This article is incomplete.
¶ Introduction
Ramps are used to help individuals with mobility issues, or those using wheelchairs or other assistive devices, move between different levels or surfaces. They provide a gentle sloped surface, which is easier to navigate than a stair or threshold.
¶ Ramp Types
¶ Threshold Risers
Threshold risers are small wedges which are used to get over shallow thresholds, such as those found at the transition between two types of flooring.
Mobility devices with small, hard wheels, such as manual wheelchairs or walkers may run into difficulty with thresholds as shallow as 1 inch (25 mm) tall. Threshold risers make the transition over such a threshold much easier.
¶ Suitcase Ramps
A suitcase ramp is a type of ramp that folds either in half or into one-quarter, and typically has a carrying handle, resembling a suitcase. They are most often made of aluminum alloy, and may have a tread surface made of a different material.
Weight ratings for suitcase ramps can vary; often times they are under 500 pounds (225 kg), which may be less than the weight of a power wheelchair with the user in it.
¶ Walk Ramps
A walk ramp is a type of ramp that is made of one single piece. They do not fold up or change in size. Walk ramps can typically be found in the underbelly of medium duty delivery trucks or rental moving trucks. Their weight ratings are typically far beyond the needs of an individual in a power chair or an individual being pushed in a manual chair by an assistant.
Walk ramps from delivery truck applications typically have an interior width of 24 to 26 inches (60-66 cm). This may be too narrow for many wheelchairs, especially power wheelchairs.
¶ Modular Ramps
Modular ramps are outdoor ramps that are composed of sections which together form the overall system. They are available to buy or rent from accessibility companies that specialize in their installation.
¶ DIY Ramps
DIY ramps are ramps constructed by amateurs, often for custom installations.
¶ Angle of Inclination
The American Disability Association recommends a maximum inclination angle of one unit of elevation for every 12 units of horizontal distance. This is equivalent to an 8.33% inclination, or approximately 5° angle. It is possible to exceed these recommendations in circumstances where such an angle of inclination would require an exceedingly long ramp length. However, any amount of inclination beyond the recommended limit should be approached with a high degree of caution. Not only is it harder to self-propel or be pushed up a steeper ramp, the chances of losing control and getting into an accident are significantly increased.
See also: Reference: Ramp Angles
Sagging can have a significant effect on the angle of inclination. A sagging ramp will be steepest near the top.
¶ Ramp Positioning
Ramps should always be used on even surfaces, and be placed on thresholds which are able to bear the weight and pressure that the ramp places upon it. Tie-down points or other fastening provisions should be used if present.
Many suitcase ramps feature small extensions at each end to ensure a smoother transition for objects moving across them. However, these extensions are not designed to support the entire load independently. The ramp must be properly positioned at both the top and bottom of the threshold.
¶ Other Considerations
¶ Railings
Railings should be securely installed as part of the ramp installation whenever the change in height is greater than 16 inches (40 cm).
¶ Quality and condition
Many ramps are not sold as medical devices, and therefore are not held up to a high standard of manufacture and quality control. Inspect the ramp for damage such as cracks, bending, broken welds, or missing parts. A ramp being sold as brand new may in fact be a used one that has been substituted somewhere in the supply chain.
A ramp that is already bent or has broken welds has almost certainly been subjected to overloading or misuse in the past.
¶ Weight ratings
Verify that the ramp is rated to support the load that will be going on it. The weight of the individual being transported, the wheelchair or stretcher, and if applicable, the attendant must all be added together. The total weight should be less than the ramp's weight capacity.
Never attempt to fortify an existing ramp to increase its weight capacity. If the fortifications fail, the load will quickly transfer to the original ramp which will cause it to fail catastrophically.