Have you been thinking about getting a mobility scooter ramp to make it easier for your loved one to get around? We’ve compiled some of the most common questions and answers in this article so that you can feel confident before making your purchase.
Find out what safety features are important, how much they cost, and where you should put them to make sure everyone is safe!
What is a mobility scooter ramp?
A mobility scooter ramp is a device that helps mobility scooters users navigate over obstacles they would otherwise have been unable to cross. Designed to bridge a gap that a mobility scooter cannot cross on its own they are typically installed in front of steps and can make it easy for anyone who uses them to navigate up and down without difficulty.
A mobility scooter ramp is one of the most cost-effective and accessible ways to enable access for mobility scooters and wheelchairs. They can be used to enable access to cars, vans, boats and other vehicles.
Who needs a mobility scooter ramp?
Anyone who has difficulty with mobility should consider installing a ramp. They are especially helpful for people with disabilities or anyone struggling to get up and down curbs, stairs or gaps without assistance.
The benefits of using a mobility scooter ramp
A mobility scooter ramp can make it easier for anyone who has difficulty with mobility to get up and down the stairs or in and out of their home. They are also useful because they allow people without disabilities to help someone else in a way that is safe for both parties!
Ramps can be transported to a new location, enabling users to access places they usually could not. For wheelchair users, they are instrumental when making day trips as they can be stored in a car boot and used to access a wide range of places such as cafes, restaurants or theatres.
How to choose the right mobility scooter ramp for your needs
When choosing a mobility scooter ramp, you should know that not every ramp will be correct for your particular circumstance. You need to check the weight of your scooter to ensure that the ramp can support it.
You also need to measure the width of your doorway and then check that this would be appropriate for a ramp. You should also consider how quickly you will travel up or down the ramp.
- Weight: The weight capacity needed varies depending on where you want to use it – in the home, outdoors, inside a building etc. So make sure to check before buying!
- Width: This is important if you’re using it at home because the height of most doorways is not wide enough for some models, so they can’t even get through them without taking off their wheels first. Some ramps come with extensions which means they’ll always fit whatever size doorway you have, but these might cost extra money.
Types of ramps available
There are several different types of mobility scooter ramps available. Most fall under either lightweight, portable, foldable and semi-permanent.
- Lightweight ramps are good for temporary use at home or when travelling. They’re lightweight and not too heavy to carry around, but they can’t be used on stairs because of the angle, so if you need a ramp that goes upstairs, these might not work well for you. These types of ramps are also generally cheaper than other models, which means it’s easier to buy more than one!
- Portable ramps can move easily from place to place without taking much effort and are easily set up in many different ways – either by slotting into a doorway with small gaps like some wheelchair ramps; attaching onto an existing staircase railing, or sitting next to steps as a kind of scaffolding system to help get over them.
- Foldable ramps are useful when space is at a premium, and the ramp needs to be stored away. This type of ramp is a great solution for those with a small car boot.
Ramps for different surfaces, including grass, concrete, and tiles
It is important to consider the type of surface that the ramp will be used on. If buying a ramp to be laid on grass, you should look for a ramp with a base plate, as this will help prevent it from sinking into the ground. If you are using your car boot without a tailgate, make sure that the surface is flat and level for placing the ramp in place on grass or concrete.
- For slippery surfaces like tiles, ramps can be fitted with anti-slip strips at either end, which increases stability. This means they have less chance of slipping while being walked up them by an individual riding their mobility scooter
- Scooters used outdoors should also consider buying a weatherproof cover so dirt doesn’t get caught around the wheels and bearings where these could become clogged over time
How much does it cost to buy or rent a mobility scooter ramp?
Costs can vary between £150 – £650 depending on the type of ramp and whether it’s priced to buy or rent.
For convenience, rented ramps would need to be delivered as they will not fit into a boot of an average-sized car. These types of mobility scooter ramps also come with free delivery, which means you don’t have any additional cost for them arriving at your door!
- If price is less important, then a purchase may suit best. This could be because you want something more permanent in terms of installation, or you want a ramp that can be shared with other family members.
- While the cost of mobility scooter ramps does vary, they are generally not expensive and worth investing in to avoid unnecessary injury or damage.
- In terms of benefits, some models come with anti-slip surfaces, which will prevent any accidents while using them.
- The type of mobility scooter ramp needed should also consider the height difference between where it is being placed on the ground and where there needs to be access onto stairways or kerbside level alike. A basic rule is always to buy longer ramps for larger gaps.
Tips on how to use a mobility scooter ramp safely
Safety is paramount when setting up a ramp, so remember to always implement the following tips :
- Make sure the ramp is secured before use – ideally, it should be in a position with no danger of movement.
- Always engage your scooter’s brakes when not moving to avoid any accidents or damage.
- Test drive the mobility scooters up and down the ramp respectively for both directions as you set everything up to ensure they are working correctly.
The above tips will help make using mobility ramps much easier and safer!
Some final words on safety: keep all dogs away from them so that they don’t get injured while trying to climb around them !!
Do not hesitate to contact us if there is anything we can do for you! We would love an opportunity to serve you better 🙂