Choosing Portable Ramps For Wheelchair Accessibility
Portable ramps are a great solution to help wheelchair users climb up steep slopes such as curbs or steps. They are lightweight and can be folded up or rolled to store.
Local accessibility equipment retailers and medical supply stores offer numerous ramps. Online retailers also offer detailed descriptions reviews, comparison tools for various ramps.
Portable Ramps that Fold Fold
Folding portable ramps make for an extremely practical wheelchair accessibility solution. They can be used in different locations to help wheelchair users navigate obstacles such as steps, curbs, and raised surfaces. They are also less expensive and more difficult to maintain than in-floor ramps which makes them a more attractive option for many.
When selecting a portable folding ramp, there are a variety of factors to consider including the size and weight of your wheelchair, scooter or other mobility device as well as the area that you intend to use it. The ideal ramp will have an incline equal to or slightly greater than the slope of the step or obstacle it is used to traverse. Ask healthcare professionals or accessibility experts for guidance if you are uncertain about the proper ramp height for your needs.
Ramps are available in a variety of styles, designs and capacities to suit your specific mobility and wheelchair requirements. From simple threshold ramps made for doorways with small openings to long single or multi-fold ramps that can be tucked away in the back of vehicles, there are options to match virtually any requirements and budget.
In addition to being lightweight and compact portable ramps for wheelchairs are generally constructed from sturdy materials to ensure their strength and durability. They also come with non-slip materials to decrease the possibility that you fall and slip in any weather condition.
The most commonly used kind of portable ramp is a single fold ramp that folds up and secured into place using a center hinge. Some models have a second hinge located along the width of the ramp, which helps to assist in distributing the weight. This gives the ramp the ramp to have a higher capacity for carrying loads. Others are designed to be folded into multiple pieces, and can be carried in a manner similar to a suitcase for ultimate convenience. Others are constructed from a series of connected links that can be joined or removed to make a custom length ramp, and they fold into a cylinder to make storage. These ramps are often referred as "roll-a'ramps". The various styles of portable ramps are designed to provide high levels of security, portability and accessibility.
Easy to Set Up
When you are looking for ramps you'll want to select one that is easy to set up and use. Since portable ramps are designed to be rolled around at times and might require storage between use being able to easily put it together or take it apart is essential. Some models can fold in half or quarters and are designed so that they can fit in the majority of vehicles. This makes transporting them easy. Some models have handles that allow them to be carried like a suitcase, and are perfect for short inclines or loading an unoccupied power chair into the van's side.
It may be important to think about the amount of weight your ramp can hold, depending on the type you select. If you're using a powered wheelchair and require a higher capacity, you might require ramps that have more strength and stability than those intended for manual wheelchairs or scooters.
If you're unsure what type of ramp will best suit your needs, you may be able to reach out to 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 assist you to calculate how much slope you'll require and offer recommendations on the appropriate ramp length to meet your needs.
The material of the ramp is also important. Wood joist ramps are composed of very rough pressed timber and are difficult to work with hands, and may cause scratches. To make them easier to handle you can place a pair of plastic handles on the outside of each ramp board.
Track channel ramps are a great option for those who frequently travel, need an entry ramp to help them get over single-step entrances, or want ramps that can be erected and rolled out in a flash. This type of ramp has an aluminum frame that has tracks on which wheels are mounted so that you can simply roll the ramp into position and it's ready for use. These ramps can be placed on the back of your vehicle or onto planes.
Cheaper than In-Floor Ramps
Both ramps that fold out and those that are in-floor provide a variety of advantages that can benefit those with mobility issues. There are a few key differences between the two ramp types that can help you decide.
Some people prefer a fold-out, portable ramp that can be put away in the vehicle's entryway and then extended outwards to be utilized. The ramp is accessible to the user and can be deployed either manually or mechanically at the push of an button. folding wheelchair ramps is perforated to make cleaning and maintaining it simpler. In addition, some models have safety belts that help secure the wheelchair while using it.
The fold-out ramps are also useful for both side-entry or rear-entry conversions. This means they can be incorporated into vehicles such as the Honda Element and Chevrolet Traverse. In-floor ramps are best for rear-entry conversions. This permits the wheelchair to be positioned behind the driver's seat which can be a good option for families or those who travel with non-wheelchair users.
In addition they are generally less expensive than ramps that are in-floor. They are simpler to store and use because they are made of fewer components. This will reduce the amount of time and money spent on maintenance.
Remember that the price for a ramp may not always be fixed. Many factors can influence its cost, including material as well as location and labour. For instance, a ramp made from Trex will likely to be more costly than one built from aluminum. Certain states' Medicaid programs may also pay for the costs of a ramp however, they typically come with a range of requirements and stipulations. For instance, Medicare requires a doctor to declare the ramp medically necessary prior to it is covered. This is because the government understands that ramps can improve quality of life for people who are disabled.
Less Complex Maintenance
It is important to not just keep your ramps clear of debris, ice and snow, but also make sure that it is safe for all 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 safe level and not too low or steep. You can also salt the ramps just like you would walkways and roads to increase the traction.
If you want to be able to take your ramp with you while traveling, search for one that can be folded or disassembled for easy transport. These ramps are typically sized to fit into the back of your vehicle and usually come with handles to assist you in carrying them. They might cost more than ramps that are in-floor, but they'll help you save the cost of a permanent ramp installation, which is an excellent option for those who are seeking temporary wheelchair access solutions.
Another type of portable ramp is a threshold ramp, that can be used to make small gaps in height like doorways and single steps. These ramps are used in offices and homes to help wheelchairs and scooters navigate over obstacles and pass through doorways.
Threshold ramps are generally made of aluminum that is lightweight and smaller than other types of ramps for wheelchairs. They are easy to roll up and put away in a coat 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 in loading mobility scooters into the back of vans. The ramp is made up of two narrow channels that can extend and retract to match the wheels of the mobility scooter or wheelchair, and it can be used by itself or along with a threshold ramp located at the entrance to the business or home.
Consider contacting local disability organizations when searching for ramps that can improve accessibility at home or in the office. They'll likely have networks of suppliers and manufacturers and can provide recommendations or direct you to reliable resources from which you can purchase ramps at competitive prices. They may also be aware of financial assistance programs to purchase accessible equipment like ramps for wheelchairs.