Allerton Park and Retreat Center has a limited number of accessibility power chairs available for use at the Park. The chairs must be booked 48 hours in advance. To ensure that the power chair you would like to borrow is available when you need it, please request as far in advance as possible. Sessions are for two hours unless otherwise requested.
- Power chair reservations are for 16+ year-old individuals with low mobility or a disability. All individuals must have a valid photo ID and a credit card that will be held for the duration of the reservation.
- Allow 15-20 minutes for checking out equipment. It is the responsibility of the user to follow all instructions and rules presented by staff at check out. During your vehicle introduction, if something is missing or in need of repair, the staff member must be notified so it can be recorded before taking the equipment out. If for some reason, the user fails to inspect the equipment, they are still held responsible for damaged or missing equipment upon its return.
- Each user of equipment must sign a liability waiver when checking out the equipment. The user agrees to pay for any damages or loss of equipment and also agrees not to hold the University, Allerton Park & Retreat Center, its employees, or the State of Illinois responsible for injuries, accidents, or other mishaps which may occur while using the equipment.
- A limit of one piece of equipment may be checked out per person.
- Equipment must be returned by the specified time. Returned equipment will be checked and inspected by Allerton staff. Fines for wet, dirty, lost, or damaged equipment will also be assessed. No equipment will be checked out after 3 hours prior to closing time.
- Should equipment be lost or damaged beyond repair the user will pay a fee on return and additional fines for the replacement cost may be assessed. Fines not paid when equipment is returned will be charged to the renter’s credit card.
- Power chair reservations can be scheduled when the Gift Shop of the Visitor Center is open – Wednesday through Sunday, with times starting at 10am and ending at 2pm.
- Request equipment reservations here or call (217) 333-3287.
Safety and Use
At Allerton Park, we want to make sure you have a safe ride on your power chair. Rule enforcement for the power chairs is not meant to discourage people from using the equipment, but to encourage them to ride in a safe, predictable way for everyone’s safety and benefit.
These are the most important points to remember when using a power chair at Allerton Park.
- Use the power chairs as directed to avoid the risk of injury.
- Power chairs are for use only on surfaces and places as noted in the vehicle instructions given at check out. Driving power chairs on the road is prohibited, unless express permission is received in advance.
- Drive slowly. The speed limit dial must be set to ½ at all times on the Single and Double-Seat Power Chairs and set to the low or middle setting only on the Zoomability Power Chair.
- Reduce speed for turns as the power chairs may tip when turning at high speed.
- Stopping distance at max speed is 9 feet.
- Weight limit for Single-Seat and Double-Seat Power Chairs is 350lbs. Weight limit for Zoomability Power Chair is 300lbs.
- One rider is permitted for Single-Seat and Zoomability Power Chairs. Two riders are permitted for the Double-Seat Power Chair with a combined weight limit of 350lbs.
- Alert pedestrians of your presence by telling them which way you are going. They will appreciate the heads-up!
- Always shut off the power chair if you park, to conserve battery.
- Avoid distractions: alcohol, smoking, cell phone, walkie talkie and laptop use are prohibited.
- Use of a helmet is required for the Zoomability Power Chair.
- If it begins raining, please return the equipment immediately.
