Choosing Portable Ramps
A Guide to Portable Ramps for Wheelchairs & Scooters
There are many different kinds of portable ramps on the market so no matter where you live, work or visit, there are options to ensure you stay mobile and can enjoy ease of access wherever you go.
Experts in portable wheelchair ramps, Bentley Fielden have compiled an in-depth guide to choosing the right ramp for you:
Non-folding ramps
Single-fold ramps
Multi-fold ramps
Two-piece track ramp
Threshold ramps
Roll-a-ramp
Travel ramps
Mobile ramps
Non-folding ramps
Best for: Continual use in and out of the home.
These sturdy access ramps are finished with non-slip materials and are designed to be durable, light and strong. They are highly portable yet extremely stable and can be used as a portable ramp. These ramps are perfect for leaving in the car or in storage at a friend’s or relative’s house, yet strong enough to leave at entrances for a more permanent solution. Most can be used for wheelchairs (electric and manual) as well as electric scooters.
Features:
• Easily cleaned and transported,
• quick and easy to set up,
• secure fixing allows for it to be used as a permanent fixture.
Single-fold ramps
Best for: Friends and family that you regularly visit.
With one fold (either horizontally or vertically) a single-fold ramp is great for easy access on the go. Simply fold away when it isn’t required and easily have it at hand should you find yourself struggling with access. Most retailers vary from economy ranges to advanced models depending on efficiency and the amount of use required. The design means the ramp is held together securely whilst in use and on the move.
Features:
• Suitable for all mobility devices,
• most models designed to withstand around 42 stone,
• quick and simple to set up for portable use.
Multi-fold ramps
Best for: Those difficult to access places.
If you are looking for a more durable and heavyweight ramp that still has all the benefits of portability, a multi-fold ramp is the perfect option. These ramps may not be as lightweight as a single-fold option but they are uncompromised in strength and durability, and would provide the perfect access solution for those in heavy duty wheelchairs and scooters. Designed to be non-slip, sturdy and weather resistant multi-fold ramps can be a great alternative to a permanent ramp to allow you access over steps or a steep gradient.
Features:
• Folds down to suitcase size and is easy to transport,
• non-slip surface,
• many models include a ‘slope indicator’.
Two-piece track ramp
Best for: Getting in and out of transport.
Track ramps are great for providing a personal access solution to almost anywhere, especially if you need strong, sturdy access for a motorised wheelchair or scooter. The two separate tracks lock into place to provide tailor made access no matter where you are. They are secure both in open and portable format, and can provide safe and secure access with extra stability. These ramps are a great option for getting in and out of large cars or to keep in the house for visitors.
Features:
• Ramp is easily stored away in a compact case,
• flexible design makes it useful for large and small spaces,
• easy to transport and store with lightweight materials.
Threshold ramps
Best for: In and around your own home.
Threshold ramps are versatile access solutions perfect for anywhere in the home, and which can also be used on the go. They provide a smooth gradient on almost any surface to allow wheelchair users easy access over bumps or gaps in flooring, between rooms and to gain access throughout the whole house. Door wedges eliminate high steps at entrances and doorline bridges provide seamless access across the home. They are sturdy yet lightweight, perfect for using as a permanent solution to poor access or as a fail-safe method to keep you independently mobile in other people’s homes or public places.
Features:
• Most withstand 40 – 45 stone,
• extremely lightweight and very portable,
• provides protection from the whole doorframe.
Roll-a-ramp
Best for: A sturdy, long-term solution.
Roll-a-ramp is a revolutionary system designed to perfectly combine mobility, strength and portability. The super strong design is able to withstand up to a ton whilst still folding into a compact case for easy storage. The roll-a-ramp system can also be extended as and when required. The design of many sections intertwine to create an extremely sturdy access solution which also ‘rolls’ easily into an easily transported item.
Features:
• Available in a variety of sizes,
• designed to ‘roll’ for easy transport and storage,
• features a warranty for peace of mind.
Travel ramps
Best for: Having with you wherever you go.
A small, handy yet strong ramp could be just what you need for gaining access when you’re out and about. There are plenty on the market to choose from, from basic, economic ramps to more versatile, foldable and extra sturdy designs. Having a ramp such as this with you at all times means you will never again have to struggle to find an alternative entrance or exit.
Features:
• Extremely compact storage,
• perfectly designed for kerbs and single steps,
• carry bag fits to most wheelchairs for the ideal portable solution.
Mobile ramps
Best for: Public spaces and events.
For a public place a mobile ramp is the best solution. It has the strength, stability and ease of use of a permanent ramp, yet can be folded and locked away. These ramps are designed for use in public places or at events where those with mobility issues might struggle to get around and where permanent solutions are not feasible. Mobile ramps come complete with handrails so they could be useful for a large group of people – not just those in wheelchairs. Mobile ramps are the most sturdy and strong solutions in this list and can easily withstand more than one wheelchair user at any time.
Features:
• Available in a range of different lengths,
• includes castors to easily transport the ramp,
• folds into vertical standing for ease of storage.
Bentley Fielden is a leading supplier of access ramps for those with mobility issues to individuals and organisations. A family-run business, they pride themselves on being able to provide an access solution for everyone.