What Experts In The Field Want You To Know?

Choosing Portable Ramps For Wheelchair Accessibility

Portable ramps can be an excellent way to assist adjustable wheelchair ramp users navigate up and down inclines, like stairs or curbs. They are lightweight, and can be folded or put in a roll to store.

Local accessibility equipment dealers and medical supply stores offer a variety of ramps. Online retailers also provide comprehensive descriptions, reviews, and comparison tools for different ramps.

Portable Ramps that Fold Fold

Portable ramps that fold are an ideal solution for wheelchair accessibility. They can be placed in a variety of locations to facilitate accessibility for wheelchair users to get around obstacles such as stairs, curbs and elevated surfaces. They also require much less complex and costly maintenance than in-floor ramps which makes them an attractive option for many people.

When selecting a portable folding ramp you should consider several aspects, including the weight and size of your wheelchair, mobility device or scooter, as well as the surface that you will be using it on. The ramp should be designed with an incline equal to or slightly higher than the incline of the step or obstacle that it will be used to cross. Consult with healthcare professionals or accessibility experts for guidance if you are not sure of the right ramp size for your needs.

Ramps are available in a variety of designs, styles and capacities that will meet your individual wheelchair and mobility needs. From simple threshold ramps designed for narrow doors to large-length ramps with a single or multi-fold design that can be put into the back of a vehicle, there are options to meet virtually any need and budget.

In addition to being lightweight and compact portable ramps for wheelchairs are generally constructed from robust materials to ensure their strength and durability. They also come with non-slip materials to decrease the possibility that you slip and fall regardless of the weather.

The most popular ramp that is portable is the single-fold ramp, which is folded and secured in place by a hinge central to the ramp. Some models feature a second hinge centered across the ramp's width, further supporting and distributing the weight to give a more substantial load capacity. Some models are designed to be folded into multiple pieces, and can be carried around in a similar manner to a suitcase for maximum convenience. Some are constructed from a series connected links which can be removed and rearranged to make ramps of any length. They can roll into a cylinder for easy storage. These ramps are often referred to as "roll-a'ramps". All of the different style ramps that are available for portable use provide high levels of security, ease of use and portability.

Easy to Setup

When looking for ramps, you'll want to choose one that is simple to set up and use. Portable ramps may be used occasionally, and they may need to be stored between usages. This makes it important that they're easy to disassemble and assemble. Some models can fold in half or in quarters and can fit into most vehicles making transportation seamless. Others feature handles that allow them to be carried in the same manner as a suitcase and are ideal for short inclines or loading an unoccupied power chair on the side of a van.

It may be important to consider the amount of weight your ramp can hold in accordance with the type you select. If you're using a power chair and need a higher capacity, you might want to consider ramps with more stability and strength.

If you're unsure what type of ramp will best suit your needs, you might 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 you might have. They can also estimate the amount of incline required and make recommendations on the right ramp length for your needs.

Another factor to consider is the material your ramp is constructed of. Wood joists are rough-pressed wood that could be difficult to hold in your hands. They could even cause splinters. To make them easier to handle you can place a pair of plastic handles on the outside edge of each ramp board.

Another option that is ideal for individuals who often travel, are looking for an threshhold ramp that can help overcome single-step entrances, or need an instantaneous set up/unfold ramp is the track channel ramp. This style features an aluminum frame that has tracks on which wheels are mounted so that you can simply roll your ramp into position and it's ready for use. These ramps are also small enough to be rolled into the back of your vehicle or on the plane for travel.

Costs Less Than In-Floor Ramps

In-floor and fold-out stairways offer a variety of benefits to those who have a mobility limitations. There are a few key differences between the two ramp designs which can help you decide.

For example, some people prefer the flexibility of a ramp that folds down and can be stored in the vehicle's doorway and extends outward for use. The ramp can be easily accessed by the user and can be deployed by hand or mechanically at the push of the button. The ramp's floor is perforated to make cleaning and maintaining it simpler. Additionally, certain models have safety belts that assist in securing the wheelchair it is in use.

Another important distinction between the two types of ramps is that fold-out ramps can be used in conjunction with side-entry and rear-entry conversions. This means they can be fitted to vehicles like the Honda Element and Chevrolet Traverse. In contrast, in-floor ramps typically are best suited to rear-entry conversions. This allows the wheelchair to be positioned 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 less expensive than those in-floor. This is due to the fact that they require less components to operate and can be stored in a much smaller space than an in-floor ramp. This will reduce the time and cost on maintenance.

Be aware, however that the cost of a ramp may not be fixed. The cost of a ramp could be influenced by many variables including the material used, location, and labor. A ramp made of Trex for instance will cost more than one made from aluminum. Some states' Medicaid programs may also cover the cost of a ramp however, they usually come with a number of requirements and stipulations. Medicare, for example, requires that a doctor declare the ramp to be medically necessary in order to be covered. The government has recognized that ramps could improve the quality of life of those with disabilities.

Simpler Maintenance

It is not enough to keep your ramps clear of ice, debris and snow, but also make sure that it is safe for anyone who uses it. It is essential to install rails that prevent wheelchairs from sliding off the edge. Also the slope of the ramp should be at a safe level and not too shallow or steep. Also, you should add salt to the ramps as you would walkways or roads to improve traction.

If you're looking to transport your ramp easily you should choose one that folds up or taken apart. These ramps tend to be designed to fit in the back of your vehicle and typically have handles that can help you carry them. They may be more expensive than in-floor ramps, but they'll save you the cost of a permanent ramp installation, which is a great option for people who are only looking for temporary solutions for wheelchair access.

Another kind of portable ramp is a threshold ramp which can be used to bridge small gaps in height such as doorways and single steps. These are typically utilized in businesses and homes to allow wheelchairs or scooters to maneuver over the obstacles and continue through the doorway.

Threshold ramps are typically made of lightweight aluminum, and are smaller in dimensions than other kinds. They can be easily rolled up and stored in a closet, or even in the trunk of your car when not in use.

Telescoping stairways are similar to a threshold stairway, however, it can also be utilized to load mobility scooters at the rear of vans. This ramp features two narrow channels that can extend and retract to match the wheels of the wheelchair or mobility scooter and can be used on its own or with a threshold ramp located at the entrance to a home or business.

Think about contacting local disability organizations when seeking ramps that will increase accessibility at home or in the office. They might have a list of manufacturers and suppliers and can provide recommendations or direct you to reliable sources that sell ramps at affordable prices. They may also know about financial assistance programs to purchase accessible equipment like ramps for wheelchairs.