10 Portable Ramps For Wheelchair Tricks All Experts Recommend
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Choosing Portable Ramps For Wheelchair Accessibility
Portable ramps are a great solution to help wheelchair users navigate over inclines such as curbs or steps. They are light and can be rolled up or folded to store away.
Local accessibility equipment stores and medical supply stores provide various ramp options. Online retailers offer detailed descriptions as well as reviews and tools for comparing different ramps.
Folding Portable Ramps
Portable ramps that fold up are a great solution for wheelchair accessibility. They can be placed in different locations to help wheelchair users get around obstacles like curbs, steps, and raised surfaces. They are also less expensive and more difficult to maintain than ramps for floors which makes them an appealing option for a lot of people.
When selecting a portable folding ramp, you must consider a variety of aspects, including the size and weight of your mobility device, wheelchair or scooter, as well as the surface you'll be using it on. The ramp should have an incline that is at least slightly higher than the incline on the step or obstacle that it will be used to cross. If you're unsure of the appropriate height for your needs seek out healthcare professionals or accessibility experts for advice.
Ramps come in different designs, styles and capacities that can be tailored to meet your specific mobility and wheelchair requirements. There are a variety of options available including simple threshold ramps that are suitable for small doors up to full-length ramps that can be loaded in the back of vehicles.
In addition to being light and compact portable ramps for wheelchairs are typically made of durable materials to ensure their durability and strength. They also have a non-slip material to reduce the risk that you will slip and fall in any weather.
The most popular ramp that is portable is the single-fold ramp, which is folded and secured in place with a hinge at the center. Certain models have a second hinge located along the width of the ramp, which helps to support and distribute the weight. This allows for the ramp to have a higher capacity for carrying loads. Others can be folded into multiple pieces, and can be carried in a manner similar to a suitcase for maximum convenience. Others are made from a series connected links which can be removed or added to form ramps of any length. They roll into a cylinder for storage convenience. These ramps are often referred to as "roll-a'ramps". The various style ramps that are available for portable use offer a high level of safety as well as ease of use and mobility.
Easy to Set Up
When you are looking for ramps you'll need to select one that is simple to set up and use. Because portable ramps are intended to be used occasionally and may need to be stored between uses and re-use, the ability to build or disassemble them is essential. Some models can fold in half or in quarters, and are designed to fit in most vehicles, making transportation easy. Some models have handles that allow them to be carried as a suitcase, and are perfect for short inclines or loading a power chair onto the side of a van.
Based on the type of ramp you pick, it may also be important to consider the amount of weight your ramp can handle. If you're using a power chair and require more capacity, you may prefer ramps with more durability and stability.
If you're not sure what kind of ramp will best suit your needs, it could be beneficial to speak with one of our Ramp Experts who can help determine what will be most suitable for you and answer any questions you might have. They can also assist you to calculate how much inclined ramp you'll need, and provide suggestions on the best ramp length to meet your requirements.
The material used to construct the ramp is also important. Wood joist ramps are made of very rough pressed timber and are difficult to handle with your bare hands and may even cause scratches. To make them more manageable you can put a pair of plastic handles on the outside of each ramp board.
Track channel ramps are another option for those who frequently travel or require ramps to assist them in crossing single-step entrances, or want an accessible ramp that can be put in place and then unfolded in a matter of minutes. This model has an aluminum frame that has tracks on which wheels are positioned so you can simply roll the ramp onto the track and be ready to use. The ramps can be easily placed on the back of your vehicle or onto planes.
Cheaper than In-Floor Ramps
In-floor and fold-out stairways offer numerous advantages for those with mobility limitations. There are some key differences between the two ramp styles that can help you decide.
Some prefer a portable ramp that folds out 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 deployed either manually or mechanically at the push of the button. It also features perforations in the ramp's floor, which makes cleaning and maintenance easier. Additionally, some models have safety belts that aid in the safety of the wheelchair in use.
Another important difference between the two styles of ramps is that fold-out ramps can be used in conjunction with rear-entry and side-entry conversions. They can be fitted on vehicles like the Honda Element or Chevrolet Traverse. In-floor ramps are best for rear-entry conversions. This allows the wheelchair to be positioned behind the driver's seat which is a good fit for families or those who travel with non-wheelchair users.
In addition that, fold-out ramps are typically less expensive than ramps that are in-floor. This is due to the fact that they require fewer components to operate and can be stored in a smaller space than an in-floor ramp. This will cut down on amount of time and money spent on maintenance.
Remember, however that the cost of a ramp isn't necessarily fixed. The price of a ramp can be affected by many factors including the material used the location, the material, and labor. A ramp made from Trex for instance will cost more than one made from aluminum. Medicaid programs in some states might cover the cost of ramps, however there are often restrictions or eligibility requirements. Medicare, for example requires that a doctor declare the ramp medically necessary to cover it. The government has recognized that ramps could enhance the quality of life for disabled people.
Less Complex Maintenance
It is not enough to ensure that your ramps are free of ice, debris and snow, but also make sure that it is safe for anyone who uses it. This means installing rails to prevent wheelchairs from sliding off the edge, making sure the slope of your ramp is safe and that it isn't too steep or too shallow. You can also apply salt to the ramps as you would sidewalks and roads to increase traction.
If you want to be able to take your ramp along when traveling, look for ramps that here fold or disassembled for easy transport. The ramps are usually designed to fit in the back of your vehicle, and typically come with handles that can help you carry them. They might cost more than ramps that are in-floor, but they'll help you save the cost of an ongoing ramp installation, which is a great choice for those who are looking for temporary wheelchair access solutions.
A threshold ramp is another type of ramp that can be used for small gaps, such as doorways or single steps. These are typically utilized in businesses and homes to make it easier for wheelchairs or scooters to maneuver over these obstacles and then continue on through the doorway.
Threshold ramps are typically made of lightweight aluminum and are a smaller size than other kinds. When not in use they can be folded up and put in a coat closet, or even in the trunk of your vehicle.
Telescoping stairways are similar to a threshold stairway, but it can be utilized to load mobility scooters in the rear of vans. 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 utilized as a stand-alone device or in conjunction with a threshold ramp at the entrance of a home or business.
When you are looking for a ramp to improve accessibility at your business or home take a look at contacting local disability organizations. They may have a network of manufacturers and suppliers, and can provide recommendations or direct you to reliable resources that sell ramps at a reasonable price. They may also be aware of financial assistance programs for buying accessible equipment such as a wheelchair ramp.