Roll up Access Ramps

Roll up access ramps are a somewhat new addition to the family of access ramps especially in terms of access ramp innovation design.  Roll up access ramps are also referred to as roll-a-ramps as they are quite literally so.  Being a comparative newcomer to the line of access ramps, roll up access ramps have quite a number of advantages over other access ramps.  The roll up access ramp’s biggest advantage would be its design which allows for the roll up access ramp to be rolled up and thus stored in a very small space.  This in itself makes it extremely mobile thereby ideal for transportation, portability and quick assembly or disassembly.  Roll up access ramps are more often than not lightweight therefore it allows for convenient wheelchair (or mobility scooter, depending on the design of the roll up access ramp) access to and from vehicles, buildings or homes.

Roll up access ramps consist of linked individual segments or treads.  Each tread is usually fully removable thereby allowing for easy reduction or extension of the overall length of the roll up access ramp.  Treads are typically lined with a rubber-like material to prevent slipping or are themselves made out of non-skid material. Setting up roll up access ramps could not be simpler as all it takes is for the roll up access ramp to be unrolled.  The top tread is then placed onto the step or ledge or curb.  Built-in side rails help in preventing wheels rolling of the edge.  The length of a roll up access ramp can easily be adjusted by either adding or removing treads.  Because roll up access ramps allow this flexibility, even if the location or gradient changes, new access ramps need not be purchased.  Usually roll up access ramps come equipped with a bag or case for storage and portability.

Roll up access ramps offers a great many benefits, not only for the actual users i.e. those who are on wheelchairs or mobility scooters but also for the people assisting and caregivers as well.  Because their design allows them to be easily moved from one place to another, portability and ease of transportation can easily be managed.  Roll up access ramps’ overall flexibility renders it a very easy piece of equipment to use, set up and store.  The almost total portability roll up access ramps offer enables it to literally be taken “anywhere”, even on airplanes, trains and buses.  Compared to full-sized semi-permanent or permanent access ramps, roll up access ramps can be relatively inexpensive.

Before purchasing a roll up access ramp, one should always keep in mind several factors.  The ramps or channels must be wide enough to accommodate the width of the wheelchair or mobility scooter.  Its weight capacity must be given careful consideration as not only should the weight of the wheelchair and its user be considered, but it might also be necessary to factor in the weight of at least two people i.e. the caregiver.  Some roll up access ramps can take weights of up to 1,000 pounds.  Although lightweight, the roll up access ramp should also be made out of durable material. 

Some roll up access ramps may still be bulky after being rolled up so one that takes up the least space and offers the easiest set up would be ideal.  It would also be highly beneficial to have it come with an attached strap or carrying case.  Roll up access ramps will cost at least USD $250.00 and may cost up to hundreds of dollars but it is a considerably cheap price to pay for convenience, flexibility and durability.