Wheelchair Van Ramps
Loading and unloading wheelchairs and scooters from vans is almost always an issue for care givers and family members of wheelchair or scooter users. These mobility devices are often heavy and awkward making lifting impossible for many people. Wheelchair van ramps are an inexpensive alternative to powered wheelchair/scooter lifts or van lifts.
Van ramps come in a few different models and each have their own benefits. There are three basic van ramp types and they include side door, rear door and hitch mount. Each of these types of van ramps are designed for use only with vans and actually attached to the van.
Portable Wheelchair Ramps
In addition to van ramps which are designed for use in vans, many people will use portable wheelchair ramps for loading and unloading their mobility equipment.
The advantages of portable ramps is they can be used in various places besides the van, they store away when not in use, they can be easily moved from one van to another and they are often less expensive than van ramps. The disadvantage of using portable ramps are they are often too short for safe use, they are less stable and often take more time to get set up for use.
Manufacturers Recommendations & Guidelines
It is always a good idea to refer to manufacturers recommendations for the mobility device being used whether it be a manual or power wheelchair or a scooter and the ramp manufacturer's guidelines for their ramps.
Wheelchair & Scooter manufacturers have recommendations on the use of their products including the maximum slope on which they can be used safely.
Ramp manufacturers will have guidelines on how steep of a slope their ramps can safely be used and the maximum weights they can carry.
