First-Rate Tips on Choosing Commercial Wheelchair Ramps

Wheelchair ramps are elements that support the wheelchairs and other movable devices to move over uneven ground safely. These rams can be used in residential and commercial areas. However, choosing a ramp for residential areas may differ from choosing one for the commercial area. When someone is using a wheelchair within the home or in its neighbourhood, simple ramps can be efficient enough to make the move safe and comfortable. When it comes to commercial usage, people may have to go upstairs and downstairs frequently. They may move from one place to another more frequently unlike they do in their home. Therefore, a couple of features of commercial wheelchair ramps should be considered while buying these products.

Listed below are the features that should be carefully considered:

• Standard or bariatric weight capacity?

If the weight your ramp is carrying out exceeds its capacity level, it would cause ramp failure. Therefore, it is important to calculate exactly how much weight you are putting on the ramps. It may include your mobility equipment, supplementary medical devices, shopping carts, power packs, etc. Usually, ramps designed for wheelchairs are designed to support a minimum of 300 pounds including the weight of the passenger and the equipment. These ramps are called standard ramps. Bariatric ramps, on the other hand, are able to carry more weight. These ramps can carry up to 900 pounds including the weight of the passengers and the equipment.

• Economy or upscale price?

Ramps can be classified into two categories based on their materials. One is the aluminum platform and another one is the wooden platform. Aluminum ramps are lightest and easiest. You can easily move these commercial handicap ramps. The popularity of wooden ramps is comparatively greater than aluminum ramps.

Apart from these, you may consider superior ramps which are built with concrete, wood, steel or aluminum. While selecting a ramp type, it is important to consider the geographic location as well. If the office is located in an area where snow or rain is common, then you will need a galvanized steel ramp with open grid work patterns.

• Fixed or portable design?

Some people prefer fixed wheelchairs while some people choose movable ones. It will depend entirely on your requirements. If you need to use the ramps for road trips or visiting the client’s place, then you should choose a portable ramp that can be stowed in the back of any vehicle. For setting up this ramp, you should lengthen the ramp and securely insert it between a high point and the ground. These commercial wheelchair ramps are the best choice for office goers.

Fixed ramp, on the hand, implies that the ramp should be installed permanently outside your office or home. These ramps act as connectors to join the doorways and the sidewalks. Many fixed ramps are designed with switchbacks to allow a gentler slope and these pieces of stuff consume less exterior space.

• For home, business, or vehicle location?

The versatility of wheelchair ramps enables the devices to be convenient for a number of places. It includes both indoor and outdoor places. If you are seeking a portable ramp to attach with a vehicle, the most important thing is you will need to measure the door width of the vehicle to ensure that the ramp is being adjusted with the door dimensions.

For fixed ramps, every wheelchair should have at least 36 inches of clear space across the surface of the ramp. It should have at least 5’*5’ of lucid and transparent space at both the top and bottom of the ramp. Private residences are no required to adhere to this particular standard.

• DIY or professional installation?

Many people prefer professionals for installing their wheelchair. Other people choose DIY or self-installation. Depending on the wheelchair ramp you choose, the type of installation should be chosen.

• Slope and length

No matter which location and set up you are choosing for the ramp, it is important to evaluate the distance and area where the ramp can be placed for determining suitable length and width of the products.

A Final Takeaway

As all ramps are not the same, you need to consider how you want to use the ramps before purchasing them. It has been already stated above that interior usage is different from exterior usage. Follow the tips discussed below to make a firm decision.