Portable Wheelchair Ramps

Below are a few things to take in to consideration before buying a portable wheelchair ramp.

1. Weight Capacity – Remember that portable wheelchair ramps tend to be for assisted use – Don’t make the mistake of just thinking about the weight of the person in the wheelchair, remember to combine the weight of the person in the wheelchair, the wheelchair itself and the person providing the assistance.

2. Length / Gradient – In an ideal world the gradient of a portable wheelchair ramp would be 1:12 but if makes the ramp to long to handle it won’t get used – A general rule of thumb is that 1:6 gradient can be used on very low steps like thresholds and 1:8 is OK on steps up to 300mm high provided the assistant is competent and it is safe to use at this gradient, above 300mm you really should consider 1:12 or shallower.

3. Weight of the Ramp – Although there are no legal safe handling weight limits a good rule of thumb is that an average size man should lift no heavier than 26kg and an average size woman 16kg – If you want your ramps to be used rather than just discarded in a storage room try to buy the lightest ramps which still have an adequate Safe Working Load.

4. Sharp Edges and Poorly Designed Hinges & Handles – We’ve seen some cheap rubbish over the years where as you try to unfold the ramp you pinch your fingers in the hinges, as you try to move the ramp you graze your legs and when you carry the ramp about you rap your knuckles on the handles. – Look for well designed ramps, it’s worth paying a little extra to avoid injuries.

5. Which Type of Portable Wheelchair Ramp – That may sound strange but there are actually 2 types of portable wheelchair ramp.
  (a) Portable wheelchair ramps that are put down as and when needed and immediately picked up and put away after use.
  (b) Portable wheelchair ramps that can be set up and left in position for a few hours.
It is important that you buy the right sort of ramp, the as and when needed ramps tend to be a lot lighter and easier to handle but are not intended to be left set up in position. If you have an event, meeting, service, etc. where a ramp will be left set up for a period of time a semi-permanent ramp is often a better and safer option.

Further information: Portable Wheelchair Ramps



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