What to Look for While Buying a Wheelchair Ramp

Mobility is a major concern for the disabled and elderly population, so it is important to make your building handicapped accessible. Nowadays equipment such as stair lift, wheelchair etc is available in the market that helps mobility impaired individuals to move around easily and comfortably. To make things easier, today portable ramps are also available that can be easily transported from one location to another. Ramps are inclined planes that are used instead of or in addition to stairs that help to access the building more easily.

Various types of wheelchair ramps made of different materials are available in the market now. To ensure safety and security, it is important to choose the right wheelchair ramp that suits your requirements.

Deciding on the Length of the Ramp

Deciding on the length of the ramp is one of the most important elements while choosing a wheelchair ramp. A ramp that is very short can be dangerous and pose the risk of falls. Short ramps may have a steep incline, which makes it difficult for the wheelchair to move up or down. A longer ramp reduces the steepness of the slope and enables the wheelchair user to move safely and easily. Appropriate length of the ramp ensures safety of the patient. The following measurements help to determine the length of the ramp.

>> Total usable width of the area

>> Total vertical rise that you are trying to overcome

>> Available distance without obstruction measuring straight out from the highest point

Different Kinds of Wheelchair Ramps

>> Portable ramps

Portable ramps are very lightweight and compact. They are easy to handle and can be taken anywhere effortlessly. These are ideal for moving wheelchairs and power scooters into vehicles, stairways and through entryways. A portable ramp has increased transportability as well as folding and telescopic design that allow it to be conveniently accommodated in a van, SUV or car.

>> Wheelchair track ramps: These ramps are compact and comprised of dual runner ramps that can be spaced any length apart to hold any power scooter and wheelchair widths.

>> Full width ramps: These ramps ensure maximum durability, portability as well as stability. They are available in single fold and multi- fold models and have raised side rails that ensure safety.

>> Free- Standing

Free- standing ramps are the sturdiest and long-lasting ones. These ramps are either permanent or temporary fixtures and are typically made of wood and aluminum.

> Aluminum: Aluminum ramps are in modular designs and can be conveniently customized to meet your needs. These ramps are much more affordable than wooden ramps and require very less maintenance. Being modular, they can be quickly set up.

> Wooden: Wooden ramps are permanent structures and hence they require more work and design to build them. As they are made of wood, they cannot be modified as easily as aluminium ramps. To prevent slips and for proper traction, grip tapes or some other anti-slip device should be applied.

>> Threshold

Threshold ramps are very different from free-standing and portable ramps. Smaller in size, these ramps are generally used for residential purposes, basically to overcome small height differences from one room to another easily. They can be used when there is a threshold, doorway plate or an elevated entrance to prevent any bumps or gaps that may be challenging for wheelchairs.