Thanks to the Equality Act many buildings in the UK are accessible to those in wheelchairs who need to use ramps. However, many places still aren’t, which is where portable ramps comes in handy. What are the benefits of owning your own ramp? Read on to find out.
Portable ramps are just as portable as they claim to be
You might think that a ramp able to support the weight of a wheelchair would be very heavy and bulky. However, portable ramps are usually made of a very lightweight material such as aluminium. They usually also fold in the middle, making them easy to carry and fit into a car boot. A portable ramp is a good short term solution for both homes and businesses.
A portable ramp is affordable
You will be able to find a portable ramp within your budget. Depending on materials, weight and quality, portable ramps can cost anywhere between £80-£800. Whether you need one in the meantime whilst waiting for a permanent one to be fitted or want to invest in something for your business, you’ll find what you need.
There are many varieties to choose from
You can choose exactly the right ramp for your requirements. For example, a threshold ramp is perfect for getting up and over the lip of a door. An incline ramp is what you need to get over steps or in and out of a vehicle. These ramps are longer and will fold into either two or three parts. A ramp with a longer lip at one end will safely rest on the floor of a vehicle so you won’t worry about slipping.
Can portable ramps be used with power chairs?
Yes, but make sure you check with the manufacturer that the ramp you have chosen is suitable. You need a ramp that can hold up to 360kg of weight. A cheap, lightweight ramp designed for occasional use may not support your power chair. Safety should be paramount, so don’t be tempted to skimp on price at the expense of your health and wellbeing.
How wide and long should a portable ramp be?
The minimum width of a wheelchair ramp should be 36 inches. This allows for the size of your wheelchair, plus space for manoeuvring. When thinking about the incline of a ramp, the general rule is to allow one foot of ramp for every year inch of incline. So for a five inch incline, you’ll need five feet of ramp.