REDD Team aluminum ramps have multiple commercial, industrial, and municipal applications. Many Michigan property owners use our accessibility products to enhance access and movement for people with mobility limitations, including those on wheelchairs and scooters. However, finding the right wheelchair ramp for your building may not be as easy as it sounds. Consider multiple factors when shopping for wheelchair ramps.
Measurements
Consider where the ramp will be installed when shopping for wheelchair ramps. A considerable advantage of REDD Team wheelchair ramps is they do not require much space for installation. In addition, they can be installed in one location, disassembled, and then re-installed in a different location without affecting structural integrity.
Length and Width Of The Ramp
We recommend gradients of 1:6 for manual wheelchairs, meaning if the load height is one foot, a 6-foot ramp is what you will require. For mobility scooters, a gradient of 1:8 is ideal, which means for a load eight of one foot, an 8-foot long ramp is best. The reason why mobility scooter ramps are longer is because of the low ground clearance. At REDD Team, we have a ramp calculator to determine the appropriate ramp length and width for your building.
Purchasing Purposes
The primary function of aluminum ramps is to facilitate access for people with mobility limitations, especially those on wheelchairs and scooters. REDD Team offers insightful tips and guides on how to make your building more accessible.
Wheelchair Ramp Options
We have channel ramps ideal for accessing bridge steps, vehicles, and curbs. Channel ramps enable manual wheelchair users to overcome narrow doorways. However, they are not ideal for mobility scooters because of the side walls.
Threshold ramps are used in thresholds and bridging single steps. They are easy to install and designed to be durable. Folding ramps fold to half the width, making them incredibly easy to transport and store. Folding ramps are durable, lightweight, and feature non-slip surfaces. This type is best for scooters and electric or manual wheelchairs.
REDD Team also offers multi-folding ramps that fold to half their width and length. Our ramps are sturdy and durable and feature an anti-slip surface, making them ideal for electric and manual wheelchairs or scooters.
Bi-Fold ramps have two halves that lock together when in position. They come in longer lengths of up to 2.7 meters which is excellent for higher rises. This type of ramp is incredibly strong despite its being lightweight.
Safety Tips
Wheelchair ramps are designed to enhance mobility for people with mobility challenges. However, improper use of these accessibility features can raise safety risks. Here are tips on the safe use of wheelchair ramps.
Degree of Incline
Steep ramps can be dangerous to users because they are difficult to climb and may cause users to tip backward. The lower the incline, the safer the ramp. The maximum acceptable incline for a ramp is an inch of rise for every twelve inches in length. Ramps should not rise over six feet from the ground’s surface.
Level Landings
Landings can be installed on an existing surface like a sidewalk or porch or constructed as part of the ramp. The landing must have a similar width as the ramp and be 60 inches long to accommodate the chair. Landings close to entryways and exits should leave enough space for the door to open and close.
Surface
The best surface for installing a wheelchair ramp is a non-skid surface. In addition, the surfaces of outdoor wheelchair ramps should be designed to prevent water from accumulating.
REDD Team is a premier designer and manufacturer of quality access products, including aluminum ramps, in Michigan. Reach out to us today to order.
