Key Considerations to Choosing the Best Wheelchair Ramp

Wheelchair ramps for homes in New Orleans, LA, can provide accessibility for people with restricted mobility. They allow them to overcome impassable barriers posed by a flight of stairs, curbs, and thresholds. They can also be used for loading different wheeled devices into their vehicles.

That said, there's a multitude of wheelchair ramp choices available. To help you pick the right one, here are some things you need to consider.

Length and Width

Measure the length and width of the ramp, along with the area where it's going to be installed. Getting one that's too short can result in a slope that's hard and even dangerous for a wheelchair user to navigate. The ADA or Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines recommend a 1:12 slope. This means that for every inch of vertical rise, you should have a least 12 inches for the length.

You should also consider the width of the slope. To be sure, use the ADA guideline of picking a fixture that has at least 36 inches of clear space across.

Ramp Type

Wheelchair ramps showcase a lot of features that can help people with limited mobility. They come in a variety of designs that are made for different needs. But, they can be narrowed down to a few categories:

Free-Standing Ramp

A free-standing wheelchair ramp is usually installed as a part of a residential home or facility. It's bolted to the ground with concrete anchors that provide a sturdy and long-lasting solution. This can be used as either a permanent or temporary fixture depending on the material used to construct it.

A common material used for a free-standing ramp is aluminum. It's a popular choice because it comes in sections, so you can just add or remove them based on your needs. No matter what your porch design is, you can easily configure and integrate this option. It's also very convenient to maintain since it's rust-resistant.

Ramps made of wood are usually permanent because they have a specific footing and are constructed to fit a site. People go with this material because it doesn't dent easily. But, it needs regular maintenance to prevent the entire structure from rotting.

Portable Ramp

The main difference of portable ramps is they're more lightweight and compact, so you can take them anywhere with you. They're meant to be used for loading wheelchairs or scooters into vehicles. They're also great for people who are renting their home or those who don't want to install a permanent fixture. 

Most portable wheelchair ramps feature handles for better movability. They also come in foldable models, which let you easily store them inside a cabinet or your vehicle.

Threshold Ramp

Raised transitions in doorways may seem like a small nuisance for those with limited mobility, but they pose a big issue for those using a wheelchair. Threshold ramps are the best solution for this problem as they can provide easier access by acting as slopes on either side that bridge gaps from room to room.

For many people who use wheelchairs and other mobility solutions, going up and down stairs can be a problem. Fortunately, ramps can bring great daily help. Call K N Enterprises to learn more about the different kinds, like a portable wheelchair ramp from New Orleans, LA. They have professionals who can help you in choosing which type will work best for you.