Choosing Portable Ramps For Wheelchair Accessibility
Portable ramps are an ideal way to help wheelchair users navigate up and down inclines, such as stairs or curbs. They are lightweight and can be folded up or folded for stowing away.
Local accessibility equipment retailers and medical supply stores provide a variety of ramps. Online retailers offer detailed descriptions of the ramps, reviews, and comparison tools of various ramps.
Portable Ramps that Fold Fold
Folding portable ramps make for an extremely practical wheelchair accessibility solution for wheelchairs. They can be positioned in a variety of locations to facilitate accessibility for wheelchair users to overcome obstacles like stairs, curbs and elevated surfaces. They are also less expensive and difficult to maintain than in-floor ramps, which makes them an appealing option for many people.
When choosing a folding portable ramp, there are several factors to consider such as the weight and size of your scooter, wheelchair or other mobility device and the location that you intend to use it. The ideal ramp will have an incline that is equal to or slightly greater than the incline of the step or obstacle it is used to traverse. If you're unsure of the right ramp height for you, consult with healthcare professionals or accessibility experts for advice.
Ramps come in different designs, styles and capacities that can be customized to meet your individual mobility and wheelchair requirements. There are a myriad of options that range from simple threshold ramps for doorways with small openings up to full-length ramps that can be loaded into the back of vehicles.
In addition to being compact and lightweight portable ramps for wheelchairs are generally constructed from durable materials to ensure their strength and durability. They also come with a non-slip material to reduce the possibility that you fall and slip regardless of the weather.
The most commonly used kind of portable ramp is a single fold ramp that folds up and secured with the center hinge. Some models come with another hinge across the length of the ramp, which helps assist in distributing the weight. This allows for a greater load capacity. Others are designed to be folded into several pieces and be carried in a similar manner to a suitcase for maximum convenience. Still others are built from a set of linked links that can be joined or removed to make a custom length ramp, and then they can be folded into a cylinder for easy storage. These kinds of ramps are usually called "roll-a-ramps". All of the various design ramps available for portable provide high levels of security, ease of use and portability.
Easy to Setup
When you are looking for ramps, you'll want to choose one that is simple to set up and use. Because portable ramps are intended to be rolled around on occasion and may require storage between use and re-use, the ability to build or disassemble them is a must. Some models fold in half or quarters and are sized such that they can fit in most vehicles. This makes transportation simple. Some models have handles which make them easy to carry around like a suitcase. They are ideal for loading a powerchair into a van or climbing short inclines.
Based on the kind of ramp you choose, it may also be important to consider how much weight the car ramp for electric wheelchair can handle. If you're using a powered steel wheelchair ramps and require a higher maximum capacity, you may have to think about ramps that provide more strength and stability than those intended for manual wheelchairs or scooters.
If you are unsure of which type of ramp would best meet your needs, you may need to speak with our Ramp Experts. They can help you decide which is best suited to your needs and answer any questions that you may have. They can also calculate the amount of incline required and offer suggestions regarding the appropriate length of ramp for your needs.
Another thing to take into consideration is the material that your ramp is made from. Wood joist ramps are constructed of extremely rough pressed wood and can be difficult to handle with your hands alone and could cause fractures. You can attach plastic handles to the outside edges of each board to make it easier to work with.
Another option that's ideal for those who frequently travel, are looking for an easy-to-use ramp to get over single step entrances or require an instant set-up and unfolding is an incline channel ramp. This style features an aluminum frame that has tracks on which wheels are positioned so you can simply roll the ramp onto the track and be ready to use. These ramps can be rolled into your vehicle's back or onto the plane.
Less Expensive Than In-Floor Ramps
Both ramps that fold out and those that are in-floor offer a number of benefits that can assist people with limited mobility. There are some major differences between the two ramp styles which can help you decide.
Some people prefer a fold-out, portable ramp that can be stored in the vehicle's doorway and then extended outwards to be used. The ramp is easily accessed by the user and is able to be moved either manually or mechanically at the push of the button. The ramp's floor is perforated to make cleaning and maintaining it simpler. In addition, some models have safety belts that help secure the wheelchair while it is in use.
The ramps that fold-out fold are useful for both side-entry or rear-entry conversions. This means they are able to be fitted to vehicles like the Honda Element and Chevrolet Traverse. In-floor ramps are ideal for rear-entry conversions. This allows the wheelchair to be placed behind the driver's seat, which is a great option for families or those who travel with other wheelchair users.
In addition that, fold-out ramps are typically cheaper than in-floor ramps. This is due to the fact that they require fewer components to operate and can be stored in a smaller space than an in-floor ramp. This can reduce the time and cost on maintenance.
Be aware that the cost of ramps may not always be fixed. Numerous factors can affect its cost, including material as well as location and labour. A ramp made from Trex for instance is more expensive than one made of aluminum. Some states' Medicaid programs may also cover the cost of a ramp, however, they typically have a variety of requirements and stipulations. Medicare for instance requires that a physician declare the ramp to be medically necessary to be covered. This is due to the fact that the government recognizes that ramps can improve the quality of life for those with disabilities.
Less Complex Maintenance
In addition to ensuring that your ramps are free of snow, debris and ice, you should ensure that the ramp is safe for those who use it. It is essential to install rails to prevent wheelchairs from falling off the edge. Also the slope of the ramp must be at a safe level and not too steep or shallow. You should also salt the ramps like you would sidewalks or roads to aid in traction.
If you need to transport your ramp quickly you should choose one that can be folded up or removed. They are usually designed to fit into the back of your vehicle and come with handles that make it easy to carry. They may be more expensive than in-floor ones, but they can save you money on a permanent installation. This is a great option for those who are who are looking for temporary wheelchair accessibility solutions.
Another type of portable ramp is a threshold ramp, which can be used to bridge small gaps in height like doorways and single steps. These are usually utilized in businesses and homes to make it easier for wheelchairs or scooters to maneuver through these obstacles, and then continue through the doorway.
Threshold ramps are generally made of aluminum, which is lightweight, and are smaller than other types of wheelchair ramps. They can be easily folded up and put away in a closet or even in the trunk of your car boot Ramp for wheelchair when it is not in use.
A Telescoping ramp is akin to a threshold ramp but can be used to assist in loading mobility scooters into the back of vans. This ramp features two narrow channels which extend and retract to match the wheels on a mobility scooter or movable wheelchair ramp. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with a threshold at the entrance to your business or home.
If you are shopping for a ramp that will improve accessibility at your business or home, consider connecting with local disability organizations. They may have a network of suppliers and manufacturers, and can give you recommendations or direct you to reliable resources that sell ramps at affordable prices. Additionally, they could be aware of any financial assistance programs that may be available to purchase accessible equipment like a wheelchair ramp.