For a person who does not personally use or know anyone who needs a wheelchair access ramp, these ramps pretty much all look the same. However, to those who need wheelchair access ramps in order to go anywhere, enter any building, or get from their car on to a sidewalk, these types of wheelchair access ramps are essential.

There are many different types and varieties of wheelchair access ramps, and each can serve a different purpose. Some are designed to be permanent, some transportable, and some to be used with specific types of wheelchairs. Regardless of the type, wheelchair access ramps are the key to allowing people in wheelchairs to get where they need and want to go.

Types of Wheelchair Ramps:

Threshold Wheelchair Ramps – These types of ramps can be used inside of a person’s house, an office or building, or even outside. They allow a person in a wheelchair to be able to roll over a large bump or barrier that is too tall for a wheelchair to easily roll over. They are usually made of aluminum which means they are lightweight and can be easily moved around if needed.

Telescoping Wheelchair Ramps – Telescoping ramps work just like a telescope… they can be extended if a longer ramp is needed in a particular situation. The sections of a telescoping wheelchair ramp fit together and can slide open and closed. This type of ramp is also usually made out of aluminum.

Roll-Up Wheelchair Ramps – Also generally made out of aluminum, a roll-up wheelchair ramp can be rolled and easily transported. This type of ramp is knows as the easiest to move around and store because of its design.

Multi-Fold Wheelchair Ramps – These wheelchair access ramps are usually known as “suitcase ramps.” The term “multi” means that this type or ramp can be folded more than once and stored in a relatively small space. Multi-fold ramps are usually longer in length than single-fold wheelchair suitcase ramps.

Single-Fold Wheelchair Ramps – Single-fold wheelchair access ramps are usually easy to transport, assemble and use. They fold one time, usually right down the middle, and come with a handle so they can be carried like a suitcase. They are designed to be stored in a large vehicle and used in public when deemed necessary.

Track Wheelchair Ramps – Track wheelchair ramps can be used with both electric and hand-pushed wheelchairs. They come with tracks that the wheels of the wheelchair fit into. The track ensures that the wheelchair does not veer off the ramp.

Van Wheelchair Ramps – A van wheelchair ramp is used to push a wheelchair in to or out of a van. They can be manual or electric and can be used with most wheelchair-accessible vehicles. They can be used for wheelchairs or scooters and usually come with a non-slip surface.

Anyone in a wheelchair must evaluate and negotiate bumps, stairs, curves, and curbs every time they leave their house. Luckily, there are numerous types of wheelchair access ramps on the market that make it easier for wheelchair-bound people to get around.

Unfortunately, even when a person in a wheelchair is equipped with any and every type of wheelchair access ramp available, that person still must endure vehicles, people and objects that obstruct permanent wheelchair access ramps.

Non-handicap people many times block or park in designated handicap parking spots simply because they are lazy and irresponsible. When this happens, a wheelchair-bound person is forced to assemble a wheelchair access ramp simply to get around the obstruction. In this case, the use of a wheelchair access ramp is necessary or the wheelchair-bound person could be trapped inside or outside of a vehicle.

The many types of wheelchair access ramps were invented, designed and manufactured by individuals who recognized the needs of people bound to wheelchairs. Each ramp can serve a different need and purpose, and it may be necessary for people in wheelchairs to own many different types in order to make their lives as easy as possible.