Blog entry by Geneva Duggan
Types of Wheelchair Portable Ramps
Wheelchair portable ramps are a great solution for those who need to get into the vehicle or doorway, curb or any other elevated surface with your wheelchair. They're easy to install and fit in most vehicles.
There are a variety of ramps available, including ramps that telescoping, folding and modular (semi permanent) ramps. They can be used inside or outside, and with different incline angles.
Folding Ramps
Folding ramps are a convenient option for use in a short-term manner for scooters and wheelchairs to get into vehicles or over small steps. They are typically made from aluminum and fold down into two or three panels, with hinges that slide between them. They can be folded into small spaces such as closets or coat spaces. They can also be stored in the trunk of cars. They are less expensive than other types of ramps and may be less susceptible to wear and wear and tear.
Some folding ramps come with handrails that are useful for those who require extra stability while transitioning onto the ramp or moving around. Others are designed to be able to accommodate many mobility devices and have non-skid grit surfaces for security. They're also often lighter than other types of ramps, making them easier to transport and move.
The EZ-ACCESS Singlefold Ramp is a favorite. It can be folded in half and carried as a suitcase, or cut into two pieces to make it more portable. It can hold the maximum weight of 800 pounds, which is sufficient to support most manual chairs. This is an excellent choice for those who wish to carry a ramp that is portable with them on a trip or when family members need access to the home of a wheelchair user.
National Ramp's Modular Ramp System is an additional option that can be utilized and transported on a regular basis. It is a modular system made up of interconnected tongue-and-groove parts. It can be configured in accordance with the requirements of any home or business. This ramp that is lightweight is ideal for outdoor use, especially in climates that experience a lot of rain or snow. It has an open mesh that removes water and helps prevent puddles from forming.
It is possible to find wheelchair ramps available at local hardware or construction stores, or online retailers. It is best to inquire with your local disability organization. They may have a list of vendors that sell accessible equipment for a competitive price. Disability organizations might also be aware about financial assistance or funding programs that can aid in the payment of the costs.
Telescoping Ramps
Telescoping ramps allow you to move a manual wheelchair, power chair or mobility scooter on short slopes. Aluminum ramps that are lightweight wheelchair ramp can be enlarged and shortened to accommodate different sizes of steps and heights. They also retract to use less space during transport and storage. They are ideally designed to fit inside the back of your large van ramp for wheelchair or minivan, and some even feature handles that make it easier to maneuver.
These ramps that are portable are ideal to use at home. They can help you navigate curbs and stairs without using your motorized scooter or wheelchair. They also make it easier to load them into your car if you need to visit relatives or friends who may not have accessible access to their homes.
They are also known as suitcase ramps since they can be folded up and down just like a suitcase. This makes them simple to move. They come in a variety of lengths, ranging from 2' to 7', to accommodate a range of short inclines. They can also be used to place a wheelchair to car ramp or powered scooter onto the sides of vehicles.
You can also purchase ramps for wheelchairs with telescoping from local retailers as well as online hardware or construction stores. These stores typically have building materials that can be reused to build ramps for wheelchairs and are also a great resource for information about accessibility laws in your area and guidelines.
It's important to determine the maximum incline that your device for mobility can tolerate before choosing an incline ramp with telescoping. Check the specifications of your manufacturer or a qualified healthcare professional for guidance. You should also figure out the number of inches you'll require of ramp in order to cover each inch of rise. ADA rules and regulations stipulate that for every inch of rise, you need to have at minimum 12" of ramp length.
Take note of the weight limit on your mobility device or wheelchair before purchasing a telescoping stairway. There are ramps made to support up to 600 lbs., or you can select one that is specifically designed to hold 800 pounds. Make sure that the ramp isn't slippery for security.
Modular Ramps
Modular ramps are an excellent option for commercial properties that have a variety of terrain or areas that have to adapt to changing conditions. They are typically constructed of aluminum and can be moved, relocated, or altered to fit a specific area or timeframe. They are also low maintenance and can be able to withstand normal wear and tear. This makes them a great option for long-term accessibility solutions and permanent installations. Modular wheelchair ramps for scooters and wheelchairs are available in different lengths and can be made to fit your needs by adding or replacing components. For ramps that are longer than 1.8 metres or higher than 15 centimeters, they can be fitted with safety rails.
The modular wheelchair ramp system is comprised of tongue and groove interconnected sections that can be set up in a wide array of configurations. It is extremely adaptable and can be adjusted to fit a range of environments with varying terrain, access angles and building heights. It can also be customized to meet ADA specifications and is suitable for long-term and short-term use. This lightweight ramp system that is rust-resistant can be erected on any surface and is safe to drive over in snow and rain. Its solid and ribbed surfaces keep out slips, and the expandable openings in the metal let water or snow to drain without forming the formation of puddles.
This kind of modular entrance is ideal for homes with slopes of small to medium. It can be set up as an open or curving entrance. It is simple to put together and can be used to support various mobility equipment. It is designed to stand up to heavy use and can be adjusted to the user's weight for safety and stability.
It is made of durable weather-resistant aluminum. Its surface is able to withstand any climate. It is easy to maintain and won't rust and its sides are smooth to guard users from falling into obstacles or falling off the edge of the ramp. It also comes with a choice of handrail options, including two-line rails that offer another level of support for users or an uninterrupted top handrail with vertical picket rails.
Permanent Ramps
You may want to consider installing an permanent ramp for a wheelchair if you or someone you love will reside in your home long-term. They are usually built into the walls of your home and can be made out of a variety of materials like aluminum. They are popular because they are lightweight, easy to build and are able to be easily stored. These ramps are more costly than temporary ramps for wheelchairs ramps, since they require more materials and labor to build.
Modular ramps are a great option for those who need to incorporate an accessibility feature to their home but don't want to invest in a huge project. They are customizable and come in different sizes, widths, and lengths as well as stowing configurations. They can be adjusted, allowing you to adjust in your mobility needs over time. Modular ramps are very robust and come with a wide range of handrail options.
In contrast to other temporary ramps, these are built to last and comply with ADA guidelines. They are designed to withstand heavy use and have a solid surface that prevents the ramp from slipping and sliding during use. This kind of ramp is designed to be suitable for people who use it frequently or in extreme weather conditions.
Threshold ramps are made to slam into small obstacles like thresholds on doors or steps, or curbs. They are easy to use, cost-effective and can be folded into a compact space inside the vehicle.