Overview of wheelchair ramps and scooter ramps

	Portable Wheelchair Ramps and Scooter Ramps LiteRamp™
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An Overview of Wheelchair Ramps and Scooter Ramps
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Types of Wheelchair Ramps and Scooter Ramps There are basically two types of ramps for people in wheelchairs or scooters - permanent and portable. Permanent ramps are made of wood or concrete. They are the handicap accesses for court houses, libraries, schools, and other government buildings. Most, if not all permanent ramps are built to an 12:1 slope, i.e., 12 inches of ramp length for every inch of vertical rise, or 4.8 degrees. This is required by a federal law known as ADA (American Disability Act). Permanent ramps are rare for for private or residential uses due to high costs and space restrains. This is where another type of handicap ramps known as portable wheelchair ramps comes into play. What are Portable Wheelchair Ramps and Scooter Ramps A portable wheelchair ramp is a light-weight, portable device specifically designed for wheelchairs to access elevated heights such as vehicles and stairs. If the ramp can be used by a 3-wheel scooter, it's also called a portable scooter ramp. Most of these ramps, including all LiteRamp™ products, can be used by both wheelchairs and scooters. Although they come in different styles, materials, and confusing names (threshold ramps, panel ramps, rollup ramps, suitcase ramps, single-fold ramps, multi-fold, tri-fold ramps, track ramps, 1-piece ramps, 2-piece ramps...), all portable wheelchair ramps must have the following characteristics: Light weight. This is why aluminum is chosen over other materials. Easy to use, store, and transport. Little or no installation are needed. Versatile - one ramp for several different places. Economical - much cheaper than permanent ramps. Are Portable Wheelchair Ramps right for you? Comparing to permanent ramps, portable wheelchair ramps do have limitations: Size and weight - Most portable wheelchair ramps stop at 10-foot length. Anything beyond would be too heavy or too bulky to be practical. Sturdiness - Every ramp has to seek a balance between its weight and sturdiness. For this reason, all portable ramps have certain degrees of flexibility. The most typical scenarios for people to use portable wheelchair ramps are: You want to load (drive) and unload an electrical chair or scooter into a van, truck, or SUV; You want to go visit a friend and have to use a ramp get in and out of his/her house; Your parents come to visit you and you want to use a ramp for the time when they stay; You want to take your spouse in and out of your house on occasional basis; You have to use a ramp to get in and out of your apartment building but you can't leave the ramp there; Your church has a few handicap members but you don't have budget for a permanent ramp. We would not recommend portable wheelchair ramps for: A very tall vertical rise, say 40 inches or 6 typical stair steps; Everyday use of your front entrance; Someone who's highly immobilized and yet wants to ride on the ramp alone; Your high-traffic store front. Choosing a Portable Wheelchair Ramp If you can use a portable wheelchair ramp, our Ramp Selection Guide will help you choose the right ramp. If you are still not sure or have questions, you can call us toll-free at 1-800-561-3576 and speak to a wheelchair ramp specialist.

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