Are you planning on installing a wheelchair ramp for your home or place of business? There are a whole host of different options on the market, which can make selection difficult for a consumer. This blog post provides a break-down of the four main options in wheelchair ramps on the market, to help you choose the best one for you.
4 Types of Wheelchair Ramps
The 4 options for ramps are threshold ramps, portable/folding ramps, permanent ramps, and modular ramps. Let’s further explore each option for wheelchair ramps in a bit more detail.
Threshold Ramps
In case you have a single step, or your flooring is uneven, a threshold ramp could be the best equipment for you. The threshold ramp is compact, and lightweight that helps wheelchairs and/or mobility scooters ease over differences in elevation of less than 6”. Installing these items is no-hassle and they don’t require a lot of space. However, they can make your daily travels around your home smooth and comfortable. You are recommended to go for ADA-Compliant Aluminum Wheelchair Ramps for doorways.
Portable/Folding Ramps
If you are looking for a temporary or portable solution, folding wheelchair ramps will fill the bill. Whether you want to use a wheelchair for a short period to recover from a surgery, or have a friend or family member coming to stay, a folding ramp gives you the required flexibility. Moreover, you can even fold them up to carry them with you on a trip, like to a friend’s house or a rental vacation home. Folding wheelchair ramps are offered in bi-fold and tri-fold options. The point to note is that folding ramps are not considered completely ADA-compliant. They come without railings, so should only be used for limited use in the home.
Permanent Ramps
These options for wheelchair ramps are basically assembled using metal, wood, concrete, or other permanent materials. Because these ramps are immovable once installed, a permit is generally required to construct them, both for residential or commercial use. Permanent ramps involve extra time and money to install, but they can be fully customizable to your needs. If you use a wheelchair daily a permanent ramp for your home is an ideal option to choose. Some permanent ramps can even be matched to the aesthetic of your home.
Modular Ramps
If you have an uncommon or unique spot that you plan to fit a ramp into, a modular ramp or configurable ramp system should be your go to choice. These ramps have several basic components that can fit your needs without needing custom fabrication. Put another way they are more cost-effective than their custom equivalents.
Summing Up
To sum up threshold ramps are ideally suited for homeowners and proprietors of businesses who have thresholds that make it difficult for scooters and wheelchairs to travel through. Some options for wheelchair ramps for doorways are portable and lightweight, so can be easily moved around and used where needed. A wide range of options that permanently attach to an entryway are also available.