Below are some tips to help you when selecting a wheelchair ramp.
When purchasing a ramp, there are four characteristics that need to be looked into. These four characteristics are the ramp length, the ramp weight limit, the ramp width, and the rise of the ramp.
Length: This is very important. A shorter wheelchair ramp will increase the steepness of the ramp, while a longer wheelchair ramp will decrease the steepness if used on the same application. You may also want to take into consideration the length of the wheelchair ramp when it is stored if you are purchasing for a mobile application.
Width: Always make sure you have ample width to support your wheelchair use of the wheelchair ramp. Another consideration often overlooked is the width of friends and family in wheelchairs. A bariatric wheelchair is often wider and would require a wider wheelchair ramp to accommodate.
Weight Limit: When calculating weight limit, remember that it is the weight of the wheelchair AND the weight of the wheelchair user. You may also need to consider the weight of someone pushing the chair if you have limited mobility or in the event you are injured and would need assistance with the use of the wheelchair ramp.
Rise: The rise is calculated as the vertical distance from the starting point (ground floor) to the end height of the ramp. When two different length wheelchair ramps are used for the same application, both will have the same rise, but a longer wheelchair ramp will be less steep. This is very important to consider as no one want to fall backwards.
A commonly overlooked characteristic of wheelchair ramps is traction. You should be able to utilize the ramp in all weather conditions and as such proper traction should be maintained. If you have the ability to test the wheelchair ramp before purchase, you may want to consider having the salesperson wet the ramp. This can give you a very good indication of traction.
You will also want to consider the material of the wheelchair ramp. A wood ramp used to bypass stairs can weather if not treated properly and maintained correctly. A metal ramp, depending on the metal used, can rust if not treated correctly. All ramps can fatigue and crack with age if not built to proper specifications. Make sure to discuss the material considerations with your salesperson because different materials can add or subtract greatly from the overall cost of the wheelchair ramp.
Obviously there are wheelchair ramps that fall into all kinds of categories: vehicle use, bypass for stairs, etc. Remember to consider the environment of use before purchase and the weather conditions the ramp will be used in.
It is a very good idea to have proper measurements of the rise, minimum width, and weight requirements before venturing into the wheelchair ramp market. If you know what you need right off the bat, it will make your purchase that much easier. Make sure you browse through some ramp specific web sites to learn more about the options available before purchase.
Casey Lowrey is the Owner and Senior Editor of Wheelchair Lifestyle. A comprehensive guide to Manual Wheelchairs, Electric Wheelchairs, Power Wheelchairs, Wheelchair Accessories, and Wheelchair Ramps.
Source: www.articlesbase.com
