Wheelchair Billing

Portable Scooter and Wheelchair Ramps - Getting to Know What Types Are Available

If you are considering the need for a mobility ramp to keep you moving or to transport your scooter or wheelchair down from a truck or mini van, it is advisable to find as much information as you can on the types of ramps available. The wide variety of ramps on the market are ideal for negotiating steps and curbs, getting you smoothly over any transition in height that a doorway may present, and also to load and unload your chair from a vehicle. Determining what height or obstacle you are trying to negotiate will help you to decide which style of ramp works best for you. How steep is the incline? How high? How wide and heavy is your chair or scooter? Do you need to carry the ramp with you to use at your destination? What is your budget? Answering these questions will assist in narrowing down the choices and finding a ramp that works best for your needs. Here is a description of some of the more popular scooter portable ramp types:

Threshold Ramps – These are designed for doorways, sliding glass doors, and raised landings. They allow for easier wheelchair movement within or outside of your home.

These ramps can be installed permanently or moved around as necessary. These are generally smaller in size and fairly inexpensive, ranging from $40 - $150.

Roll Up Ramps – This style of ramp is a good choice for someone who needs an easily transportable ramp. Designed with hinges and usually made with aluminum, it easy to roll up and light enough to carry anywhere. Some ramps are of a fixed size and some allow for extension of up to 8 feet or more, meaning the user can access different models of mini and full-sized vans with just one ramp. Prices start around $200.

Suitcase Ramps - A convenient and compact ramp that folds in half lengthwise and features a built-in carrying handle to allow it to be carried like a suitcase when not in use.

Again, made of aluminum to keep it lightweight. Smaller models may come with a storage bag. This ramp works for most scooters and wheelchair types and is designed to bridge the gap over steps and curbs. Larger models work for van loading. To use it you simply unfold the hinged ramp, position it and go. Prices start around $135 for a 2 foot ramp.

Multi-Fold Ramps – These are very similar in design to the suitcase ramp and may also offer a handle for carrying like a suitcase. The reason you may want to choose a ramp that does more than just fold in half is if you need a larger ramp and storage is an issue. Here you are going to get a ramp that allows to you to maneuver much taller obstacles but yet still be able to fold up the ramp into a size comparable to a much smaller ramp. Prices start around $225.

Telescopic Ramps – These extend to allow you to use them at a variety of height levels so you can use just one ramp to navigate steps, vans, or curbs. For storage, simply pick up each ramp rail and depress the guide buttons to collapse; this ramp offers the lightest weight and most compact storage. Prices start at around $150

Track Wheelchair Ramps – Basically this is two separate ramps that are lined up to the width of the chair or scooter's (doesn't work for 3 wheeled scooters) wheels. Some versions offer telescoping for easier storage. Generally they are made of aluminum to keep them lightweight. This is a good option if you are transporting more than one chair and not all of them have the same wheel width. Prices start around $250.

If you are looking to buy a portable or van ramp for your scooter, we suggest taking a look online for the best prices and value. There are many quality online stores that focus on top notch mobility aids, keeping up with the latest brands and manufactured technology. (see: http://www.wheelchair-ramps-and-mobility-aids.com/wheelchair-ramps.htm)

Nicole Martins is a contributing author and publisher to http://www.wheelchair-ramps-and-mobility-aids.com, a comprehensive guide to the mobility products available online, helping you to overcome disabilities and live a more active life.

MORE ARTICLES:

Comparing Portable Wheelchair Ramps
Portable wheelchair ramps are a convenient way for a wheelchair user to access any area. They can help you get over steps or thresholds, or enter a number of different models of vans, minivans, and SUVs, without having to modify them for wheelchair access. A variety of different portable ramps are available. When choosing a portable ramp, you have to take into account what kind of wheelchair you are using and what angle of incline you can use, the ramp length you will need to achieve this angle in the areas you're likely to use the ramp, and what size and weight of ramp you can transport.

About Wheelchair Lifts
If you are someone that uses a wheelchair or someone that knows another who uses one, you will have often realized that the difficulties of climbing stairs or other such rises become extremely difficult. This is no longer the case though; as scientists and mechanists have worked together to eventually create the wheelchair lift. The wheelchair lift is an ingenious idea which makes it easier not just for those for wheelchairs, but also for those helping to transport them. In the past, things were difficult and wheelchair users may have found it near impossible due to their disability; now they can enjoy things just as much as a fully fit person.

Choosing a Wheelchair Carrier for Your Car
Choosing a wheelchair carrier for your car can be an easy decision, once you know what you need, and you have determined the style and model that will be most beneficial to you. There are many styles and models available that offer different levels of lifting and weight capacity. Knowing what specifications you require before you purchase a carrier will help you with the overall decision, and ensure that you have chosen the exact carrier that you need.

Power Wheelchair Donated to Portland Woman Denied by Insurance Provider
The SCOOTER Store's gift of mobility helps local woman stay active in her community.

Electrical Wheelchair Lift For The Automobile
When someone is on a wheelchair, special care must be given when the person needs to ride in automobile. This is because the individual is not able to get in or out of the vehicle like normal people.

Elevator Wheelchair Lift, What You Need To Know
Wouldn?t it be great to have an elevator at home especially if it is very difficult to climb the flight of stairs? This will be very convenient for those who use wheelchairs and the good new is, it exists.

Things You Need To Know When Shopping For An Electric Wheelchair
Electric wheelchairs are specially designed for those people who find it difficult to use manual wheelchairs. Electric wheelchairs don't need any kind of physical power to be used in order to operate it. The invention of electric wheelchairs has been a blessing for many disabled people, because it considers and addresses the requirements of physically challenged people. With electric wheelchairs the disabled user feels competent to perform daily chores without any outside help. This makes a person feel more confident and helps to lead an independent life.

Lake Elsinore Family Caregiver Receives Free Power Wheelchair from the Scooter Store
Left disabled and dependent from arthritis, Sandra Gares, 62, regains her independence.

Buying a Used Wheelchair Lift: Is It Safe?
Buying a lift for your wheelchair, whether it be for your home or your vehicle, is an important decision. The most important aspect of purchasing a wheelchair lift is safety. While there are many styles and models available, there are also many pricing ranges. Among the least expensive of all wheelchair lifts are used lifts that are being sold, either because the current owner has upgraded to another model, or simply because they do not need the lift any longer.

Extend Your Reach With a Power Wheelchair with Lift Seat
Wheelchair users, especially people who have recently started using a wheelchair or power scooter to remain mobile, may notice that they have trouble with some common household items. Shelves, cupboards, and light switches that were once a convenience are now an obstacle, because they are out of reach. It can become difficult to even go to the supermarket, where you may not be able to reach the top shelf or see what's there. Elevators are difficult to use if you can't reach the buttons, making it difficult when visiting some hotels or tall buildings. A power wheelchair with lift seat can help you regain access to the things you can't reach sitting down.

Power Wheelchair Gifted to East Bernard Man Recovering from Accident Just Prior to Retirement
The SCOOTER Store Gives Gift of Mobility to East Bernard Accident Victim

Want Comfort And Security In Your Wheelchair? Then Check This Wheelchair Accessories
Wheelchair Accessories for Your Comfort and Security

Buying a Wheelchair Lift for Your Vehicle
Wheelchair lifts are very convenient for those who are using wheelchairs and often need to transport the equipment. Mobility will never be hampered if you have one installed. A stroll in the park or a visit to the mall can be easier if you can load and unload your wheelchair without much effort. This is the foremost reason why wheelchair lifts are being installed to more cars nowadays. There are many choices which a prospect buyer can choose from. It is necessary to know the fundamental information about wheel chair lifts in order to be successful in making the purchase.

New Website About Wheelchair Vans Helps Wheelchair Users Become More Savvy When Dealing with Van Dealerships
Until now, there were no free online sources available that gave wheelchair users access to critical information that can make them savvy shoppers able to deal with unscrupulous wheelchair van dealerships. Enter www.Free-Wheelchair-Van-Buyers-Guide.com/articles.html.