Wheelchair Ramps
Improving Mobility
 | Stairs and curbs pose a problem for people in wheelchairs, as does transferring from ground to vehicle and vehicle to ground. Ramps offer easy access to people in wheelchairs by providing an inclined surface for moving between elevations. Wheelchair ramps can be used inside and outside of homes and all public establishments, as well as for access to most methods of transportation. When purchasing and installing wheelchair ramps, consider the weight that the ramps will be supporting, location, and whether the ramps are permanent or temporary. Permanent and semi-permanent ramps are best constructed from wood, metal, even concrete. Modular ramps are easily customized; track ramps allow for wheels to align with the ramp; threshold ramps bridge the gap between landings. Telescoping and roll-up wheelchair ramps offer the most portability. Many telescoping ramps fold up in convenient carrying bags that hang over the handles of the wheelchair. This makes travel much easier. If convenience is a concern, portable fiberglass and aluminum ramps (which can also be secured using pre-drilled holes and used as semi-permanent ramps) are recommended. |
Maintenance and Requirements
With wear, metal wheelchair ramps may need routine welding and treatment for rust, and wood ramps may need paint touchups; the quality of both ramps is improved by adding non-skid surfaces, which also require some routine maintenance. Permanent ramps should use a low slope for easier access. Slope adjustments may need to be made to non-permanent wheelchair ramps; the maximum acceptable incline for a wheelchair ramp is 1 foot of height to every 12 feet of length. Weather may decrease acceptable height ranges. Flat landing surfaces are required at the top and bottom of any wheelchair ramp for stopping the wheelchair, making turns, and for stability and access to closed doors.
Specifications and limitations
Wheelchair ramps are designed to different specifications: some are designed for manual wheelchairs, others for electric wheelchairs. Some wheelchair ramps are intended for occupied wheelchairs; other ramps are made for unoccupied wheelchairs. Weight is a definite factor when selecting wheelchair ramps; high-load capacity can handle up to 800 pounds of chair/person weight. Normally wheelchair ramps can withstand 600-700 pounds. A significant side-edge protector is mandatory for safety. Track ramps do not accommodate the wheels of all wheelchairs, so before you buy, determine compatibility.