Not all homes are wheelchair accessible. With certain upgrades and installations, you can easily make your home wheelchair accessible. There are a couple of different avenues available.  One way is with a ramp system. These can be purchased or rented from Affordable Medical Equipment. If your need is more temporary and/or you need something transportable, a portable ramp system may be better for you. These also tend to be a less expensive option.

To ensure safety and easy accessibility, there are regulations for installing wheelchair ramps in public spaces. While this compliance does not apply directly to portable ramps for home, it is a good idea to adhere to the guidelines when possible, to maximize safety and accessibility. Factors such as type, determined use, timeframe, ease of use, price, cosmetics, etc. should all be considered before buying wheelchair ramps for homes.

There may be dozens of varieties of ramps on the market, but what makes a ramp safe is its distinct characteristics. The following are the questions you should ask as you consider a wheelchair ramp.

  • How does the ramp rest on a stair?
  • What protects the ramp from sliding?
  • Are you looking for something temporary or permanent?
  • Does the lift need to be transported?
  • Are there any limitations in use?
  • What is the proper ramp incline?
  • Are turns in the ramp required for the best solution?

Ramp Safety

For safety reasons, check how the ramp sits on a stair or landing. If the ramp fails to lay flat on the transition area, then it can cause a wobbly ramp. It is a very dangerous situation for any mobility device and risky for anyone walking on the ramp.

Ramps are very safe and sturdy, but if the surface area where it must be installed is uneven, you may fall into dangerous situations. Make sure the landing area where the ramp is installed is completely level and free of obstacles and debris. If necessary do some repair work or replace all uneven surfaces before the ramp can be used safely.

GATEWAY™ Solid Surface Ramp With Handrails

Ramps typically have a curved extension on the top edge. This extension rests on the top of the threshold and carries some of the weight when the ramp is in use. The lip extension also creates a smooth transition point for the wheelchair. For example, the GATEWAY™ Solid Surface Portable Ramp is designed as a single piece with no assembly required. One can move and set the ramp in any desired position. It is ideal for scooters, wheelchairs and walkers of all types. It is good for everyday use and in all weather conditions. Built with superior durability and craftsmanship, this aluminum wheelchair ramp comes with handrail options to provide extra protection to people while they are on the ramp.

Ramp Angle and Length

Before you select any wheelchair ramps for your home, keep in mind the wheelchair user’s limitations. If the wheelchair used is manual, avoid something that is too steep, as it will require more body strength to move up it. The American Disabilities Act recommends no incline greater than 6° if an individual must get up the ramp under their own power. If it is a power chair, consider not only the level of stress put on the motor, but also whether stepping up is a possibility with a higher incline.

The length of the wheelchair ramp for your home will depend on your needs and available space. There are some recommendations in power scooter and wheelchair manuals when it comes to ramp length for that model.

With the right assistance from the professionals at Affordable Medical Equipment, we would be able to find the perfect ramp for you or your family member. Not only does a proper ramp make accessibility easier and more comfortable, but you move about feeling completely safe.

Whether indoors or outside, there are possibly many benefits of ramps that can help in many different situations. In order to purchase ramps and access equipment, aluminum ramps are the best as they come with numerous benefits over steel and other less suitable materials. So here we will cover five great reasons to use an aluminium ramp.

Ramps Make Easy Accessibility

Ramps Make Easy Accessibility

People with disabilities are often restricted from visiting certain places because there is no way to access the entrance. Wheelchair accommodation is an afterthought for some homes. Therefore, the best ramps offer one of the most affordable alternatives to permanent construction that can be controlled.

Cost Factor

To consider the cost, there are a few factors- materials, quality, length, durability, and price. Understand your needs for the ramp, including how often you will be using this equipment, to make an informed choice through the purchasing process.

Weight Capacity of a Ramp

Generally, portable ramps can support up to 800 pounds. Please check with us @ Affordable Medical Equipment for the exact weight capacity of ramps.

When considering the weight capacity, the combined weight of the mobility device and the individual should be considered. Remember, weight capacity is an important reason to select one of the best ramps for your situation.

Portable Ramps

Portable Ramps

Besides permanent or installed ramps, portable ramps are also an option. The best thing about portable ramps are they are not permanently fixed to a surface; therefore, you can literally take them with you. In cases where you need some extra flexibility, there are portable ramps that can be moved from one place to another.

Portable ramps are just that – portable. They typically fold in some manner to provide easy storage or transport from one location to another. Depending on the size they can fit into an SUV or truck. There are bi-fold and tri-fold portable ramps and come in varying lengths. The EZ-Access tri-fold actually unfolds twice to a maximum length of 10’. The maximum EZ-Access bi-fold length is 6’. They usually fit a temporary need, like someone in a wheelchair or knee walker for a month or two.

Installation guidelines will typically be like the regular ramps but require far less time. Customers often pick up these ramps themselves and take them home to install. Just like the permanent ramps, there needs to be a stable and sturdy surface to put the ramp onto. Grid plate, weight capacity and safety rails will be just as in the permanent ramps. They do tend to be far less expensive than permanent installations but do not offer the customization options that a permanent installation would offer. They are also not going to be able to meet many ramp criteria. A portable ramp is only good for about a 20” rise vertically.

Portable ramps are thus best recommended for the safety they ensure. These ramps are efficient, less difficult to set up, incredibly versatile, and offer a range of benefits to the user. You need to look no further than portable ramps if you do have mobility issues, if you want easy accessibility to your home, or if you need a ramp for your commercial property.

Additional Safety Features

There are additional safety features that should probably be taken into consideration as well. Make sure your ramp has non-skid surfaces, safety edges on the sides, level transition plates, water drainage holes, handrails, and proper leg supports in the proper places.

Invest in the Best Quality Ramp

When it comes to ramps, permanent or portable, selecting which one to choose comes down to the need of the consumer. Preference, situation, and use- all play an important role in the type of ramp you choose. When a wheelchair-bound individual enters or exits a building/vehicle, you want to make sure they’re safe. Find the best ramp for your situation that ensures safety.

When you are looking for a company to help with the purchase, trust the experience of Affordable Medical Equipment. We specialize in offering top-notch mobility solutions, like portable ramps, that fit your needs, lifestyle, and budget. Let us address the right solution for you. Give us a call today to get started. For more information, please visit our website to explore our range of ramps online or keep an eye on our social media pages to stay up to date with what you want to know. And most importantly, whatever portable ramp you get, make sure it is carefully installed and you test it before use. Your safety comes first!