Wednesday 29 January 2014

Tips For Choosing Wheelchair Ramps

By Eliza Mendoza


For people with mobility issues it can be very difficult for them to access certain places. While a lot of businesses have worked hard to improve accessibility and a lot of local authorities have put in rules to improve this there are still places that are not accessible. One way to ensure that a place is accessible is by having your own wheelchair ramps.

The first thing to consider is what is right for your chair. A manual chair will require less support than an electric. The simple reason is that electric wheelchairs tend to be a lot heavier than ones that you can operate manually. Therefore you need something that will be able to handle the additional weight.

The idea of the ramp is to bridge gaps. Ideally you want something that can go over a couple of steps and to deal with awkward gaps. Often these gaps may be quite small and in some cases it may be possible to cross over them. However you do not want to drop down and damage the wheels.

There is also the issue of carrying a ramp with you. Fortunately there are a number that can be folded. This means that you can transport them easily in your vehicle and have them with you without being too heavy. Telescopic ones are also good because you can then adapt them to various distances.

There is also the issue of transporting the ramps. Folded ones are often useful because it allows you to store them in smaller spaces. This is often useful if you are staying in a hotel and also when transporting the ramp in your vehicle as you can have it in the back without it taking up too much space.

You also need to consider what material the ramp is made from. Aluminium is often used because it is a lighter metal so it is reasonably easy to transport but is also durable enough that it can take the pressure of someone using it to access areas and in case it gets bumped about while being carried between destinations. Naturally if you invest a bit more when purchasing a ramp you are likely to get a better quality product.

You need to be aware of what the manufacturer offers. As well as the product itself you should see if they offer any kind of guarantee on the quality of the products they sell. This is often a good indicator of a manufacturer that has faith in the kind of products that they sell. It also helps to check product specifications in order to be sure that the ramp will able to take the weight of you and your chair. While some people with mobility issues will be able to get out of the chair and walk up while the chair is transported over the ramp for others this may not be possible.

It is worth looking online for companies that supply wheelchair ramps. As well as finding out about the type of products they offer you should also check for any guarantees they can offer on the quality of their products and to check that they comply with guidelines in your local area. It is also worth checking customer feedback and product reviews so you can find the ideal ramp to suit your needs.




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