Wheelchair Ramp Types
Threshold Wheelchair Ramps
Pretty much every exterior doorway in a residential setting will have a threshold of some sort which a wheelchair user will have to overcome to propel their wheelchair into or out of a building. To make entering and exiting of the wheelchair user over thresholds safer and easier threshold ramps are available in a variety of sizes. Although usually used on the outside of the doorway, I have seen cases where the interior of the doorway also requires a small threshold ramp.
The maximum threshold height for an exterior sliding door should be no more than an inch and three quarters and half an inch for other types of doors without modification. Beveled edges with a slope no greater than 1:2 are required for thresholds above these specifications, for raised thresholds, and for changes in floor levels in public areas.
Compatibility: Manual & Power Wheelchairs, Three & Four Wheel Scooters, Walkers (Dependent on Slope)
Solid Wheelchair Ramps
Solid wheelchair ramps are single, full width, non-folding ramps. They are normally about 30" wide but the heavier duty models my have 32" or 36" widths. The all have a non-slip surface and are very esy to use. Not being very portable, they are usually used in situations where they will be left in one place most of the time. Weight capacities can be anywhere from 600lbs to 800lbs.
Compatibility: Manual & Power Wheelchairs, Three & Four Wheel Scooters, Walkers (Dependent on Slope)
Suitcase/Bifold Ramps:
Suitcase ramps are very portable and usually available in up to 6 feet in length by about 30 inches wide. Because they fold in half when not in use they tend to be fairly small (16" by the length purchased) and easy to handle and store away. Made of aluminum suitcase ramps will have a non-slip surface of an adhered abrasive material or the aluminum itself will be scored in a way to provide traction. These ramps normally have a carrying handle similar to a suitcase handle and have a weight capacity of either 600 or 800lbs.
Compatibility: Manual & Power Wheelchairs, Three & Four Wheel Scooters, Walkers (Dependent on Slope)
Trifold/Multifold Wheelchair Ramps
Multifold wheelchair ramps are similar to the bifold ramps but fold lengthwise in addition to side to side. Multifold ramps are generally manufactured in longer lengths than bifold ramps (up to 10') and have weight capacities up to 800lbs depending on the manufacturer and model chosen. They will also have about 30" of width, some type of carrying handle and a non-slip surface.
Compatibility: Manual & Power Wheelchairs, Three & Four Wheel Scooters, Walkers (Dependent on Slope)
Track Ramps
Track ramps are two separate ramps between 6" and 12" wide which can either fold lengthwise, telescope in and out or roll up. Weight capacities will normally be between 600lbs and 2,000lbs. This type of wheelchair ramps is very compact and has a non-slip surface. When using the track ramps they must be positioned parallel to each other and spaced properly to line up with the wheels of the equipment being loaded. I don't recommend using the narrower styles of track ramps with equipment which is occupied by a user. I prefer to see them used for loading and unloading of unoccupied wheelchairs and 4 wheeled scooters.
Compatibility: Manual & Power Wheelchairs, Three Wheel Scooters
Roll Up Ramps:
Roll up ramps can be full width platforms or track style ramps and, depending on manufacturer can have weight capacities anywhere form 600lbs to 2,000lbs. They will have a non-slip surface, can be different widths and one manufacturer has no limit on length. Rollup ramps will be very compact for storage and transporting.
Compatibility: Manual & Power Wheelchairs, Three & Four Wheel Scooters
Wheelchair Van Ramps:
There are several designs and types of wheelchair van ramps to allow wheelchair users access to vans in a variety of materials and forms. While most of the previously mentioned ramps can be used with vans if long enough there are some models of ramps designed exclusively for use with a van. Van ramps normally fold up when not in use and have one end bolted to the van making them very stable and easy to use. One manufacturer makes a hitch mount van ramp which attaches to the vehicle trailer hitch and has the advantage, or disadvantage depending on the weather, of being stored and transported outside the van.
Compatibility: Manual & Power Wheelchairs, Three & Four Wheel Scooters
Bariatric Ramps
Bariatric is not a word many people have heard of but is fairly common in the home health care industry. A bariatric product is one hich has higher than normal weight capacity. The bariatric ramp is one which is simply a heavier duty model then most conventional models. A bariatric ramp can be a threshold, multifold, solid, or rollup ramp. The can be full width ramps and in fact may be wider than most other ramps or be track ramps. A bariatric ramp will have a weight capacitiy of 800lbs or more.
Compatibility: Manual & Power Wheelchairs, Three & Four Wheel Scooters, Walkers(Dependent on Slope)
Modular Wheelchair Ramp Systems:
Modular wheelchair ramps are available for permanent or long term use to access buildings. While expensive, these ramp systems have benefits for many people that a conventional wooden ramp doesn't. The first benefit is that if the user moves they can disassemble, reconfigure if needed and take a modular ramp system with them. The second is that if the day comes that the ramp is no longer needed, the modular system can be sold, given away or donated. Wooden ramps which are built on site are basically scrap lumber once it's need is no longer there. Modular wheelchair ramp systems may include platforms, landings, leveling systems, self contained supports, wheels, flanges, and handrails. The modules may be connected by bolts or clamps, or fitted together. Many manufacturers of modular ramps offer custom dimensions and will ship all of the parts with installation instructions.
Compatibility: Manual & Power Wheelchairs, Three & Four Wheel Scooters, Walkers & Pedestrians
