Portable wheelchair ramps are available in several sizes and styles. They are most commonly used to load wheelchairs and scooters into vehicles but can also be used to access low porches, decks, curbs etc.
Portable ramps are usually manufactured in lengths from 2 feet to 10 feet but a couple of manufacturers produce longer versions. Widths are usually approximately 30" which will accommodate most sizes of manual and power wheelchairs and scooters.
There are no standards for portable ramps in terms length or slope requirements like there are for permanently installed ramps but wheelchair and scooter manufacturers make recommendations on the angle their equipment can be safely used. They usually quote the limits of slope in degrees or percent and neither which mean much to most people.
For more information on wheelchair ramp degree of slope or percent of grade click here.
One of the portable wheelchair ramp manufacturers recommends that the maximum slope should be 2:12 when a person is sitting in their wheelchair or scooter and 3:12 if the equipment is unoccupied. A 2:12 slope means 12" of ramp for every 2" of rise and 3:12 is 12" of ramp for every 3" of rise. (A 6" rise would require a 36" ramp for a 2:12 slope and a 24" ramp for a 3:12 slope etc.)
The pros of portable wheelchair ramps is that the same ramp can be taken from place to place and used for multiple different situations. The larger ones usually can be folded or unassembled on some way for easier storage and transportation.
The cons of portable wheelchair ramps are if they are no placed in a secure manner they could slip off the upper level and people may be inclined to use them at too steep an angle. Both of these issues can cause accidents which can be serious.
There are a few different styles including solid one piece ramps, roll-up ramps, suitcase or bi-fold ramps, tri-fold or multi-fold ramps. These four styles of wheelchair ramps are platform ramps which can accommodate both wheelchairs and three or four wheeled scooters.
Another type of popular ramp is the track ramp which consists of two 6" to 8" wide tracks which when set up are aligned with the wheels of the wheelchair or four wheeled scooter. This sytle boasts the benefit of being light and easy to store and transport but take more time to set up for use and are generally a little less stable.
Notice: Information on this web site is for informational purposes only and not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by physicians, therapists or other medical professionals. All information is general in nature and may not necessarily apply to everyone as individual needs may vary.
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