Ramps

• Are your ramps suitable for getting scooters or wheelchairs into cars?

  Many people use our ramps with vehicles. Gradient is not as important an issue for simple stowing scooters and wheelchairs, but the main consideration needs to be the power needed to climb the gradient, and the risk of grounding at the top of a particularly steep angle.

  To visualise the gradient a particular length of ramp will give, extend a stiff tape measure to the desired length or alternatively cut a piece of wood to length and run it from the vehicle tailgate to the ground.

  Don’t forget, you will also need to fit the ramp in the vehicle, so check the transport dimensions and measure the suitability.

• Choosing the right ramp length

  Always choose the longest ramp possible- this produces less of a gradient and makes it easier and safer for the wheelchair or scooter to climb or be pushed onto.

  Measure the distance available from the step where you intend to position the ramp; this will determine the longest length ramp you are able to position before meeting any obstacles such as trees, bushes or the road.

  Check that the width of the step can accommodate the width of the ramp.

  It is recommended that wheelchair ramps be no more than a 1:12 slope- this means for every 1” of step, there should be 12” of ramp length. For example, if you have a 3” high step to negotiate, ideally you should have a 36” (3ft) ramp.

  However, in some circumstances, a steeper rise is acceptable. With care, and an able assistant, a 1:6 slope may be feasible- so for every 1” of step, you would need 6” of ramp.

  A risk assessment by a healthcare professional will help you decide if a particular ramp is suitable and safe in a particular situation.

  If you wish to transport a ramp in a vehicle, consider the transport dimensions.

• Ramp Types

  Channel ramps feature two channel pieces; these can be used successfully with manual wheelchairs. The weight of the actual ramp is distributed between the two pieces, so these ramps can be easier to carry and transport.

  It can be difficult to use channel ramps with electric wheelchairs or scooters as the chair/scooter does not always have the front and rear wheels in alignment; if the wheels are not in alignment, you may find the inner width of the channel ramp is not sufficient to accommodate all four wheels.

  One piece ramps are wider, and are suitable for manual or electric wheelchairs, and scooters. Telescopic ramps can be easier to store, but do bear in mind they can be heavier than non-telescopic versions.

  Superlight weight ramps are an ideal choice if you are going to move the ramp regularly. They are a single piece ramp.

• Technical Specifications

  On the technical specification chart, please pay particular attention to the column entitled “Weight kg/ each” if you intend to move the ramp on a regular basis. This displays the weight of the actual ramp, and in our experience the biggest oversight customers make is not being aware of the weight of the ramp they intend to order.