The Best Temporary Wheelchair Ramp for Better Mobility
Do you or a loved one suffer from mobility issues? Do you have steps or doorways in your home that are difficult to navigate, and you need a solution? 
What is a Temporary Wheelchair Ramp?
A wheelchair ramp is an inclined plane that allows access to a building or vehicle instead of traditional steps or stairs. It can be a permanent or temporary structure and allows people to use wheelchairs, motorized scooters, crutches, or other mobility devices to enter and exit smoothly. If you aren’t sure you want to add a permanent structure to your home, a portable or temporary ramp is a great solution. If you’re traveling, or need to move the ramp around your home frequently, there are several lightweight and foldable options.
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What To Consider in Choosing a Temporary Wheelchair Ramp?
When choosing which portable wheelchair ramp is right for you, there are several factors to consider. Permanent wheelchair ramps are often made of concrete or wood. Portable or temporary ramps are generally made of rubber or aluminum. First, you need to decide how you plan to use the ramp: Are you wanting to leave it in place for longer periods of time? Is it just for a few weeks? Is it to take on vacations or around town?
Consider the weight of the ramp – are you going to be able to bring it on vacation? A heavier ramp may be more difficult to move from place to place. However, the heavier the ramp the more stable the ramp likely is.
The angle of the slope – Depending on the location the slope is important. Is it too steep in a general uphill orientation? Measure carefully and consider your needs before selecting a ramp. Generally speaking, the higher the rise, the longer the ramp needs to be in order to ensure your safety, but always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when in doubt. Here is a chart to help you choose the right length of ramp for your space.
Ease of Setup – This is really important if the ramp is to be left in the car and used only when necessary. You don’t want a temporary ramp that takes forever to set up because then it will never get used.
How to use a Temporary Wheelchair Ramp
The Best Portable Wheelchair Ramps
Titan Non-Skid Aluminum Briefcase Wheelchair Ramp
Dimensions: 48” length, 30” width (15” folded),
Weight: 37 lbs.
Load Capacity: 500 lbs.
This Titan ramp is made of sturdy aluminum, and features a slip-resistant tape surface to add friction, keeping the surface traction when wet. It folds in half like a briefcase, for easy transport. It’s easy to use and sturdy, and fairly portable, though it’s heavier than other ramps. Some users reported that the center flexes while in use, but this problem can be solved with a plank of wood. It’s also important to be mindful of the 500 pound weight limit.
Prairie View Industries Portable Singlefold Wheelchair Ramp
Dimensions: 36” length, 30” width (16” width while folded), 4.9” rise
Weight: 15 lbs.
Load Capacity: 800 lbs.
The Prairie View Industries Portable Singlefold Ramp is designed for traveling in mind. It folds in half for ease of use, and features a handle for easy carrying. It also features a non-slip tape surface, which helps prevent slipping and accidents. This ramp is a popular option for taking on vacation: it’s lightweight and the handle makes it easy to transport. Its sturdiness and ease of use make it a solid choice for home or abroad. Keep in mind though, if you don’t plan on permanently securing the ramp, it can be slippery. Using a rug pad or placing the ramp on carpet can alleviate this problem.
Mophorn Rubber Wheelchair Ramp
Dimensions: 6” height, 13.8” length, 23.6” width
Product Weight: 33 lbs.
Load Capacity: 11,000 lbs.
The Mophorn Rubber Curb Ramp is made of a durable industrial-grade rubber, and is designed for long-term use. It features a bright yellow non-slip surface, which helps create friction and reduce the chances of accidents. This ramp is very thick and sturdy. It is designed to stay put, even in wet conditions, and can handle up to 11,000 pounds of weight: well beyond the maximum weight of most portable wheelchair ramps. However, it is rather steep. Designed to fit in a perpendicular fashion against something like a concrete curb, it may be too steep for certain mobility devices to navigate.
Prairie View Industries Adjustable Threshold Ramp
Dimensions: 24” length, 36” width, 2” rise
Weight: 14 lbs.
Load Capacity: 800 lbs.
The Prairie View Industries Adjustable Threshold Ramp is a durable, double-welded ramp with a maximum 2” rise. It’s good for awkward doorways that swing in or out, or thresholds. The aluminum surface is grooved, to prevent slipping. This ramp is designed to fit doorways in which the door swings outward, which sets it apart from other ramps. Because it’s adjustable, you can use it in a variety of locations with ease, and it’s light enough to bring on vacation. Because of its light weight, some users found this ramp too flimsy, despite the load capacity of 800 pounds. Make sure to measure your space carefully to determine the appropriate size ramp to fit your needs.
Titan Briefcase Wheelchair Ramp
Dimensions: 48” length, 30” width (folds to 15”), 2.5” angled lip
Weight: 21 lbs.
Load Capacity: 600 lbs.
The Titan 4’ Briefcase Wheelchair Ramp features a serrated top and grooves in the aluminum surface to prevent slipping, as well as a bi-fold design and soft nylon handle for easy transport. This ramp is very sturdy and easy to use. Its longer length makes it more versatile for variable rises, such as higher steps or getting into and out of a vehicle. This ramp is more designed to be used by people using mobility devices such as scooters or wheelchairs, rather than walkers. Keep that in mind if choosing this option.
Clevr 6′ Extra Wide Non-Skid Aluminum Wheelchair Ramp
The Clevr Wheelchair Ramp is constructed of all aluminum, lightweight, and doesn’t rust. It boasts a durable non-skid surface. Because it is short and lightweight, it’s very easy to transport, and that makes it an ideal vacation ramp. Do be sure to measure carefully if you plan on keeping it at home: if your step is too steep, you may need a longer ramp. The recommended rise with an occupied chair is 4”, and without, 6”.
Regardless of what ramp you may choose for your home or travel needs, always be sure to consult the manual for instructions from the manufacturer. Your safety is paramount when selecting a portable wheelchair ramp.
References
https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/08/15/16/12/wheelchair-1595794_1280.jpg
https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-install-a-wheelchair-ramp-for-your-home-2318369
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is for educational purposes only. This is not a substitute for a medical appointment. Please refer to your physician before starting any exercise program.
