Motorized Wheel Chair Info
All the information you need on Motorized Wheel Chair and related products.
Motorized Wheel Chair  |  Wheel Chair Ramp  |  Portable Wheelchair Ramps

Wheel Chair Ramp

A wheel chair ramp is what makes buildings and homes accessible to those using any kind of wheel chair or scooter.



Also ramps for wheelchairs are needed for ease of getting into vehicles and over thresholds. These handicapped ramps or mobility ramps are available in many materials and designs and all of them are constructed to allow wheel chairs up to an area otherwise accessed only by stairs. Ramps for wheelchairs need to be constructed using strict guidelines. They also need to comply with city and town codes to make sure the wheel chair ramp is safe.

The first thing you need to decide on is whether your wheel chair ramp is going to be temporary, semi-permanent or a permanent fixture. This is important as it will determine the choices you will have for material, location and installation. Wood, concrete or metal are probably your best choices for permanent or semi-permanent mobility ramps. Just remember that each of these materials has pros and cons. For example metal ramps are easy to install but the surface, during extreme temperatures, can get very hot or slick and slippery with rain snow and ice. Wood ramps on the other hand, although great looking, needs maintenance like sealing every couple of years. Concrete ramps are very strong and durable but are definitely permanent. For a temporary ramps there are many choices of portable wheel chair ramps in aluminum or fiberglass. These are very convenient and easy to move and can also be used as semi-permanent. For entry and exit from vehicles and over thresholds you can find a variety of aluminum loading ramps and tailgate ramps. They also make special wheelchair ramps for vans.

Any wheel chair ramp you select will need to comply with building codes which actually are great guidelines to ensure the safety of the person in the wheelchair. The maximum slope of wheelchair ramps cannot be more than one inch per 12 inches of length or rise. This means for every one foot of height you need to rise the wheel chair you need 12 feet of ramp length. Keep this in mind so you can select the best and most convenient location for your wheel chair ramp.

You can now also purchase modular ramps that just unfold when you need them. Suitcase type ramps are also available. These look like luggage and are truly portable – these are great for vehicles and travel.

Therefore no matter what kind of wheel chair ramp you are looking for you have many choices these days. Keep in mind the specific requirements you have and don't forgot to check out used wheelchair ramps specially if you need a portable or temporary one. Just remember to routinely examine and inspect it to ensure no maintenance requirements are overlooked. Safety should be is the first concern for this product.