Absolutely, you’re asking the right question. When you need a street bench that’s truly wheelchair accessible, you’re looking for more than just a standard bench with extra space. You’re looking for inclusive design that allows a person using a wheelchair to pull right up and sit alongside their companion, not just in front of or behind them.
Yes, we have models specifically designed for this. The key feature you want is a bench with an accessible space at the end or in the middle. Look for what's often called a “wheelchair companion bench” or an “accessible seating unit.” These benches typically have a section that is open—no armrest, and sometimes even a slight cutout or a lowered seat height on one side—so that a wheelchair user can position themselves directly beside a seated person.
One popular design is a bench with an armrest that flips up or is completely omitted on one end. This allows the wheelchair to pull alongside. Some models even have a tabletop or a shared arm surface between the bench seat and the wheelchair spot, which is fantastic for socializing, eating, or simply enjoying the view together.
It’s also important to check if the bench is ADA compliant (Americans with Disabilities Act). Ada guidelines don’t always mandate a specific “wheelchair space” on a bench, but they do require that accessible routes lead to it, and that the bench surface is stable, firm, and slip-resistant. Many of our commercial-grade models meet these standards while offering that crucial side-access.
So, in short: yes, you can find a street bench that lets someone sit alongside a wheelchair. Look for models with a designated wheelchair space, a flip-up armrest, or an open-ended design. That’s how you get true accessibility, not just compliance.