instances where inattentive scooter users have inadvertently caused injuries, leading to public outcry and calls for stricter regulations.
Legal Implications of Disney Scooter Rental Injuries
The rise of accidents has given way to a series of legal implications. Recent lawsuits against the parks illustrate the potential liability that Disney may face regarding scooter-related injuries. In various cases, plaintiffs argue that the park has a responsibility to protect its guests from harm, specifically when it involves its rental services.
Conversely, defenders of Disney argue that many ECV users are responsible for their own actions. They contend that untrained operators may exacerbate the risks involved. This has led to discussions about the necessity of insurance for users of Disney scooter rentals.
Advocates suggest that requiring operators to have insurance could alleviate some concerns related to liability and safety in crowded spaces.
The Role of Awareness Among Guests
Guests must also play a pivotal role in promoting safety within the parks. The unique challenges presented by Disney World’s popularity—thousands of visitors navigating narrow pathways—complicate the situation.
Situational awareness becomes paramount for all guests. A recent personal story shared on social media highlighted a guest who was nearly run over while standing at a popcorn cart, emphasizing that both scooter users and pedestrians need to remain aware of their surroundings:
This is just a PSA. Please be aware of your surroundings. I was at Disney on Monday 8/12 and got my foot ran over by someone on a disability motor scooter. I was over at a popcorn wagon asking for directions not even walking in the walk path so it does happen. I didn’t even make it on the first ride before I was taken away by ambulance. Needless to say my magical happy place didn’t feel so magical. I am only putting this out there so people are more aware of the dangers of those mobility scooters.
Thank goodness my foot is not broken but deeply bruised and is putting me down for about 4 weeks. I hope everyone has a safe, happy magical time at Disney!
Incidents like these have ignited conversations about the necessity for better awareness among both scooter operators and other park guests. Many individuals recounted similar experiences, where a lack of attention led to regrettable outcomes. Demonstrating increased vigilance can contribute significantly to reducing such occurrences.
Recommendations for Enhancing Safety
Several recommendations have emerged to enhance safety in Disney parks for both scooter operators and pedestrians. One proposal advocates the implementation of designated pathways specifically for Disney scooter rentals. Separating pedestrian traffic from scooter traffic may help mitigate the risk of collisions and facilitate smoother navigation.
Additionally, the introduction of training programs for scooter operators may prove beneficial. Educating users about navigating crowded areas responsibly and understanding their limitations can foster a safer environment for all. Utilizing simulations or instructional materials could assist first-time operators in becoming more adept at handling their mobility devices.
Lastly, mutual respect among park visitors is essential. Encouraging all guests to demonstrate kindness and patience can foster a more harmonious atmosphere in one of the busiest leisure destinations in the world. Those using Disney scooters must respect pedestrians’ space, while pedestrians should also be mindful of their surroundings to prevent accidents.
Have you ever experienced a Disney scooter rental accident while visiting the theme parks? Tell Disney Dining about it in the comments below!
Disney are now telling people to rent a scooter if they are not eligible for a DAS pass anymore. They can’t have it both ways.
Exactly what I was going to post. Disney has even told people with Visual Impairments to use a wheelchair/Scooter. They suggest that these devices can “fix” all disabilities (which of course it can’t). Disney is going to keep creating more and more issues by not accommodating the disabled.
I have my own scooter and I am pretty good using it to navigate around the parks or airports or wherever I need to use it. Although I do believe that a lot of the folks using these for the first time are responsible for some injuries, I have had people walk straight into the side of me and then yell at me because they feel I caused their injury. Seriously, if you have walked into the SIDE of my scooter, and your foot got run over, how is that my fault? I had one family follow me for nearly five minutes shrieking at me for hurting them. I was alone and I felt very threatened.
People who are looking at their phones or yes, even walking backwards because they want to see the view behind them or they’re talking to others in their party who are behind them are incredibly unaware of their surroundings. There are times I will simply stop my scooter and wait (so often it is not possible to move out of their way) so that they can turn around and see they’re about to plow into me. Guess how many times they go ahead and plow into me and then give me a dirty look because I “hit” them? Constantly. If I do manage to sto without hitting them, someone glued to their phone while walking BEHIND me will run tnto ME. and then they’re angry. There is no way for me to win in this situation.
And don’t even get me started on the folks that see the space I’m intentionally leaving between myself and the person ahead of me and decide that space is fair game for them to inch further toward their goal. They will look me straight in the eye and step in front of my moving vehicle (sometimes only an inch or two away from my front wheel.) And then they STOP, leaving me absolutely no opportunity to prevent hitting them. This happens all the freaking time.
Second to that is some parent pushing a massive, fully loaded double stroller, and shoving the stroller into my path like a battering ram because there is a small space between me and another guest. It seems I am not allowed to leave that safety net in order to avoid hurting someone without risking being hurt myself by some obtuse idiot who sees it as their opportunity to move faster than the rest of the foot/mobility device traffic.
And it’s not only scooters. Years ago I visited with my wheelchair bound mother and it was the same story—people would see the wheelchair (with my elderly mother riding and me pushing it) and jump into the small space ahead of her to get further ahead in the line of traffic. It was particularly difficult for her because she also had poor vision and wouldn’t see them till they nearly fell into her lap.
I know people are excited to be there, but it seems like there are an awful lot of people who feel they are the only ones who have the right to move about and the rest of us just need to stay out of their way.
This makes the point I was going to bring up. Are there inconsiderate and careless ECV users? Yep; I’ve seen them. But all the points you make are very valid. #Even the most careful and experienced ECV user has limitations. Thise things simply don’t stop on a dime. And the number of people I have seen who rush in front of an ECV or come to a dead stop in front of one is countless. I go to Disneyland, not WDW, and the walkways there are far narrower, so more care is needed.
The idea that Disney can make separate walkways for ECVs is ludicrous. Especially at DL, where space is more limited, that’s simply not practical. Rather, how about ensuring that those who rent the ECVs at the park show that they know how they work, have insurance for the rented ones, and give CMs some autonomy to gently correct people who run in front of them.
As a fellow scooter user I agree with everything you stated. I’ve had people intentionally walk in front of me, often pretending they don’t see me. Twice I’ve had people actually fall into my lap because they weren’t paying attention. I had even stopped to try to prevent that from happening. And if I’m parked with a few inches in front of me to watch a parade or fireworks, I’ve had people squeeze in right in front of me completely blocking my view. Everyone needs to be responsible and careful, not just one group.
Convenience not conveyance
This issue is on both ends, some users of the electric scooter are just using them so they don’t have to walk and they don’t care about the people around them. Then there is the users that truly need these who try to be cautious. And then there’s a visitors that are just rude and don’t care. The same issue goes with the strollers. I have been run over multiple times by people with strollers. There is no common manners anymore. I’ve seen even adults in the Disney strollers if more people had respect, patients and common sense less people would be run over. Whether it be from people strollers, wheelchairs or motorized carts.
I have rented scooter for Disney for years. The company that rents them makes you sign an agreement. I have never rented one at Disney but you have to pay attention. I use wheelchairs in the airports. Considering my own scooter so I will carry insurance on it and everyone else.
Strollers and just as bad. People are so rude anymore. They hit you with them. I have been hit with them in my scooter!! They think they own the road. Wait your turns people.
Not at Disney, but at the grocery store I work at.
We have a half dozen powered carts for those who need them, plus a bunch of regular customers with their own ECVs.
The ones that NEED the carts, i.e. have their own or have their walker folded up with them, tend to be the most careful and polite while driving through the aisles.
The ones that WANT to use them, i.e. no apparent disability, or minimal, TEND to be more aggressive and less watchful of where they’re driving.
(Yell at me if you want, but it’s my opinion)If one can walk from their car, across the parking lot, and into the store without assistance, why need the powered cart?
Again, these are TENDENCIES, not absolutes.
And yes, there are people with visual impairment that shouldn’t be running an ECV no matter HOW much they need the physical assistance.
I use a scooter & it’s amazing how many rude people are at the parks. They push their child in front of your scooter then they follow. The scooters never stop on a dime! I’ve seen kids, teenagers operating the scooters & they try to race each other, or try to push truely handicapped people out of the way. A lot won’t even hold elevator doors or any door for that matter for those on scooters. I am a nervous wreck after a day at a park because of rude, selfish people.It’s so sad what this world has come to!