All About Wheelchair Ramp Designs

When buying a wheelchair ramp, or building a one of your own, the designs are an important consideration. While there are numerous types of wheelchair ramp designs available to choose from, and all of them perform the same basic function of providing an accessible platform for tackling barriers and obstacles; there are some individual requirements that need to be kept in mind when deciding on your ramp design. But before we get into the aspects that determine wheelchair ramp design, here’s a look at the various designs available.

1. Modular Wheelchair Ramps: This type of wheelchair ramp has one of the simplest wheelchair ramp designs for building a wheelchair ramp. These ramps are typically built by fixing bolts and nuts to connect the ramp floor, deck, rails, and landing systems. These wheelchair ramps can be used as permanent as well as temporary ramps.
2. Van Wheelchair Ramp: This kind of wheelchair ramp design enables easy and fast access to a van or any other accessibility vehicle. It is quite simple to install as it is light in weight and does not involve complex mechanics.
3. Portable Wheelchair Ramps: Also known as folding wheelchair ramps, these ramps fold down to transform into a small package and can then be carried with ease, thus giving you the freedom of using them whenever and wherever you desire.

In addition to the above, other wheelchair ramp designs that you can choose from are - track wheelchair ramps, telescoping ramps, threshold ramps, and roll up wheelchair ramps.

Now that you know which types of wheelchair ramp designs are available, here are the aspects that need to be considered before making your choice about the wheelchair ramp design:

• Who are the intended users of the wheelchair ramp?
• How much maximum weight will the wheelchair ramp require to support?
• Do you need a temporary ramp or a permanent wheelchair ramp?
• How much space is available to set up the wheelchair ramp?
• Do you live in an area that receives too much snow or rain?

Once you have answered these questions, you will then need to choose a ramp that has a design which are suited to your needs and requirements. In addition to ensuring safety and ease of use, you should also consider the decorative aspect of the wheelchair ramp. After all, it will be located outside your home, thus making it important to choose a design that enhances the façade of your home and not take away from it.

One more aspect to consider when determining your design is the building codes for wheelchair ramps. Make sure that the design you choose complies with the wheelchair ramp code in every department.