What if my scooter won't fit thru the door?

[Boozebabe]

Anyone know what will happen if my own scooter won't fit thru the cabin door? Can we leave them in the area where they are parked near the elevators? My last 2 cruises we saw all the rented scooters parked in a secluded area near the elevators. I am capable of walking that short distance (depending on where my cabin is) to my cabin. I need the scooter for getting around the ship and definitely on shore.

 

I plan to purchase my own scooter and will need a heavy duty one which is usually wider than cabin doors openings.

 

Has anyone ever not been able to get their scooter thru the door?

[4boysnana]

Anyone know what will happen if my own scooter won't fit thru the cabin door? Can we leave them in the area where they are parked near the elevators? My last 2 cruises we saw all the rented scooters parked in a secluded area near the elevators. I am capable of walking that short distance (depending on where my cabin is) to my cabin. I need the scooter for getting around the ship and definitely on shore.

 

I plan to purchase my own scooter and will need a heavy duty one which is usually wider than cabin doors openings.

 

Has anyone ever not been able to get their scooter thru the door?

 

Hello,

Is there a chance you can switch cabins for an HC cabin? You never know if one is available and they really help. It gives you enough room to park and turn the scooter. It might be worth a call.

I can also walk short distances but always book an HC cabin. The bathroom is much safer for me with a shower chair in the shower and I love the grab bars.

My scooter is a GoGo Pride and I can remove the arm rests which would help with width and door clearance.

Good luck and enjoy your cruise.

 

4boysnana

[Boozebabe]

Hello,

Is there a chance you can switch cabins for an HC cabin? You never know if one is available and they really help. It gives you enough room to park and turn the scooter. It might be worth a call.

I can also walk short distances but always book an HC cabin. The bathroom is much safer for me with a shower chair in the shower and I love the grab bars.

My scooter is a GoGo Pride and I can remove the arm rests which would help with width and door clearance.

Good luck and enjoy your cruise.

 

4boysnana

 

Haven't booked a cruise yet. Just doing some advance planning. The HC cabin isn't a necessity for me just as long as I have a shower and not a tub. I just went to Vegas and had a terrible time getting into the tub to take a shower. I'll have to check out scooter features before I buy.

[xxoocruiser]

Most all cruise lines specifically state on their website that scooter must be stored in your cabin when. Additionally per SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) as well as the Coast Guard prohibit the storage of scooters public areas. Since you are planning to purchase a heavy duty scooter you must book an Accessible Cabin. Some cruise lines have full suites that have wider doors that can accommodate a heavy duty scooter.

 

A standard cabin door is typically 23' wide door frame to door frame. You than have to deduct 2" for the depth of the door as it does not open flush to wall leaving only a 21" clearance. Therefore the scooter needs no wider than 21" to fit through a standard cabin door.

Edited September 19, 2015 by xxoocruiser

[Enforcer]

Hi,

 

You say you will be getting a "heavy duty" scooter, I see that you are a fair distance from any US port so a consideration is how to get the scooter to the port. Driving it there isn't too much of a problem but flying with larger scooters can be.

 

Pete

[mexico8]

Anyone know what will happen if my own scooter won't fit thru the cabin door? Can we leave them in the area where they are parked near the elevators? My last 2 cruises we saw all the rented scooters parked in a secluded area near the elevators. I am capable of walking that short distance (depending on where my cabin is) to my cabin. I need the scooter for getting around the ship and definitely on shore.

 

I plan to purchase my own scooter and will need a heavy duty one which is usually wider than cabin doors openings.

 

Has anyone ever not been able to get their scooter thru the door?

 

You should check out the Travelscoot (it can hold up to about 300 pounds or more.) It only weighs about 35 pounds with the battery attached and would be easier to travel with. Airlines allow you to drive it right up the door of the plane. I have one and just love it.

[Nancyquilts]

I haven't seen any scooters in the hallways or other open spaces on Princess ships in recent years. I think you had better plan to put it in your room.

Considering how many scooters are on some of the cruises, it would be very difficult for many of us to get past ones that were allowed to park in public hallways and spaces.

[teddytumtum]

I would advise you to be very careful as to the scooter you purchase, as cruise ships now are becoming more strict regarding size etc. than before. I have just returned from a Princess cruise around South America and they were not allowing scooters on the tenders, also they are insistent in scooters being in your cabin under no circumstances are they allowed to be left in the corridor. Another thing to think about it if you are travelling by air many of the operators are now demanding to know all the measurements and weight of your scooter at the time of booking. I have a small Shoprider Pride which they will accept but they will not accept very large scooters. I am sure your retailer will advise you as to what is best for your circumstances. Happy cruising!!

[zoncom]

Just do a search top of this page-"Door widths regular cabins'. Many will pop up.

[4boysnana]

Hello again,

Maybe you could rent a scooter. I looked into this option and they have different sizes and when you board the ship it will be in your cabin. You can check with your cruise line to see which company they prefer.

You would still need an HC cabin.

 

Good luck and happy cruising!

 

4boysnana

 

PS I even looked into renting a recliner due to a leg problem and they had them available. Amazing.

[zoncom]

All it takes is money.Do most of you experienced disabled cruisers agree a Handicapped cabin is necessary? Is there an agent or agency that really has a handle on this and specializes in the bookings?

[RuthC]

Do most of you experienced disabled cruisers agree a Handicapped cabin is necessary?

No, but it could make life a lot easier.

 

I have rented a scooter now on four different cruises, with one more coming up. None of these have been in a handicap cabin, but they were all in large inside cabins with an unusual configuration. It was close getting through the doorway, but the saving grace was that there was nothing to block the path once inside.

There was also space to park the scooter so it was not in the way constantly.

 

I was successful only because I knew the cabins involved from prior stays in them, and was positive the scooters would fit. Since I am sailing a new ship next year, and have no knowledge of the cabin configurations, I won't risk booking a non-handicap cabin. I have booked a handicap cabin for that cruise, and will pay attention to reports once the ship starts sailing.

I hate taking a handicap cabin knowing someone else may need it more.

[xxoocruiser]

All it takes is money.Do most of you experienced disabled cruisers agree a Handicapped cabin is necessary? Is there an agent or agency that really has a handle on this and specializes in the bookings?

 

Not certain what you mean by "all it takes is money? " Regardless whether or not an accessible cabin is necessary all depends on the needs of the individual. There are people that don't require the space provided in an accessible cabin to accommodate a mobility scooter, wheelchair, walker and or other equipment such as a Hoyer lift but do require the a zero threshold bathroom room entrance,a zero threshold shower, and or grab bars in the shower and toilet area only provided in an accessible cabin.

 

There are some TA's that specialize in disability travel but it isn't necessary to have to use one. If a cruise is departing from a USA port than the USA Federal Law that went into effect on 1/01/2012 clearly specifies the conditions necessary for someone to book an accessible room.

 

As a result of the United States Supreme Court Rules on Spector et. al. VS Norwegian Cruise Lines. a Federal Law under the Department of Transportation ( commonly referred to as DOT) became effective on January 1, 2012 that requires that the cruise lines have to verify that the person occupying the cabin has a medical or physical need to book the cabin .

 

(g) To prevent fraud in the assignment of accessible cabins (e.g., attempts by individuals who do not have disabilities to reserve accessible cabins because they have greater space, you—

(1) Must inquire of persons seeking to reserve such cabins whether the individual (or an individual for whom the cabin is being reserved) has a mobility disability or a disability that requires the use of the accessible features that are provided in the cabin.

(2) May require a written attestation from the individual that accessible cabin is for a person who has a mobility disability or a disability that requires the use of the accessible features that are provided in the cabin.

Edited September 20, 2015 by xxoocruiser

[searoses]

My last cruise was on regal princess where I had an hc balcony cabin that was lovely....rode my scooter up to see my sister's inside cabin and while it may have fit through the door there was not enough turning space to enter at the correct angle....the hall was too narrow......had a regular sized scooter....

[xlxo]

I should add hallways get narrower....

• embarkation day when luggage is placed outside room
  
• debarkation night before when luggage is placed outside room
  
• when room service dishes are placed outside the room
  
• when rooms are cleaned in the morning and pre-dinner.... staff will have garbage carts outside the rooms in the hallway
  

[xxoocruiser]

I should add hallways get narrower....

• embarkation day when luggage is placed outside room
  
• debarkation night before when luggage is placed outside room
  
• when room service dishes are placed outside the room
  
• when rooms are cleaned in the morning and pre-dinner.... staff will have garbage carts outside the rooms in the hallway
  

 

It also needs to be noted that per the Cruise Line's Regulations, Coast Guard Regulation as well as SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Regulations leaving a mobility scooter or any other mobility equipment in the hallways is prohibited.

[Slugsta]

I should add hallways get narrower....

• embarkation day when luggage is placed outside room
  
• debarkation night before when luggage is placed outside room
  
• when room service dishes are placed outside the room
  
• when rooms are cleaned in the morning and pre-dinner.... staff will have garbage carts outside the rooms in the hallway
  

 

I have problems getting down the corridors with my wheelchair at these times. I hate to think how difficult it could be with a scooter!

[Boozebabe]

I called the company that Carnival uses for scooter rentals as that is the cruise line we use most. They told me which scooters they use and that is what I bought today. It is a 3 wheeled model so the turning radius is much smaller than a 4 wheeled model. Its what I have used in Las Vegas and this past week-end at a casino in Pennsylvania. It can be taken apart and hauled in my trunk or we can carry it on a lift that we also purchased. Airlines will also allow me to ride it right to the door of the plane and they will stow it in the luggage area. I'm all set now. All I need is to book a cruise.

 

I can also go to many local places again that I have missed for a while. Such as the mall and the zoo.

[Redwood10D]

When I decided I needed to move from my walker to a scooter I began my research and ended up buying a "Luggie Elite" for several reasons. It folds up like a roll on suitcase (hence Luggie), and when folded you can extend the handle and walk it behind you just like a roll on, it weighs just short of 60#, came with a lithium battery (great long range), has a weight capacity of 320#, has arm rests that are easy to attach/remove, and fits through most doors I have found, plus it has a forward and reverse power mode as well as a free-wheeling/power off mode. I can maneuver it in and out of lots of tight places

 

I have now used it for 8 months or so. I love it. It has given me back my mobility in the best way. I could recommend them to my friends who need a scooter. I am not employed nor do I have any connection to the company nor am I being paid anything for this. I just happen to like my Luggie a lot!

[tommui987]

It can be taken apart and hauled in my trunk ...

 

I am still debating whether to rent a scooter for an upcoming cruise. When you say that it can be taken apart, can the control handle be folded down so that it can fit into the truck of an automobile or do you have to really take it apart into component parts- chair, battery etc?

 

Thanks much!

[Boozebabe]

I am still debating whether to rent a scooter for an upcoming cruise. When you say that it can be taken apart, can the control handle be folded down so that it can fit into the truck of an automobile or do you have to really take it apart into component parts- chair, battery etc?

 

Thanks much!

 

#1 Remove basket on the steering tiller

#2 remove the seat (the back folds down) Twist & lift up

#3 remove the battery shroud Just tug a little. Is secured with velcro.

#4 remove 2 batteries. just unpug them and lift them out.

#5 Fold down the steering tiller.

#6 seperate the back wheel component from them front.

 

It really was very easy. We took it apart to put it in the car in about 3 minutes. Put it together when we got home in less time than that.

 

Someone else mentioned the luggie. I couldn't find one that would hold me. They all had a weight capacity of less than 200 lbs. But I just did another search and they really look uncomfortable. and are very expensive. Luggie was $2600. mine was $1600.

Edited September 22, 2015 by Boozebabe

[xxoocruiser]

I am still debating whether to rent a scooter for an upcoming cruise. When you say that it can be taken apart, can the control handle be folded down so that it can fit into the truck of an automobile or do you have to really take it apart into component parts- chair, battery etc?

 

Thanks much!

 

Provided you don't need a full size or bariatric scooter both http://www.SpecialNeedsatSea.com and http://www.CareVacations.com most commonly rent the Pride GoGo Elite Traveler HD for use on cruise ships. Fast forward to the 54 sec mark in this link and you see how the Pride GoGo breaks down to fit into a trunk.

Edited September 22, 2015 by xxoocruiser

[4boysnana]

My scooter is a four wheel Go Go Pride and I love it. I drive a good size car (Buick) and I can put the scooter in my trunk without taking it all apart. I remove the seat, fold the steering part all the way down and with help lifting it fits in the trunk with the lid closed. Be sure to set it so it won't roll.

I have driven right up to the door of the planes and it is a blessing on long distances in airports. Be sure to let your airlines know you are bringing a scooter as they have limited space for scooters.

I now need a way to bring my walker with my scooter. You can buy a special seat but it is just under $200. When I am home I have a wagon that hooks on my scooter and it is wonderful.

I would still book an HC cabin for the added safety features and ease of mobility if you can. The special needs departments are very helpful and I have never used a specialized agent.

Most important.....HAVE FUN and enjoy your travels.

 

4boysnana

[sherilyn70]

I have the 3 wheel go go pride elite traveler. I only break it into the parts (seat, battery, and base) for storing in the trunk of my car. I drive it to the gate in the airports. It weighs 95 pounds when completely assembled and does a great job. I take it everywhere.

 

You can see how compact it is in this picture.

[Peemagg]

I have the Pride Go-Go Elite Traveler Plus and I love it! I have used it for the past 7 years in all sorts of places (cruises, DisneyWorld, college). It weighs 115lbs fully assembled and breaks down into 4 pieces easily. Mine is a bigger version of the one that Sherilyn70 has so it has a bigger battery with a longer run life on a charge. Mine is also good to 300lbs.