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What to look for when buying a Wheelchair Ramp or a Scooter Ramp.

 
This page will give you some guidelines of what to look for when buting a wheelchair ramp or scooter ramp.

Due to great advances in technology many mobility products are available to make daily life easier for those living with a mobility handicap or difficulty. Among the mobility products include: electric scooters, comfortable home recliners designed to lift one to the standing position, manual and electric wheelchairs and stair lifts that help get one up and down home staircases. People in wheelchairs need access to elevated areas and may require the use of a ramp. Wheelchair ramps are important and frequently utilized assets outside stores, restaurants and any other public buildings. In every crossroads there is a special access ramp to compensate for the height difference between the walkway level and the road level. The access ramps are also useful for people using rollators as balance assisting devices. A wheelchair ramp is an inclined plane installed in addition to or instead of stairs. Ramps permit wheelchair users, as well as people pushing strollers, carts, or other wheeled objects, to more easily access a building. Wheelchair ramps come in a number of varieties each intended for a different purpose. There are permanent, semi-permanent and portable wheelchair and scooter ramps.

Permanent ramps are designed to be bolted or cemented in place (usually for buildings or public access). Semi-permanent ramps rest on top of the ground or cement pad and are commonly used for the short term. Portable ramps are lightweight, usually aluminium and typically fold for ease of transport.

When in the need for a portable ramp to keep you moving or to transport your scooter or wheelchair down from a truck or mini van, it is advisable to find as much information as you can on the types of ramps available. The wide variety of ramps on the market are ideal for negotiating steps and curbs, getting you smoothly over any transition in height, and also to load and unload your chair from a vehicle.

To decide which style of ramp works best, you need to ask several questions which could include:

  • Will your ramp be permanent, semi-permanent, or temporary?
  • How steep is the incline?
  • How high?
  • How wide and heavy is your wheelchair or scooter?
  • Do you need to carry the ramp with you to use at your destination?
  • What is your budget?
  • Who is the ramp for?
  • What kind of weight are you expecting it will have to support?
  • How much room do you have, and what would be the ideal material for your location?

Answering these questions will assist in narrowing down the choices and finding a portable access ramp that works best for your needs. Normally portable access ramps should have a minimum carrying capacity of at least 440 lbs or 200 kg, however ensure that the ramp you purchase meets the minimum capacity and exceeds the weight of your wheelchair plus your weight. Some ramps are designed only for use in unoccupied wheelchairs. It is prudent to check ramps for sharp edges or burrs as this can damage the wheelchair tires, or injure caregivers.

Many inexpensive ramps can have a poor finish and these should be avoided. The portable ramps should offer a level end platform designed for easy transfer from ramp to the ground. There should also be a simple to use locking mechanism to prevent the ramp from moving when in use. Check that the wheelchair ramps have edge protectors to prevent the user from falling off the side. Note the location of handles and locking mechanisms as this can make a big difference in the ease of handling for caregivers.

Portable aluminium access ramps or fibreglass access ramps are your best option for convenience especially when there is no need of having to make structural modifications.

Not only are they inexpensive and easy to carry, but some models can also be secured for semi-permanent placement if desired. They are typically secured by inserting a pin through the pre-drilled holes and into the landing.

For more help and information about what to look for when buying a whelchair or scooter ramp,
call 01704 506509 now, or contact us here.