Fiberglass Wheelchair Ramps
Fiberglass wheelchair ramps are relatively new innovations. Made of extremely fine non-corrosive glass fibers, fiberglass ramps share many properties with insulation and certain types of fabric. Sound impossible for a heavy-duty wheelchair ramp to share the same material with these items? It took much research and testing to design this extremely lightweight ramp and now it's finally available.
The best thing about the near-weightlessness of fiberglass ramps is that it greatly encourages independence in the wheelchair user. This ramp is so light that it can easy be carried on the back of a wheelchair with a convenient carry bag. It's also very easy for one person to operate. For a quality ramp, expect to pay between $200 and $500. The investment will be worth it, especially since it's rare that a wheelchair user would be able to handle a metal or wood ramp on his or her own. Fiberglass ramps are simply the most convenient way to go with their 2-piece hinged and foldable construction, for quick and easy positioning. Make sure to follow the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); which recommend that fiberglass ramps to be set at a 1:12 slope ratio.
In theory, fiberglass ramps are the same as any other ramp. They have no-skid driving tread (this is often identifiable by yellow safety lines on the neutral toned surface). They are suitable for any size chair, and they have high durability and come with a useful handle for easy portability and storage. They are smooth with no sharp edges and can handle any element Mother Nature cares to throw at them. Standard fiberglass ramps come in 30-inch widths, but wider 36-inch widths can be custom ordered. Like any other ramp, fiberglass ramps can easily be installed as a permanent or semi-permanent fixture in a home or workplace. The top flap of the ramp sits on the ledge of the upper landing and can be screwed into place with a quick flick of the wrist. Yet another example of how practical and versatile fiberglass ramps can be.
