Millions of Americans either use a wheelchair themselves or take care of someone who uses one. Mobility issues and disabilities can make wheelchair use difficult. Some are permanent wheelchair users while others only use it for a brief time because of a temporary condition that limits their mobility. However, just because you are a wheelchair user doesn’t mean that you can’t travel and enjoy a fulfilling life.
Most wheelchair users use an aluminum wheelchair ramp to get into and out of their vehicles. Millions of Americans with disabilities and their families find a wheelchair ramp invaluable. It makes it possible to get into and out of a variety of vehicles.
Many wheelchair users, especially those who are relatively new, have many questions when it comes to buying a new vehicle or installing a ramp for their existing vehicle.
- What is a wheelchair ramp? How is it used to make cars accessible?
- How do I select a wheelchair ramp?
- What types of vehicles can have a wheelchair ramp installed?
- Which type of vehicle is most suitable for a wheelchair ramp, and why?
- Which is the best wheelchair-accessible vehicle?
- What are the best car wheelchair ramps?
We will be answering all these questions today.
What Is A Wheelchair Ramp?
A wheelchair ramp allows wheelchair users to move between two different areas at different heights. There are many types of these ramps. Concrete wheelchair ramps allow people to access buildings or pavements.
Others provide access to vehicles (including public transport). In the US, 98% of all buses are equipped with a wheelchair ramp. The wheelchair ramps are designed to be used for accessing vehicles like cars, vans,d SUVs. They can be stored away when not in use.
A wheelchair ramp can be described as an inclined plane that can be used instead of, or in addition to, steps. Ramps allow wheelchair users and those with strollers, carts, or other wheeled items to access buildings or move between different levels of elevation.
The wheelchair ramp also called access ramp or mobility ramp or handicap ramp or scooter ramp or any other mobility device is used to make buildings and homes accessible for people with disabilities.
You can either install permanent or semi-permanent ramps as part of the building’s construction or as an addition during a renovation.
How Is It Used To Make Cars Accessible?
Wheelchair ramps allow wheelchair users to access vehicles by allowing them to roll up into them. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles often have lowered floors to make the distance shorter. For easy storage, a wheelchair ramp fitted to a vehicle will often fold inwards or hinge to make it easier to store.
How Do I Choose A Wheelchair Ramp?
The size and dimensions, the type of wheelchair you have, the purpose of the ramp, and the opening to your vehicle will all impact the wheelchair ramp that you choose.
When choosing a wheelchair ramp, another important consideration is whether you plan to use the ramp with your wheelchair. The length of the ramp will depend on this. For every inch of rise, you’ll need one foot of the ramp if you are using a wheelchair to roll up the ramp. For every three inches of rise, you’ll need one foot of ramp if you are walking up the ramp with your wheelchair.
Which Type Of Vehicle Is Best Suited To A Wheelchair Ramp?
This question is not easy to answer. You can use wheelchair ramps on many vehicles, such as:
- Cars
- Vans
- SUVs
- Trucks
- Buses
It can be more difficult to use a wheelchair ramp on smaller cars, but it is possible to use ramps with vans, SUVs, and trucks.
What Cars Are Suitable For A Wheelchair?
Manual wheelchairs can fold up and be carried in almost any vehicle. Your wheelchair’s size will determine the type of car that can transport it. The best wheelchair-accessible vehicles for rigid-framed wheelchairs are minivans, vans, SUVs, and trucks.
What Are The Best Wheelchair Ramps For Cars, Vans, And Suvs?
There are three types of wheelchair ramps available for cars, vans, and SUVs:
- Ramps that are permanently attached to the frames of vans, SUVs, and trucks. This can be used either as an adaptation or during the initial assembly of the vehicle. These ramps can be folded sideways to fit into the vehicle. These ramps are available in three types: side-entry and rear-entry. They also come in fold-out versions.
- Suitcase ramps can be used for moderate to low rises. These lightweight, portable ramps are easy to use and can be used with cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, and other vehicles.
- Multifold ramps provide rear-door access for vans, SUVs, and trucks. They fold up easily and are stable.
It is important to choose the right ramp for your work area. This will ensure that you are happy and safe for many years. It is important that a wheelchair-bound individual can safely enter and exit a building or vehicle. You need to find the right ramp that meets your needs and is safe.
