Saturday, February 1, 2014

Tips For Choosing Wheelchair Ramps

By Eliza Mendoza


For people who have mobility issues it can be difficult visiting certain establishments. While more companies have adapted their premises in order to accommodate disabled customers it is not always so simple. One way people can get around this is by using your own wheelchair ramps.


The first thing to consider is what is right for your chair. A manual chair will require less support than an electric. The simple reason is that electric wheelchairs tend to be a lot heavier than ones that you can operate manually. Therefore you need something that will be able to handle the additional weight.

The idea of the ramp is to bridge gaps. Ideally you want something that can go over a couple of steps and to deal with awkward gaps. Often these gaps may be quite small and in some cases it may be possible to cross over them. However you do not want to drop down and damage the wheels.

With your own ramp you can be sure that it is suitable for the wheelchair you have. For example you need a more durable one for an electric wheelchair. This is because they are usually heavier due to the amount of additional technology necessary to operate it. With a manually operated chair they tend to be lighter and easier to manoeuvre and therefore do not require as durable ramps.

There is also the issue of transporting the ramps. Folded ones are often useful because it allows you to store them in smaller spaces. This is often useful if you are staying in a hotel and also when transporting the ramp in your vehicle as you can have it in the back without it taking up too much space.

The kind of material it is made from is also a crucial consideration. Aluminium is often used because it is both light but also durable. Therefore it is not too heavy when you need to transport it but it is also solid enough that it can handle being lifted and shunted down around various places.

When buying a ramp you need to be specific about what you want. Tell the manufacturer about the kind of chair you have. This means you will be more likely to get a product that matches up with your specifications and reduces the risk of having to return one in order to get a more suitable replacement. Product specifications in reviews can help but ultimately it is best to contact the company directly before placing an order as it is also often a good indicator of their quality of customer service.

It is worth looking online for companies that supply wheelchair ramps. As well as finding out about the type of products they offer you should also check for any guarantees they can offer on the quality of their products and to check that they comply with guidelines in your local area. It is also worth checking customer feedback and product reviews so you can find the ideal ramp to suit your needs.




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