Installing mobility ramps in your household is not just a matter of freedom and convenience but also of safety. Selecting the correct mobility ramp will not only save you pain, but also the pain of buying something that does not meet your needs. When purchasing mobility ramps for your home, ask yourself these questions:
Do I need to get a building permit?
Before you buy a mobility ramp, check to see if you will need a local building permit. Some areas may want you to apply for a permit in order to verify the ramp conforms to your local building codes.
Am I going to use the ramp inside or outside of my home?
Exterior ramps need to be weather-proof. Consider the climate you live in. Do you live in the colder regions? If so you will need a mobility ramp that has a good non-slip surface and is not prone to icing. If you live in the desert you will need a ramp that will hold up to high heat and ultraviolet rays.
How long of a mobility ramp should I purchase?
Many people are surprised to learn how long a mobility ramp needs to be. 1:12 is the recommended ratio for a mobility ramp. This means for every inch of rise there should be 12 inches in length. If you are using a manual wheelchair you should probably use a ratio of 1:20. This is especially true if the ramp is for an elderly person. You should always use the longest ramp you have room for. Never go steeper than a ratio of 1:8. A steep ramp is hard to manage and there is a possibility of tipping backwards. Any ramp with a rise of 6 inches or more should have hand rails. Try our new mobility ramp calculator!
Do I need a mobility ramp that’s permanent?
Permanent ramps are usually made of concrete. They last forever, but they can be very expensive. They can also be made from galvanized steel or wood. Ramps made of these materials require a higher degree of maintenance.
What if I want to move the mobility ramp later or re-configure it ?
Semi-permanent ramps are also called modular mobility ramps. They are usually made from aluminum and are an attractive, flexible, easy to assemble alternative to permanent mobility ramps. Little or no site preparation is required and because of its modular design, these aluminum mobility ramps are perfect for when it is desirable to have a ramp where portable ramps are not sufficient enough to meet your accessibility needs. The modular mobility ramps design makes this system easily expandable because all of the sections are interchangeable. They can be moved and re-configured by adding 45, 90 and 180 degree turns with landing areas depending on your needs. They are easy to install and remove and can store in a very small space.
What are the weight specifications I need?
Some ramps are designed for manual wheelchairs, some for electric wheelchairs, some for unoccupied wheelchairs and others for occupied wheelchairs and scooters. Be sure to check the weight specifications of the ramp you intend to purchase. Make sure that it will safely support how you intend to use it. Many times, people buy the inexpensive wheelchair ramps, only to find out that they were designed for unoccupied wheelchairs.
I found this video while researching this article. It shows good and bad layouts of mobility ramps. The quality is a little sketchy but it makes a lot of good points. I hope you find it useful.
