This summer, I was excited to visit the Bronx Zoo—a place that promises not only a connection to wildlife but also a space where all guests can experience nature. Unfortunately, my visit was cut short when I discovered that my personal mobility device, a two-wheeled electric scooter, wasn’t allowed in the park.
As someone who relies on this device due to a disability, the incident was more than an inconvenience—it was a reminder of how accessibility is still an afterthought in many public spaces.
The Incident
When I called the zoo ahead of my visit, I was told scooters were allowed, and I assumed this included my electric scooter. Upon arrival, however, I was stopped at the entrance.
The staff explained that only three-wheeled scooters—what they considered “standard mobility devices”—were permitted.
My explanation that this was my mobility device, crucial for navigating the park, seemed to fall on deaf ears. Eventually, I had no choice but to leave. While I appreciated the zoo processing a refund for my tickets, the experience left a sour taste.
The Follow-Up
A few days later, I received an apologetic email from the Bronx Zoo’s Director of Visitor Services. The email acknowledged the misunderstanding, citing the staff’s unfamiliarity with electric bicycles or scooters being used as mobility aids. While I appreciate the zoo’s willingness to investigate and potentially revise its policies, the experience underscored a broader issue: public spaces often lack clarity, training, and inclusivity when it comes to accessibility.
Accessibility Is More Than Ramps
The ADA and similar regulations have made strides toward improving access, but these laws are only the beginning. True accessibility requires understanding the evolving ways people move through the world, especially as technology introduces new mobility options. My electric scooter isn’t a recreational device—it’s a necessity. Yet, because it doesn’t fit the traditional mold of a “mobility device,” I was excluded from participating in a public space.
The Broader Issue
This incident reflects a larger pattern of inaccessibility:
Lack of Awareness: Staff members often aren’t trained to recognize or accommodate newer mobility devices.
Rigid Policies: Rules are frequently written with a narrow definition of disability or assistive devices, excluding those with nontraditional needs.
Missed Opportunities: Spaces like zoos, which claim to be inclusive, fail to anticipate or adapt to the diverse needs of their visitors.
Moving Forward
I’m hopeful that the Bronx Zoo will follow through on its commitment to revising its policies and training its staff. Accessibility isn’t a one-size-fits-all issue, and as devices evolve, so must the spaces we inhabit.
To the Bronx Zoo and other public spaces: inclusion is more than a checklist. It’s about creating environments where everyone—regardless of their abilities—can participate fully and freely.
To fellow mobility device users: don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself. Every voice adds to the push for change, making our world more accessible one step (or scooter ride) at a time.
Have you had similar experiences with accessibility? Share your thoughts below. Let’s work together to ensure inclusion becomes the norm, not the exception.
Author Info:
Max E. Guttman
Max E. Guttman is the owner of Mindful Living LCSW, PLLC, a private mental health practice in Yonkers, New York.
