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There's a Wheelchair Ramp
For Every Need
by Nicole Martins
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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
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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. |
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Threshold Ramp |
Roll Up
Ramps
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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
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Suitcase Ramp
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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.
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Multi-Fold
Ramps
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Multi-Fold Ramp
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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 yet still be able to fold up the ramp into a size comparable to a much smaller
ramp. Prices start around $225. |
Telescopic
Ramps
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Telescopic Ramp
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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.
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Track Wheelchair Ramps
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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.
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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. Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com
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