Best Portable Ramps For Walkers | ||
Drive Medical Single Fold Portable Wheelchair Scooter Ramp | GoPlus Multi-Fold Aluminum 3′ Non-Skid Wheelchair Ramp | Prairie View Industries SFW330 Portable Singlefold Ramp |
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Having quality wheel chair ramps installed around your home can be the difference between easy accessibility and zero accessibility for individuals with limited mobility. If you or a loved one will be limited to a wheelchair for any measure of time, you will need to make accommodations.
Unfortunately, ramps for wheelchairs can be expensive, hard to find and harder to differentiate between the best models. Today, we are going to take you on a step-by-step journey through educating yourself on wheelchair ramps before helping you to find the right model for your needs.
Handicap Ramps
If you spend more than five minutes on the internet performing research, you’ll come to realize that there are thousands of ramp options available. Unfortunately, most of us don’t have time to comb through product after product. In order to save you time while highlighting the top wheelchair ramps available, we’ve reviewed the eight top options on the market.
When mobility and efficiency are on your mind, Drive Medical can help you out. Drive Medical is one of the premier mobility assistance device manufacturers in the country and their wheelchair ramps are no exception. This special wheelchair ramp was designed with portability in mind thanks to the compact fold-down size and lightweight aluminum construction. This single fold scooter ramp features a carrying bag and a durable handle for easy movement.
The body of this ramp is made out of lightweight aluminum and it is perforated all the way down in order to collect rainwater for proper removal. Being as this is a portable ramp, this model is easy to install and move as needed which makes it ideal for people who are always going to be on the move.
- Titan 3′ x 30″ Non-Skin ALuminium Briefcase Traction Ramp
Titan developed a small, easy-to-use traction ramp that is as portable as it is durable. This portable wheel chair ramp is wide enough to work with the majority of scooters, walkers, and wheelchairs on the market. The slim design makes it easy to fold up and carry around.
On the ramp itself, a layer of traction tape provides durability and safety for use even in rough elements. The ramp itself is waterproof and able to resist the elements, so you don’t have to worry about taking it inside. This ramp is only 3 feet in length so it is ideal for minimal rise requirements. When not in use, this ramp can be folded in half and carried around by a small handle. This ramp is made out of aluminum with black surface coverings.
If you want a wheelchair ramp that can do it all, this might be the right option for you. The GoPlus is a portable, multi-climate wheelchair ramp that is ideal for steps, rising surfaces, and curbs. While foldable and compact, this specific model can extend in order to accommodate surfaces that elevate up to 6″.
The GoPlus is crafted out of welded aluminum and can handle up to 600 lbs of weight, making it one of the toughest models on our product list. The high-traction surface provides stability even when the elements are rough. This is a rock solid loading ramp that can be used in just about any situation, even with vans or pickup trucks.
- Prairie View Industries UTW630 Portable Multi-Fold Ramp
The Prairie View UTW630 is a deluxe folding ramp that offers incredible durability with one of the highest weight capacities on our list. Built with an extended lip, this ramp is ideal for both loading and unloading wheelchairs and scooters on surfaces that elevate up to 12″.
This ramp is lightweight and made out of aluminum. Designed to be portable, the UTW630 is easy to carry and easier to store thanks to its small footprint and minimized weight. The addition of a black traction surface helps to ensure maximum safety for all riders, even when the weather is working against you.
- Titan Ramps 8′ Aluminum Multifold Wheelchair Ramp
If you need to create easier points of access for your loved ones, the Titan Ramps 6′ multifold ramp is ideal for you. Built to help with porches, steps, and min-vans, the Titan Ramp model we are looking at here can cover just about everything. A 2.5″ angled lip allows you to secure the ramp into place in a safe and effective manner. The body of the ramp is made out of lightweight aluminum which makes it ideal for scooters and wheelchairs. The ramp is also covered in traction surface tape to maximize safety.
The top feature of this product is the multi-fold capability. You can easily fold this ramp down when you are done working with it in order to make for easy storage and maneuverability. When folded down, the entire ramp can be held with one hand thanks to the convenient handle.
- Prairie View Industries TH1032 Threshold Ramp
This nifty little ramp is ideal for doorways and smaller thresholds. The minimal design of the TH1032 makes it easy to carry and move around. Designed to help with mobility overtop small lips and surfaces, this ramp is not meant for stairs or curbs or anything of the like. The maximum rise will be around 1/2″ total.
While small, this ramp is decked out with features and benefits. It is made out of aluminum and covered in an anti-slip surface. There are punched holes in each corner of the ramp for ease-of-installation and the product comes with all necessary hardware. This ramp weighs in at under 5 lbs but is still durable for longterm use.
If you want an easy and effective ramp, the SFW330 by Prairie View Industries might be right for you. This singlefold ramp is welded for maximum durability and covered with anti-slip tape. The ramp is ultra-wide, at 30″, and can handle up to 800 lbs.
When fully extended, this ramp can cover roughly three feet in length. When folded up, the SFW330 looks like a suitcase with an easy-grip handle. This is a no-frills ramp that is ideal for people that just want something that will work.
Not all portable ramps are made equal! The Titan Ramps 6′ multifold ramp is the ideal solution for handling stairs, curbs, cars, and lips. With a 2.5″ angled lip, you’ll be able to secure this ramp to just about any surfcae with security in mind.
This ramp is made out of aluminum and folds over multiple times, which means that it can also be folded back into itself for maximum storage ability. There is a slip resistance surface that is beneficial for outdoor use, as well. This is the ideal ramp for scooter or wheelchair use, no matter whether you are going up over a set of stairs or into the van that you use in order to get around. The carrying handle also has a nylon grip.
Types Of Portable Wheelchair Ramps
First and foremost, you need to take some time in order to differentiate between the different types of ramps that are going to be available to you. There are four primary types of wheelchair ramps available:
One of the most common types of wheelchair ramps, the entry ramp is small and compact. Entry ramps typically fit right over small doorway lips, landings and stairs. Typically, you’ll find that these ramps can accommodate about 6″ of verticality in order to clear entries while extending roughly three feet.
A suitcase ramp is a longer model than the traditional entry ramp. Suitcase ramps extend to lengths of up to 10 feet. You’d typically want to use a suitcase ramp in situations where you are dealing with at least two stairs.
If you or your loved one will need accessibility on the go, you’ll want to consider a portable ramp. Portable ramps come in different material builds and sizes but they all typically fold down to a compact size. These modular ramps are ideal if you or your loved one will be moving around from location to location with any level of frequency.
The last style of ramp, permanent ramps are expensive additions that are permanently attached to your property. You’ll need a contractor and the finances necessary to undergo an expensive renovation if you want to install a permanent ramp.
How to Choose An Outdoor Wheelchair Ramp
Now that we understand the four core styles of a wheelchair ramp, we can move on toward helping you select the right model for your needs. Buying the best wheelchair ramps is easy when you know EXACTLY what you are looking for. Before making a purchase, consider the following topics:
- Address Primary Needs
Before making a purchase, take a long look at what you are trying to accomplish. Do you need a ramp that can clear a single step? Do you want a ramp that can help you navigate four or five steps? Do you want something portable that you can take to different locations, such as a vacation home? Do you want this ramp for getting into and out of a vehicle? Once you have an idea as to your specific needs, you can move on to the next concept.
- Identify Core Measurements
The ideal ramp for wheelchair use will accommodate your needs specifically, not generally. This means that you have to take a few important measurements in order to get the right ramp:
- Weight Capacity
Who will be using the ramp? How heavy is their wheelchair? Find out the maximum amount of weight that will be put on your ramp and then make sure that your ramp can withstand it.
- Length & Width
Depending on which style of ramp you choose, you could be working with a ramp that is anywhere from 3 to 10 feet in length. You’ll also want to pay special mind to the width of the ramp in order to account for your wheelchair. A ramp that your loved ones can’t ride up isn’t much use at all!
- Slope Level
Finally, you’ll need to figure out what slope level is required for your loved one to safely navigate up and down your ramp. According to the ADA, you’ll want a 2″ vertical rise for every foot of ramp length. Remember, minimize your slope when possible in order to provide safety for your loved ones.
- Ease Of Installation
Some wheelchair ramps are simple to install. Most of the best portable wheelchair ramps can be simply laid out into their appropriate place with little other fuss. Permanent ramps, however, require contractors, paperwork, and days of work.
- Type Of Material
Wheelchair ramps typically come in wood or aluminum builds. Keep weather resistance and longevity in mind as you sort through your different options. You’ll also want to pay attention to the material used to enhance traction on the ramp, as well.
- Adherence To ADA Regulations
Thanks to the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), we now have the benefit of regulated, certified mobility assistance devices. Finding a wheelchair ramp that adheres to ADA regulations means that you will be getting a product that is safe and effective.