For millions of individuals who use scooters, wheelchairs, and various other mobility devices on a temporary or permanent basis, wheelchair ramps offer secure and safe access to your vehicle, home, business, or other destinations. With availability in a variety of sizes and styles, wheelchair ramps range from portable to permanent, depending on the use. While permanent wheelchair ramps are best-suited for homes among those with long-term impairments, the best portable wheelchair ramps are perfect for short-term requirements such as at vacation homes, when visiting family and friends, or in other places that do not have wheelchair access. They are also useful for short-term needs like during a surgery recovery period.
Portable wheelchair ramps are placed over raised steps, inclines, porches, curbs, and on uneven ground. They are also used to transfer cumbersome mobility equipment in and out of vehicles. Since they are portable, lightweight, smaller, shorter, and can be folded for easier transport, portable wheelchair ramps are also more affordable than larger, more permanent options. The following is a list of the best portable wheelchair ramps to help you make the most informed decision when you’re in the market for a device like this.
What to Look for In a Portable Wheelchair Ramp
Portable wheelchair ramps are critical accessories for ensuring mobility, both inside and outside. Therefore, it is essential to ensure you choose the best product that guarantees usability and safety. Before purchasing, you must consider the main features that make it your best option. The following are several factors to consider when purchasing a ramp:
Handles
The handles on wheelchair ramps must be ergonomically designed to ensure the unit is easy to transport and set in place when need be. A flexible but non-breakable handle will deliver excellent comfort as you travel.
Portability
If you are planning to use the ramp in several locations, you must have a model that can easily be transported through folding or with a handle. Also, when reviewing for portability, make sure it can appropriately be stored during transport.
Safety
Safety is of the utmost importance, so the best portable wheelchair ramps feature a textured surface that delivers a firm grip to eliminate slips. Wheelchair ramps often become wet during rainy and snowy seasons, so it is vital to purchase a model with a slip-resistant tread. This feature helps eliminate mishaps by maintaining traction during all weather conditions. Also, make sure the model has bumper guides and edge protectors to prevent the user from falling off the side of the ramp during use.
Weight Capacity
Portable wheelchair ramps offer a variety of weight capacities. It's important that you select a ramp that will be able to accommodate the user, their mobility device, and potentially a qualified helper.
Three: GATEWAY™ 3G Solid Surface Portable Ramp
Coming in at number three on the best portable wheelchair ramps list is the GATEWAY 3G Solid Surface Portable Ramp which is constructed from corrosion-resistant aluminum that can stand up to even the harshest weather conditions. The heavy-duty design maximizes the weight capacity to 1,000-pounds, which is one of the highest loads in the market. The bottom transition plate is self-adjusting to accommodate uneven or soft terrain and the ramp boasts raised lips along the sides to ensure users do not run over the edge.
The solid surface ramp includes extruded ribbing to increase traction and further improve safety. The GATEWAY 3G Solid Surface Portable Ramp is available in a variety of lengths and can be ordered with two types of handrails for those who need a specific type of support. The standard width is 36-inches, which can accommodate most wheelchairs and mobility devices.
Although this ramp isn’t as portable as a folding ramp, it is a great solution when needs are a bit more long-term.
Two: SUITCASE® Singlefold AS Portable Ramp
The SUITCASE Singlefold AS Portable Ramp is a favorite amongst users because it's easy to use and store. The ramp is designed for everyday, repeated use so you can rely on its durability. Lengths range from 2 to 6 feet and feature a non-slip resistance texture, so the ramp is safe to use in all weather. With an ultra-strong, lightweight, and portable construction, it is simple to transport the ramp and use it wherever you go. One of the best features of this ramp is it can be used as a single unit or separated into two sections for easy storage and transport.
The design is continuous and features a low profile hinge that traverses the unit to improve strength, stability, and safety.
One: SUITCASE® Trifold® AS Portable Wheelchair Ramp
Among the best portable wheelchair ramps list, there can only be one winner. Without further ado, the SUITCASE Trifold AS Portable Wheelchair Ramp takes the top spot on this list. This ramp offers the best combination of safety, versatility, and price. With its trifold design, this ramp is easy to transport and is incredibly compact.
The ramp has a non-slip, textured tread that provides optimum traction and slip-resistance. Constructed from rust-proof aluminum, the unit is lightweight yet strong and boasts a raised edge on each side to ensure safe navigation up and down the ramp.
The high-quality construction ensures robustness through regular wear and tear and stands up to any threatening weather. The ramp can support a weight capacity of up to 800-pounds even at the center hinge folds. The support derives from the EZ-ACCESS patented hinge that allows for seamless movement but easy closing of the ramp. The SUITCASE Trifold AS features a bottom transition plate allowing for a smooth transition from ramp to ground. The fixed top plate is 3-inches in length and there is an optional top lip extension that increases the plate to 9-inches to help with clearing the bumper of a vehicle when needing to load or unload a mobility device.
Another benefit to this ramp is that it is available in longer lengths to help provide ease of access to higher entrances and landings. The ramp comes in lengths ranging from 5’ to 10’ so you can be sure to find the right size for your application.
The best portable wheelchair ramps must be durable enough to withstand weather and daily use but lightweight enough to be transported anywhere. Folding ramps or those that separate are the best options when needing to constantly move the ramp around to provide access where it’s needed.
These listed ramps are available in a variety of sizes and can easily be transported while supporting high weight capacities. Some access ramps are better suited for certain types of wheelchairs and scooters, so it is important to find the best option that fits your needs before purchasing!