Electric motor cart for quilt shows $$$$$$$$!!!!!
 

I was planning to go to the AQS quilt show in Grand Rapids in August. Just checked their brochure and was astounded at the prices to get into the various classes. But then I read where the motorized carts have to be arranged for in advance (no refunds), the price is $45 a day PLUS a $50 delivery fee. That's $95 a day just for the cart! On top of the class fees, the costs per day would be astronomical (for me anyway). Do you have any ideas for getting around the show without having to spend $95? I do need assistance; all-day walking is out of the question.
Kathy

Can you borrow someone's "hoveraround" or something like that and not rent?

I bet the convention center or hotel has wheelchairs to loan (or rent for $5 per day or so) if you're going with a friend who can help you out if you need it. Otherwise....my dad had a really great lightweight walker that worked like a regular walker but then it had a seat in the middle where he could sit and rest when he needed it. Bet you could rent one of those at home and take it with you for when you need it.... OR---perhaps try calling a church near the show and explain what you need. Maybe they or a member would have what you need and would be delighted to loan it to an out-of-town guest.

Call your local medical supply company (the one that sells wheelchairs, canes, etc.). Sometimes they have scooters or electric wheelchairs to rent. Don't know if they are cheaper than what the show gets, but worth the call.

One other thought...if you need a scooter for medical reasons, why not have your doc order one? Medicare and most insurance companies cover them, so you will own one outright and not have to worry about renting, etc. Just a thought...

check the fine print the show here requires that you use one of theirs even if you bring your own...think that is the case at some amusement parks also.....friend says it is about insurance and contract that the providing company has with the venue.

Thanks for all of your suggestions! I've been searching around google and found some information on these motor scooters. Doesn't seem likely that I could rent one here and take it to the show. I'd have to lift it up into the SUV and even the separate parts are heavy. AND then I'd have to assemble/disassemble it. I'm going to check out those little walker/seat things tho. That might be the answer. The AQS website doesn't mention not allowing your own scooters, that I could find, anyway. You all are a great group! Thanks again for your ideas.

AQS is handicap friendly! You are allowed to bring your own wheelchairs, scooters, or walkers. You do not have to rent theirs. Airlines will put yours on the plane for you too! You just have to let them know in advance when you purchase your ticket. Good luck, also check out garage sales, craigslist, goodwill for these items!!!

If your Handycapted Its true about Medicre coveing for the Electric Chairs and I'm not just talk'in for a temp one a permament one! and if you don't need it til Augs If you START now You should get one! Just call or go to your DR or to a Medical suply store and ask about it!! Or you see the adds on tv for the Hoveround try that!

Oh my. Honey, no other way for me..so agree with wheel chair option for you. Save your body, to enjoy the huge event. If they have to deliver it, then how would you transport ? Think of that before spending these rentals too. I had to be transported by bus. Good luck !

You can find good, used, in good shape, walkers with the seat at the thrift stores. I saw one the other day that was selling for 29$. Good luck.

There are also some electric chairs if you can find one to fit.
delma

Electric scoooter
 

Scooters and Electric Wheelchairs are only available to you through Medicare if you need them to get around your home. A scooter is not a viable option for getting around your home as it is not good for getting close to counters and tables and probably won't fit in a lot of bathrooms. Lots of companies will push to sell the scooter as they have a better profit margin and some folks don't like the idea of using a wheelchair. It takes a medical clearance (certificate of medical need) filled out by your doctor, an office visit must be made within 90 days prior to the form submitted and you will have to wait for the pre-certification before it will be paid for. And only certain medical conditions will qualify you for getting one of these. A lot of companies will give you the chair/scooter before this because once you take it home you pay for it one way or another. I work in a doctors office and this paperwork is part of my job.

It just astounds me that the DeVos hall in GR would not provide rentals on site. They surely know that with the thousands(?) of people going (or wanting to go) that there would be a huge incentive to have them on site so "impulse" users could get one. They'd make soooo much more $$$$. I cannot justify the cost of rental AND delivery (x 2 days) and commit to being at a certain place at a certain time and have to wait, wait, wait for the chair to show up. And the chair rental company is going to make a FORTUNE charging exorbitant delivery fees for each chair going to the same location. So now instead of 2 days, it will be a short afternoon, with maybe only one or two classes, that is, if I can get into one without registering in advance. Everyone loses. After looking into available rentals/buys around my area, have determined I'd still need to get one of those ramp-things to be able to load it into my SUV. I am going to go up to one of the med. eq. places in town tho, to "try on" one of the smaller walkers with seats. Feeling pessimistic about it tho.

Harbor Freight has wheel chairs really resonable

If you or your hubby were in the military, you can check with your VFW to see if they have any rentals -- members get to use the equipment free. It's also a great place to donate equipment. Some churches offer this service too.

I checked out scooter rentals for the last show in Lancaster, PA, cost was $45 per day but problem was that I would have to be at a certain entrance (not the main one) at a pre arranged time to pick it up. I would have been going to the show with several other gals and there was no way I could tell them weeks in advance what time we would arrive. So this year I skipped the show and just went to hang out with my friends and shop.

I use a scooter at the supermarket when I do my big food shopping, only problem is that in some stores you do more walking going to get the key and then returning it than I would do for my whole shopping.

One tip for anyone else like me that can't walk long distances, especially at airports where you have to push your carryon bag while using a cane. You can rearrange for wheel chair escorts. Did that for recent trip to Las Vegas, I was met at the entrance of the terminal, wheeled right to the front of the check in line (DH got to go through with me), wheelchair attendant put all my stuff on the conveyer belt and even wanted to take my shoes off for me. I use a cane to walk and got to board the plane even before the first class passengers. DH boarded with me also and I couldn't lift my carry on bag up into the overhang. Wheelchair service is free but it's a good idea to tip the attendant, also needs to be arranged at least a day before your flight. DH was so tired that he arranged for a wheelchair escort for out trip back home as the Vegas airport was huge.

If any public place in the United States refuses to allow you to use your own "handicapped" necessary scooter or wheelchair they are breaking the law! If they tell you that you MUST use one of their scooters all you have to do is state I am Disabled and must use my own wheelchair/scooter. If they refuse to let you -tell them they are breaking the law. Do not let them intimidate you!
Sorry but I can't believe the nerve of any show vendor trying to break the law so blatently.

Kat

I sure see your point on this one. Wow, seems like highway robbery. Must be an alternative. Wish you luck

Sometimes the ELKS LODGE will loan a wheelchair to you. We borrowed one for my Mother when we would go back from Texas to stay with her in Indiana for a couple weeks to visit. You never know until you ask.