How to Choose The Right Wheelchair Ramp

For wheelchair users, the primary need is to be as independent as possible. Wheelchairs and rollators also allow them to do so while undertaking regular activity without any support.

The only trouble-causing things are steps, curbs, stairs, and uneven surfaces which can hamper movement and impact safety.

A wheelchair ramp (inclined plane/Slope) is a great solution to overcome such issues.

But there is a wide range of inclined planes available to satisfy the needs of various users. If you are struggling to find the right one, then you are in the right place. Below we are going to take you through the ramps based on the particular needs and types.

Where do you need to use the ramp?

Most of the inclined planes are capable of providing support indoors and outdoors, so the location is more about the environment and surfaces.

Threshold: If you want the ramp at a doorway or a bit raised then the threshold ramp must be the right choice for you.

Vehicle: If you need easy transportation from the wheelchair, you can use the inclined plane that folds half or quarterly. As such equipment tends to fit in most vehicles.

For raised landing: For a raised landing the finest solution must be a 36-inch wide ramp for comfortable entry and exit of your home.

For a few steps: If you require the inclined plane for a few steps leading into your home or in your house, the single-fold ramp that you can carry like a suitcase also known as suitcase ramps are suitable.

Types of Wheelchair ramps

Inclined plane for Wheelchair comes in different styles to support the multiple needs and types of environments. Below are some of the common.

Threshold Ramps

This aid let the wheelchair user to safely go through the low rises door frames or other types of small thresholds that are usually faced in the house.

They generally come up in the height range from ½ inch up to 6 inches to meet the multiple types of thresholds and have a weight capacity of 600 lbs.

Suitcase Ramps

Suitcase ramps on the other hand, are more suitable for passage over larger thresholds like a set of stairs or to get in or out of vehicles such as an SUV.

They are foldable and lightweight, which makes them more convenient to use, carry, and store. These incline planes come up with a higher weight capacity of up to 800 lbs and the length can vary from 2 feet up to 12 feet.

Track Ramps

This aid comes in the length up to 12 feet and most of them can carry up to 600 lbs maximum. The design of the aid is such that one can access the curbs, and steps easily.

The biggest issue people find with this aid is the setup. They must be at the same distance as the width of the wheelchair parallelly.

Modular Ramps

This equipment is suitable for the higher thresholds for e.g., where there are a lot of stairs. The only drawback of them is they are not portable like other inclined planes and are heavy to move.

How much width do you require for the ramp?

The width of the wheelchair slope depends upon the size of the wheelchair and the additional room you need to travel on the slope.

Generally, the minimum width of 36 inches is enough, but one can go for more than that if it is comfortable for you.

What material is best for the ramp?

The inclined planes come in various styles as discussed above. Consider the below points to figure out the material for them:

Aluminum

Aluminum slopes are strong, durable, and lightweight. There are often Aluminium ramps for sale due to its qualities and more demand.

They can withstand harsh winters and are perfect for temporary and permanent installations.

Rubber

The rubber ramps are perfect for navigating on uneven household surfaces like small steps and doorway thresholds. They are safe and offer a non-skid surface.

Wood

Such aid require maintenance and you must prevent it from warping. Though they are visually appealing but come with several drawbacks.

Weight capacity of the ramp

While choosing the right inclined plane, it is to find the one which is safe and supports the weight of the user. Most of the inclined planes have the capacity to accommodate 300 to 600 pounds and is a preferable capacity.

Conclusion

Choosing the wheelchair ramp is hardly a straightforward process. You have to combine the weight capacity, material type, width, and for what purpose you need it.

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.