Ramps For Wheelchairs - Wheelchair Ramp, Portable Wheelchair Ramps

 

 


A wheelchair ramp refers to an inclined plane that is constructed in place of stairs to allow wheelchair access. Wheelchairs can be pushed up or down the ramp to enter or exit a building or move between floors. In this article, will take a look at the types of wheelchair ramps, building a wheelchair ramp, buying a wheelchair ramp, wheel chair ramp specifications and legal issues.

Types of Wheelchair Ramps

The different types of ramps for wheelchair include threshold wheelchair ramps, vehicle wheelchair ramps, modular wheelchair ramps, portable wheel chair ramps, portable platform wheelchair ramps, and channel portable wheelchair ramps. Some people carry portable wheelchair ramps with them, because there may be some places that may not have wheelchair access. Portable wheelchair ramps are versatile and they come in a number of shapes, sizes, and designs. A simple portable ramp can be bought for less than $50. It can be folded and kept in a vehicle. This makes it very easy to transport the ramp. A threshold wheelchair ramp is used for accessing steps, small raised floor areas, and doorway thresholds. A vehicle wheelchair ramp is used to access a vehicle. A modular wheelchair ramp is a temporary ramp that can be moved from one location to another.

Building a Wheelchair Ramp

To build a wheel chair ramp in any building, one needs to check out the government regulations. It is best to make a trip to the local government department to know about the regulations. Take photographs of the site and compare it to other constructions. Take actual measurement of the site and design the ramp accordingly. To draw the plan, measurements are needed to make sure the ramp comes out correctly. The drawing should include accurate measurements and structures to be used in the construction. One may need to build the railing, landing, and leveling parts of the ramp. Always be certain to incorporate local guidelines in the construction the ramp. Another alternative is to contact a construction company to get the job done. You can also buy a modular wheelchair ramp, which comes with an instruction manual.

Buying a Wheelchair Ramp

When buying a wheelchair ramp, it is essential to consider your needs. Do you need a portable wheelchair ramp or a vehicle wheelchair ramp? Always try to select the material that can provide maximum durability. Usually, steel and aluminum is used in the construction of wheelchair ramps. Aluminum is very lightweight and it suits every kind of climatic conditions. Wood ramps are cheaper but they may be less durable. A steep ramp may not be good option for a place with lots of snow. The cost of suitcase folding wheelchair ramps varies, depending on the size and brand.

Wheelchair Ramp Specs/Legal Issues

The Americans with Disabilities Act guideline states that ramps should be constructed with minimum degree of slope and it should not rise more than 1 inch for every 12 inches. This means that the maximum allowed slope is ratio is 1:12 for wheelchair ramps in business establishments. However, regulations may be different for residential construction. Steeper ramps may be constructed with old buildings where there is not enough space. In such cases, the maximum slope ratio is 1:10 for every 6 inches rise and 1:8 for every 3 inches rise.

Check out these links for more information on wheelchair ramps.