Power operated wheelchair lifts that function by elevating and lowering a chair or a platform are not the only devices that allow disabled people to overcome vertical barriers. Long before these complex mechanisms where invented, people in wheelchairs have been using simple wheelchair ramps. Of course, it’s impossible to use ramps in case of high obstacles. However, if the barrier consists of several steps or a slightly elevated home entrance, than wheelchair ramps are the best solution.
There are many types of wheelchair ramps available on the market. Some are designed for residential use, others are created for public or commercial buildings, while other models can be attached to the door of a vehicle (especially a van) for helping to roll the wheelchair in and out of the car.
The ramps used in buildings can be fixed or portable. Fixed ramps are a good choice for home use, while portable models are suitable for buildings like schools, churches and other public structures. Most portable ramps are foldable – a very useful feature that will increase the transportability of the device.
Wheelchair ramps can also be divided into indoor and outdoor models. The ramps manufactured for outdoor use are usually weather and corrosion resistant, but good indoor products should have a high quality as well, being made from durable materials.
If you’re looking for a wheelchair lift ramp, there are several factors you have to take into consideration.
The first one, of course, is the quality of the ramp. Ask the manufacturer about warranties, safety features and other significant details before purchasing. It’s also advisable to make a thorough online research before buying a certain ramp – this way you’ll be sure that you’re choosing the most appropriate product for your specific situation. It’s always a good idea to compare prices and features, to read customer reviews and research the company’s credentials.
Then, ask the manufacturer about the material from which the ramp is made. Aluminum ramps are considered the best option – they are light, durable and weather resistant. Avoid wheelchair ramps made from wood and other materials that easily deteriorate.
Don’t forget to check the capacity of the ramp – the more durable, the better. Even if you have a light wheelchair, you never know when you’ll need to use the ramp for rolling something heavier. Assess the surface and avoid slippery ramps! I’m sure you can imagine how hard it could be to keep the wheelchair under control on such surfaces!
Also make sure that the wheelchair lift ramp has adequate safety features, especially supporting beams that will keep your wheelchair from rolling from the ramp.
You can also encounter more advanced types of wheelchair ramps. Actually, these models are a compromise between classical ramps and power operated wheelchair lifts. They are probably the only products that fully deserve the name ‘wheelchair lift ramps’. Let’s see how they are constructed and how they function:
These devices look like simple ramps. However, they also have the option of raising the ramp-platform to the needed height – this way the disabled person doesn’t have to use physical force for rolling the wheelchair. After the user gets on the ramp, he or she can activate the wheelchair lift. A gate will appear behind the chair, preventing it from rolling backwards, and then the platform will be lifted to the necessary height.
These wheelchair lift ramps are a good solution for homes with the entrance above the street level. In such cases, especially when we’re dealing with small vertical barriers, it’s not recommendable to acquire a classical wheelchair lift. Ramps are much easier to install, not to mention the fact that they are cheaper and more practical. Besides the house entrance, such ramps can also be placed inside the residence or in the garage, this way considerably improving the independence of the wheelchair-bound person.