A wheelchair ramp is often the first point of contact between a disabled person and their vehicle, serving as a frequently travelled bridge that enables them to move into and out of the van as required. It's an important part of any conversion, but is something that many buyers treat as little more than an afterthought. Choosing the right ramp requires some careful evaluation.
Ask yourself the following questions to help you determine what the best choice for your needs and vehicle is going to be:
Do able-bodied passengers need to have access to the rear seating?If you frequently travel with able-bodied passengers in the back, you must determine how important it is for them to access the second and third rows of the van. In some cases, an in-floor ramp will be a better choice, because it doesn't block the doorway – meaning that able-bodied passengers can get in and out without deploying it.
Do you live in a climate with lots of rain and/or snow?
If you live in area that gets lots of rain, snow or even falling leaves, this could actually play a role in the type of wheelchair ramp you should choose. The fold-out option, for example, could leave you with a puddle of water or pile of leaves on the floor of the cabin. In-floor ones never enter the vehicle, so help to keep it clean.
Do you regularly encounter tall curbs and steep gradients?
Things like tall curbs and steep gradients can pose real challenges when it comes to deploying a ramp. A fold-out is actually best suited for these types of environments, as they come down over the top and stop when they reach ground level. In some situations, you might find that an in-floor one is unable to make it over the top.
How important is the comfort of the front passenger?
When you've installed an in-floor ramp, the person riding in the front passenger seat will have full use of the space. When you've installed a fold-out one, however, the front passenger seat's ability to recline will be restricted once it's stowed. This issue may not be important for some people, but could be problematic for others.
Who's the manufacturer?
It is important to keep in mind that not all manufacturer's are equal, so some wheelchair ramps are going to be of far better quality than others. Ensure that you've done your research into which manufacturers are considered the best and which you should avoid. Do not hesitate to ask a supplier for their recommendations if you're stuck.
How price-sensitive is the purchase?
Let's face it – a conversion is a big investment. On a brand new vehicle, for example, they can run somewhere in the $23,000 to $28,000 range. By making an informed decision, however, you can ensure that you've saved money where possible. Just remember that an in-floor ramp will cost you at least $1000 more than a fold-out.
By asking yourself the above questions, you should be in a much better position to select the most appropriate wheelchair ramps for your vehicle. As you have discovered, there are only two kinds on the market – in-floor (which retracts under the van's floor when not in use) and fold-out (which folds up in the doorway of the van when not in use). Good luck with your search and purchase!
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