Threshold Ramp

 Among the biggest challenges confined wheelchair users face in maneuvering the wheelchair over all the metal plates that protect doorways. Some of them can be as high as three inches, making it almost impossible to clear without some kind of help. Threshold Ramps can make this challenge easier to handle and come in a variety of materials and sizes to fit any need.

The ramps are foldable and can be transported inside and outside the home, or left in place for convenience. They do not have to be affixed in any fashion and should be placed when needed at an angle that does not make using them dangerous. The length of some of them is fixed, while others can be extended to at least three feet on either side of the doorway. Others are best suited for outdoor areas that are exposed to the elements or anywhere that extra traction may be needed, like in a bathroom or shower.

Plastic ramps can be easily placed over any threshold up to six inches high, and are easily folded up for storage or transportation. They are durable, with traction ridges built-in to handle most wheelchairs but may not be advisable for use with power chairs. The weight of power chairs and scooters can be in the range of more than a hundred pounds and with the added weight of the rider, maybe more than a plastic ramp can handle. Be sure to check the weight allowance on any ramp before purchasing.

When it comes to portable ramps, aluminum is the material most commonly used, thanks to its lightweight. The extendable versions of these ramps make them very versatile for maneuvering about the home or office and can be extended several feet on either side of the doorway. They are also good for overcoming curbs and steps with ease, as long as the angle they are placed at is within a safe climb for the wheelchair. Aluminum ramps are designed to hold more weight than most, making them perfect for use with scooters, power chairs, and even heavy-duty wheelchairs.

Finally, rubber Threshold Ramps are designed for areas where extra traction may be needed because of environmental conditions, as well as for providing smooth transition quickly over raised surfaces like sliding door frames and elevator doors. Their molded treads ensure a virtually nonslip surface, which makes them a favorite in bathrooms, kitchens, showers, pool areas, outdoor decks, and even outdoors. With rubber ramps, portability is even greater, as they can easily be rolled up and stored in a pouch on the wheelchair, or even packed in a backpack or briefcase for use outside the home or at the office.