Wheelchair ramps are a type of gradually leaning assistive equipment that allows wheelchairs and other mobility devices to move safely over uneven terrain.
If you are unable to walk upstairs, a ramp leading up to your front door may be required. Most people, however, are unaware that there are various types of ramps.
Choosing which of these wheelchair ramps is the best option for your home can be a difficult task. Weather conditions, safety, ease of access, ADA compliance, expert installation, and warranty are just a few of the features to consider before purchasing a ramp.
You’ve decided that a wheelchair, power wheelchair, or mobility scooter will help you age in place — but getting your mobility device into your home may be difficult if you have steps leading up to it. Fortunately, the simple installation of a wheelchair ramp will assist! But, with so many options, how do you pick the best wheelchair ramp?
CONSIDERATIONS WHEN PURCHASING A WHEELCHAIR RAMP
Along with those features, we’ve listed some critical considerations for selecting the best temporary ramp for homes. We want to make sure you have the information and tools you need to make the best decision for yourself or your loved ones!
Where should a wheelchair ramp be installed?
Threshold
If your doorway or landing is only slightly raised, a threshold ramp may be the best option for you. Hoveround provides an easy-to-install wheelchair ramp for your thresholds. The hat is anti-slip and has a lot of traction.
Set of Steps
If your home has a few steps, Hoveround offers a single-fold wheelchair ramp that folds in half and can be carried like a suitcase, as well as a trifold wheelchair ramp that separates and folds in half and is made of durable welded, aircraft-grade aluminum.
Raised Landing
For a raised landing, the best solution is always a solid 36-inch wide ramp that allows you to safely and comfortably enter and exit your home. Depending on your situation, you may even want handrails on your ramp, and our PVI OnTrac wheelchair ramp includes handrails as a safety feature.
Vehicle
If you need to transport your power wheelchair easily, you can use our “>tri-fold wheelchair ramp, which comes with an optional top lip extension (TLE) that extends the lip from 3 inches to 9 inches. The ramp will be able to rest on the floor of your vehicle with the TLE for safe and convenient transportation.
Choosing the Length of a Portable Wheelchair Ramp
The ADA guidelines specify specific ratios for accessibility ramp measurements to ensure safe use. The ADA requires all commercial and public use ramps to have a 1:12 slope ratio, which means that for every inch of vertical rise, there must be 12 horizontal inches (one foot) of the ramp. In practice, if you have a stairway with a 10-inch vertical rise, you will need 10 feet of ramp. The ADA also requires that no ramp runs for more than 30 feet without a rest or turn platform.
What is the stability of the base surface?
Make sure the area where the wheelchair ramp will be resting or attached is solid, level, and even in order for the ramp to be stable and safe to use. Inspect the area to ensure that it can withstand the regular use of a wheelchair ramp, and always inspect the ramp before each use to ensure that it is in good working order.
What is the maximum weight capacity of the wheelchair ramp?
When selecting a wheelchair ramp, it is critical to find one that will safely support the weight that will be on it, including the weight of the mobility device, the user, the caregiver (if assistance is required), and any other items that may be required.
How wide should the ramp be?
The width of your wheelchair ramp is determined by the size of your wheelchair and the extra space you’ll need to maneuver on the ramp, as well as your own personal comfort. In most cases, a wheelchair ramp width of 36 inches will suffice, but you may find that a wheelchair ramp width of 42 inches is more comfortable for you.
What should the ramp’s slope be?
The slope of the ramp determines how steep it will rise, and it is critical for safety that the slope is appropriate for the incline limits of your mobility device. For wheelchair ramp slopes, the ADA recommends the following guidelines:
You’ll need about 1 foot of ramp for every inch of rising if you’re going to ride up and down the wheelchair ramp while seated in your wheelchair.
If you’re going to walk alongside or behind your mobility device and power it up while it’s not in use, you’ll need about 1 foot of ramp for every 3 inches of rising. For example, if you have three steps and an 18-inch total rise, you’ll need an 18-foot wheelchair ramp.