Where can I rent a ramp or a light wheelchair in Chicago for tomorrow?

June 17, 2013 3:21 PM

I am doing a fundraising event tomorrow evening at Reza's Restaurant in the River North neighborhood of Chicago, in a second floor private room. I was just informed that two guests who use motorized wheelchairs are coming. When I called Reza's to double check the capacity of their lift, they said it cannot accommodate the weight of motorized chairs. Legality and ADA-compliance aside, I want to make sure that all of my guests can get to the event. Where can I rent either a ramp (because the restaurant does not have one of their own) or a light, airport-style wheelchair TOMORROW?
posted by deliciae to Grab Bag (10 answers total)

Just to clarify, you're asking about a ramp to go up to a second floor? As in, one or two flights of stairs? Or a few stairs? Because you have to take the slope into consideration.

I wouldn't assume the folks in a motorized chair would be thrilled (or possibly even able) to be moved to a regular rental chair at the venue. You'd have to clear that with them first. They may have a separate chair that they're willing to use for a night if assistance is available but don't count on it.

Are you sure the lift can't take one motorized chair at a time? Were they assuming both at once? It seems a bit strange that the extra weight would be such a big issue in a commercial environment, but then again, not at all surprising.
posted by barnone at 3:30 PM on June 17, 2013

What does 'second floor' mean here? I haven't been in Reza's in a while, but, as I recall, there's a small lobby thing on ground level, that has a coffee roaster (or something) and maybe a few tables, then there's a short flight up steps up into the main part of the restaurant. Is that the second floor or is there another storey?

Since you're talking about a ramp, I'm assuming you mean up that short flight of steps. Here's a random site on figuring out how long a ramp needs to be. But I'd worry about even being able to get a 3:12 or 2:12 ramp into that space (again with the caveat that I haven't been in a few years). I also know nothing about whether, say, a 3:12 ramp would get the job done without inconvenience to your guests even if it's not the ADA standard.
posted by hoyland at 3:42 PM on June 17, 2013

And...I have no knowledge of this restaurant one way or another. But if someone could physically go there and look at the lift signage or permit, that would be best. Many businesses are not usually known for going out of their way with accommodations and could be trying to wave you off. Again, I could be wrong, but you might want to verify yourself.
posted by barnone at 3:45 PM on June 17, 2013

Response by poster: Yes, the ramp would go up to the second floor - mezzanine level? The main restaurant seating is on the ground floor in this location. This was the solution suggested to me by the restaurant. I am not thrilled about this because it is a steep grade but their idea was to use it to get the chairs up and a light wheelchair to get the people up.

I am in contact with my guests and both have said they would switch to the light wheelchair if one was available, so if I could find one with less than 24 hours notice, that would help.

The restaurant says the lift motor cannot haul more than 350#. One of the guests told me she weighs 137# and her chair weighs 237#, so that is over 350# right there.

I've worked with this venue before and we have a good relationship; I have seen the lift and it is small so I don't think they are putting one over on us. It wouldn't be an event if something like this didn't come down at the absolute last minute - thanks for your ideas, all; please keep 'em coming.
posted by deliciae at 3:48 PM on June 17, 2013

Best answer: It's a PITA but. Just a light wheelchair would do it. Transfer guest to light wheelchair, have them ride up, push chair off, send lift back down, and maneuver electric chair on, send that up, take it off up top and transfer person to electric chair. Rinse repeat.

So you'd need just a wheelchair and not a ramp.

Look for medical supply places perhaps. They sometimes rent them out, and/or may be a good place to tell you where to go to rent if needed.

Absolute worst have the individuals transfer to a stationary chair on the life and then off the lift and send electric chair up separately as well.


Me? I'd be somewhat pissed at the restaurant with such a jackass lift.
posted by edgeways at 3:58 PM on June 17, 2013 [4 favorites]

Best answer: In that case, yes, don't bother with the ramp. Too precarious. Get the light chair and have them go up in the lift, then transfer to their regular chair. Most medical supply stores or drugstores near hospitals will have a wheelchair.
posted by barnone at 4:05 PM on June 17, 2013

Best answer: Howard Medical has them. Google "wheelchair rental Chicago" and a bunch of places come up.
posted by barnone at 4:09 PM on June 17, 2013

And ask if they'd like to arrive early to get the transfers finished before others arrive. Depending on the person, they might prefer a bit of privacy during the maneuvering.
posted by barnone at 4:11 PM on June 17, 2013

Last thing, "medical supply rental Chicago" is also a useful search term.
posted by barnone at 4:19 PM on June 17, 2013

Response by poster: barnone, Howard looks like it will work out - thanks for the tip. I was worried that most of the places would need a longer lead time than less than 24 hours (hence the question on the green) but that was a great suggestion. Appreciate the input, y'all!
posted by deliciae at 6:58 PM on June 17, 2013