Types of Wheelchair Portable Ramps

Wheelchair portable ramps are the ideal solution for those who need to enter a vehicle, doorway, curb or any other elevated surface using your wheelchair. They are easy to install and can be installed in the majority of vehicles.

These ramps come in several designs, including telescoping, folding and modular (semi-permanent) ramps. They can be used indoors or outdoors and at different angles of incline.

Folding Ramps

Folding ramps can be used for temporary purposes such as allowing scooters and wheelchairs to be inserted into vehicles or to climb small steps. They are usually made from aluminum and fold down into three or two panels with hinges in between. This design makes them fit into smaller spaces like closets and coat rooms, or be tucked away in the trunk of a car to travel. They are more affordable and less likely to wear out as compared to other types.

Some folding ramps have handrails that can be useful for those who require extra stability while stepping onto the ramp or moving around. Others are designed to be able to accommodate a variety of mobility devices and feature non-skid grit surfaces to ensure safety. They are also lighter than other ramps and easier to move.

A popular choice is the EZ-ACCESS Singlefold Ramp which folds up and can be carried as a suitcase or divided into two pieces to provide more portability. The model has the maximum weight of 800 pounds, which is sufficient to support the majority of manual chairs. This is an excellent choice for those who want to take a portable ramp with them on a trip or when visiting family members require access to the wheelchair-user's home.

National Ramp's Modular Ramp System is an additional option that can be utilized and transported on a daily basis. It's a modular system comprising tongue-and-groove-interconnected components that can be set up to meet the requirements of any home or business. This ramp is lightweight and ideal for outdoor use, especially in climates that experience a lot of rain or snow. It has an open mesh that helps to drain the water and avoids the formation of puddles.

You might be able to find wheelchair ramps at local hardware or construction stores, or at online retailers. It's best to contact your local disability group. They might have a list of suppliers who sell accessible equipment at reasonable prices. In some cases disability organizations, they may be aware of financial assistance programs that will help offset the cost of a ramp for wheelchairs.

Telescoping Ramps

Telescoping ramps allow you to move a manual wheelchair, power chair, or mobility scooter up short slopes. These lightweight aluminum ramps expand and contract as required to accommodate different sizes of steps and heights. They can also fold up to make space for transport and to store. Some are designed to fit into the back of a full-size van, minivan or even a car.

These portable ramps are great to use at home. They can assist you to climb stairs and curbs without the need to use your motorized scooter or wheelchair. These ramps can help you load your car while visiting friends or family members who may not have accessible homes.

These ramps are usually referred to as suitcase ramps, as they fold down and up like a suitcase, making it easy to transport them. They are available in a range of lengths that range from 2' to 7 to accommodate narrow inclines. These are also used to place an electric wheelchair car ramp scooter or removable wheelchair ramps into the side of vehicles.

You can also purchase telescoping wheelchair ramps from local retailers as well as online hardware or construction stores. These stores usually carry building materials that can be repurposed to create wheelchair ramps, and they're also a great resource for details on accessibility laws in the local area and guidelines.

It is crucial to determine the maximum incline that your mobility device is able to handle prior to selecting a telescoping incline ramp. Review the specifications of your manufacturer to determine this, or consult a qualified healthcare professional for guidance. It's important to figure out how many inches of ramp you will need to cover each inch of rise. ADA regulations require that you must have at minimum 12 inches of ramp for every inch of height.

Be aware of the weight limit of your mobility device or wheelchair before purchasing a telescoping stairway. There are ramps available that can support up to 600 pounds, or you can select one that is specifically designed to support up to 800 pounds. Make sure that the ramp is not slippery to ensure security.

Modular Ramps

Modular ramps are a great alternative for commercial buildings with varied terrain or areas that have to adapt to changing conditions. They are typically constructed of aluminum and can be moved, relocated, or altered to fit an area or timeframe. They are also low maintenance and can endure normal wear and tear. They are an excellent option for permanent wheelchair ramps installations as well as long-term solutions. Modular wheelchair ramps are available in different lengths and are able to be customised by adding or removing components as needed. For ramps that are longer than 1.8 meters or more than 15 centimeters, they can be equipped with safety rails.

The wheelchair ramp system that is modular is comprised of tongue and groove interconnected sections that can be placed in a wide variety of configurations. It is highly versatile and can be adapted to fit a range of different terrains access angles, access angles and building heights. It can also be customized to conform to ADA specifications and is suitable for short-term or long-term use. This lightweight ramp system that is rust-resistant can be put in place on any surface and is safe to drive on in snow and rain. Its solid, ribbed surfaces stop slippage while the expandable holes allow snow or water to drain without creating puddles.

This kind of ramp is ideal for homes that require a slope of between a small and medium and can be set up into a straight or curved entranceway. It is simple to put together and can be used to support various mobility equipment. It is designed to withstand the rigors of heavy usage and can be adapted to the weight of the user to ensure safety and stability.

It is built using strong and weather-resistant aluminum and its surface is able to provide traction in all climate conditions. It is easy to maintain and will not rust. The sides are smooth, preventing users from falling into objects or falling off the edge. It is equipped with a variety of handrails, such as two-line rails for an additional layer of support or a continuous handrail on top together with vertical pickets.

Permanent Ramps

If you or a loved one is going to be in your home for a long period of time, then you may want to consider a permanent wheelchair ramp. These ramps are typically constructed into the structure of your home and are constructed of different materials, such as aluminum. They are extremely popular due to the fact that they are lightweight ramps for wheelchairs, easy to put together and can be easily moved. They are more expensive than temporary ramps, as they require more construction materials and labor to construct.

Modular ramps are the ideal option for those looking to improve accessibility to their home, but don't have the time to undertake a huge project. They are available in different sizes, lengths, and stowing configurations. They can be adjusted, which allows you to adjust in your mobility needs over time. Modular ramps can be bought with a variety handrail options and are extremely durable.

Unlike the other temporary ramps, these are constructed to last and adhere to ADA guidelines. They are designed to withstand heavy use and have a solid surface that stops the ramp from slipping or sliding during use. This kind of ramp is a great choice for those who will be using it frequently or in extreme weather conditions.

Threshold ramps are designed to slam into small obstacles such as thresholds for doors or steps, or curbs. They are easy, cost-effective and can be folded up to be easily tucked away in a vehicle.