Blog entry by Christi Wesolowski
Choosing Portable Ramps For Wheelchair Accessibility
Portable Ramps For Wheelchair Access ramps are a great solution to assist wheelchair aluminum ramps users climb up steep slopes such as curbs or steps. They are light and can be folded or put in a roll to store.
Local accessibility equipment retailers and medical supply stores provide various ramp options. Online retailers also provide comprehensive descriptions of reviews, as well as comparators for different ramps.
Portable Ramps that Fold Fold
Portable ramps that fold fold up make an extremely practical wheelchair accessibility solution for wheelchairs. They can be deployed in many locations to increase access for wheelchair users to overcome obstacles like stairs, curbs and elevated surfaces. They also require much less complex and costly maintenance than removable ramps for wheelchairs for floors making them an attractive option for many people.
When you are choosing a portable folding ramp, you must consider a variety of aspects, including the weight and size of your mobility device, wheelchair or scooter, as well as the surface you'll be using it on. The ideal ramp will have an incline that is similar to or slightly higher than the slope of the step or obstacle it will be used to navigate. Talk to accessibility experts or healthcare professionals for advice if you are uncertain about the proper ramp size for your needs.
Ramps come in different styles, designs and capacities that can be customized to fit your specific wheelchair and mobility needs. From simple threshold ramps that are designed for doorways with small openings to long ramps with a single or multi-fold design that can be loaded into the back of vehicles There are ramps to match virtually any requirements and budget.
Portable ramps for wheelchairs are typically made of sturdy materials that guarantee their strength and durability. They also come with an anti-slip surface to minimize the risk of slips or falls in any weather.
The most commonly used ramp that is portable is the single-fold ramp, which is folded and secured with a hinge at the center. Some models come with a second hinge centered along the ramp's width to further distribute the weight to give greater load capacity. Some models can be folded in multiple pieces, and carried as a suitcase. Others are constructed from a series of connected links that can be inserted or removed to make a custom length ramp, and they roll into a cylinder to make storage. These ramps are often referred as "roll-a'ramps". All of the different style options available for portable ramps offer high levels of safety as well as ease of use and mobility.
Easy to Setup
When shopping for a ramp you'll want to select one that is easy to install and use. Portable ramps are often used on occasion and may have to be stored between use. This is why it's important that they are simple to disassemble and assemble. Some models fold in half or quarters and are sized such that they fit into the majority of vehicles. This makes transportation simple. Certain models have handles that make them easy to carry as a suitcase. They are perfect for loading a power chair into a van or climbing short inclines.
Depending on the type of ramp you pick It's important to consider how much weight the ramp can handle. If you are using a power chair and need more capacity, you may want to consider ramps with more strength and stability.
If you're not sure what kind of ramp is best for your needs, it could be beneficial to talk to one of our Ramp Experts who can help determine what will be most suitable for you and answer any questions you might have. They can also assist you to determine the amount of inclined ramp you'll need, and provide suggestions on the best ramp length to meet your needs.
Another aspect to take into consideration is the material that your ramp is made of. Wood joist ramps are constructed of extremely rough pressed wood and can be difficult to handle with your hands alone and could cause splinters. You can attach plastic handles on the outside of each board to make it easier to work with.
Another option that is ideal for those who frequently travel, are looking for an easy-to-use ramp to overcome single-step entrances or want an almost instant setup and unfolding ramp is the track channel ramp. The style is made of aluminum frame and wheels that are attached to tracks. It is easy to put the ramp in the right position. These types of ramps are also small enough to be rolled into the back of your vehicle or on a plane for travel.
Much less expensive than In-Floor Ramps
Both ramps that fold out and those that are in-floor provide a variety of advantages that can assist those with mobility issues. However there are some important differences that can help you choose which type of ramp to pick.
Some people prefer a portable ramp that folds out that can be stored in the vehicle's doorway and then extended outward to be used. The ramp is accessible to the user and can be lowered manually or mechanically at the touch of an button. The ramp's floor is perforated to make cleaning and maintaining it simpler. Additionally, some models have safety belts that aid in the safety of the wheelchair it is in use.
Another important distinction between the two styles of ramps is that the fold-out ones are able to be used with both rear-entry as well as side-entry conversions. This means they can be incorporated into vehicles like the Honda Element and Chevrolet Traverse. In-floor ramps are best for rear-entry conversions. This lets the wheelchair be to be placed behind the driver's wheel chair ramp for vans which is a good option for families or people who travel with other wheelchair users.
In addition they are generally cheaper than in-floor ramps. This is because they require less components to operate and can be stored in a smaller space than an in-floor ramp. This will cut down on time and money you spend on maintenance.
Remember, however, that the price of a ramp isn't always fixed. Many factors can influence its cost, including material as well as location and labour. A ramp made of Trex for instance is more expensive than one made from aluminum. Certain states' Medicaid programs may also pay for the cost of a ramp however, they typically come with a number of stipulations and eligibility requirements. For instance, Medicare requires a doctor to declare the ramp medically necessary before it is covered. The government has recognized that ramps could enhance the quality of life of disabled people.
Simpler Maintenance
In addition to making sure that the ramp is free of debris, snow and ice, it is important to also make sure your ramp is safe for those who use it. This includes installing rails to prevent wheelchairs from sliding off the edge, making sure the slope of the ramp is in a safe level and that it isn't too steep or shallow. It is also recommended to treat the ramps with salt as you would roads or walkways to aid in traction.
If you need to move your ramp with ease, choose one that can be folded up or removed. The ramps are typically sized to fit inside the back of your vehicle and have handles that make it easier to carry. These ramps can be more costly than in-floor ones, but they can save you money on a permanent installation. This is an ideal solution for those who are who are looking for temporary wheelchair accessibility solutions.
Another type of portable threshold ramp for wheelchair ramp is a threshold ramp, which can be used to fill in small gaps such as doorways and single steps. They are commonly employed in commercial and residential buildings to make it easier for wheelchairs and scooters to get over the obstacles and proceed through the doorway.
Threshold ramps tend to be made of lightweight aluminum and are a smaller size than other types. They can be easily folded up and stored in a closet or even in the trunk of your car when not being used.
A Telescoping ramp is similar to a threshold ramp however it can be used to assist with loading mobility scooters into the back of vans. This ramp has two narrow channels that can extend and retract to match the wheels of the wheelchair or mobility scooter and can be utilized as a stand-alone device or in conjunction with a threshold ramp at the entry point of the business or home.
Think about contacting local disability organizations when searching for a ramp that will improve accessibility at home or in the office. They'll likely have a network of suppliers and manufacturers and can offer recommendations or point you to reputable resources where you can purchase ramps at competitive costs. They might also know about financial assistance programs that can help you purchase accessible equipment such as ramps for wheelchairs.