Tips To Evaluate A Portable Ramp For Wheelchair

Anyone who uses a wheelchair, or who knows someone who does, understands that portable wheelchair ramps are entirely necessary getting in and out of buildings. Your own home and many public buildings have ramps these days to meet equal accessibility requirements. However, there are probably still buildings or homes you know of that are difficult if not perhaps impossible to enter in a wheelchair. Or perhaps you're traveling off into the unknown where you're unsure of how accessible buildings will be. If this is the case, portable wheelchair ramps are a viable solution to these problems.

The Portable Wheelchair Ramp

Portable wheelchair ramps are a convenient way to circumnavigate these problems. With the ramp being portable you are free to move and even take it with you on outings depending on the size. They allow you to overcome stairs and platforms without much trouble. This can even be useful inside your own house or apartment. But before you rush out and choose a portable ramp, remember some questions to ask about the ramp when making a choice:

How much weight can the ramp bear?

This is an important factor with all ramps, but especially portable wheelchair ramps. Since they are designed for mobility you want to be sure they are also sturdy and wide enough and that the manufacturers haven't skimped on stability for the sake of making it light.

Is the portable ramp for wheelchair up to code?

You don't want to be injured, or see someone else injured, because the ramp doesn't live up to the building code for wheelchair ramps. Only buy portable wheelchair ramps that come from a reputable source. That is especially true if you're looking to buy used wheelchair ramps or intend to rent a portable wheelchair ramp.

Will it meet your usage requirements?

Different portable wheelchair ramps serve different purposes and may be better or worse under different circumstances. Make sure the ramp you are looking at is the right width and can hold the amount of weight you need. You can ask the manufacturer questions to decide which portable ramp is right for you.

Portable Wheelchair Ramp Materials

Portable wheelchair ramps come in different styles and materials. Material choices include:

  • Steel
  • Wood
  • Aluminum
  • Plastic

Plastic and wood portable ramps are among the least expensive options if budget is a major consideration. Ramps may be larger or smaller to accommodate different wheelchairs and scooters. They are designed to be easy to store and may be multi fold for extra compactness. There are full-width ramps, which are easy to use, and track ramps, which are a touch more complicated to use, but are also lighter.

What Are Your Specific Needs As A User?

The key to choosing between all of these portable wheelchair ramps is need. Will you use the ramp in a home or apartment? Or do you intend to travel far and wide with it, making good use of it in public buildings? Answering these questions will help you determine the style and material that suits your needs best.

So remember to evaluate the weight the ramp can handle, find out if the ramp is up to current codes, and consider if it will meet your usage requirements. These factors will help you choose between portable wheelchair ramps.

More About Portable Wheelchair Ramps And Their Types

Whereas many people understand that wheelchairs and mobility scooters have made life much easier for the disabled and infirm, most of them do not realize that access to public areas are very often limited. Even the city architects do not think about this very often when designing, although they are getting better at it. It is on these occasions that portable wheelchair ramps come in very handy.

Portable Wheelchair Ramps Aren't Found Everywhere

One of the first things that one normally does when one acquires a wheelchair or mobility scooter is to make the home accessible and that makes it so much easier for the wheelchair-bound or mobility scooter user to get around independently. Unfortunately it is only normally when you leave the house that you realize that there are still many businesses that do not offer easy access to wheelchairs. Portable wheelchair ramps make this a snap.

There are a few different types of portable wheelchair ramps from which you can choose, dependent on your requirements:

Threshold Portable Wheelchair Ramps

A threshold ramp is probably the most well-known ramp of all.

  • A wedge-shaped ramp which is laid at a doorway for easy access.

  • Suitable for wheelchairs or scooters.

  • Access height from 1 to approximately 6 inches.

  • Made of rubber or aluminium, sometimes both.

  • Approximately 34 inches wide.

  • Usually left in place but are also portable.

  • Non-slip surface.

Suitcase Portable Wheelchair Ramps

These ramps are so named, because of the way they are stored and carried.

  • Convenient, lightweight and compact transportation.

  • Fold in half and feature carry-handles with which to carry them like suitcases.

  • They support up to 325 kilograms.

  • Can be used for stairs, access to buildings or for van-loading.

  • Suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

  • Non-slip surface.

Rollup Portable Wheelchair Ramps

These are one of the latest types of ramps that are available.

  • Designed for ultimate portability.

  • Between 3 and 5 foot in length.

  • Central ramp area stored in a tube.

  • Roll out and attach to the rigid side rails for sturdy ramp.

  • Made of lightweight aluminium.

  • Strong nylon bag for transportation.

  • Non-slip surface.

Telescopic Portable Wheelchair Ramps

These ramps are very innovatively designed to afford quick access and portability.

  • Two lightweight aluminium ramps that are placed the required distance apart.

  • They can telescope up to about 5 feet in length.

  • Click together to afford safe passage.

  • Handy storage and travel bag.

  • Wide style allows for easy use with wheelchairs and mobility scooters of various widths.

  • Non-skid grips on ramps.

  • Soft end profiles.

Some innovative companies are now manufacturing portable wheelchair ramps out of glass reinforced plastic, which looks good, is very light and also very portable. The average load capacity of these ramps is about 550 pounds for wheelchair and passenger, so they are very safe.

Whichever type of ramp you opt for, it should suit your needs and should also be easy to use. Remember that you may not always be able to have someone to help you to set the ramp up, so it should be one that you can set up easily yourself if possible.