How to select the right Wheelchair Ramps
When selecting Portable Wheelchair Ramps or Scooter Ramps for yourself or a loved one, please make sure to pay attention to the following, for the safety of their use: The correct ramp width, the ramp incline to be not too steep, a sufficient turning radius, enough head clearance, your qualified assistance and the safety of your attached wheelchair ramp.
The Ramp Width: You have to make sure that your new Wheelchair Ramp will be slightly narrower than the opening of your van door, your stairs or your entrance door. Make sure that you allow for a slight safety margin for your Power Wheelchair, Electric Mobility Scooter or your Manual Wheelchair. To access vans, make sure the side door entrance is wide enough to fit the Wheelchair Ramps Width. If the side door is too narrow, you can still consider using the back van door. Most SUV's, vans and trucks are wide enough to support ramps
What Material is used for Portable Wheelchair or Scooter Ramps? The material you should look for is Aluminum: Aluminum is lightweight, it does not corrode and fits your needs for portability the best, as it is easy to remove. Portable Scooter Aluminum ramps or Portable Wheelchair Aluminum ramps are made by most of the reputable wheelchair ramp companies and do not cost an arm and a leg.
The recommended Ramp Length and Inclines for Manual Wheelchairs: We, at All-Terrain Medical, recommend a 6:1 ratio for a Manual Wheelchair (6" of ramp length for each inch of rise) or 9.6 degrees, as do most reputable ramp manufacturers. For example:
Ramp Length |
2ft |
3ft |
4ft |
5ft |
6ft |
7ft |
8ft |
10ft |
Rise based on 6:1 Incline |
4" |
6" |
8" |
10" |
12" |
14" |
16" |
20" |
Recommended Inclines for Power Chairs and Scooters:
You may check your Power Chair or Scooter manual for the maximum allowable incline. The usual incline is between 6 to 9 degrees when the Chair/ Scooter is occupied.
Table for approximate Ramp Length if chair/ scooter is unoccupied :
Ramp Length |
Vehicle Entrance |
6ft |
side doors of most mini vans, back doors of small SUV's |
7ft |
side / back doors of most mini vans and small SUV's, tail gates of small pickup trucks |
8ft |
side / back doors of most full-size vans and large SUV's, tail gates of medium pickup trucks |
10ft |
tail gates of most large pickup trucks, back doors of full-size vans |
Turning Radius:
Make sure that you have enough space to make a turn (if necessary) before getting on or off the ramp.
Head Clearance:
Make sure that you have enough space to make a turn (if necessary) before getting on or off the ramp.
Assistance:
Make sure you have a qualified Assistant present when using a portable ramp.
Secured:
Make sure the top of the ramp is secured on the step or landing with security pins.
For further help in selecting the right wheelchair ramp for your specific needs. Call us at 1-(877)-255-8371 or 1(877)-ALL-TER-1.
Wheelchair Ramps * Portable Wheelchair Ramps * Scooter Ramps * Wheelchair Ramp * Portable Scooter Aluminum ramps
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