Wheelchair access ramps: How to choose them?
A disabled access ramp is a piece of equipment that facilitates the independence of people with disabilities or reduced mobility. It facilitates their movement and helps them to cross the threshold of a door, the sidewalks, and the steps of stairs. This is a device that allows people using a car for the disabled or a wheelchair to overcome an obstacle or unevenness to access a place. There are several types of access ramps with very specific characteristics.
These specificities require the consideration of a number of criteria to make a choice. Thus, to choose an access ramp, it is necessary to take into consideration criteria such as length, width, various options, and structural characteristics.
The different types of Wheelchair ramps for people with reduced mobility
To make buildings or various places accessible to people with reduced mobility, access ramps for the disabled are necessary. They allow you to cross stairs, sidewalks, or any change in height with a wheelchair. There are several types of access ramps for disabled people, distinguished from each other by a mode of design, with very distinct applications. Some are fixed, and others are removable. It is important to know these different types of access ramps to make an informed choice.
Fixed or permanent access Wheelchair ramps
The fixed access ramp for wheelchairs or people with reduced mobility (PRM) can be used permanently. Integrated into the construction or permanently fixed to the construction, it makes it possible to easily overcome various obstacles in complete safety. It can be concrete, masonry, wood, or metal. This permanent installation also ensures permanent accessibility. It is useful when it comes to opting for a device that permanently facilitates access to a place for people with reduced mobility.
The mobile access ramp for the disabled
When it is difficult or even impossible to use a permanent installation, mobile access ramps are an alternative. They make it possible to make any place accessible. Also, when, for technical reasons, for example, work cannot be carried out to integrate a fixed ramp, the mobile ramp comes at the right time to offer the disabled easy access in public or private places.
Transportable and easy to handle, this ramp facilitates the movement of disabled people. Also, with certain models, it is possible to put it in place very quickly, to transport it in a carrying bag attached to the wheelchair or in a bag carried by the person accompanying the disabled person.
Thus, the mobile access ramp makes it possible to make a place accessible, even without carrying out construction work. It can be put in place when it comes to overcoming an obstacle and can be removed when it is no longer needed. It makes it possible to cross thresholds, stairs, or sidewalks to access an establishment or building.
Determine the length of the ramp according to the height of the level
Before choosing a wheelchair access ramp, it is important to assess the height of the level to be crossed. You can also talk with one of the professional handicap ramp installers.
Determining the height to be climbed allows you to have a clear idea of the maximum slope. This knowledge of the maximum slope that must be respected corresponds to the minimum length required for the ramp.
Indeed, the appropriate length of a wheelchair ramp is determined by the height of the obstacle to be overcome and the type of wheelchair users. The efforts of the person in the wheelchair are reduced when the length of the ramp is largely sufficient to make the slope slight.
It is better to choose a sufficiently long handicap wheelchair ramps
With handicap wheelchair ramps, the slope or the percentage of inclination becomes low, thus facilitating the accessibility of a place to a person with reduced mobility. In other words, the longer the access ramp, the lower the incline percentage and the easier it is to climb. Therefore, it is important to opt for the longest possible length when calculating the appropriate length.
Some ideas for calculating the length of a handicap access ramp
For a manual wheelchair, the maximum recommended slope is 15% to better guarantee the safety of the person with reduced mobility. To calculate the length of the ramp with this type of wheelchair, multiply the height of the obstacle to be overcome by 7. If, for example, the height of the obstacle is equal to 30 cm, a ramp with a length of 210 cm, i.e. 30 cm x 7 = 210 cm.
For a wheelchair pushed by an attendant or an electric wheelchair, at the level of the slope, the maximum recommended inclination is 20%. On this basis, the length of the access ramp must be equal to the height of the obstacle multiplied by 5. Thus, for an obstacle 30 cm high, a ramp with a length of 150 cm is needed (i.e. 5 x 30 cm = 150 cm).
What width of handicap access ramp should I choose?
The width of your ramp depends on the size of your wheelchair and the extra space you will need to maneuver on the ramp. In general, minimum width of 80cm may be appropriate to facilitate the routing of the wheelchair.
However, it is possible to opt for width below 80 cm if it is more than sufficient for your wheelchair or width of one meter or more if the size of the wheelchair requires it. In any case, the width of the access ramp must be large and sufficient to accommodate a wheelchair.
What options should I choose for a disabled access ramp?
Access ramps are designed with options that allow them to be more easily transportable or to meet storage constraints. These options allow access ramps to be easily transported or stored in the trunk of the car or in a closet. They make it possible to introduce variants at the design level and to make foldable, rollable, or telescopic access ramps available. If you want to build ADA-approved ramps, you can contact ADA ramp contractors.
The foldable access ramp
The foldable access ramp for the disabled makes it easy to overcome various obstacles on the way (steps, sidewalks, etc.) for safe movement. This collapsible ramp is also maneuverable, portable, and easy to set up. Unfolded, it can be easily installed at door entrances to overcome obstacles.
Folded, it can be stored in a place waiting to be used. Thus, it can be stowed without hindrance. Also, with easy and quick installation and folding, this access ramp is, moreover, practical. It can be transported everywhere and without difficulty.
Roll-up access ramps
When a person with reduced mobility moves in an unsuitable place, he can opt for a removable roll-up access ramp to counter an obstacle. Light and compact, the roll-up access ramp can be transported and installed easily and quickly. It unrolls with ease to overcome obstacles (stair steps, door thresholds, curbs, etc.) or to get into a vehicle in complete safety.
A roll-up access ramp allows the passage of a wheelchair for people with reduced mobility. Also, it rolls up with ease to be easily transported or stored in a car trunk or in a closet.
The telescopic access ramp
The telescopic access ramp is well suited for people with reduced mobility. It adapts to their needs by facilitating their access to buildings while allowing them to get in or out of a vehicle. The telescopic access ramp is adjustable in length to adapt to the obstacles to be overcome and for various uses. It slides to adjust the length as needed.
Lying down reduces the slope as much as possible. Also, it folds and unfolds easily. It is characterized by a small footprint when folded. Thus, it is easy to transport in the trunk of a vehicle.
Access ramp for the disabled: what structural characteristics should be preferred?
The handicapped ramp is used to facilitate access to buildings or other places for people with disabilities. It allows you to cross obstacles smoothly and safely. They must not endanger the lives of people with reduced mobility. To do this, they must offer them optimal safety during use.
Thus, in order for them to be safe for people with disabilities, they must have certain structural features. They must make it possible to overcome obstacles of different heights in complete safety. Also, they must constitute a secure means of access, ensuring passage in complete safety and without slipping. To guarantee this safety, the access ramp must have a non-slip surface and good stability.
The access ramp for the disabled must be reassuring but also solid. It is important to choose an access ramp capable of supporting, when in use, the weight of the wheelchair, the user, and, if possible, that of the companion. Also, it must have a dimension large enough to ensure the movement of the wheelchair in complete safety.
