Wheelchair Mobility Ramps : Choosing a Ramp for a Mobility Scooter

Wheelchair mobility ramps come in all shapes and sizes. Over the passing of time, man has got bigger and heavier and so have the chairs we use. From a basic chair to a motorised one, nowadays, many people gain their independence by choosing a mobility scooter. However, a mobility scooter is far heavier than a wheelchair, and this needs to be taken into consideration when choosing your ramp.

Mobility scooters may have been made famous by the TV show Benidorm, and they may be seen plenty also in resorts in Tenerife and the Canary Islands. But they really do allow a person the freedom they are looking for. But of course, not just on holiday. If you use a wheelchair full time, then you will lack independence. You will rely on others to push you about. If you have a motorised chair then you are very lucky. But for the ultimate in independence, you should look at investing in a mobility scooter. These are far more sturdy than chairs, and come with plenty of room for shopping bags that you just don’t have with an ordinary chair. But, let’s take a look at alterations necessary to your wheelchair mobility ramps if you are thinking of investing in a scooter.

Wheelchair Mobility Ramps for OverSized Chairs and Scooters

There are two different types of ramp that you will generally choose from for your own person use at home. These are fixed and temporary ramps. But, if you currently have a portable ramp and are considering investing in a scooter, then you will need to check that it will actually take the strain that you put on it. A scooter is a lot heavier than a chair, and double scooters even more so.

Aside from ensuring that your ramp will actually take the weight and strain, you will need to check the dimensions. Once again, scooters are bigger and wider than your average chair. A double scooter is indeed bigger than your average moped. So, you will need to plan in advance to make sure that the ramp you have at home is safe. Or that you replace it with one that will do the job.

Considerations

When investing in wheelchair mobility ramps for your scooter, there are some considerations you will need to think about. Not only will the ramp need to be able to take the strain and be wide enough. It will also need a big enough place at the top where you will park your scooter. You will not be planning on using your scooter actually inside the home! So, you will need to think things through. Are you able to walk with the aid of some steps, or will you need to reach your door in your scooter. A good alternative that will stop you from having to replace your ramp is to leave your wheelchair at the bottom of the ramp you have. This of course may not be practical, depending on where you live. You don’t want your chair to be stolen when you go out on your scooter.

A mobility scooter will need a strong and solid ramp, and when it is for your home, a concrete design may often be the best bet. But, if you only rent your property, you won’t want to invest in something that you may not make good use of. So, a temporary ramp made of the strongest materials is the best option. A temporary ramp can be secured to the ground and used as a semi-permanent option. This will give you the strength you need whilst also giving you the option to take up the ramp when you need to.

Conclusion

Before you invest in a mobility scooter, think about how practical it will be for you. Do you have the room you need to get to your front door? Will you need a new ramp, and if so, should you invest in a fixed or temporary one? How wide does your ramp need to be and where you charge your scooter are two other things you can’t afford to forget about.

A mobility scooter is a great way to really get mobile without having to rely on friends and family. It really is quite like have a car to get around in without the need to have a license. You can sit comfortably and go on shopping trips, and live an independent life. But, before you set your heart on a new scooter, ensure you have the best quality wheelchair mobility ramp in place.