Wheelchair ramps that are not permanently installed and fixed to the building or vehicle are called portable wheelchair ramps. Portable wheelchair ramps can be purchased or rented from wheelchair ramp rental companies.
While permanent wheelchair ramps on buildings are typically made of cement, they can also be made of wood. Most portable wheelchair ramps are made from steel. A steel wheelchair ramp may need occasional treatment of rust.
Many steel wheelchair ramps have a mesh-like surface that allows water to pass through the ramp. This prevents water puddles from forming on the wheelchair ramp. Portable wheelchair ramps also have handrails attached alongs the sides.
Portable wheelchair ramps for buildings are modular ramps that are shipped and installed in sections. The wheelchair ramps can be installed to meet the wheelchair ramp guidelines by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
According to the ADA, the recommended slope of a wheelchair ramp is 1:12 or one unit in height for every twelve units in length. For example, a wheelchair ramp that must be one foot high at the entrance needs to be twelve feet long.
Since portable wheelchair ramps are not considered permanent structures, building permits are not required. Homeowners who have had a portable wheelchair ramp installed do not typically have to have a new tax assessment.
The installation of portable wheelchair ramps can occur much quicker than having a traditional wheelchair ramp built. Having a permanent wheelchair ramp built can take weeks or even months to complete depending on the availability of a contractor.
A portable wheelchair ramp is ideal for people who temporarily need to use a wheelchair. A portable wheelchair ramp may also be beneficial for use for special events.
Renting a portable wheelchair ramp is often financially sound when the ramp is needed for less than six months. If the person who rents a wheelchair ramp needs the ramp longer than anticipated, some wheelchair ramp rental companies will apply part of the rental fees paid towards the purchase of the wheelchair ramp.
Portable wheelchair ramps for vehicles are often available through wheelchair ramp rental companies and electric wheelchair companies. Because electric wheelchairs are extremely heavy, portable wheelchair ramps are often used to load them into vehicles.
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