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https://www.mymobilityscooters.uk/categories/wheelchair-ramps

Installing a Wheelchair Ramp For Your Front Door A ramp for wheelchairs near your front door can help reduce the chance of serious injuries due to falls These ramps for outdoor use are typically built to lead up to a porch however they can be used to access vehicles or other locations These modifications can be incorporated into the home in a stylish way to preserve its resale value Modular ramps are available in different designs and can be adapted to suit your homes design Design Considerations The ramp slope should be gentle and easy to navigate for wheelchair users The ADA recommends ramp slopes should not be higher than 1 in 12 for every inch of vertical rise you need 12 inches of horizontal travel The landings on the ramps must be wide enough to allow a door to open and swing around They should also be a secure distance from the edge of the ramp so that chair tires do not accidentally slide over the ramps edge A 58inch wide landing for instance gives you plenty of space to accommodate a front entrance that is open to the ramp area Consider adding a side flare if the ramp is long and there is no level to land at the end This decreases the chance of slipping as it curves towards the end of the ramp Handrails are another important aspect of the design of the ramp Theyre not merely decorative afterthoughts theyre lifelines for ramp occupants ADA regulations require handrails that measure 34 to 38 inches tall and have gripping surfaces that are able to support the weight of a person without becoming slippery in wet weather conditions Its a good idea install handrails on both sides of the ramp particularly when there is a change in direction These railings alert visually impaired walker and wheelchair users of the changes in ramp surface material and give the user something to hold onto in order to ensure safety Some ramps are built to fold out of the way when they are not in use however they usually require lots of space around them Portable ramps like the AerolightFolding Ramp are a great solution to this problem They come with hinges that fit within the threshold and allow the ramp to fold up and over it This lets the ramp be placed right outside a front door allowing it to bridge one step or a few steps into a home Its also a great option for those with mobility issues and want to keep their scooter or wheelchair in their vehicle at all times Materials Material selection is a crucial choice when designing a ramp Depending on the type of ramp and the style the materials may differ considerably In general wood is the most popular ramp material used in homes due to the fact that it can be constructed in a wide range of styles and enhances the design of many homes A wooden ramp will require regular maintenance to prevent rotting and insect infestation Furthermore a wooden ramp is typically more expensive than concrete or aluminum ramp To select the best ramp it is essential to understand the unique needs of disabled people and the setting in which the ramp will be placed Answering questions like will it be outdoors or indoors or how often will it be used will narrow down your options and make it easier to pick the right ramp The right ramp to use for a doorway also depends on other factors including how high or low the ramp will need to be In general ADA guidelines recommend ramps to be 12 long for every inch of vertical rise This ensures that the ramp is safe for people who use wheelchairs or walker The most soughtafter ramp options are aluminum concrete and wood Modular aluminum ramps are prefabricated and usually cost less than a concrete or wood ramp However they might not be as robust or as flexible as a concrete or wood ramp Threshold Ramps are ramps that are placed directly above a threshold that is raised or a curb on the sidewalk They are typically made of rubber or aluminum and provide traction when a person moves between different surfaces for walking If you require a permanent ramp it is best to consult a professional handyman They can assist you in the installation process and offer guidance on the appropriate material for your ramp They will be able to create ramps that are safe and complements the appearance of your home They can also help you determine if a building permit is required and if you require inspections to ensure that the ramp has been constructed safely and correctly Installation To install a wheelchair ramp first it is necessary to decide where it will be placed It doesnt have to be right up to the front door but it will need to be close enough for someone in a wheelchair to move in and out of the home without the need to climb stairs or steps It is also advisable to check with your local municipality to determine what requirements might apply to the construction and installation of a ramp The Americans with Disabilities Act sets guidelines for safe slopes on ramps and it is best to follow these guidelines to ensure that your ramp is safe for people who use wheelchairs The ADA recommends ramps that have 12 inches of space per inch of slope This will ensure that the wheelchair user can move up and down the ramp with enough room so that they do not have to slow down or stop in order to avoid an accident After determining where the ramp will be placed youll have to decide which type of ramp is the best one for your requirements There are a variety of ramps available including wooden or concrete ramps modular ramps and ramps that can be transported Portable ramps are available in various lengths and are easily removed when not being used They can be used to cover small thresholds or for a short series of steps that lead to the entrance A selfsupporting aluminum ramp that attaches to the flooring of the home or to the door plate of the entrance will offer the highest stability and is simple to put in AerolightUp and Over Ramp Kits are available to create an extended ramp that can be able to bridge over the threshold The ramp is positioned within the UPVC threshold so that it isnt damaging it and folds down when not in use This ramp can be used combination with an Entry Flap accessory for a bridge to cross the threshold of the door to enter the house Modular ramps can be built in a variety of configurations to match the specific requirements of your house and your wheelchair user They are generally considered the most durable and longlasting option They can be constructed in various materials and include platforms or railings based on the design and budget you prefer Maintenance Even the smallest physical obstacle can hinder mobility for a person who relies on an electric scooter or wheelchair A ramp that bridges the gap between a floor and the threshold for entry doors can eliminate this barrier and make your home more accessible A professional handyman will help you select the right materials for your ramp to satisfy your needs and match your homes aesthetics Regular maintenance is essential to the safety and longevity of your ramp Regularly sweep and remove fold away wheelchair ramps to keep your ramp free of hazards that could cause tripping Clean the ramp surface with mild soap and warm water paying particular attention to areas that collect dirt and grime If your ramp is made of metal make sure to clean it regularly to avoid rust buildup Some ramps need to be cleaned more frequently than other ramps Steel ramps for instance might require periodic touchups with a paintbrush or steel wool Wooden ramps require a lot of maintenance Watch for cracks dents and rust spots They should be fixed promptly to avoid further damage If you are in a region that experiences severe winter weather make sure to salt your ramps the same way you would for a sidewalk or walkway This will help prevent accumulation of snow and ice which could create an additional risk of tripping But be careful not to oversalt your ramps as too much salt can also damage wheelchair tires and bearings