Being a wheelchair user shouldn’t stop you doing everything that you love in life, whether that’s going out for dinner with friends or visiting a relative at their home. Though all public buildings have to have an access ramp or lift by law, there will still be some place you come across that are difficult to get into. Portable ramps can make life easier and enable you to visit places you would otherwise struggle with.
Where can portable ramps be used?
Portable ramps are small, lightweight devices designed to help people access places that have a small step, for example front doors that aren’t flush with the floor, patio or French doors, and one or two shallow steps. They can also be used to manoeuvre wheelchairs into vans and cars. Essentially, they can be used anywhere with a small gradient that doesn’t already have a wheelchair ramp available.
How do they work?
Portable wheelchair ramps need to be both strong and lightweight, so they can both support the wheelchair and the wheelchair user, and be easily carried around. This means they are often made from aluminium, which is strong but doesn’t weigh very much. The longer ramps fold into or three and have a handle, so they can be carried like a suitcase. You can also choose a telescopic ramp that neatly folds away into itself. Portable ramps like these fold flat so they can be easily and conveniently stored. Some portable ramps are so small that they are simple wedges or blocks that don’t require any folding at all.
Are they safe?
Portable wheelchair ramps have many safety features that ensure they are safe to be used, as long as the correct instructions are followed. A skid resistant surface provides traction so that wheels can grip, and the top and bottom of the ramp has a level transition surface that allows it to sit securely on a step and make the journey smooth. Safety edges are attached to both sides of the ramp to stop the wheelchair slipping off the edge and water drainage holes are provided so moisture doesn’t collect on the surface.