Portable Wheelchair Ramps are intended for people who desire the ease and mobility of a portable ramp. These ramps are usually made of aluminum, due to its lighter weight and durability. Portable Wheelchair Ramps typically fold for easy carrying, and most come with built-in carrying handles as well. It is important to note that handrails and/or guardrails are strongly recommended for all Portable Wheelchair Ramps with rises of six inches and above.
Top Reasons to purchase a Portable Wheelchair Ramp:
- added sense of security in the event of an emergency (can be placed in such a way as to create an additional exit)
- greater sense of adventure and freedom; giving you the ability to travel and access locations that may not be retrofitted for accessibility purposes (such as historic homes)
- ability to sidestep various building-code guidelines (of the sort that are applicable to permanently-installed ramps)
- greater feeling of independence; giving you the capability to move more freely through your home or office
- affordability; giving you the ease and convenience of a wheelchair ramp for a lower price than a permanently-installed ramp
- flexibility; giving you the option of moving your ramp or relocating your home without needing to purchase a new ramp
The type of ramp you select will be dependent upon the type of adaptive equipment that you use. Bariatric Wheelchairs have their own kinds of ramps, as do Motorized (Electric) Wheelchairs. See Mobility Cars Available for more information about retrofitting a vehicle specifically for a wheelchair and a wheelchair ramp.
Here is a helpful formula for calculating the dimensions of a Portable Wheelchair Ramp for your home, vehicle or building facility, courtesy of the writers at “Front Porch Ideas and More”:
“Calculate the rise and run for a wheelchair ramp [with this] rule of thumb: Have a minimum of 12 inches of ramp for every inch the ramp must rise. The optimum rise would be 20 inches for every inch in vertical rise. For example, if your porch is 18 inches from the ground your ramp should be a minimum of 18 feet long.
- Multiply the height in inches by 12 inches {18 x 12 = 216 inches}
- Divide that number by 12 inches {216 / 12} =18 feet.
If you want the slope to be more gentle, then consider a rise and run of 20 inches. So, your ramp would be 30 feet long {18 x 20 = 360 inches, then 360 / 12 = 30 feet}.”
Care of your Portable Wheelchair Ramp:
- Take location into consideration when positioning your portable wheelchair ramp. Try not to place it in an area with high sun exposure, or in an area where leaves and other debris are likely to fall on the ramp.
- Try to keep your portable wheelchair ramp protected from rain, snow and moisture.
- Ensure that your ramp has sufficient traction on its surface to prevent slipping.