The
ECVs that are rented by the off-site companies normally are the three-wheel ECVs, unlike the 4-wheelers rented by Disney. They are much more maneuverable and there is much better control of the speed.
All the literature I have read is that generally the batteries are good for about 25 miles on a charge. Normally a person will go 8 to 10 miles in a day at WDW. Plugging it in overnight in your room will easily bring the batteries back to full charge. I have had some days where I would leave the
ECV in the car overnight and it was still good for the entire next day.
The rentals generally break into five pieces, the seat, the two battery packs, the motor/rear wheel assembly, and the main body (which includes thee front wheel tiller, seat mount, floorboards and battery brackets). The heaviest piece is 39 pounds.
As far as cars are concerned, to get all five parts into the trunk of a Buick Century (4-Door Sedan) is a tight fit; a Buick LeSabre has plenty of room, and a Buick Park Avenue is even larger. My wn car is a 1997 Ford Taurus 4-Door Sedan. I can get the entire ECV into the trunk, but find it easier to put the seat on the rear seat of the car.