Is NYC wheelchair friendly? My husband is wheelchair bound, we want to visit and do all the muesuems and central park - should we rent a scooter or motorized? he only uses a manual chair at the time - we will stay midtown - thx!

Thanks to the ADA, virtually EVERYTHING in the USA is now wheelchair-friendly!

ChristieP's response isn't true in NY with many landmark buildings. Most of the museums and major sites will be handicap accessible, but not all (e.g. the Met is, but the Cloisters is not entirely). Many restaurants, shops, etc. are not. (My mom is disabled so it something I am conscious of). I would check websites and call ahead to places.

I'm not sure about your question though, unless I'm missing something - the scooter issue is whether he has (or you have) the strength/energy to get around without it, isn't it? I would guess that it would make the trips to museums, the park, and places with lots of distances more enjoyable, although you may have problems with cabs and a scooter. All buses are handicap accessible with electric ramps, most subway stations are not.

Paranthetically, keep in mind that this a city where I've seen half-million dollar apartments that were 4th floor walk-ups...

It takes some getting used to a scooter or motorized wheelchair. Also, they will not fold and fit in cabs like manual w/c. Issue , though, is whether or not he (or you) will be able to push wheelchair over whatever distances you travel.

As stated, all public buses are wheelchair accessible. Some subway stations are--the subway map shows which ones. At most street corners, curbs have be made with ramps for easier access to cross streets. Most sites for visitors will have wheelchair access, though for older buildings it might mean going round the corner to a side entrance.

Subway stations in Midtown can be a PIA and older buildings downtown are difficult.

City bus is your best mode of transportation.

Do a google search but there is a site out there that is something like www.handicap-accessable.com or the like for wheelchair travel.

Central Park is a lovely place and is very wheelchair friendly.

For wheelchair accesable New York City attractions, accommodations, transportations, etc.

http://www.access-able.com/dBase/results-nacity.cfm