ELECTRIC SCOOTERS

We don't use scooters but our youngest son was in a stroller until very recently.  While strollers are banned in the halls, if you have had a kid in a stroller you learn to view public spaces from the perspective of whether they can accomodate a stroller, space-wise.  My view is that the halls all handle scooters without a problem, particularly the orange hall.  Also, there are no shortage of folks there with them, as the TCA crowd is aging (unfortunately).  So my view it is do-able.

As a fellow Marylander I'll tell you that if you make it to York and want access to something that you cannot seem to handle in the scooter, drop me a line and l can check it out for you.  I have two sons who have endless energy for finding trains.  I can leave you my cell or we can work something out.  I am typically at the show on Friday. 

Yep.  They rent them on site.  Just take yer time in the aisles and you'll be fine.

As other have noted, you should have no real problem.  There will always be some who gripe because some folks use scooters in the halls, but most of those using scooters have a legitimate need for them.  There are plenty to be seen at York, and the number will only continue to grow in coming years.

 I am handicapped myself now and really could have used a scooter at York. I went without renting one but was able to sit down in many different places when needed. They rent them if you want to the left of the Toyota (orange hall) about two buildings down. 

Rob

Allan say's "there are plenty at York" I have probably run into 3 or 4 maybe.  

Eddie,

I've had that many run into me.

You should watch where you are going.

I knew you guy's would reply to my PUN.

Get this one and most folks will willing get out of your way!

Jerry

Thanks for all the replies guys.  It's settled - renting a scooter.  BTW Allan, I've been around the block too many times to let those that pi** and moan bother me.

Gerry that's funny.  Some parts of Baltimore after dark you need a little fire power like that.  Really gets their attention in a hurry.

As I recall Black Hall is the only place you will have trouble. It has steps in it near the rear.  I think all the other halls are flat.

Most halls have handicap ramps. Usually on the side you are not at. This is an old fairgrounds and will take a little looking to find the ramps. If you bring your own cart, check on liability insurance.

Good luck on finding that special train.

I think there is a number listed in the announcement to reserve a scooter. I wouldn't just show up hoping one was available they seem popular

I don't think this is even an issue now, since there haven't been any layouts in Black Hall for the past several meets.  Anyway, I thought that they added a ramp in the back (going from memory here).

Andy

From the meet notice:

Yes, call ahead to reserve a powered wheelchair or scooter.  They will ask for height and weight of whoever needs it, as they have different sizes they try to match with customers.  The cost as of this past April's Meet was $45 for Thursday, $50 for Friday and $45 for Saturday ($140 total for the three days).  They do not take credit cards over the phone.  They ask to send payment by check to reserve the chair or scooter.  Or you can take a chance and try to get one when you arrive at the Fairgrounds.

After you call to reserve you can send a confirmation letter along with the check.  They haven't ever replied with a confirmation but we never had a problem when reserving a chair.  They are very nice people.

The mailing address to send payment after you call to reserve is:

D & R Mobility

434 West Arch Street

Shamokin, Pa. 17872

Andy & Brian thanks a ton for the info on the electric scooters.  I'll call and reserve one this week.  I look forward to meeting you guys.

My first York was April 2012 and I attended with my father, who is a wheelchair-bound paraplegic so perhaps his experience is comparable to using a scooter. He did have quite a few issues moving around people in the tighter more crowded member halls so be prepared for that. But the larger dealer halls were a breeze, lots of room. He was also able to get into the Black hall fine since they did have a ramp for that show at least.

Thanks Nick I appreciate your reply.  That's what I was looking for, someone with 1st hand experience.  I pretty much figured that the member halls would present a problem and those are the ones I'm really interested in.  Might have to rethink the whole York thing.

Aisles are wide enough to accommodate scooters even in the member halls.  Don't think about side-by-side drag racing however.  That is frowned upon.

You should have a banner made up with your forum tagline so we can recognize you.  Hope to see you there!

Wild Mary (AKA Nick) Retired & "Riding The Wild Mary"

I strongly advise against that Nick. I only meant that in the member halls a "traffic jam" in the aisles was a frequent occurrence and as such my father did have to do a bit of maneuvering around people or staying still while a jam freed up around him. We still had a great time  

People in scooters navigate just fine in member halls, but the going can be a little slow.  Most traffic jams in the aisles have nothing to do with scooters.  There is just so much wonderful stuff to see in those halls that slow moving traffic is inevitable.

Nick, will you be attending the OGR gathering at the TGI Fridays on Thursday night?  It is the best place to meet fellow forumites.

Andy

Actually there's nothing in the York Meet rules against such things!

Jerry

I believe that you'll be alright with renting a scooter Nick. I've been renting a scooter for the past two years before and after my back surgery. You'll have no trouble navigating the Orange and Purple Halls. The Blue/Silver Hall is manageable but can be tight so you need to be patient with people walking about.

All I know is that without the scooter I would not be able to see or do very much as I would be limited to basically the Orange Hall. The people at D&R are nice to work with and I'm sure that you'll enjoy your visit to York and be more refreshed by having access to the scooter.

Steve Tapper

Steve thanks for the encouraging feedback.  The member halls will get most of my attention since there are very specific items on my shopping list. 

Andy, Thursday @ Friday's is one of the main reasons for my attending York as I've met very few forum members. 

A visit to the Thursday at Friday's dinner is a must for me Nick. I get a chance to catch up with a lot of fellow forum members and take a lot of pictures.

Steve Tapper

im pretty sure there some law nation wide about acess to public buildings ,need to have some kind of entry without steps. i never thought i would have to worry about it this soon,but right now i am trying to lineup a wheelchair rental so i can get to the local county fair.-jim

There is a federal law in place nationally requiring public buildings to have access to the handicapped. I believe it is the ADA or American Disability Act, which has been in place since the 1990's. 

If you are going to be needing a wheelchair on an ongoing basis Jim you might want to look into a lightweight portable folding wheelchair Jim. They are lighter and easier to use than a standard wheelchair. There are some weight considerations as they are not as sturdy as a standard wheelchair but they are lighter and easier to fold and place in your car.

Steve Tapper 

Just like to thank everyone who responded.  I reserved an electric scooter for 3 days and look forward to the fun.  Thanks again.

I'll be reserving my scooter for Thursday as that is my long day at York. On Friday my wife Barbara will be joining me and we won't be there all day. I can probably just use my cane and walk for the few hours we'll be there on Friday.

Steve Tapper

I can understand that there are many of us who are aging, and have developed a true need for the scooters. They are a necessity. HOWEVER, those of you using the scooters expect those of us walking to make room for you, I would remind you that they a scooters, not snow plows. Please, there is no need to run up on our heels, plowing through us! We might not be aware of you trying to get by as we are shopping. A simple excuse me will generally open an aisle for you. There was one fella last year who seemed to be trying tot mow folks down just for the heck of it!

Sounds fair enough to me as long as we remember that the sword cuts both ways.