Choosing Portable Ramps For Wheelchair Accessibility

Portable ramps are an ideal way to help wheelchair users navigate through inclines, such as curbs or steps. They are light weight wheelchair ramps and can be rolled up or folded to store away.

Local accessibility equipment stores and medical supply stores provide numerous ramp options. Online retailers offer detailed descriptions, reviews and tools for comparing different ramps.

Folding Portable Ramps

Portable ramps that fold are an ideal solution for wheelchair accessibility. They can be positioned in many locations to increase accessibility for wheelchair users in order to overcome obstacles like stairs, curbs and elevated surfaces. They are also less expensive and complex to maintain than ramps for floors, which makes them a more appealing option for many people.

When you are choosing a folding portable ramp, there are several aspects to take into consideration, including the size and weight of your scooter, wheelchair or other mobility device as well as the surface on which you plan to use it. Ideally, the ramp should have an incline that is at least a little higher than the incline of the step or obstacle it is used to navigate. If you're not sure of the right ramp height for you, consult with healthcare professionals or accessibility experts for advice.

Ramps come in a variety of styles, designs and capacities that will meet your personal mobility requirements. There are a myriad of options including simple threshold ramps for small doorways up to ramps with full length that can be loaded into the back of vehicles.

In addition to being light and compact portable ramps for wheelchairs are usually constructed of sturdy materials to ensure their durability and strength. They also come with a non-slip surface that reduces the risk of slips or falls in any weather.

The most popular portable ramp is the single fold ramp, which can be folded and secured with a hinge at the center. Some models come with an additional hinge that runs across the width of the ramp which assists in distributing the weight to provide a more substantial load capacity. Some models can be folded into multiple pieces and can be carried around in a manner similar to a suitcase, providing ultimate convenience. Others are made from linked links that can be removed or added to create a ramp of any length. They can be folded into a cylindrical shape to make it easy to store. These types of ramps are commonly called "roll-a-ramps". The various style ramps that are available for portable use offer a high level of safety, ease of use and portability.

Easy to Setup

When you are looking for ramps you'll need to select one that is easy to set up and use. Because portable ramps are intended to be rolled around occasionally and may need to be stored between use, the ability to easily build or disassemble them is a must. Some models can fold in half or quarters, and are sized so that they can fit in most vehicles. This makes transportation easy. Others feature handles that allow them to be carried like a suitcase, and are perfect for short inclines or loading an empty power wheelchair ramp chair into the van's side.

It may be important to consider the amount of weight your ramp can hold, depending on the type you select. If you are using power chairs and require a higher capacity, you might want to consider ramps with more strength and stability.

If you are unsure of what type of ramp will best meet your needs, you might need to speak with our Ramp Experts. They will assist you in determining which ramp is most suitable for you and answer any questions you might have. They can also calculate the amount of incline needed and offer suggestions on the best length of ramp for your needs.

Another thing to think about is the material your ramp is made of. Wood joists are rough-pressed wood, which could be difficult to hold in your hands. They could even cause the occurrence of splinters. To make them more manageable, you can add a pair of plastic handles on the outside of each ramp board.

Another option that's ideal for individuals who often travel, are looking for an threshhold ramp that can help get over single step entrances or want an almost instant set-up and unfolding is an incline channel ramp. This style features an aluminum frame that has tracks on which wheels are attached so you can simply roll your ramp onto the track and be ready to go. These ramps are also compact enough to be rolled into the back of your vehicle or onto an airplane for travel.

Less Expensive Than In-Floor Ramps

Both ramps that fold out and those that are in-floor provide a variety of advantages that can benefit those with mobility issues. However, there are a few important differences that can help you decide the best ramp design.

Some people prefer a fold-out, portable ramp that can be placed in the car's doorway and then extended outwards to be used. The ramp can be easily accessible by the user and can be deployed either manually or mechanically by pressing the button. The ramp's floor is perforated to make cleaning and maintaining it simpler. In addition, some models come with safety belts to help secure the wheelchair while using it.

The ramps that fold-out fold are beneficial for side-entry as well as rear-entry conversions. They can be found on vehicles like the Honda Element or Chevrolet Traverse. In contrast, in-floor ramps usually are best suited to rear-entry conversions. This allows the wheelchair to be placed behind the driver's seat, which is a great option for families or people who travel with other non-wheelchair users.

Fold-out ramps are also more affordable than the in-floor ones. This is due to the fact that they require less components to operate and can be stored in a smaller space than an in-floor ramp. This can reduce the time and money you spend on maintenance.

Be aware, however that the cost of a ramp may not be fixed. The price of a ramp can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the material the location, the material, and labor. A ramp made of Trex, for example, will be more expensive than one made from aluminum. Medicaid programs in some states might cover the cost of ramps, however there are often stipulations or eligibility requirements. For instance, Medicare requires a doctor to declare the ramp medically necessary prior to it can be covered. This is because the government understands ramps can enhance the quality of life for people who have disabilities.

Simpler Maintenance

In addition to making sure that the ramp is free of debris, snow and ice, it is important to ensure that the ramp is safe for the people who use 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 safe level and not too shallow or steep. You can also salt the ramps in the same way you would roads and walkways to increase traction.

If you have to move your ramp with ease pick one that can be folded up or removed. They are usually designed to fit into the back of your car and are equipped with handles that make it easier to carry. These ramps may be more expensive than floor-to-ceiling ones, but they can save you money on an installation that is permanent. This is a great solution to those seeking temporary wheelchair accessibility solutions.

Another type of portable ramp is a threshold ramp, which can be used to make small gaps in height like doors and single steps. These are usually utilized in businesses and homes to allow wheelchairs and scooters to get over the obstacles and continue through the doorway.

Threshold ramps are generally made of aluminum that is lightweight and smaller than other types of wheelchair ramps for cars ramps. They are easy to roll up and stored in a closet or even in the trunk of your vehicle when not being used.

A telescoping ramp is similar to a threshold ramp however it can be used to aid with loading mobility scooters into the back of a van. 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 it can be used as a stand-alone device or in conjunction with a threshold ramp at the entrance of an office or home.

You should consider contacting local disability groups when you are searching for ramps that can improve accessibility at home or in the office. They may have a network of manufacturers and suppliers, and can give you recommendations or direct you towards reputable sources that sell ramps at a reasonable price. They may also know about financial assistance programs to purchase accessible equipment like ramps for wheelchairs.