The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden offers wheelchair rentals for visitors who require mobility assistance. This guide provides detailed information on the types of wheelchairs available, rental prices, and the process of renting a wheelchair for your zoo visit.
Types of Wheelchairs Available
- Standard Wheelchair: This is the typical wheelchair you see at hospitals. It can be self-propelled or pushed around. The 20″ model can hold up to 250lbs, while the 18″ model is designed to handle up to 200lbs. Brands include Drive Medical or Medline.
- Ultra-Light Standard Wheelchair: Ideal for portability, this wheelchair is lightweight, foldable, and fits in the trunk of almost any car. Brands include Karman or Drive Medical.
- Extra-Wide Wheelchair: Also known as bariatric wheelchairs, these come in 22″ or 24″ models and can hold up to 450lbs. They typically weigh around 50lbs and can be transported in a car.
- Pediatric Wheelchair: Designed for kids under 200lbs, these wheelchairs come with swing-away footrests and are available in different colors. Brands include Medline or similar.
- Electric Wheelchair (ECV): Available for rent at the Welcome Center, these wheelchairs are ideal for visitors who require more mobility assistance.
Rental Prices
| Wheelchair Type | 1 Day | 2 Days | 3 Days | 4 Days | 5 Days | 6 Days | 7 Days | 8 Days | 9 Days | 10 Days | Additional Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $45 | $60 | $70 | $80 | $95 | $105 | $115 | $130 | $145 | $155 | $5 |
| Ultra-Light | $55 | $70 | $85 | $100 | $115 | $125 | $135 | $150 | $165 | $175 | $7 |
| Extra-Wide | Varies based on rental duration | ||||||||||
| Pediatric | Varies based on rental duration | ||||||||||
| Electric (ECV) | Varies based on rental duration, limited quantities available online |
Rental Process
- Online Reservation: You can reserve a wheelchair online through the Cincinnati Zoo’s website or through third-party providers like Cloud of Goods.
- Welcome Center: Additional strollers and wheelchairs may be rented at the Welcome Center, located in Historic Vine Street Village, on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Delivery: Cloud of Goods offers delivery of wheelchairs to your hotel, residence, or attraction.
Accessibility Features
- ADA Compliance: The Cincinnati Zoo complies with ADA Title III regulations regarding service animals.
- Sensory-Friendly Restrooms: Manual flush toilets and paper towels are available instead of automatic flush and hand dryers.
- Tactile Elements: Various tactile elements are scattered throughout the zoo, including statues and sculptures that provide opportunities for tactile learning.
Additional Information
- Hours of Operation: The zoo is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm, with varying hours for different attractions.
- Parking: Parking lots are located across the street from the zoo, and visitors can enter the zoo using pedestrian bridges over Vine and Erkenbrecher streets.
- Discounts: Military and first responder discounts are available, as well as reciprocal zoo discounts for members of participating zoos.
References:
– Cincinnati Zoo Web Store. (n.d.). Ticket Selection. Retrieved from https://store.cincinnatizoo.org/webstore/shop/ViewItems.aspx?C=grp&CG=1
– Cloud of Goods. (n.d.). Wheelchair Rental for Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Retrieved from https://www.cloudofgoods.com/cincinnati-zoo-%26-botanical-garden-wheelchair-rental-cincinnati-oh-686_1_103_31_686
– Cincinnati Zoo. (n.d.). Wheelchair/Stroller Rental. Retrieved from https://map.cincinnatizoo.org/places/865-wheelchairstroller-rental
– Cincinnati Zoo. (n.d.). Plan Your Adventure. Retrieved from https://cincinnatizoo.org/plan-your-adventure/
– Cincinnati Zoo. (n.d.). Zoo Access for All. Retrieved from https://cincinnatizoo.org/plan-your-adventure/zoo-access-for-all/.