The DC Traveler

Make Touring DC Easy on a Mobility Scooter

by Jon on June 12th, 2008

My mother didn’t get the chance to visit Washington, DC until she was in her mid-70s.  But by that time, her ability to get around on foot, as well as her stamina, was a bit limited.  But that didn’t stop our plans to see all the big sites in Washington, DC.

I played tour guide for my parents as we visited multiple museums, memorials and other attractions.  But long walks, from one end of the National Mall to the other (2.2 miles each way), plus the extra walking inside a few museums, was out of the question for Mom. 

I tried to find parking close by, so she wouldn’t have to walk too much or strain herself, and then grab a free push wheelchair offered at most destinations. By the end of her visit, we had seen most of DC’s major attractions.  But I must admit, pushing her around the museums, up and down Capital Hill and the numerous hills at George Washington’s Mt. Vernon Estate wore me out.

But I recently found an alternative to touring the Mall on foot, ideal for people that may have limited stamina or mobility issues. And with the summer heat and humidity of Washington, DC  starting to climb, the summer can be dangerous. 

So the solution is to Rent an electric 3-wheeled mobility scooter and make visiting the sites around the Nation’s Capital easy and safe.

For about $60 a day, you can rent an ECV or Electric Convenience Vehicle (mobility scooter). They are easy to use, have a 5-6 mph top speed, can even climb the tougher hills.  Their batteries last about 6-10 hours (about 20-25 miles), depending on driving style and terrain, before requiring a charge, so they can usually go all day without a recharge.  If you need to recharge, simply stop for lunch and ask to plug it in.  Mobility scooters can be used both outdoors and indoors.

All of the Smithsonian museums and most other tourist spots allow visitors to ride on scooters inside the buildings and have at least one entrance ramp that can accommodate a scooter.  It’s not always at the main entrance, sometimes the entrances are in the rear or side of the museum.  Just look for the handicapped entrance signs.

Scootaround Scooter Rentals makes renting a mobility scooter easy.  Just make an advanced reservations using a credit card, preferably a couple weeks before your visit. When you arrive at your hotel, your scooter will be ready and waiting for. 

Prices for a minimum three-day rental is $175.00, and includes delivery and pickup at your hotel’s bell desk.  There is a $75 non-refundable deposit fee, which may apply if you cancel your reservation.

You can also purchase optional damage and loss insurance for $5.75 per day.

If you need to place your scooter in a mini-van or SUV for trips to attractions that are not nearby, Scootaround offers models which can also be partially disassembled for easier transport.

Scootaround Scooter Rentals
No Washington, DC metro storefront, by phone only at 888-441-7575.

Image - Scooter, The Hill

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POSTED IN: Getting Around – Local Transportation, Insider's Tip, Travel Tips – General Information