If you are considering the need for a mobility ramp to keep you moving or to transport your scooter or wheelchair down from a truck or mini van, it is advisable to find as much information as you can on the types of ramps available. The wide variety of ramps on the market are ideal for negotiating steps and curbs, getting you smoothly over any transition in height that a doorway may present, and also to load and unload your chair from a vehicle. Determining what height or obstacle you are trying to negotiate will help you to decide which style of ramp works best for you. How steep is the incline? How high? How wide and heavy is your chair or scooter? Do you need to carry the ramp with you to use at your destination? What is your budget? Answering these questions will assist in narrowing down the choices and finding a ramp that works best for your needs.
Here is a description of some of the more popular scooter portable ramp types:
Threshold Ramps – These are designed for doorways, sliding glass doors, and raised landings. They allow for easier wheelchair movement within or outside of your home.
These ramps can be installed permanently or moved around as necessary. These are generally smaller in size and fairly inexpensive, ranging from $40 - $150.
Roll Up Ramps – This style of ramp is a good choice for someone who needs an easily transportable ramp. Designed with hinges and usually made with aluminum, it easy to roll up and light enough to carry anywhere. Some ramps are of a fixed size and some allow for extension of up to 8 feet or more, meaning the user can access different models of mini and full-sized vans with just one ramp. Prices start around $200.
Suitcase Ramps - A convenient and compact ramp that folds in half lengthwise and features a built-in carrying handle to allow it to be carried like a suitcase when not in use.
Again, made of aluminum to keep it lightweight. Smaller models may come with a storage bag. This ramp works for most scooters and wheelchair types and is designed to bridge the gap over steps and curbs. Larger models work for van loading. To use it you simply unfold the hinged ramp, position it and go. Prices start around $135 for a 2 foot ramp.
Multi-Fold Ramps – These are very similar in design to the suitcase ramp and may also offer a handle for carrying like a suitcase. The reason you may want to choose a ramp that does more than just fold in half is if you need a larger ramp and storage is an issue. Here you are going to get a ramp that allows to you to maneuver much taller obstacles but still be able to fold up the ramp into a size comparable to a much smaller ramp. Prices start around $225.
Telescopic Ramps – These extend to allow you to use them at a variety of height levels so you can use just one ramp to navigate steps, vans, or curbs. For storage, simply pick up each ramp rail and depress the guide buttons to collapse; this ramp offers the lightest weight and most compact storage. Prices start at around $150
Track Wheelchair Ramps – Basically this is two separate ramps that are lined up to the width of the chair or scooter’s (doesn’t work for 3 wheeled scooters) wheels. Some versions offer telescoping for easier storage. Generally they are made of aluminum to keep them lightweight. This is a good option if you are transporting more than one chair and not all of them have the same wheel width. Prices start around $250.
If you are looking to buy a portable or van ramp for your scooter, we suggest taking a look online for the best prices and value. There are many quality online stores that focus on top notch mobility aids, keeping up with the latest brands and manufactured technology. (see: http://www.wheelchair-ramps-and-mobility-aids.com/wheelchair-ramps.htm)
Nicole Martins is a contributing author and publisher to http://www.wheelchair-ramps-and-mobility-aids.com, a comprehensive guide to the mobility products available online, helping you to overcome disabilities and live a more active life.
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