If you are in the market for a wheelchair van for you or a loved one, you may be researching different kinds of lifts and ramps for your vehicle. One thing to consider might be installing in a wheelchair ramp in your home.
Choosing the proper wheelchair ramp is one of the most important home renovations families with wheelchair users can make. Installing the right ramp can mean greater safety, more independence and better overall quality of life.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Type of Ramp
What’s the point of having an easy exit/entry for your wheelchair van, but struggling to get in and out of your own home? Handicapped accessible vans come with impeccably engineered lifts and ramps. So when you’re looking for a smooth transition from home to vehicle, consider the following:
- Metal: Metal ramps tend to be easier maintenance-wise. They usually come in multiple parts, allowing you to customize your length and width. They are also generally less expensive than wood ramps; however, if hit hard enough they are more susceptible to dents and damage.
- Wood: Wood ramps are more permanent structures that typically cost more than metal. Wood will require more maintenance, but may blend in much better with the house. They can also be painted different colors and tend to incur less dents.
- Other Materials: Metal and wood are the two most common materials for wheelchair ramps; however, other types of surfacing can be used as well.
Step 2: Deciding on Ramp Length
The length of your wheelchair ramp will be determined based on the incline of your house to the ground. Power wheelchairs allow shorter ramps with steeper inclines because they do not manually prop themselves up and down a ramp. Manual wheelchairs, though, will require a longer ramp at a smaller incline. These are easier and less risky when traveling up and down.
Step 3: Considering Portable Options
Portable ramps can be purchased at a much lower price point. These are good to have around the house in case a ramp gets damaged or while one is being built.
Searching for a new or used wheelchair van? Classic Vans, located in Hayward, California, has a large selection of handicap accessible vans. Browse our website or call us today. For 30 years, Classic Vans has been a trusted name in van conversions.