Nearly three million people in the United States alone rely on wheelchairs. The Americans with Disabilities Act lays out provisions for commercial and public buildings to show the type of ramps they need for wheelchair users. However, it’s not every place that offers a ramp, especially when you live in a smaller city.
When someone in your family needs to use a wheelchair, you'll likely find that there are more options than you ever imagined. Below, you will find out the different types of wheelchair ramps and which one is best for you!
Threshold Ramps
Threshold ramps are both common and popular. Designed to make it easier for chair users to get through a doorway, they have a small lip that fits over the door frame. Most are between one and six inches in size. You can set one up on your front door and ensure that the user can easily move their wheels up the ramp and through the door. They are more affordable than other types of ramps and allow you to move the ramp whenever you need.
LEGO Ramps
This type of ramp gets its name from the small building blocks known as LEGO blocks. These blocks keep water from pooling on the top of the ramp. When it rains, the water will easily move through the gaps between the blocks and keep the surface safe. You can choose one that is only 1.5-inches high, which is a good option for homes or one that is 7.5-inches high, which is better for commercial buildings. The ramp will cover the threshold leading into the building.
Folding Ramps
If you're looking for cheap wheelchair ramp installation, consider a folding ramp. This type is temporary and suitable for private homes. The ramp may have two panels with a hinge in the center or four panels with multiple hinges. It's easy to place the ramp on your stairs and create a convenient way for a wheelchair user to get up the stairs. These ramps cannot work with rails though.
Telescoping Ramps
When you look at your options for ramp installation for seniors, you might consider a telescoping ramp. This type of ramp comes with two separate pieces called channels. When someone in a wheelchair needs to get inside, they put each wheel in one of the channels.
Though telescoping ramps do not work with vans and tall vehicles, they often work on other vehicles. You can look for models that are lightweight to ensure that you can carry them and use them in different places.
The telescoping design of each channel lets you push the bottom in or pull it out to get the length you need for any spot.
Modular Ramps
Handicap ramp installation experts can let you know if you need a permit to modify your home. Though some types of wheelchair ramps require a permit, modular ramps often do not.
They are composed of different ramp and platform sections, and offers the flexibility to create a ramp layout that works around your property. They’re also very easy to install and take apart if needed.
Most modular ramps use aluminum because it's lightweight and resistant to rust.
Rolling Ramps
Another option is a rolling ramp. Do you love camping but have a hard time enjoying your camper because you or your loved one can't get in and out easily?
With a rolling ramp, you simply roll the ramp into place. The person in the wheelchair can then move over the stairs and into the camper.
Rolling ramps are also perfect for people who drive vans and large vehicles. They come ready to use and do not require professional ramp installers.
Permanent Ramps
Making your loved one feel at home is easy when you pay for home ramp installation of a permanent ramp. As the name implies, these ramps serve as permanent additions to your home.
However,
Not only do you need an installation crew, but you need to obtain the proper permits before you can add one. Most have a concrete base with a wood ramp on top, but others use all wood or all concrete.
You can choose the right size for your home and add a railing for added help. Installers can help you pick the right design that blends with your home and neighborhood.
Contact local wheelchair ramp installers and make your life much easier!
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