Wheelchair Ramp Types
Solid Wheelchair Ramps
Solid wheelchair ramps are single, full width, non-folding ramps. They are normally about 30" wide but the heavier duty models my have 32" or 36" widths. The all have a non-slip surface and are very easy to use. Not being very portable, they are usually used in situations where they will be left in one place most of the time but can be used as van ramps. Weight capacities can be anywhere from 600lbs to 800lbs.
Compatibility: Manual & Power Wheelchairs, Three & Four Wheel Scooters.
Suitcase/Bifold Ramps:
Suitcase ramps are very portable and usually available in up to 6 feet in length by about 30 inches wide. Because they fold in half when not in use they tend to be fairly small (16" by the length purchased) and easy to handle and store away. Made of aluminum suitcase ramps will have a non-slip surface of an adhered abrasive material or the aluminum itself will be scored in a way to provide traction. These ramps normally have a carrying handle similar to a suitcase handle and have a weight capacity of either 600 or 800lbs.
Compatibility: Manual & Power Wheelchairs, Three & Four Wheel Scooters.
Multifold Wheelchair Ramps
Multifold wheelchair ramps are similar to the bifold ramps but fold lengthwise in addition to side to side. Multifold ramps are generally manufactured in longer lengths than bifold ramps (up to 12') and have weight capacities up to 800lbs depending on the manufacturer and model chosen. They will also have about 30" of width, some type of carrying handle and a non-slip surface.
Compatibility: Manual & Power Wheelchairs, Three & Four Wheel Scooters.
Track Ramps
Track ramps are two separate ramps between 6" and 12" wide which can either fold lengthwise, telescope in and out or roll up. Weight capacities will be between 600lbs and 2,000lbs per pair. This type of wheelchair ramps is very compact and has a non-slip surface. When using the track ramps they must be positioned parallel to each other and spaced properly to line up with the wheels of the equipment being loaded. I don't recommend using the narrower styles of track ramps with equipment which is occupied by a user. I prefer to see the narrow model used for loading and unloading of unoccupied wheelchairs and 4 wheeled scooters.
Compatibility: Manual & Power Wheelchairs, Three Wheel Scooters
Roll Up Ramps:
Roll up ramps can be full width platforms or track style ramps and, depending on manufacturer can have weight capacities anywhere form 600lbs to 2,000lbs dependent on length. They will have a non-slip surface, can be different widths and one manufacturer has no limit on length. Roll up ramps will be very compact for storage and transporting.
Compatibility: Manual & Power Wheelchairs, Three & Four Wheel Scooters
Mounted Wheelchair Van Ramps:
There are several designs and types of wheelchair van ramps to allow wheelchair users access to vans in a variety of materials and forms. While most of the previously mentioned ramps can be used with vans if long enough there are some models of ramps designed exclusively for use with a van. Van ramps normally fold up when not in use and have one end bolted to the van making them very stable and easy to use. One manufacturer makes a hitch mount van ramp which attaches to the vehicle trailer hitch and has the advantage, or disadvantage depending on the weather, of being stored and transported outside the van.
Compatibility: Manual & Power Wheelchairs, Three & Four Wheel Scooters
