Ten Things Everyone Misunderstands About Portable Ramps For Wheelchair
Wiki Article
Choosing Portable Ramps For Wheelchair Accessibility
Portable ramps can be an ideal way to help wheelchair users navigate through inclines, like stairs or curbs. They are light and can be folded up or put in a roll to store.
Local accessibility equipment retailers and medical supply stores offer a variety of ramps. Online retailers also provide detailed descriptions, reviews, and comparators for different ramps.
Portable Ramps that Fold Fold
Portable ramps that fold up are a fantastic solution for wheelchair accessibility. They can be used in different locations to help wheelchair users get around obstacles like curbs, steps, and raised surfaces. They also require much less complicated and expensive maintenance than in-floor ramps which makes them an appealing option for many.
When choosing a folding portable ramp, there are several factors to consider such as the weight and size of your wheelchair, scooter or other mobility device as well as the location on which you'll use it. The ideal ramp will have an incline similar to or slightly higher than the incline of the step or obstacle it is used to traverse. Consult with healthcare professionals or accessibility experts to get advice if you're unsure about the appropriate ramp size for your requirements.
Ramps come in a variety of styles, designs, and capacities to meet your individual wheelchair and mobility needs. There are a myriad of options that range from simple threshold ramps that are suitable for small doors up to ramps with full length that can be loaded into the back of vehicles.
Portable wheelchair ramps are usually constructed of durable materials that ensure their durability and strength. They also have non-slip materials to decrease the possibility that you fall and slip in any weather.
The most popular type of portable ramp is a single-fold one that folds up and secured into place using an elongated hinge. Certain models have another hinge 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. Certain models can be folded into multiple pieces, and carried like a suitcase. Some are constructed of a series of connected links that can be added or removed to make an individual length ramp and then they can be folded into a cylinder for easy storage. These kinds of ramps are commonly referred to as "roll-a-ramps". All of the various design options available for portable ramps offer high levels of safety as well as ease of use and portability.
Easy to Set-up
You'll want a ramp that is simple to set up and use. Portable ramps are often occasionally used and might need to be stored between use. This is why it's crucial that they are simple to put together or take apart. Some models can fold in half or quarters, and are sized so that they fit into the majority of vehicles. This makes transportation easy. Some models come with handles that make them easy to carry like a suitcase. They are great for loading a power chair into a van or climbing small inclines.
It's important to consider the weight your ramp can hold, depending on the type you select. If you're using a power wheelchair and require a larger maximum capacity, you may require ramps that have greater stability and strength than those intended for manual scooters or wheelchairs.
If you're unsure of what kind of ramp is best for your needs, it may be beneficial to talk to one of our Ramp Experts who will help determine what will be the most appropriate and answer any questions you may have. They can also help you determine how much inclined ramp you'll need, and provide suggestions on the best ramp length to meet your requirements.
Another aspect to think about is the material that your ramp is constructed of. Wood joists are constructed from rough pressed wood that can be difficult to hold in your hands. They can even cause the occurrence of splinters. You can attach plastic handles on the outside of each board to make it easier to work with.
Another option that is ideal for those who frequently travel, are looking for a threshhold ramp to help overcome single-step entrances, or need an instant set-up and unfolding is the track channel ramp. This type of ramp has an aluminum frame with wheels connected to tracks. You can easily move the ramp to its the right position. These ramps can be placed on the back of your vehicle or onto planes.
Cheaper than In-Floor Ramps
Both fold-out ramps and in-floor ramps provide a variety of advantages that can benefit those with mobility issues. There are some major differences between the two ramp types that can help you decide.
For example, some people prefer the versatility of a fold-out ramp that stores in the doorway of their vehicle and extends outward to be used. The ramp can be easily accessible by the user and can be lowered either manually or mechanically by pressing an button. It also has perforations on the ramp's flooring to make cleaning and maintenance a breeze. Additionally, certain models come with safety belts to assist in securing the wheelchair it is in use.
The ramps that fold out are useful for both side-entry or rear-entry conversions. They can be installed on vehicles like the Honda Element or Chevrolet Traverse. In contrast, in-floor ramps typically are best suited to rear-entry conversions. This allows the wheelchair to be positioned behind the driver's seat, which is a good option for families or those who travel with non-wheelchair users.
Fold-out ramps can also be more affordable than the in-floor ones. They are easier to store and use, as they have fewer parts. This can reduce the amount of time and money you need to invest in maintenance, which will save you money in the long term.
Remember that the price for ramps may not always be fixed. Numerous factors can affect the price, including material location, construction and labor. A ramp made from Trex, for example, will be more expensive than one made of aluminum. Some states' Medicaid programs may also cover the cost of a ramp however, they usually have a variety of requirements and stipulations. Medicare for instance requires that a doctor declare the ramp medically necessary in order to cover it. The more info government recognizes that ramps can improve the quality of life for those with disabilities.
Less Complex Maintenance
In addition to keeping ramps free of snow, debris and ice, it is important to also make sure your ramp is safe for those who use it. This means installing rails to stop wheelchairs from sliding off the edge, making sure the slope of your ramp is in a safe level and that it isn't too low or steep. You can also add salt to the ramps just like you would walkways and roads to improve traction.
If you'd like to carry your ramp along when traveling, look for one that can be folded or disassembled to make it easy to transport. These ramps tend to be designed to fit in the back of your vehicle, and usually come with handles to help you carry them. They may be more expensive than floor-to-ceiling ones, but they can save you money on the installation of a permanent one. This is a great option for those who are who are looking for temporary wheelchair accessibility solutions.
A threshold ramp is another kind of ramp that can be used for small gaps, like doorways or single steps. These are usually employed in commercial and residential buildings to make it easier for wheelchairs or scooters to move through these obstacles, and then continue on through the doorway.
Threshold ramps are typically constructed of aluminum that is lightweight and are smaller in dimensions than other types. They can be easily rolled up and put away in a closet or even in the trunk of your car when it is not being used.
A Telescoping ramp is akin to a threshold ramp however it can be used to aid with loading mobility scooters into the back of vans. The ramp is made up of two narrow channels that extend and retract to match the wheels of the wheelchair or mobility scooter, and it can be used on its own or with a threshold ramp at the entry point of an office or home.
When shopping for a ramp to improve accessibility in your business or home think about contacting local disability organizations. They could have a network of manufacturers and suppliers, and can provide recommendations or direct you to reputable sources that sell ramps at competitive rates. They might also know about financial assistance programs that can help you purchase accessible equipment, such as a wheelchair ramp.