Choosing Portable Ramps For Wheelchair Accessibility
Portable ramps are a great solution to assist wheelchair users to navigate inclines like curbs or steps. They are lightweight and can be folded up or folded to store away.
Local accessibility equipment retailers and medical supply stores offer a variety of ramps. Online retailers provide detailed descriptions, reviews and comparison tools for various ramps.
Portable Ramps Folding
Folding portable ramps make for an extremely convenient wheelchair accessibility solution. They can be placed in various locations to improve access for wheelchair users to get around obstacles such as curbs, steps and raised surfaces. They also require less costly and complex maintenance than ramps for floors making them an appealing option for many.
When you are choosing a portable folding ramp you should consider several aspects, including the size and weight of your wheelchair, mobility device or scooter, and the surface that you will be using it on. The ramp should be designed with an incline that is at least slightly higher than the incline on the step or obstacle that it is intended to traverse. Consult with healthcare professionals or accessibility experts for advice if you are unsure about the appropriate ramp size for your requirements.
Ramps come in a range of designs, styles and capacities that will meet your specific mobility and wheelchair requirements. There are many options available that range from simple threshold ramps for doorways with small openings up to full-length ramps that can be loaded in the back of vehicles.
In addition to being compact and lightweight, portable wheelchair ramps are typically made of durable materials to ensure their strength and durability. They also come with a non-slip surface that reduces the risk of slips and falls in any weather.
The most commonly used kind of portable ramp is a single-fold ramp which can be folded and secured with the center hinge. Some models have an additional hinge that runs across the width of the ramp which assists in distributing the weight to provide a more substantial load capacity. Some models can be folded in several pieces, and transported as luggage. Some are constructed from connected links that can be removed or re-arranged to create a ramp of any length. They roll into a cylindrical shape for easy storage. These ramps are sometimes called "roll-a'ramps". All of the different style options available for portable ramps offer high levels of safety accessibility, user-friendliness and portability.
Easy to Set Up
You'll need a ramp that is simple to set up and use. Since portable ramps are meant to be used on occasion and may need to be stored between usage being able to easily put it together or take it apart is a must. Some models fold in quarters or half and are sized such that they can be inserted into the majority of vehicles. This makes transporting them easy. Others feature handles that allow them to be carried in the same manner as luggage and are suitable for short slopes or loading an unoccupied power chair onto the van's side.
Depending on the type of ramp you select, it may also be important to think about how much weight your ramp can handle. If you are using a power chair and need more capacity, you might want to consider ramps with more strength and stability.
If you're unsure what type of ramp is the best one for your needs, it could be beneficial to contact one of our Ramp Experts to help determine what will be most suitable for you and answer any questions you might have. They can also estimate the amount of incline needed and offer suggestions regarding the appropriate length of ramp for your requirements.
The material used to construct your ramp is also important. Wood joists are made from rough pressed wood that is difficult to hold with your hands. They may even cause the occurrence of splinters. You can attach handles made of plastic to the outside edge of each board to make it easier to handle.
Another option that is suitable for those who frequently travel, are looking for an easy-to-use ramp to navigate single-step entrances or require an instantaneous set up/unfold ramp is a track channel ramp. This style has an aluminum frame with wheels connected to tracks. It is easy to roll the ramp into place. The ramps can be easily placed on the back of your vehicle or onto planes.
Less Expensive Than In-Floor Ramps
Both in-floor and fold-out stairs provide a range of advantages to those who have a mobility issues. There are some key differences between the two ramp styles that can help you choose.
Some people prefer a fold-out, portable ramp that can be stored in the vehicle's doorway and then extended outwards to be utilized. The ramp is easily accessible to the user and can be set up by hand or mechanically with the push of an button. It also has perforations in the ramp's flooring to make cleaning and maintenance a breeze. In addition, some models feature safety belts to assist in securing the wheelchair in use.
The ramps that fold out are 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 contrast, in-floor ramps typically are most effective with rear-entry conversions. This allows the wheelchair to be placed behind the driver's seat which is a good choice for families or people who travel with non-wheelchair users.
Additionally that, fold-out ramps are typically less expensive than ramps that are in-floor. This is due to the fact that they require fewer parts to operate and can be stored in a much smaller space than an in-floor ramp. This can cut down on the amount of time and money that you have to spend on maintenance, which can save you money over the long term.
Keep in mind that the cost for a ramp may not always be fixed. The price of a ramp can be affected by many factors, including the material, location, and labor. For example, a ramp made from Trex is likely to be more costly than one built from aluminum. Medicaid programs in some states may cover the cost of ramps, but there are often stipulations or eligibility requirements. For instance, Medicare requires a doctor to declare the ramp medically necessary before it is covered. This is because the government understands that ramps can improve quality of life for people who have disabilities.
Less Complex Maintenance
It is not enough to keep your ramps clear of debris, ice and snow, but also make sure that it is safe for everyone who uses it. This includes installing rails to stop wheelchairs falling off the edge, making sure the slope of your ramp is in a safe level and that it isn't too steep or shallow. You can also add salt to the ramps in the same way you would roads and walkways to improve the traction.
If you'd like to to take your ramp with you when traveling, look for ramps that fold or disassembled to make it easy to transport. These ramps are typically built to fit in the back of your vehicle, and usually come with handles to help you carry them. These ramps can be more expensive than in-floor ramps, but they could save you money on the installation of a permanent one. This is a great solution for those who are seeking temporary wheelchair accessibility solutions.
Another kind of portable ramp is a threshold ramp which can be used to make small gaps in height like doorways and single steps. wheelchairs ramps are used in offices and homes to assist wheelchairs and scooters navigate over obstacles and through doors.
Threshold ramps are typically made of aluminum that is light and are a smaller size than other types. They are easy to roll up and stored in a closet, or even in the trunk of your vehicle when not being used.
A Telescoping ramp is similar to a threshold ramp, but can be used to assist with loading mobility scooters into the back of a van. This ramp features two narrow channels which extend and retract to match the wheels of the mobility scooter or wheelchair. It can be used alone or with a threshold at the entry point of your business or home.
When you are looking for a ramp to increase accessibility at your home or business think about contacting local disability organizations. They might have a list of suppliers and manufacturers, and they can offer suggestions or direct you to reliable resources that sell ramps at competitive rates. They may also be aware of financial assistance programs for buying accessible equipment, such as a wheelchair ramp.