Picking the Right Type of Wheelchair Ramps

Being mobile and able to do daily routine activities freely is something most people take for granted. However, various reasons like accidents, medical conditions or injuries may affect an individual's mobility. Hence, they may need some type of mobility equipment to help them. Out of several types of mobility equipment, wheelchair ramps are quite common and useful.

They make places more accessible for people who are wheelchair-bound to a certain extent. They may help you climb up slopes or stairs, get in and out of cars, etc. However, there are many types of wheelchair ramps available in the market. So, when you decide to buy a wheelchair ramp, making the right choice is critical. The reason is: the wrong choice might render your ramp of no avail.

When choosing a ramp, considering several points before you finally buy a ramp is important.

Let's have a look at them.

Factors to Consider While Selecting Wheelchair Ramps

1. Purpose

The first thing to consider is its primary purpose. Based on the purpose, you can choose one of the following main types of ramps.

• Solid - Available in different sizes, these ramps can be ideal for low steps and thresholds. They are suitable for both indoors and outdoors. Installation is easier than any other ramp as you need not unfold and arrange them. Their ease of transportation depends on their size. People may find them mostly in old age homes and hospitals where they help wheeled patients overcome small obstacles and kerbs.
• Modular -These kinds of ramps are partially portable. Installing or uninstalling them may take more time than the fully portable variants. They may be suitable for places where you cannot build permanent ramps.

  Let's say, you have shifted to a new town and the construction work of your own house is going on. For the time being, you have taken an apartment on a one-year lease. In this scenario, you can consider using a modular ramp as once you fix them you don't have to carry them anywhere for a year. After that, you can uninstall and shift the ramp to your own house.

• Threshold - As the name suggests, these ramps are ideal for low-rise obstacles like doorway thresholds. They are generally lightweight and easily portable. It takes hardly a few seconds to install or uninstall some of them like a fiberglass threshold ramp. Some of them also have raised lips to prevent the user from falling off the edge.
• Suitcase -This variant of ramps is one of the most common portable ramps available. These ramps fold in half and have a handle just like a suitcase. Their design makes their carrying easier.

  Setting them up takes hardly any time. Just place them where you need, and they are ready to use. They provide easy access over steps, kerbs, and other obstacles.

• Multi-Fold - These ramps are also portable and you can use them where suitcase ramps aren't long enough. They can fold down into a locked unit with a centre carry handle for easy transportation. They come in lengths even up to 10 feet.

2. Surface

Surface of a wheelchair ramp is an essential factor to consider. Ensure that the ramp you buy has a slip-resistant covering. This covering facilitates traction and may prevent you from slipping.

3. Weight Bearing Capacity

The weight-bearing capacity is another factor you should consider for the selection of a ramp. If you require a caretaker to propel a wheelchair, the weight-bearing limit of the ramp should be at least equal to the sum total of weights of the wheelchair, its user and caretaker. Ensuring that your ramp fulfils this condition will keep both user and caretaker safe.

The second thing is, powered wheelchairs are generally heavier than manual counterparts. So, the ramp you use for a powered wheelchair needs to have a higher weight-bearing capacity.

4. Storage and Transportation

To buy a wheelchair ramp, you also need to consider where you'll store it after use. Generally, some ramps are foldable and easily storable. If you are choosing a non-folding ramp, it will take more storage room than a folding ramp.

Similarly, a folding ramp folds up easily to make its transportation easier than a non-folding ramp.

So, if you have to carry ramps frequently, you can consider a folding ramp over a non-folding one. If you don't need to move ramps often and want it fixed for domestic uses, you can opt for a non-folding ramp.

To Wrap Up

To select and buy a wheelchair ramp can sometimes be tricky due to umpteen options. Nevertheless, keeping your purpose and other important factors in mind will let you make the right choice of a wheelchair ramp easily.

Derry has been working in the mobility aids industry since 2003, acquiring a wealth of knowledge along the way. Before Essential Aids, Derry's background was in engineering. In his spare time he is a devotee of yoga and rare reggae vinyl.