A portable ramp makes stairs or inclines easier to access for a wheelchair ramps for doorways. They are lightweight, foldable and are available in various lengths to suit different mobility devices.
They are often stocked in local hardware and construction stores. You can consult a home evaluator such as a licensed occupational or physical therapist, to determine the right ramp for your needs.
Foldable Ramps
A simple curb or step can be a hindrance for people who are using a wheelchair or scooter to move around. A portable ramp can give the user access to their home, business, and other places.
There are a myriad of types of ramps that can be used in portable mode. Each has their own pros and cons. However, they all have the same goal to make it easier for users with mobility aids to get to where they require. Ramps are available in a broad range of lengths and slopes that can be used to overcome the most difficult stairs, slopes of incline and other obstacles.
They are simple to store and transport. These types of ramps are available in tri-fold, double-fold and single-fold designs. They are typically constructed of aluminum, which is light and durable. They also have high-traction surfaces to minimize the risk of falls in all weather conditions. They come with carrying handles to assist people in a wheelchair or scooter to carry and move them around as needed.
Other kinds of portable ramps include those that are rolled up and stored in a vehicle or van. They are easy to transport and store, but cannot be moved around easily.
When selecting a portable ramp it’s crucial to take into account the recommended incline ratio for loaded users for the particular ramp. A ramp that is too steep could be risky because it can force wheelchair or scooter users into using an enormous amount of strength and effort in order to climb up the slope. It could also cause wheels to lose grip, which could lead to falling or making it difficult for the user of the ramp to determine the direction they are traveling in.
Threshold ramps are a different kind of portable ramps, which are used to create small thresholds between rooms or buildings and the entrance door. These types of ramps can be particularly helpful in homes that have doors that are low and difficult to navigate for people who use scooters or wheelchairs.
Modular Ramps
A modular ramp system allows homeowners to adjust the length and height of their wheelchair ramp. This lets them be in compliance with ADA guidelines for accessibility without needing an ongoing concrete ramp or making structural changes to the structure of their home. They can also choose between different ramp widths, handrail designs and traction. Modular ramps are typically made of aluminum and can be powder-coated in an color that is in line with the homeowner’s home. They’re a great option for those who need temporary access or are looking for a permanent ramp that they can easily move to a new location if they decide to sell their home.
You’ll first need to determine the height of the curb or sidewalk that you’ll be putting the ramp on. You can determine the ramp’s slope percentage or make use of an online calculator. Once you have the slope percentage, you can determine which sections of ramp you require based on the length of rise you require. You can choose between straight ramps, L-shaped ramps, or even a switchback ramp.
You’ll need the modular ramp components in order to assemble them. You can do this on your own or hire a professional to install it for you. Certain manufacturers provide kits that include everything you require to construct your own modular ramp. When building your ramp, make sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and use any tools that may come with your ramp.
If you’re purchasing a portable ramp for wheelchairs that is trifold, it will fold into a half size in both the length and width of your ramp to make it easy to transport into your vehicle. These kinds of ramps are great for those who need a longer ramp that’s still light and easy to move. For greater flexibility, you can also opt for an telescopic ramp which extends or shrinks to suit your desired height. These ramps are light and have non-skid grips to make them easy to carry.
Rollable Ramps
Portable ramps are a fast and inexpensive solution to accessibility barriers. They are ideal for temporary spaces like events, or at home where permanent accessibility solutions might not be possible or available. They can also help people overcome obstacles like steps and thresholds that are difficult for wheelchair users to overcome. This allows individuals to live their lives without having to seek assistance from others and promotes independence.
Typically, they are made of light materials and can easily be moved from one place to another. They can be used indoors as well as outdoors and some are made to accommodate a variety of weather conditions. Many portable ramps, such as made of a water-proof material that can be rolled on surfaces such as concrete, mud, or snow. This is especially useful during rainstorms, when it can be difficult to navigate through puddles of mud or water on sidewalks for strollers, wheelchairs and scooters.
Portable ramps are light and compact, taking up only a little space. Some ramps are foldable into a smaller size and placed in a tight space or under furniture. They can be put in the trunk of your vehicle and are ready to use whenever needed.
The majority of portable ramps can be used with various types of vehicles. This means that you can pick the model that best fits your needs, regardless of whether it’s a car, van, SUV, or truck. A lot of models come with an adjustable slope that ensures that they are at a comfortable level for wheelchairs of all sizes.
Some ramps have handrails to improve the safety and stability. These are especially useful in preventing falls as they offer a surface to grasp onto. They can also be useful to assist users in navigating the ramp if they’re struggling with balance problems or fatigue.
There are a variety of telescoping ramps that could be used with wheelchairs that are portable. They are generally made to resemble tracks with two narrow channels that can retract and extend to an appropriate length. This type of ramp can be a great choice for getting into vehicles that aren’t wheelchair ramp incline-accessible, as it will allow the user to sit up high enough to have proper headroom.
Semi-Permanent Ramps
For those who require a more extended ramp semi-permanent ramps provide the ideal solution. They can be customized and adjusted to accommodate different needs and environments. They can also be moved to a new location, for instance, when a person moves house, making them more affordable than permanent ramps.
They are typically made of rubber and may be pressed against the curb or lip of a threshold or door to assist a scooter, wheelchair, or walker get around these small barriers. They are simple to put up and work for small height variations like 15 inches or two steps. If you’re using a wheelchair bridge ramp or another mobility device, you must ensure that the ramp you select is safe to use and is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. This includes an ADA-compliant slope of at least 1:12, a smooth surface that can withstand the weight of your wheelchair and handrails on either side of the ramp when it’s more than 7 feet long.
If you’re looking for a ramp with more robust surface and a higher capacity for weight, you’ll have to think about a bariatric ramp. These are designed for those who weigh more than 1,000 pounds and can be used with power wheelchairs, scooters, walker, or any other mobility aid.
These ramps are typically constructed into the structure of a home or business. They can be attached to an exterior wall, constructed as a freestanding structure, or fixed in place with ground anchors. These types of ramps are suitable for people who will need the ramp for wheelchairs to remain on the ground for a long period of time.
They are usually made from aluminum and are modified to meet a specific setting or mobility need. They can be adjusted to a wide variety of gradients and are weather-proof and are available with or without handrails. They can be put in a variety of ways such as straight or L-shaped, as well as switchback. They can be difficult to transport due to their weight and size however, they are still more mobile than a permanent ramp which requires installation on the foundation of your home.