Choosing Portable Ramps For Wheelchair Accessibility
Portable ramps can be an ideal way to help wheelchair users navigate through inclines, such as steps or curbs. They are light and can be folded up or folded for stowing away.
Discover a variety of ramp options from local accessibility equipment dealers or medical supply stores. Online retailers offer detailed descriptions, reviews and comparison tools of various ramps.
Portable Ramps that Fold Fold
Portable ramps that fold fold make an extremely practical wheelchair accessibility solution for wheelchairs. They can be used in various locations to help wheelchair users overcome obstacles such as curbs, steps, or raised surfaces. They are also less expensive and complex to maintain than ramps for floors which makes them a more attractive option for many.
When selecting a portable folding ramp you should consider several aspects, such as the weight and size of your wheelchair, mobility device or scooter, and the type of surface you'll be using it on. The ramp should have an incline equal to or slightly higher than the incline of the step or obstacle that it will be used to cross. If you're not sure of the right ramp height for your needs consider consulting a healthcare professional or accessibility specialists for guidance.
Ramps are available in many different styles, designs and capacities that can be customized to accommodate your individual mobility and wheelchair needs. From simple threshold ramps designed for doorways with small openings to long ramps that fold in a single or multi-fold and can be tucked away in the back of a vehicle There are ramps to fit almost any needs and budget.
Portable wheelchair ramps are usually constructed of durable materials that ensure their strength and durability. They also have a non-slip surface to reduce the chance of slips and falls in all weather conditions.
The most popular kind of portable ramp is a single fold ramp that can be folded up and secured using an elongated hinge. Certain models have another hinge across the width of the ramp, which helps to help distribute the weight. This allows for a greater load capacity. Some models are able to be folded in multiple pieces and then carried like a suitcase. Some are constructed of a series of connected links that can be added or removed to create an individual length ramp and they fold into a cylinder for simple storage. folding wheel chair ramp are often referred to as "roll-a'ramps". The various designs of portable ramps are designed to provide the highest levels of safety, portability and accessibility.
Easy to Setup
When shopping for ramps you'll want to select one that is easy to install and use. Since portable ramps are meant to be rolled around on occasion and may require storage between use and re-use, the ability to put it together or take it apart is a must. Some models are designed to fold in half or in quarters and are sized to fit in the majority of vehicles, making transportation easy. Others feature handles that allow them to be carried like a suitcase and are ideal for a short climb or loading a power chair onto the side of a van.
Based on the type of ramp you select, it may also be important to consider the amount of weight your ramp is able to support. If you're using a power wheelchair and require a greater capacity, you might have to think about ramps that provide greater stability and strength than those designed for manual wheelchairs or scooters.
If you are unsure of which kind of ramp will best meet your needs, you may be able to reach out to our Ramp Experts. They will help you decide which is best suited to your needs and answer any questions that you may have. They can also assist you to determine the amount of slope you'll require and offer suggestions for the right ramp length to meet your needs.
The material you choose for your ramp is also important. Wood joist ramps are made of very rough pressed wood and can be difficult to handle with your hands, and may cause scratches. To make them more manageable, you can add handles made of plastic on the outside edge of each ramp board.
Another option that's ideal for individuals who often travel and are in search of an threshhold ramp that can help get over single step entrances or require an instant setup and unfolding ramp is the track channel ramp. This type of ramp has an aluminum frame with tracks on which wheels are mounted so that you can simply roll the ramp into position and it's ready to use. These ramps can be easily put into the back of your car or onto a plane.
Cheaper than In-Floor Ramps
In-floor and fold-out stairways offer numerous advantages for those with limited mobility. There are some major differences between the two ramp types that can help you decide.
Some prefer a fold-out, portable ramp that can be placed in the car's doorway and then extended outwards to be used. The ramp is easily accessible to the user and can be set up manually or mechanically at the push of the button. The ramp's floor is perforated to make cleaning and maintaining it much easier. Certain models also have safety belts that help secure the wheelchair during use.
Another significant difference between the two styles of ramp 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 usually are most effective with rear-entry conversions. This permits the wheelchair to be positioned behind the driver's chair, which can be a good fit for families or those who travel with non-wheelchair users.
Fold-out ramps are also cheaper than in-floor ones. 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 can reduce the time and cost on maintenance.
Be aware that the cost of ramps may not always be fixed. The price of a ramp can be affected by many factors such as the material as well as the location and the labor. For instance ramps made from Trex will likely to be more expensive than one constructed from aluminum. Certain states' Medicaid programs may also cover the costs of a ramp however, they typically have a variety of stipulations and eligibility requirements. For instance, Medicare requires a doctor to declare the ramp medically necessary prior to it is covered. The government has recognized that ramps could enhance the quality of life for disabled persons.
Less Complex Maintenance
You should not only ensure that your ramps are free of ice, debris and snow, but also ensure that it is safe for anyone who uses it. It is crucial to include rails that prevent wheelchairs from falling off the edge. Also, the slope of the ramp must be at a level that is safe and not too low or steep. Also, you should salt the ramps like you would sidewalks or roads to improve traction.
If you want to be able to take your ramp along when traveling, choose ramps that fold or disassembled to make it easy to transport. The ramps are usually designed to fit in the rear of your vehicle and typically come with handles to help you carry them. They may be more expensive than ramps that are in-floor, but they will save you the expense of a permanent ramp installation, which is a great option for people who are only seeking temporary wheelchair access solutions.
A threshold ramp is a second type of portable ramp that can be used for small gaps, such as doorways or single steps. These ramps are used in offices and homes to assist wheelchairs and scooters navigate over obstacles and through doorways.
Threshold ramps are generally constructed of aluminum that is lightweight, and are smaller in size than other types. They are easy to roll up and put away in a coat closet or even in the trunk of your car when not in use.
A telescoping stairway is similar to a threshold stairway however, it can be used for loading mobility scooters in the back of vans. The ramp has two narrow channels which expand and retract to match the wheels of the mobility scooter or wheelchair. It can be used by itself or with a threshold at the entrance of your home or business.
Think about contacting local disability organizations in the event you are searching for ramps that can improve accessibility at home or in the office. They will likely have networks of manufacturers and suppliers. They can provide recommendations or direct you to reputable resources where you can purchase ramps at reasonable prices. They may also be aware of financial assistance programs that can help you purchase accessible equipment such as ramps for wheelchairs.