
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium offers a variety of rental options to enhance the visitor experience. These include motorized scooters, known as Scooter Pals, which were introduced in summer 2024. These scooters are designed to look like furry animals from the zoo, such as a panda, rhino, and giraffe, and can accommodate up to two riders. They are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis near the rides in Adventure Cove and at the Wild Explorer Virtual Reality Theater. In addition to Scooter Pals, the zoo also offers rentals of wheelchairs, strollers, and lockers on a first-come, first-served basis near the zoo's entrance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of scooters | Scooter Pals |
| Description | Motorized stuffed animals on wheels that look like zoo animals |
| Cost | $5 to activate and 35 cents per minute |
| Capacity | 2 riders |
| Weight limit | 440 pounds |
| Rider height | Minimum 36 inches |
| Rider age | Minimum 16 years to rent and drive |
| Areas accessible | Adventure Cove, Conservation Lake, main path on the west side, Asia Quest loop |
| Rental location | Main entrance, Wild Explorer Virtual Reality theater, rides in Adventure Cove |
| Rental process | Scan QR code, fill out a form, pay with credit card |
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What You'll Learn
- Columbus Zoo rents out motorized scooters, called Scooter Pals
- Scooter Pals are available on a first-come, first-served basis
- They are programmed to operate in specific areas of the zoo
- The zoo also offers wheelchairs and strollers for rent
- Guests must be 16 years or older to rent and drive Scooter Pals

Columbus Zoo rents out motorized scooters, called Scooter Pals
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium rents out motorized scooters, called Scooter Pals, offering guests a unique and fun way to get around the zoo. These scooters are large stuffed animals on wheels, designed to look like various zoo animals, including a rhino, panda bear, giraffe, bear, and alligator. With a weight limit of 440 pounds, they can accommodate up to two riders.
Scooter Pals are available as timed rentals, allowing renters to ride for as little or as long as they wish. To rent a Scooter Pal, individuals must be at least 16 years old and 36 inches tall. The rental process is simple: riders scan a QR code, complete a form, and pay using a credit card. The scooters cost $5 to activate and 35 cents per minute.
These scooters are programmed to operate within specific areas of the zoo, including Adventure Cove, Conservation Lake, the main path on the west side, and the Asia Quest loop. Outside of these designated areas, the scooters will slow to a stop until riders re-enter an authorized zone. Scooter Pals are not intended as mobility devices or replacements for ECVs, and guests must be aware that they are not ADA-compliant.
The Columbus Zoo also offers other rental options for guests who require mobility support or simply want a convenient way to get around. These include wheelchairs, strollers, and traditional electric scooters. All rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and guests can find the rental desk just inside the main entrance of the zoo.
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Scooter Pals are available on a first-come, first-served basis
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium recently launched its new "Scooter Pals" to help people who want to ride around certain areas of the zoo. These scooters are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be rented at the main entrance of the zoo or at the Wild Explorer Virtual Reality Theatre.
Scooter Pals are large stuffed animals on wheels with seats, allowing people to ride around parts of the property. They are programmed to operate within specific areas of the zoo, including Adventure Cove, Conservation Lake, the main path on the west side, and the Asia Quest loop. Beyond these designated spots, the scooter will gradually come to a stop until the riders re-enter one of the authorised zones.
These scooters are an excellent option for those seeking a unique and entertaining way to explore the zoo. With a capacity of up to two riders, they offer a fun experience for both children and adults. The scooters are available for rent near the rides in Adventure Cove, providing easy access for visitors wishing to utilise them.
The rental process for Scooter Pals is straightforward and convenient. To rent a Scooter Pal, individuals can scan the QR code located at the rental location, complete a form, and proceed with the rental. The scooters cost $5 to activate and 35 cents per minute. It's important to note that these scooters are not intended as a replacement for an ECV or mobility device. The zoo still offers wheelchair and scooter rentals for individuals who require assistance with mobility throughout the entire zoo.
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They are programmed to operate in specific areas of the zoo
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has introduced a new way for visitors to explore the zoo with the launch of its new "Scooter Pals". These scooters are programmed to operate within specific areas of the zoo, providing a fun and unique experience for guests.
Scooter Pals are motorized scooters designed to look like adorable stuffed animals on wheels, with a variety of zoo animal characters to choose from, including a rhino, panda bear, giraffe, and more. They offer a fun and novel way to get around the zoo, accommodating up to two riders with a weight limit of 440 pounds.
The scooters are programmed to operate within designated areas of the zoo, including Adventure Cove, Conservation Lake, the main path on the west side of the zoo, and the Asia Quest loop. These scooters are an excellent option for those seeking a quick thrill or a leisurely tour as they can be rented for as little or as long as desired.
Riders can easily rent a Scooter Pal by scanning the QR code located at the rental location, completing a form, and providing payment information. The scooters cost $5 to activate and 35 cents per minute, making them an affordable option for visitors. It's important to note that Scooter Pals are not intended to replace ECVs or mobility devices and are designed for guests aged 16 years and older who meet the height and weight requirements.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is committed to providing a fun and accessible experience for all its guests, and the introduction of Scooter Pals adds a unique and entertaining dimension to exploring the zoo. These scooters not only offer a practical means of transportation but also enhance the overall visitor experience, making memories that will last a lifetime.
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$119.99

The zoo also offers wheelchairs and strollers for rent
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium offers a range of rental options to ensure a fun and stress-free experience for all visitors. The zoo provides wheelchairs and strollers for rent, catering to those who need assistance with mobility or simply want a convenient way to navigate the park. These rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing visitors to explore the zoo at their own pace.
The wheelchairs offered by the Columbus Zoo include both manual and motorized options. The manual wheelchairs are available for $15 plus tax, providing an affordable solution for individuals who may find walking long distances challenging. For those seeking a more advanced option, the zoo also offers electric scooters, which are available for $37 plus tax. These scooters offer a fun and efficient way to move around, enhancing the overall visitor experience. It is important to note that these scooters are intended for individuals who require mobility assistance and are not considered recreational devices. The zoo emphasizes that guests must be at least 18 years old to operate the scooters, and the maximum weight capacity is 300 lbs.
In addition to wheelchairs and scooters, the Columbus Zoo also offers stroller rentals. Strollers are an excellent option for families with young children, providing a comfortable and convenient way to navigate the zoo. With the stroller option, parents can focus on creating memorable experiences with their little ones without the added strain of carrying them or their belongings. The availability of strollers contributes to the zoo's commitment to accessibility and family-friendly experiences.
The rental process at the Columbus Zoo is straightforward and convenient. Visitors can find the rental desk just inside the main entrance of the zoo. The rentals are subject to state sales tax and are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring equal opportunities for all guests. While personal strollers and wheelchairs are also permitted within the zoo premises, the rental option offers a convenient alternative for those who may have forgotten or prefer the convenience of renting on-site.
In addition to mobility aids, the Columbus Zoo also offers other amenities to enhance accessibility. Sensory kits, including noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, and fidget devices, are available at Guest Relations for a $10 refundable deposit. The zoo also offers quiet hours, providing a more sensory-friendly experience with reduced sounds, music, and visual stimuli. During these designated periods, certain attractions feature lowered noise and visual effects, creating a calmer environment for visitors who may benefit from these adjustments.
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Guests must be 16 years or older to rent and drive Scooter Pals
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium recently launched its new "Scooter Pals" to help people who want to ride around certain areas of the zoo. These scooters are motorized stuffed animals on wheels, offering a unique way to get around the zoo in style. They are programmed to operate within specific areas, including Adventure Cove, Conservation Lake, the main path on the west side of the zoo, and the Asia Quest loop.
Scooter Pals are available as timed rentals, allowing renters to ride for as little or as long as they wish. The scooters can accommodate up to two riders, with a total weight capacity of 440 pounds. To rent a Scooter Pal, individuals must be 16 years or older and taller than 36 inches. The rental process is straightforward: simply scan the QR code at the rental location, typically near the rides in Adventure Cove or the Wild Explorer Virtual Reality Theatre, complete a form, and start riding. The scooters cost $5 to activate and $0.35 per minute.
It is important to note that Scooter Pals are not intended as a replacement for an ECV or mobility device. The Columbus Zoo also offers wheelchair and scooter rentals for individuals who need assistance with mobility. These rentals are subject to state sales tax and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests must be at least 18 years old to operate these scooters, and they are not ADA-compliant mobility devices.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is committed to providing a fun and accessible experience for all its guests. With the introduction of Scooter Pals, the zoo offers a novel and entertaining way for older guests to explore the zoo while accommodating those who may require mobility assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Columbus Zoo offers motorized scooters, called 'Scooter Pals', for rent. These scooters are large stuffed animals on wheels with seats, and they can accommodate up to two riders.
The Scooter Pals cost $5 to activate and 35 cents per minute. They are available as timed rentals, meaning you can rent them for as long as you want.
Scooter Pals can be rented at the main entrance of the zoo or near the rides in Adventure Cove. To rent a Scooter Pal, simply scan the QR code at the rental location, complete a form, and provide your credit card information.











































