How Choose a Mobility Scooter Car Ramp
Posted by Susan T. on Jul 20th 2022
Hundreds of millions of people around the world live with mobility impairments. A mobility impairment can be congenital or due to some life event. People with mobility impairments struggle with activities of daily living and can become too dependent on their caregivers.
Mobility impairments can affect quality of life. Many people with mobility impairments skip social events and stop participating in the activities they enjoy. They are unable to live an active lifestyle. A sedentary lifestyle increases one’s risk of chronic illnesses such as stroke, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
Mobility scooters are designed to help people with mobility impairments lead an independent life. A mobility scooter can help reduce the user’s dependency on their caregiver and improve their overall independence. Mobility scooters manufactured these days come loaded with an array of safety, convenience, and comfort features that make every ride a delightful experience.
Mobility scooters have transformed millions of lives around the world. They are helping people with mobility impairments live a fulfilling life. Mobility scooters come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from lightweight scooters to heavy-duty scooters.
Mobility scooters can weigh between 85 pounds to 400 pounds or more. Their weight makes it difficult for users to lift them into vehicles. Scooter ramps are designed to help address this problem.
They allow mobility scooter users to get their mobility scooters into their cars safely and efficiently. Some popular scooter ramp materials include aluminum, steel, rubber, and wood. If you want to take your mobility scooter with you in your car whenever you travel, opt for a scooter ramp.
Some Important Considerations
Different types of mobility scooter car ramps include permanent ramps, semi-permanent ramps, modular ramps, and portable ramps. It is important that you choose the right for your mobility scooter. Remember the most popular mobility scooter car ramp is not necessarily always the best option. Instead of going with the flow and choosing the most popular mobility scooter ramp, look for a ramp that fits your needs.
Consider these factors when choosing a mobility scooter car ramp:
➢Material: Rubber and aluminum are the most common materials used in mobility scooter car ramps. Other popular mobility scooter car ramp materials include steel and wood. Aluminum is recognized for being lightweight and flexible. It does not corrode, making it a good choice for outdoor ramps. Rubber is flexible and some types can withstand wear & tear and harsh weather. For this reason, they are widely used in mobility scooter car ramps.
➢Surface: Rainwater or wet mud can make the surface of a mobility scooter car ramp slippery, increasing the risk of an accident. Look for a mobility scooter car ramp with a non-skid surface designed to prevent slipping so you can confidently get your mobility scooter in your car in any weather.
➢Your Scooter’s Weight: When evaluating ramps, check their lifting capacity. Make sure the ramp you are considering can support your mobility scooter’s weight, your weight, and the caregiver’s weight added together. If you have a lightweight mobility scooter, a regular ramp will do. People who use three or four-wheel scooters should opt for a heavy-duty ramp designed to support up to 300 lbs. or more.
➢Weight of the Ramp Itself: Depending on the materials used and its size, a mobility scooter ramp can weigh between 50 and 100 pounds. Look for a lightweight ramp so you or your caregiver can move it easily.
➢Portability: Look for a foldable mobility scooter ramp with a carrying handle so you can move it easily from one spot to another. Check the folded size of the ramp and determine if it can be stored or transported easily.
➢Ramp Width: Make sure the ramp you are considering is wider than your mobility scooter. A wider ramp ensures a hassle-free transfer.
➢Wheelchair Ramp Length and Incline: How long should my mobility scooter ramp be? This is one of the most common questions people ask themselves when selecting a ramp. When determining the right ramp length, consider the incline angle you want to achieve with the ramp in place.
Here are some important things to consider in this regard:
➢Ease of Setting Up: Look for a ramp that features a one-piece design, i.e., the design that ensures no assembly is required. All users need to do is set their ramps in place and they are ready to use.
➢Warranty: Before buying a mobility scooter ramp, take the time to understand what and what doesn’t the product warranty cover. Find out what can void the warranty.
➢Features: Some desirable mobility scooter ramp features include:
Ø Non-slip surface
Ø Self-adjusting ground transition plate
Ø Handrails
Ø Portable ramps feature ergonomically-designed handles
Mobility Masters is a renowned supplier of mobility scooter ramps and other mobility aids. We have the most in-demand ramps by leading manufacturers. Manufactured in state-of-the-art facilities around the country, our ramps go through rigorous testing. To request information about a product, call (800) 936-7006.