Accessible Travel & Equipment Rentals in New York City, New York

New York City is a dynamic and endlessly intriguing destination—whether you’ve visited once or many times before. Contrary to perception, many of its top tourist sites are well-suited for wheelchair or mobility scooter users, making New York a rewarding destination for accessible travel.

We understand that using public transit can present challenges—only some subway stations and taxis are wheelchair‑accessible. Despite that, New York is highly walkable (or “wheel‑able”), and many attractions are fully accessible with a mobility scooter or wheelchair rental in NYC.

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Museums

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

As the most visited museum in NYC, the Met spans over 1.5 million square feet and houses collections by Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, and more. Alternate accessible entrance and fully wheelchair‑accessible galleries are available. Assistive listening devices, audio guides, and specialized programs for visitors with visual or hearing impairments are also offered upon request.

American Museum of Natural History

Home to over 30 million specimens including dinosaurs, a star sapphire, and the Rose Center for Earth & Space, this museum offers an accessible alternate entrance and fully wheelchair‑accessibility throughout exhibits. The museum provides assistive listening devices and, for visitors with visual impairments, touchable exhibits and a monthly Science Sense Tour.

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

MoMA features one of the world’s premier collections of modern and contemporary art. The entire facility is wheelchair‑accessible. Accessibility services include Braille maps, tactile models, touch tours with trained guides, audio tours, transcripts, and regular programs specifically for visitors with hearing impairments.

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National Historic Landmarks

New York City is home to over 100 National Historic Landmarks—from iconic buildings to historic ships. Most of these landmarks provide at least partial accessibility for visitors using mobility equipment.

Empire State Building

The 86th-floor observatory offers breathtaking 360-degree city views and is fully ADA compliant with lowered railings and accessible restrooms. Note: the 102nd-floor observatory is not wheelchair-accessible.

Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty welcomes visitors using wheelchairs into the tower lobby, museum, and lower promenade including Fort Wood. Access to the crown is not possible due to 354 stairs. Braille and large-print materials, tactile models, captioned theater, and an induction loop device are available as accessibility supports. Ferry access from Manhattan is accessible.

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Theatre & Broadway

A Broadway show is a quintessential New York experience. Many theatres offer designated wheelchair seating and infrared assistive listening devices. However, accessibility features—like restrooms—can vary. If you’re renting a wheelchair or mobility scooter in NYC and have specific needs, it’s best to communicate with the theatre’s box office in advance.

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Interesting Fact

Dutch explorer Peter Minuit purchased Manhattan Island for goods valued at approximately $24 in 1626. Today, the average price for an apartment in Manhattan (as of early 2011) was about $1.4 million.

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Plan Your Accessible Visit to New York

Special Needs Group offers wheelchair, power wheelchair, and mobility scooter rental services in New York City, with delivery to your hotel, residence, or cruise ship. Our support ensures you can explore the city with mobility, confidence, and independence.

Reserve your mobility equipment in NYC »
Contact us for assistance » or call 954‑585‑0575