Choosing Portable Ramps For Wheelchair Accessibility

Portable ramps are a great solution for helping wheelchair users climb up steep slopes like steps or curbs. They are light and can be rolled up or folded for stowing away.

Local accessibility equipment retailers and medical supply stores provide numerous ramps. Online retailers also offer detailed descriptions reviews, comparators for different ramps.

Folding Portable Ramps

Folding portable ramps make for an extremely convenient wheelchair accessibility solution for wheelchairs. They can be deployed in various locations to improve accessibility for wheelchair users in order to navigate obstacles such as curbs, steps and raised surfaces. They also require less complex and costly maintenance than ramps that are in the floor, making them a more attractive option for many people.

When selecting a portable folding ramp, you should consider several factors, including the weight and size of your wheelchair, mobility device or scooter, as well as the surface that you will be using it on. Ideally, the ramp should have an incline that is similar to or slightly higher than the incline of the step or obstacle it is used to traverse. Consult with accessibility experts or healthcare professionals for guidance if you are not sure of the right ramp height for your requirements.

Ramps are available in many different designs, styles and capacities that can be adapted to accommodate your individual mobility and wheelchair needs. There are many options available that range from simple threshold ramps that are suitable for small doors up to full-length ramps that can be loaded into the back of vehicles.

In addition to being lightweight and compact portable ramps for wheelchairs are typically made of robust materials to ensure their durability and strength. They also come with a non-slip material to reduce the risk that you will fall and slip in any weather condition.

The most common kind of portable ramp is a single-fold one that folds up and secured with an elongated hinge. Certain models have a second hinge located across the width of the ramp, which helps to support and distribute the weight. This allows for a greater load capacity. Other models are designed to be folded into multiple pieces, and can be carried around in a manner similar to a suitcase, providing ultimate convenience. Still others are built from a set of linked links that can be added or removed to create a custom length ramp, and then they can be folded into a cylinder for simple storage. These ramps are often referred as "roll-a'ramps". The various styles of portable ramps are designed to provide high levels in safety, portability, and ease of use.

Easy to Setup

You'll need a ramp that is easy to use and set up. Portable ramps may be used on occasion and may have to be stored in between uses. This is why it's crucial that they're easy to assemble or disassemble. Some models are designed to fold in half or into quarters and are sized to fit in most vehicles, making transportation seamless. Certain models have handles which make them easy to carry like a suitcase. They are great to load a power chair into a van or for climbing short slopes.

It's important to think about the weight that your ramp can hold according to the kind you select. If you are using a power chair and need an extra capacity, you might think about ramps that have more strength and stability.

If you're unsure what type of ramp will best suit your needs, it could be beneficial to speak with one of our Ramp Experts who can assist you in determining what is the most appropriate and answer any questions you might have. They can also assist you to determine the amount of slope you'll require and offer suggestions on the best ramp length to meet your needs.

Another thing to take into consideration is the material that your ramp is made from. Wood joists are constructed from rough pressed wood that is difficult to hold with your hands. They may even cause fractures. You can attach handles made of plastic to the outside edge of each board to make it easier to work with.

Another option that's ideal for those who frequently travel or are in search of a threshhold ramp to help navigate single-step entrances, or need an instant set-up and unfolding is a track channel ramp. This style has an aluminum frame and wheels attached to tracks. It is easy to roll the ramp into the right position. The ramps can be easily placed on the back of your vehicle or onto the plane.

Costs less than In-Floor Ramps

Both ramps that fold out and those that are in-floor offer a number of benefits that can benefit people with limited mobility. However, there are a few important differences that can help you decide the best ramp design.

Some prefer a portable ramp that folds out that can be placed in the car's doorway and then extended outward to be utilized. The ramp is accessible to the user and can be lowered either manually or mechanically at the touch of an button. The ramp's floor is perforated to make cleaning and maintaining it simpler. Certain models also have safety belts that help secure the wheelchair when in use.

The fold-out ramps are also useful for side-entry or rear-entry conversions. This means that they can be fitted to vehicles like the Honda Element and Chevrolet Traverse. In-floor ramps are ideal for rear-entry conversions. This permits the wheelchair to be placed behind the driver's seat, which can be a good choice for families or people who travel with non-wheelchair users.

Fold-out ramps are also more affordable than the in-floor ones. They are easier to use and store, because they are made of fewer components. This can cut down on the amount of time and money you have to spend on maintenance, which could save you money in the long run.

Be aware, however, that the price of a ramp isn't necessarily fixed. The cost of a ramp can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the material the location, the material, and labor. A ramp made of Trex for instance is more expensive than one made from aluminum. Certain states' Medicaid programs may also cover the cost of a ramp however, they typically have a variety of stipulations and eligibility requirements. Medicare for instance, requires that a doctor declare the ramp to be medically necessary to be covered. The government has recognized that ramps could improve the quality of life for those with disabilities.

Simpler Maintenance

You should not only ensure that your ramps are free of ice, debris and snow, but also ensure that it is safe for anyone who uses it. It is essential to install rails that stop wheelchairs from slipping off the edge. Also, the slope of the ramp should be at a level that is safe and not too shallow or steep. It is also recommended to add salt to the ramps as you would roads or walkways to aid in traction.

If you need to transport your ramp easily pick one that is foldable up or taken apart. These ramps are usually sized to fit into the back of your car and have handles that make it easy to carry. They might cost more than ramps that are in-floor, but they'll help you save the expense of a permanent ramp installation, which is a great choice for those who are seeking temporary wheelchair access solutions.

Another kind of portable ramp is a threshold ramp, that can be used to fill in small gaps like doors and single steps. These ramps are commonly used in homes and offices to assist wheelchairs and scooters to navigate obstacles and continue through doors.

Threshold ramps are generally made of aluminum that is light, and are smaller in size than other types. When not in use, they can be rolled up and stored in a coat closet, or even the trunk of your car.

A Telescoping ramp is akin to a threshold ramp, but can be used to assist with loading mobility scooters into the back of vans. The ramp is made up of two narrow channels that expand and retract to match the wheels of the wheelchair ramp portable or mobility scooter and can be used as a stand-alone device or in conjunction with a threshold ramp located at the entrance of a home or business.

You should consider contacting local disability groups when you are seeking a ramp that will improve accessibility at home or in the office. They may have a network of manufacturers and suppliers, and can give you recommendations or direct you to reputable suppliers of ramps at a reasonable price. Additionally, they could be aware of any financial assistance programs that might be available for the purchase of accessible equipment like ramps for wheelchairs.