Portable wheelchair ramps are a convenient way for a wheelchair user to access any area they like and experience greater freedom. Wheelchair ramps can be used to get over steps, to access steep entrances into buildings, to access vehicles and to navigate steep curbs. There are a variety of different types of portable ramps available and it’s important to research the right one for your requirements before you make a purchase. Consider what type of wheelchair you have, what types of incline you most often navigate and how easily you can transport the ramp before you choose the right ramp for your requirements…

Rollup ramps

Rollup ramps are flexible and highly portable as they are lightweight and small in size which makes them ideal to fit in a vehicle or to attach to the wheelchair for everyday use. They are simple to use and can be unrolled to provide a ramp which the wheelchair can then mount. The major disadvantage with these ramps used to be that they were generally only available in lengths of three or five feet but they have advanced in recent years and they can be shortened and lengthened to fit a variety of different disability applications.

Multi-fold ramps

The multi-fold ramps consist of four sections which fold into a heavy duty portable ramp. This type of ramp is available in lengths up to 12 feet and is ideal for heavier wheelchair users as they are so sturdy. These ramps do tend to be heavy in weight so they are not ideal for everyday use as they can be awkward to transport. The multi-fold ramps are a good choice for entering and exiting larger vehicles such as SUVs.

Single-fold ramps

The single-folded wheelchair ramps are generally light and can tolerate a high weight capacity. They would be the ideal ramp to cross mid-height inclines. The drawback with these ramps is that they retain their full length when folded which can make them difficult to carry and transport. If you just require the ramp for a single purpose though and that fits into the category of mid-height then the single-fold ramp would be fine.

Track ramps

Track ramps are extremely versatile as they allow access to short steps but can also be extended to cover higher inclines and there are some models on the market which extend to up to ten feet. The only drawback to this ramp is that it can only be used on a two-wheel wheelchair. The ramps come in pairs and each ramp acts as a track under each side of the wheelchair so if you have a power scooter or a three-wheel wheelchair for example then this ramp wouldn’t be suitable.

Before you make a final decision on the ramp you need, it would be advisable to work out what the ramp will mostly be used for, some companies have ramp calculators on their websites which will help you to decide which type would be best for you.

A portable wheelchair ramp is the quick and easy accessibility solution. They can be used to access vehicles, navigate curbs and thresholds, and for temporary access into homes. They are designed to be lightweight and compact for easy transport. There are different types of portable wheelchair ramps to suit every need.

There are all types of portable wheelchair ramps available: Folding, Threshold, Telescoping, Van & SUV, Solid, Bariatric or Modular. Yes, modular. You can get a custom designed modular ramp.

Solid portable wheelchair ramps come in different lengths. These provide quick and easy access into your home or vehicle. They are made of just one piece and no assembly is required. Check the amount of vertical rise by measuring the distance between the top and bottom landings. They accommodate between six and ten inches of rise. These portable wheelchair ramps have a 600 pound capacity yet they are lightweight.

Folding portable wheelchair ramps are easier to move from place to place. Often they are referred to as suitcase portable wheelchair ramps because of the way they fold up to be carried like a suitcase. Some separate into pieces making them even more manageable. You can use them at home or when visiting a friend. They also can provide vehicle access. Just take them apart and/or fold them up to transport them.

Threshold portable wheelchair ramps make navigating within the home easier. They eliminate the need to “bump up” through doorways, making it safer to enter slightly different levels within the home, sliding glass doors and landings. They may be constructed of aluminum or rubber. The rubber ones can be easily trimmed and are great for sliding glass doors because they do not interfere with the tracks. They sit flush against the door sill and can be used both indoors and outdoors.

One more barrier to getting out in the world and visiting friends is removed. No more having to tell them, “I’d love to come over, but I can’t get in.” or hiding behind another excuse because you are embarrassed. With so many choices available, it is easy to find the portable wheelchair ramp you need.

Wheelchairs offer freedom of movement to people with varied mobility problems, in a range of environments such as the home, work place or locality, often times, without the aid of a caregiver.

Wheelchair ramps come in a wide assortment of designs that are perfect for making steps and curbs accessible, stowing a wheelchair into a vehicle, and in places where there is a requirement to make up for height differences. Miniature ramps can be used to negotiate the threshold without making any structural changes.

The various types of wheelchair ramps can be divided into four subgroups depending on their main features such as horizontally and longitudinally folding ramps, telescopic ramps and fixed dimension ramps. Telescopic ramps can be further divided into “U” shaped gutter ramps and reverse profile ramps.

The various wheelchair ramps available in the market are Track Wheelchair Ramps, designed to line up with the wheels of the wheelchair some of which use a telescoping design tht extends to be used on steps, vans or curbs. These are designed for both manual and electric wheelchairs and are mostly made from anodized aluminum. Threshold Wheelchair Ramps mostly made from lightweight aluminum are designed for both indoor and outdoor use to help negotiate difficult obstacles like doorways and other raised areas. These can either be fitted permanently or can be moved form place to place. Modular Ramps designed for permanent or semi-permanent installation. These may include platforms, integral landings, self-contained leveling systems, supports, wheels, flanges, and handrails. The units may be joined by bolts or clamps, or fitted together. Many manufacturers of modular ramps offer custom dimensions and generally ship all of the parts with installation instructions. Single-Fold Wheelchair Ramps designed to fold in the middle making them highly portable, easy to handle and set up. Multi-Fold Wheelchair Ramps folded not once but twice and can be carried like a suitcase and the added length allows for taller obstacles to be maneuvered easily. Roll-Up Wheelchair Ramps are extremely portable with their hinge design which allows for easy folding and convenient storage. Telescoping Wheelchair Ramps are multi-purpose, telescoping ramps that can be extended to suit diverse needs and lengths. Most are made from aluminum and come with a lasting non-skid driving surface. Van Wheelchair Ramps are designed for quick access to a van door (side or back). These are easy to install, have a high load capacity of 800 lbs, are lightweight and manually operated and made from high strength aluminum with a non-skid driving surface.

Product appraisals and trials involving wheelchair users have highlighted the fact that no single ramp design met all the needs of the users, though wheelchair ramps were available in a diverse range of designs and configurations.

The wheelchair is basically a handicapped persons second home. In most cases they spend nearly their entire day in it and it is their only means of transportation. A wheel chair accessory can make the persons coming and going easier. Here I will discuss some of the most commonly used accessories for wheelchairs.

Cushions

Each individual has a certain level of comfort when sitting. Cushions are very important to adjust the height of the seat and provide support to the back. There are several types of cushions available in the market: Gel cushions, foam cushions, air cushions, and sheepskin cushions.

Wheelchair Ramps

This is very important if there are elevations around your home. There are always reports of handicapped individuals trying to move down from an elevated place on a wheelchair which resulted in another accident. And this is the last thing that we want to happen. There are several types of ramps for different purposes: ramps for SUVs, ramps for low elevations, modular ramps, and others.

Trays and Arm Accessories

People will find it easier to eat from their wheelchair when they have much needed accessories. Some though, need the trays as to make it easier for them to store their bottles or glasses while they are on the move. It is tedious enough if they still have to find their way to the kitchen table to lay down their plates. Gloves are also of essence to help in pushing their wheels.

Foot and Leg Rest Accessories

This last one I think, is also crucial since many disabled individuals have little control over their feet. Their feet are either paralyzed or in a cast. The feet should be comfortably and securely placed on the leg rest to avoid any other accidents from happening.

Wheel chair accessories may be expensive, but always remember that these are for your loved ones.