Suitcase Wheelchair Ramps
Sturdy, lightweight aluminium suitcase ramps can often save you in a pinch. They are perfect to bridge the gap from one landing to another when there is no permanent ramp in sight. Suitcase ramps are great for porches, office building entrances, curbs, and they're also very useful when helping wheelchairs move in and out of minivans.
Suitcase ramps are named after their number one convenient feature. You can simply fold it up, attach a handle and carry it like a piece of luggage. Handles are usually included with every ramp, but double check with your manufacturer to ensure that this is the case with the one you choose. Portable, easy to use and durable, every wheelchair user should own a suitcase ramp. They are wide enough for any wheelchair, have a no-skid driving surface, and can handle up to 600-pounds. If you're looking for a ramp that can stay put for a while, suitcase ramps can also be installed for semi-permanent use. Drill 2 holes into the upper landing and align them with the already existing holes in the top flap of the ramp. Insert a couple of screws and voila. Your ramp will not budge until you're ready to move it. You can expect to pay $100 to $300 or more for one of these handy units.
Suitcase ramps are generally intended for a quick, convenient, and relatively easy transition from one landing to another with their full width, double track design. The main advantage is their portability, but this can also work against them. The unit folds in the middle, therefore, the length of ramp required determines the size of the 'suitcase'. The longer the ramp; the more cumbersome the package becomes. There are tri-fold wheelchair ramps available to accommodate lengths of 5-feet or over. This solves the problem of an unmanageable suitcase ramp and makes them lightweight, much easier to carry and easy to store. The best way to know how long your ramp should be is to do a quick search online for a ramp chart. These exist to help you determine the dimensions required for you and your wheelchair.
