Access Ramps for Wheelchairs

Being unable to walk and having to use a wheelchair can be a very frustrating experience for some people particularly those who used to be very mobile. The disability can be caused by illnesses, accidents or traumas or even a life-long condition. Therefore, it is important to be able to carry on with life’s activities as normally as possible. Being unable to carry out normal activities can be very daunting so you can imagine how difficult it must be to be challenged with stairs and having no means of gaining access to a building. Thankfully, modern day solutions such as access ramps for wheelchairs address this practicality and at least take care of such life’s frustrations in this area.

Transporting wheelchairs

Wheelchair users not only need to be able to maneuver their wheelchair along the streets and around aisles in malls, but they also need to be able to reach their actual destination. It can be very expensive to adapt an auto or other vehicle for wheelchair use so this is where portable access ramps for wheelchairs are extremely convenient and can even be considered indispensable. They allow the transportation of a wheelchair quickly and easily into and out of the vehicle.

Choosing the right access ramp

As there are a few different access ramps for wheelchairs available, it may be necessary to consider a few important issues before choosing one. For example, where will the access ramp be used? Access ramps for wheelchairs required to access the threshold of a house is very different than one required to access a higher platform, for example an auto. The angle or degree of ramp is required and also the weight bearing ability may be crucial.

Multi-fold ramps

For heavy duty use, a multi-fold access ramp may be the right consideration. These usually fold into four sections and can be as long as 12 feet in length. They are heavier than other portable ramps, as you would expect, but they are very robust and stable. They do require enough space to store them so this would need to be a consideration too.

A trip to the mall

Non-wheelchair users may be unaware of the lengths large businesses and local authoritities go to for accommodating wheelchair users. Life takes on a different perspective when trying to access anywhere via a wheelchair. This is why most large firms will build access ramps for wheelchairs into the design of the building. Most malls have very flat surfaces and if there are multi floors, they can be accessed via an elevator. This allows smooth transition for wheelchairs from one floor to another. Access ramps, if required, have to conform to certain regulations and they have to be built at a specified angle and the gradient has to be easily maneuvered. If that gradient is too steep then a straightforward access ramp will be changed in design until the accessibility is correct. This is why you will see some access ramps for wheelchairs in two stages and occasionally there may be a landing part to the access ramp to break it up. It all depends on the angle of the access door to the street level.