Heading to Mecca with my Mom -- Some Advice Needed

I'm headed to Vegas in 16 days for a LONG trip. I'm excited that my mother will be joining me for about 5 days during the trip. She drives but has poor circulation in her right leg so often uses a cane. Never in her life has she used a scooter but I convinced her to let me order one as just walking from say our room at the Cosmo to the buffet would be waaay too long of a hike. I'm çonvinced she'll enjoy the trip more with a scooter.

So, I'd appreciate suggestions for a scooter company and any tips. Also, she will be flying solo to and from Vegas as I will already be there. I was told to order "wheelchair with assist" when I make her reservation because although she is mobile, again the hike from the gate to baggage claim is much too far.

Also, do cabs carry scooters in case we want to go from the strip to downtown or should I rent a car?

All tips and things I should think about that may not be obvious would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

I've heard good things about Las Vegas Scooters, https://www.702scooters.com/. I'd rent a car for a day or two if I planned to take someone with mobility issues off strip. It will make life easier. If mom has a handicap placard, ask her to bring. It will make parking easier especially if you go to non casino locations.

One of my relatives has a mobility issue. Staying at Paris worked well for them as room elevators are close to the casino floor and none of the rooms are located too far from the elevator. They always ask for a room close to the elevators to eliminate the long walks.

With wheelchair assist, someone from the airline will meet her wherever she checks in. They will then take her through security to the gate and assist getting on the plane if necessary. Once in Vegas, they will meet her at the gate and bring her to you (passenger waiting area outside security) or to the door by baggage claim.

Enjoy your trip.

Has Mom been to Las Vegas before? As one who may be about your Mom's age, I would be terrified to have to "learn" a scooter in an already confusing place. Maybe she'll do great, and enjoy it.

I like the Paris suggestion where everything is close. I gets pretty crowded in that main hallway, though. Plus the cobblestone floor doesn't help.

Best wishes,
- bcc

Hello,

We took my brother in law to Laughlin with us a few months ago. He has mobility issues as well and it was revealing to me how much walking someone has to do in the average casino- from room to the elevators, to the restaurants to the casino floor and back again. We found ourselves modifying our plans so that we arranged rest stops along the way so he could sit for a while. He also was slower than many other people so we needed to be sensitive to allowing people to go by us.

Good luck and have a great time with Mom.

My late husband used a scooter in Las Vegas and loved it. Most of the trouble she will have, is first getting used to the controls. They are actually very easy. You squeeze the handle to make it go, if you release the handle the brake come on. That way she can stop even on a hill, or incline. Some cabs do have wheelchair access and will take scooters. You have to ask for one. The bus system does take wheelchairs or scooters. In fact you board first in front of any other passengers.
Another idea you might consider if renting a wheelchair for her trip. She might balk a bit. Convincing her to take a wheelchair takes some talking. It is more work for you. The advantage is that she will not run into other people as often in a wheelchair as she might with a scooter. People do not get out of your way when you are on scooter. They do get out of the way of a wheelchair. Do not understand the reason for this, just making a comment due to lots of experience.
Either scooter or wheelchair, be aware that Vegas is wonderful to the handicapped. You go to the front of the buffet lines, there is special seating at most shows. Even TI. Waitresses will remove a chair from your table to make room for either the scooter or a wheelchair.
I did talk my mother in law into using a wheelchair in Vegas. She loved it after she got used to the idea.
The airports are good about helping handicapped.
Did you think about getting a handicapped room? The grab bars and higher toilet are really helpful.
Any other questions, send me a message. Mary

I found pushing a wheelchair on casino carpets to be very hard work.

I think the scooter is a great idea. Hopefully your mom will realize it will make the trip more fun for both of you. LV is well designed to handle electric scooters and wheelchairs.

Can't speak to Vegas but I have friends who have mobility issues and use wheel chairs in the airport. Talk her into if needed, and arrive about a 1/2 hr. early. So many of the airports have very, very long walks even for a younger healthy person.

DT is much friendlier than the strip for scooters. I remember reading that if you rent a car and valet they will put the scooter in for you.

Have a great time, I wish I could get my Dad to go back to LV. I have many fond memories of he and I gambling, and eating hot dogs LOL.

Thanks everyone for all of the great suggestions.

Lisa, she does have a placard so I'll have her bring it if I rent a car.

BCC, my mom has visited Vegas before, most recently about 5 years ago during my last long trip but her mobility -- because of her right leg -- has been much reduced since then.

Holdemhoney, I hadn't thought about a handicapped room because she should be fine with a regular t bathroom but I think grab bars are safer generally so I may check it out.

I am getting Celine Dion tickets -- it is has been MY dream to take her to a Celine concert because she loves her music -- and I am so glad we can finally do so. I realized reading everyone's comments that I'll need to get a seat that doesn't involve much walking from where we park the scooter.

You have it the jackpot when it comes to getting show tickets and have a wheelchair or scooter. Mention it when you order your tickets and they will give you special seating at no extra charge.