Actully, I hate strollers and I have three kids. Families need them. Heck, I needed them. I still think they're a PITA even though they're usefuk and I can understand why someone would feel similarly about an ECV, especially if they've been run over a few times.
To be fair, a stroller is for parental convenience and as such if is well accepted as an ordinary piece of equipment.
When a person has need for a mobility device, it is humbling. Often, they don't want to use it as it is a sign that they can't do what the once did. There is stigma with it.
While you may use a stroller and it annoys you and others, the words fat or lazy aren't typical words folks think of to describe your reasons for using the stroller.
But everyone seems to have opinions on why scooters are used. They are far more
Empathetic when non-motorized mobility devices are used.
My mom refused to use a device for years as in her mind--it is a symbol of defeat and of giving up. But her hand was forced. So she uses scooters in the parks. She desires independence. And she could not get around independently in a standard wheelchair. She is getting to the point to where she should probably own one for use outside of Disney. But again, the stigma. She does have full disability status and has the placard and everything. But she is holding out.
She could push my kid in a stroller and no one would judge her. Put her on motorized wheels and everyone has an opinion on the validity of her using them.
Last year, I did a day in DC in a standard wheelchair. I could not walk and being off my feet was the medical restriction at the time (broken ankle). I would have much preferred a
scooter. Especially for the hills and just for the Independence.
While the OP may not have intended to stir the pot, this topic is a hot topic especially on the DIS. And declaring hatred towards the subject just adds fuel for the flames.
Makes me grateful for the ADA. Makes me wish those guests brought to tears over the poor behavior of guests who don't know they don't need to say every thought in their head would feel inspired to tell those rude people
what they can do with their opinion.