How to Choose the Best Wheel Chair Ramp for Cars?

If you care for someone who regularly uses a wheelchair, a time may come when you need to start thinking about what kind of wheelchair ramps for cars you should be using. Although most people overlook this decision as something that’s only a minor issue, there are actually several factors to consider to ensure comfort for the person you’re caring for.

In this article, we’ll look at just some of the essential questions you’ll need to ask yourself when you’re choosing wheelchair ramps for cars. After all, no matter what tools you’re buying for accessibility, safety should always come first.

Easy Fold Pro Ramp

The Types of Wheelchair Ramps for Cars

There are two primary kinds of wheelchair ramps that can be installed in vehicles. The first is the in-floor ramp, which is retractable, and stored underneath the flooring of the vehicle when it’s not in use. The good thing about this kind of ramp is that it’s never in the way for other passengers because your entry isn’t obstructed. The other type of wheelchair ramp you can choose is the fold-out ramp.

A fold-out ramp can be a portable or foldable wheelchair ramp that can be carried on and off a vehicle to provide accessibility whenever necessary. Most of the time, you’ll need to find a place to store these ramps within your vehicle when they aren’t being used. While they often take up more space, you can also use them in places outside of the vehicle, which can be more convenient in some cases.

What to Consider When You’re Buying a Ramp: Safety

When you’re purchasing a wheelchair ramp, for use in a vehicle or anywhere else, the most important thing you’ll need to do is make sure that the product you choose is safe and stable. Not only do you need to select a material that’s not going to bend or warp when exposed to different types of weather, but you also need something that has enough grip to stay steady in the rain.

Double-check to make sure that you know all the details about your chosen ramp before you purchase it. For instance, you might need to look for information that shows you that the ramp is suitable for all weather. At the same time, think carefully about how much weight the ramp can safely hold, and whether you might need to go for something larger depending on the size of your patient.

How Do You Plan to Use Your Ramp?

If the ramp you purchase is going to be used exclusively for access to vehicles, then the chances are you’ll find a built-in product to be more appealing than a portable or foldable ramp. After all, built-in products generally take up less space, and they don’t get in the way of other people who might be trying to enter your van or minibus.

However, remember that you won’t be able to take a built-in ramp with you wherever you go. If you want to make sure that you have a ramp available in case you visit a location that doesn’t have its own ramp, or the person you’re caring for has trouble getting over a curb to exit the parking lot, then a portable solution may be more appealing.

Wheel Chair Ramps

How Important is the Price?

Price should never be considered ahead of safety when it comes to choosing the right ramp for your vehicle. However, that doesn’t mean that the budget won’t have a part to play in your decision. If you can safely purchase a ramp that works for your patient at a lower price, then you may be tempted to opt for the less expensive option.

Most of the time, in-floor ramps, or built-in ramps will be far more expensive than fold-out ramps. Additionally, you may find that you have trouble choosing an in-floor ramp for your van or mini-bus. If this is the case, you might need to stick to a foldable ramp or purchase an entirely new vehicle.

If you have any questions about wheelchair ramps for the disabled or any of our health care solutions please contact us directly on 1300 931 893