Choosing Portable Ramps For Wheelchair Accessibility
Portable ramps can be an excellent way to assist wheelchair users navigate up and down inclines such as curbs or steps. They are light and can be rolled up or folded for stowing away.
Explore a variety of ramps available from local accessibility equipment retailers or medical supply stores. Online retailers offer detailed descriptions, reviews and tools for comparing different ramps.
Folding Portable Ramps
Portable ramps that fold fold make a very convenient wheelchair accessibility solution for wheelchairs. They can be placed in a variety of locations to assist wheelchair users overcome obstacles like curbs, steps, or raised surfaces. They are also less costly and complex to maintain than ramps for floors, which makes them a more appealing option for a lot of people.
When selecting a portable folding ramp, you should consider several aspects, including the size and weight of your mobility device, wheelchair or scooter, and the surface that you will be using it on. The ramp should have an incline that is at least slightly higher than the incline on the step or obstacle it will be used to traverse. If you're not sure of the right ramp height for you consider consulting a healthcare professional or accessibility specialists for guidance.
Ramps come in different styles, designs and capacities that can be customized to accommodate your individual mobility and wheelchair needs. There are many options available, from simple threshold ramps that are suitable for small doors up to ramps with full length that can be loaded into the back of vehicles.
Portable ramps for wheelchairs are typically made from durable materials that guarantee their strength and durability. They are also equipped with a non-slip surface to minimize the risk that you will fall and slip regardless of the weather.
The most commonly used kind of portable ramp is a single-fold one which can be folded and secured using an elongated hinge. Some models have another hinge across the length of the ramp, which helps to assist in distributing the weight. This allows for an increased capacity for load. Certain models can be folded in multiple pieces, and carried like luggage. Some are constructed from linked links that can be removed or re-arranged to make a ramp of any length. They can be folded into a cylinder for storage convenience. These kinds of ramps are usually described as "roll-a-ramps". All of the different style options available for portable ramps provide high levels of security accessibility, user-friendliness and portability.
Easy to Set-up
You'll need a ramp which is simple to use and set up. Portable ramps can be used on occasion and may have to be stored in between uses. This makes it important that they are easy to assemble or disassemble. Some models can fold in half or in quarters, and are designed to fit in most vehicles, making transportation seamless. Certain models have handles that allow them to carry around like a suitcase. They are perfect for loading a power chair into a van, or for climbing short inclines.
It is important to think about the weight that your ramp can hold, depending on the type you choose. If you're using a power wheelchair and require a higher maximum capacity, you may need to consider ramps that have greater stability and strength than ramps designed for manual wheelchairs or scooters.
If you're unsure what type of ramp will best suit your needs, it may be beneficial to contact one of our Ramp Experts who will help determine what will be most suitable and answer any questions you have. They can also assist you to determine how much inclined ramp you'll need, and provide suggestions on the best ramp length to meet your needs.
Another factor to take into consideration is the material that your ramp is made from. Wood joists are made from rough-pressed wood that can be difficult to hold with your hands. They can even cause splinters. You can add plastic handles to the outside edges of each board to make it easier to work with.
Another option that is suitable for those who frequently travel and are in search of a threshhold ramp to help overcome single-step entrances or want an almost instantaneous set up/unfold ramp is a track channel ramp. The style is made of aluminum frame with wheels connected to tracks. It is easy to roll the ramp into place. These types of ramps are also compact enough to be easily rolled into the back of your vehicle or on a plane for travel.
Costs less than In-Floor Ramps
Both fold-out and in-floor stairways offer a variety of benefits to those who have a mobility limitations. However there are a few key differences that can help you choose the best ramp design.
For instance, some people prefer the versatility of a ramp that folds out and stores in the doorway of their vehicle and then extends outward to be used. The ramp is easily accessible to the user and can be deployed manually or mechanically at the push of the button. It also features perforations in the ramp's floor, which makes cleaning and maintenance a breeze. Additionally, some models come with safety belts to assist in securing the wheelchair in use.
The ramps that fold out are useful for side-entry or rear-entry conversions. They can be found on vehicles like the Honda Element or Chevrolet Traverse. In-floor ramps are ideal for rear-entry conversions. This lets the wheelchair be behind the driver's chair, which is a great option for families or people who travel with other non-wheelchair users.
In addition, fold-out ramps are usually less expensive than ramps that are in-floor. They are also easier to use and store, because they are made of fewer components. This can reduce the amount of time and money you spend on maintenance, which can save you money over the long term.
Be aware that the cost of ramps can't always be fixed. Many factors can impact the cost of a ramp, including materials, location and labor. A ramp made from Trex, for example, will be more expensive than one made of aluminum. Some states' Medicaid programs may also cover the cost of a ramp however, they usually come with a range of requirements and stipulations. For instance, Medicare requires a doctor to declare the ramp medically necessary before it can be covered. The government recognizes that ramps can enhance the quality of life of disabled people.
Simpler Maintenance
It is not enough to keep your ramps free of ice, debris and snow, but also make sure that it is safe for everyone who uses it. home wheelchair ramp includes installing rails to prevent wheelchairs from falling off the edge, and making sure the slope of the 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 walkways and roads to increase traction.
If you need to transport your ramp quickly, choose one that is foldable up or disassembled. These ramps tend to be sized to fit into the rear of your vehicle and typically come with handles to assist you in carrying them. These ramps can be more expensive than in-floor ones, but they can save you money on the installation of a permanent one. This is an ideal solution to those seeking temporary wheelchair accessibility solutions.
Another kind of portable ramp is a threshold ramp which can be used to fill in small gaps like doorways and single steps. These ramps are used in offices and homes to help wheelchairs and scooters to navigate obstacles and through doors.
Threshold ramps are typically made of aluminum, which is lightweight, and are smaller than other ramps for wheelchairs. They are easy to roll up and stored in a coat closet or even in the trunk of your car when not in use.
A telescoping ramp is similar to a threshold ramp but can be used to aid with 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 can be utilized as a stand-alone device or in conjunction with an threshold ramp at the entry point of the business or home.
When shopping for a ramp to increase accessibility at your workplace or home, consider connecting with local disability organizations. They might have a list of suppliers and manufacturers, and they can offer suggestions or direct you to reliable suppliers of ramps at affordable prices. They might also know about financial assistance programs for buying accessible equipment like a wheelchair ramp.