Scooter for child under 18

[JayhawkMomma]

We are in the beginning stages of planning a trip for next summer and our soon to be 13 year old son has Marfans syndrome and will 6 months removed from his spinal fusion surgery at the time of our trip. He has stamina problems caused by his diagnosis and walking around the parks all day is a challenge for him. He doesn't need a scooter for daily life as he is very capable of walking but not for the distances required for Disney.

Is it even possible to get a scooter for someone under the age of 18 or will we be restricted to a push chair? He is already the size of an adult (extreme height is part of Marfans) and will be more embarrassed to be pushed around all day than if he was doing the driving. He would be unable to push the chair himself if there was much of an incline as he also has low muscle tone (another side effect of Marfans).

Any suggestions? Thanks, this is all super new to me.

 

[SueM in MN]

Does he have any experience using a scooter? (or will he likely have experience by then?)

Most of the companies will not rent scooters for use by people under the age 18 for liability reasons (and also size, which as you mentioned, will not be an issue in your child's case).

I know this company will rent for teens on a case by case by case basic. They actually meet with the family so they can assess the child's ability to operate the scooter safely. Most of the teens I've heard about were older (closer to 16), but if he's had experience, they might be more inclined to rent to him.

• Randy's Mobility
• US. & CAN. (321-281-6603)
  UK. (02030062368)
  http://randysmobility.com/randysmobility/rentals/

I'm not sure if this company will rent to children, but it's possible they might since they list names of 2 children's Wish organizations on their website. (The website also lists them as "Disney Premier Providers", but Disney has no designation like that on the Disney website.

• Scooter Vacations
• 866-778-4748
• UK 02079 932302
• http://www.scootorlando.com/index.html

Another possibility is that insurance might[/] pay for a scooter for him. Even though he doesn't need one in his everyday life, he might benefit from one for leisure activities that would involve a lot of walking (I was going to say 'shopping or going to the mall' , but I have girls - I have a feeling that boys are maybe not as interested in that as a leisure activity).

If he has OT or PT, or a Social Worker - check with them too. They might be aware of resources in your home area for lending equipment he could bring with to Orlando. Mobility devices are transported by airlines at no cost.

 

[JayhawkMomma]

He has zero experience driving one at the moment but we could work on that before next summer for sure. He'll be close to 6 feet tall by then so height is definitely not a factor.

We're very hopeful that he will not need the chair at all but I'm an over planner and want to have everything covered. Thanks for the help.

 

[Mrsjvb]

no one is likely to rent to a minor unless you can prove the person has a personal ECV at home and has used it extensively. I wanna say 6 months minimum.

as in he needs a prescription for one, not just using at the local grocery store.

watching some of the little old ladies crashing into benches at the Tiki room and breaking huge chunks of the plastic casing over the battery, it appears as if the break in period is not minimal.

 

[cgncga]

We are in the beginning stages of planning a trip for next summer and our soon to be 13 year old son has Marfans syndrome and will 6 months removed from his spinal fusion surgery at the time of our trip. He has stamina problems caused by his diagnosis and walking around the parks all day is a challenge for him. He doesn't need a scooter for daily life as he is very capable of walking but not for the distances required for Disney.

Is it even possible to get a scooter for someone under the age of 18 or will we be restricted to a push chair? He is already the size of an adult (extreme height is part of Marfans) and will be more embarrassed to be pushed around all day than if he was doing the driving. He would be unable to push the chair himself if there was much of an incline as he also has low muscle tone (another side effect of Marfans).

Any suggestions? Thanks, this is all super new to me.

We just got back from WDW and as we waited in the wheelchair line at the Frozen Sing a Long we were talking to a family with a 14 year old daughter who was using what looked to be an electric scooter--although it could have been a type of electric wheelchair that looked different from the ones my daughter's friends have. I don't know if it was rented or owned, though, but from the conversation, it was obvious that the girl used a wheelchair of some sort on a regular basis so I would assume that she had significant experience operating it at places other than WDW. The Mom was quite glad not to be pushing a manual chair in the August heat and feeling for me because I was.

 

[stitchlovestink]

Most insurance plans have gotten even more stringent about paying for medical equipment such as ECVs. They often will pay for powerchair but not an ECV, and generally the person needs to use the powerchair for every day living. I would certainly check with insurance but I'd bet donuts to dollars that insurance won't cover an ECV.
I'd suggest looking into possibly purchasing one yourself if you think this is an item that he may use "regularly". Often, the companies who sell these, will give decent discounts to cash paying customers. Also if you have a FSA account, this can be a qualifying item with a prescription. A prescription from any medical Dr will suffice...can be a primary, doesn't have to be a specialist. This would allow you to purchase it with pretax money...generally a more cost effective way than after taxes (since you have to spend 7% of your income before you are able to deduct any medical expenses. And then you only save your tax rate for the expenses over 7%.)
Another possible option is to check with rental companies where you live. When I was helping a friend look for an ECV rental for a trip she was taking, there was a "local" company (they were out a major city that would have made it worth her going to to rent it) that rented ECVs and didn't have the age restrictions like the ones at Disney do (Randy's Mobility excluded). Since you have time on your side and aren't traveling in the next couple of months, maybe one of these options is a possibility.
My post is based on your living in the U.S. You don't state where you live but since you didn't say outside of the U.S, I am figuring that you live here in the U.S.

 

[cobright]

Not sure how long you are staying or how you are getting there, it makes a difference, but every one of the preferred rental agencies stipulate no drivers under age of 18. I'm guessing there's a liability issue because its crazy to assume that young people don't have mobility issues. Someone would market to that group if they could and, near as I can see, no one does.

If it's something that will really help the kiddo out, pull up orlando craigslist and search for mobility scooter. Limit your price to between 100 and 300 bucks. There's a couple of businesses that sell used scooters and $300 get's you a decent one. A 7 day rental from a WDW preferred agency is almost $200 so there is a premium to pay but in the grand scheme it's the price of a couple meals in the park. But here's the next best thing ... at end of trip, sell it back to the guy you bought it from. He'll give you $100 for it. Now you're right back to what a rental would cost, plus a couple hours of hassle in getting it to the resort.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) The child's age creates problems
. . . liability for such a young person *
. . . brain growth to be able to manage a scooter
2) Most younger brains are not capable of handling decisions like running a scooter, and I would be worried about that.

* Liability is for both the rental company AND FOR YOU. If I were struck and injured by a scooter being run by a child, my first call would be to a paramedic, and the next call to a lawyer. I could easily sue the family for allowing a kid to operate a motorized vehicle in a crowded place, and I am sure the parents would be held at fault.

 

[cobright]

2) Most younger brains are not capable of handling decisions like running a scooter, and I would be worried about that.

* Liability is for both the rental company AND FOR YOU. If I were struck and injured by a scooter ... I could easily sue the family for allowing a kid to operate a motorized vehicle in a crowded place, and I am sure the parents would be held at fault.

There's definitely something special on the books with regards to rental agencies, but children are prescribed electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters everyday.

The kid's 13. My wife got her unrestricted drivers license in Kansas at 12. I see 12 year Olds flying airplanes every week. Heck, I got my sail plane license at 14.

All else being equal I wouldn't consider being hit by a teenager with a prescribed ECV, to represent any sort of special liability compared to, say, the same kid hitting you on a bike.

In the same way, it's very difficult to assign third party liability for the actions of a minor. Exceptions to that usually require the damages be caused by the child with malicious intent. A kid on a skateboard or ten speed or ecv who zigs when he should have zagged is just not ripe legal fodder.

As the plaintiff you would have to prove that the kid was at fault, just like any other sort of accident injury. If he says you weren't looking where you were going and jumped in front of him, then you have to present evidence and impartial witnesses to refute that.

If you do win your legal claim, the respondents homeowners insurance will likely cover his legal fees and the judgement, whereas you will have to pay your council yourself, and unless the kid was doing something crazy at the time it's doubtfully you would be awarded legal fees.

In states that award based on what percentage the respondent was at fault, you could even win the case but expend much more in fees than you receive in damages.

It's fun to yell, "I'd sue" but the reality is that unless the kid was actually doing something stupid, and doing it led to your injury, and you can prove it... you'll have to front a retainer to get a lawyer to pursue this case.

 

[mamabunny]

@JayhawkMomma - You can reach out to your local Shriner's organization (or Masons) They often have all kinds of equipment available for children of all ages to use at no cost; their national philanthropy is their network of 22 Children's Hospitals. Your son might even be eligible for free treatment (until his 18th birthday) at one of their hospitals nearest you.

Additionally, many Churches and local groups (Elks, Kiwanis, & similar) often have equipment that can be borrowed.

If you decide to purchase a used scooter for your son, Craigslist may be your best bet; just check the scooter thoroughly prior to purchase to make sure that everything functions as it should, and that the batteries are capable of holding of a charge.

 

[Gracie09]

There's definitely something special on the books with regards to rental agencies, but children are prescribed electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters everyday.

The kid's 13. My wife got her unrestricted drivers license in Kansas at 12. I see 12 year Olds flying airplanes every week. Heck, I got my sail plane license at 14.

All else being equal I wouldn't consider being hit by a teenager with a prescribed ECV, to represent any sort of special liability compared to, say, the same kid hitting you on a bike.

In the same way, it's very difficult to assign third party liability for the actions of a minor. Exceptions to that usually require the damages be caused by the child with malicious intent. A kid on a skateboard or ten speed or ecv who zigs when he should have zagged is just not ripe legal fodder.

As the plaintiff you would have to prove that the kid was at fault, just like any other sort of accident injury. If he says you weren't looking where you were going and jumped in front of him, then you have to present evidence and impartial witnesses to refute that.

If you do win your legal claim, the respondents homeowners insurance will likely cover his legal fees and the judgement, whereas you will have to pay your council yourself, and unless the kid was doing something crazy at the time it's doubtfully you would be awarded legal fees.

In states that award based on what percentage the respondent was at fault, you could even win the case but expend much more in fees than you receive in damages.

It's fun to yell, "I'd sue" but the reality is that unless the kid was actually doing something stupid, and doing it led to your injury, and you can prove it... you'll have to front a retainer to get a lawyer to pursue this case.

The age for a drivers license in Kansas (unrestricted) is now 17. When exactly did you wife get her license? My guess is there is a reason they have it at 17. A small plane does not run into much traffic in the air. So chances of it crashing into another plane or person is fairly slim. On the other hand driving a motorized vehicle in the crowded streets of Disney with young children and people walking at various speeds is difficult and mentally and even physically draining. If a child has his or her own ecv or motorized wheelchair they know how to drive it. How it performs. How long it stops. They are as comfortable driving it as I am walking because they do it every day. It is a very different situation with a rented ecv. There are reasons we don't allow 13 year olds to drive or vote or make their own medical decisions because they lack the brain capacity to view the choices and always make the rational correct decision. Some adults also lack that capacity but they are held responsible for their actions should they injure another party.
So yes if a child was on a rental ecv and injured another person, the parents could and I would say should, be held liable for those injuries. The parent is knowingly violating the rental agreement (it's pretty standard across the board that you have to be 18) and therefore placing others at risk. Strict liability would likely apply. As for legal fees, in a personal injury case legal fees are often a percent of the award. No need for them to be decided separate from the case, unless, of course, the judge or jury decides to tack them on as additional punishment.

Just this past weekend in my home town an elderly woman was hit by a kid on a bike. She ended up being taken away in an ambulance and the parents of the kid ended up with a ticket because it was a no bike zone. Will the victim sue, who knows. But the police at least held the parents liable for the actions of the child.

 

[DisneyOma]

There's definitely something special on the books with regards to rental agencies, but children are prescribed electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters everyday.

The kid's 13. My wife got her unrestricted drivers license in Kansas at 12. I see 12 year Olds flying airplanes every week. Heck, I got my sail plane license at 14.

All else being equal I wouldn't consider being hit by a teenager with a prescribed ECV, to represent any sort of special liability compared to, say, the same kid hitting you on a bike.

In the same way, it's very difficult to assign third party liability for the actions of a minor. Exceptions to that usually require the damages be caused by the child with malicious intent. A kid on a skateboard or ten speed or ecv who zigs when he should have zagged is just not ripe legal fodder.

As the plaintiff you would have to prove that the kid was at fault, just like any other sort of accident injury. If he says you weren't looking where you were going and jumped in front of him, then you have to present evidence and impartial witnesses to refute that.

If you do win your legal claim, the respondents homeowners insurance will likely cover his legal fees and the judgement, whereas you will have to pay your council yourself, and unless the kid was doing something crazy at the time it's doubtfully you would be awarded legal fees.

In states that award based on what percentage the respondent was at fault, you could even win the case but expend much more in fees than you receive in damages.

It's fun to yell, "I'd sue" but the reality is that unless the kid was actually doing something stupid, and doing it led to your injury, and you can prove it... you'll have to front a retainer to get a lawyer to pursue this case.

There has only been one child prescribed an electric wheelchair for use in our school system in the 15 years I have worked there. An ECV would be too fast for the hallways. Bikes (for guests) are not allowed in WDW theme parks. So I don't get your point.

Allowing a child under the age limit to drive a vehicle to operate equipment that could seriously injure someone is intent. The PP could sue based on that, and that WDW allowed it, etc. There's a reason why we don't let kids drive stuff like that.

And kids flying airplanes? I'm thinking that will change soon - who was that girl whose father was all hyped up about her flying around the world or something? She died in her plane, in a crash, didn't she?

I'm thinking WDW follows the logical rules of a crowded society, not that of a rural one.

 

[cobright]

1. There has only been one child prescribed an electric wheelchair for use in our school system in the 15 years I have worked there.
2. An ECV would be too fast for the hallways.
3. Bikes (for guests) are not allowed in WDW theme parks. So I don't get your point.
4. Allowing a child under the age limit to drive a vehicle to operate equipment that could seriously injure someone is intent. The PP could sue based on that, and that WDW allowed it, etc. There's a reason why we don't let kids drive stuff like that.
5. And kids flying airplanes? I'm thinking that will change soon - who was that girl whose father was all hyped up about her flying around the world or something? She died in her plane, in a crash, didn't she?

1. Disabilities that require power chairs are not common. That said, I remember 3 in my graduating class.
2. ECVS approved for use in schools are usually speed governed to walking speed. ECVs are usually used in cases where person has some walking ability but needs help with longer exertions. School involve mostly sitting anyway.
3. The argument was made that a kid on an evc represented an exceptional liability for that kids parents. I just said that a kid on a bike is more capable of injuring a pedestrian, and no one thinks twice about kids on bikes.
4. That's not how intent works with regard to injury accidents, let alone malicious intent. In the rare cases where parents are held liable for the actions of their children, the damages resulted from criminal acts committed by the child.
5. There is no legal minimum age to begin pilot training. Student pilots as young as 9 fly planes. This was brought up to address the broadly made point that a 13 won't have the developmental maturity to safely operate a mobility scooter. You might be conflating two different stories. there was a girl, abby sutherland, who was going to attempt sailing arround world. She failed but she's fine. And there was Jessica Dubroff, a 7 year old attempting to set record for youngest pilot to fly a light sport aircraft Cross country. She died when her plane, flown by the adult at the time, crashed soon after takeoff. The 7 year old is an extreme and rate case. The OP's child is 13 years old, we trust 13 year Olds with equipment capable of causing injury all the time.

I'm not saying there's no liability if an ECV driven by a kid causes an injury but no more so than any of the other similarly dangerous things we see teenagers do all the time without a second thought.

 

[cobright]

If a child has his or her own ecv or motorized wheelchair they know how to drive it. ... It is a very different situation with a rented ecv. There are reasons we don't allow 13 year olds to drive or vote or make their own medical decisions because they lack the brain capacity to view the choices and always make the rational correct decision. Some adults also lack that capacity but they are held responsible for their actions should they injure another party.
So yes if a child was on a rental ecv...

I was responding to the statement that a teenager by virtue of age lacked the brain development to utilize an ECV safely. I specifically excluded the issue of rental scooters and specified mobility devices prescribed by a doctor.

As you've pointed out, a child on a bike can cause far more serious injuries than the average mobility scooter. The physics of it make bicycles far more dangerous but we trust kids with this responsibility all the time. Disney is right to limit them within the parks if for no other reason than because of the risk. Experienced ECV driving teenagers simply do not represent a similar risk.

I can't find any source for your specific example but if the child was young and riding a bike under direction of the parents then I could see them receiving a civil infraction for the code violation. That's a different matter than liability for damages caused by someone else, even a dependant child.

It troubles me how easily some discount or disparage a person especially young people, who made need mobility assistance based on perceived risks that, simply put, are unfounded. Nobody would suggest that all 90 year Olds should be prohibited from driving, let alone renting, a mobility device if they needed it to enjoy the parks, even though that age group, per capita, is far more likely to injure you with one.

It can be pretty easy to have firm convictions on who should and shouldn't get the fullest enjoyment of the parks as long as one is so firmly planted in the 'should' category. Sometimes the cost of a more inclusive society is a handful of skinned ankles. Fair Trade, in my book.

 

[lanejudy]

As has been stated -- WDW will not rent an ECV for a minor to use, nor will most of the off-site vendors. They get to set those business policies and rental terms. Whether or not cars, planes, bikes, school policies or other factors contributed to the vendors' rental policies -- doesn't make much difference for the OP's situation and is taking this thread sideways.

If a child has his own powered mobility device, or otherwise secures the use of one outside the parks, he should be allowed to use it in the parks. Caveat: there have been reports from at least 1 parent whose child was challenged when using his own device. I suspect that wouldn't be an issue for OP, assuming they are able to find a device for her son to use.

OP -- SueM gave the best 2 suggestions for renting. I suggest you contact those vendors to see if they are able to help you. If not, I'd look into local options which might include renting or borrowing from a local children's hospital, Lion's Club, state equipment swap, or such. If your son has a PT, that person may be able to point you towards a local organization.

Good luck and enjoy your vacation!

 

[Srbright]

Edited to reduce sidewayizness.

Stacy

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Kids may be able to drive a car at 13, but they can't rent one of those either.

As has been said already, look into some of the private rental companies, with the proviso that most of them will probably not rent an electric vehicle to a minor.

 

[Toffeewoffy]

There are loads of adults who rent scooters who can't drive them, either. We just got back a week ago, and the number of older women who were driving the huge Disney ones with absolutely no idea how to manoeuvre them was shocking! In some cases the teenage kids got them in and out of the 'parking spaces' so granny didn't have to do it. I really think Disney should re-think their policy of giant scooters ... but that's another issue. I'm just making the point that you can be good or bad at manoeuvring these things at ANY age. For myself, a lot of people were very impressed at my handling of my rented scooter both in getting on and off buses and in queues, etc. And I only use one when we're in the US!

Incidentally, I saw one woman driving a medical loan scooter as her foot/lower leg had a cast on it. So, that shows that some companies will provide a loan scooter in certain circumstances.

 

[stitchlovestink]

There are loads of adults who rent scooters who can't drive them, either. We just got back a week ago, and the number of older women who were driving the huge Disney ones with absolutely no idea how to manoeuvre them was shocking! In some cases the teenage kids got them in and out of the 'parking spaces' so granny didn't have to do it. I really think Disney should re-think their policy of giant scooters ... but that's another issue. I'm just making the point that you can be good or bad at manoeuvring these things at ANY age. For myself, a lot of people were very impressed at my handling of my rented scooter both in getting on and off buses and in queues, etc. And I only use one when we're in the US!

Incidentally, I saw one woman driving a medical loan scooter as her foot/lower leg had a cast on it. So, that shows that some companies will provide a loan scooter in certain circumstances.

Absolutely Agree Toffee!!!

There are many adults who cannot drive them properly!
I own mine so there were times my kids would ride it for me. They would go get it like at PotC where you park next to the entrance and bring it to me in the gift shop.

My kids are adults now, but when they were doing this, they had several years of experience driving 750 lb ATV which would go as fast as 40mph. They even had their driver's licenses at 16. If my daughter could OWN (tagged, titled, registered and insured) her own car in just HER name (no one else was on the title, car tags, registration or insurance policy), she was certainly capable of driving a <100 lb ECV. She had a greater chance of hurting someone while driving her car than my ECV!

 

[JayhawkMomma]

Thanks for your help everyone. I guess I never thought about his age as being a big problem since he will be able to drive a car 6 months after the trip (Kansas allows learners permits at 14). Looks like if he needs a wheelchair of any type we'll stick with a push one. Still hoping he won't need one at all though but time will tell.