Picking the Right Type of Wheelchair RampsPosted by Essential Aids (essentialaids.com) Limited on February 13th, 2020 Being mobile and able to do daily routine activities freely is something most people take for granted. However, various reasons like accidents, medical conditions or injuries may affect an individual's mobility. Hence, they may need some type of mobility equipment to help them. Out of several types of mobility equipment, wheelchair ramps are quite common and useful. They make places more accessible for people who are wheelchair-bound to a certain extent. They may help you climb up slopes or stairs, get in and out of cars, etc. However, there are many types of wheelchair ramps available in the market. So, when you decide to buy a wheelchair ramp, making the right choice is critical. The reason is: the wrong choice might render your ramp of no avail. When choosing a ramp, considering several points before you finally buy a ramp is important. Let's have a look at them. Factors to Consider While Selecting Wheelchair Ramps 1. Purpose The first thing to consider is its primary purpose. Based on the purpose, you can choose one of the following main types of ramps.
2. Surface Surface of a wheelchair ramp is an essential factor to consider. Ensure that the ramp you buy has a slip-resistant covering. This covering facilitates traction and may prevent you from slipping. 3. Weight Bearing Capacity The weight-bearing capacity is another factor you should consider for the selection of a ramp. If you require a caretaker to propel a wheelchair, the weight-bearing limit of the ramp should be at least equal to the sum total of weights of the wheelchair, its user and caretaker. Ensuring that your ramp fulfils this condition will keep both user and caretaker safe. The second thing is, powered wheelchairs are generally heavier than manual counterparts. So, the ramp you use for a powered wheelchair needs to have a higher weight-bearing capacity. 4. Storage and Transportation To buy a wheelchair ramp, you also need to consider where you'll store it after use. Generally, some ramps are foldable and easily storable. If you are choosing a non-folding ramp, it will take more storage room than a folding ramp. Similarly, a folding ramp folds up easily to make its transportation easier than a non-folding ramp. So, if you have to carry ramps frequently, you can consider a folding ramp over a non-folding one. If you don't need to move ramps often and want it fixed for domestic uses, you can opt for a non-folding ramp. To Wrap Up To select and buy a wheelchair ramp can sometimes be tricky due to umpteen options. Nevertheless, keeping your purpose and other important factors in mind will let you make the right choice of a wheelchair ramp easily. Like it? Share it!About the AuthorEssential Aids (essentialaids.com) LimitedJoined: February 2nd, 2019 Articles Posted: 58 More by this author |