You probably haven't given much thought about
wheelchair ramps for vans until its time to use it. Then the wish list starts to flow. I wish it were a bit wider. I wish it wasn't as steep. I wish it was easier to use. You get the picture. It’s also important to keep in mind that while public and government spaces are required to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, compliance among vehicle manufacturers is voluntary. The following tips will help ensure you select the ramp that best meets your mobility needs.
Look for the widest ramps.
When you’re looking at conversion vans there are a lot of mobility choices. But one of the most important features not to overlook is the width of the ramp. By ensuring the van conversion has the widest ramp at 34 inches you will have peace of mind knowing that entering and exiting the van will be an easy task.
Insist on commercial grade flooring.
It’s important to keep in mind that you may need to travel during days of inclement weather. Many wheelchair ramps can get slippery when wet. So it’s important to be sure that the ramp you select is manufactured with a commercial grade non-slip floor. This will allow you to safely navigate the ramp in all weather conditions.
Watch out for the slope.
Speaking of safety, the slope merits consideration as well. If the ramp slope is too steep it will be like climbing uphill and rolling down like a roller coaster. The ADA recommends a 4.8 degree slope. This equates to approximately one inch of ramp for each inch of lift height. Of course, a manual ramp lift that extends outwards with a minimal slope is an ideal choice.
Visit a mobility conversion dealer for a test drive.
One of the best ways to determine whether a wheelchair ramp for a conversion vehicle will work for you is to visit a dealer and try it out. This will give you the opportunity to explore its ease of use and have the confidence of being able to safely and quickly enter and exit the vehicle on your own.
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