First Name*Last Name*Email*Zip Code*PhonePlease indicate the products/services in which you are interested:Interest - Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Interest - Wheelchair Lift Interest - Chair Topper Interest - BraunAbility Finance Get to know the most trusted name in mobility. Sign up for the latest BraunAbility news, special offers and more! Wherever you are in the buying process, these easy steps can help guide you in the right direction, and lead you to your ultimate destination—driving off the lot in your new wheelchair vehicle. We're Here to Help First Name*Last Name*Email*PhoneZip Code*Product InterestProduct InterestManual Side-Entry VanPower Side-Entry VanManual Rear-Entry VanPower Rear-Entry VanSide-Entry SUVOtherMessageYou have many options when choosing wheelchair ramps for your home. Our buying guide helps you explore your choices, helping you make a confident decision for the mobility and safety of your loved ones.Questions to Consider When Buying a Wheelchair RampWhere and when will you need a wheelchair ramp?
Before you shop for a wheelchair ramp, think about all the spaces in your home that have steps, raised thresholds or other barriers that you’ll need a ramp to cross. Common areas where ramps are needed include:Steps leading to front or back entry doorsSteps from your garage into your homeDoors with raised thresholds or lips, such as exterior doorsThe threshold between the floor and the shower in your bathroomVehicle thresholds, like vans or SUVsHow long does your ramp need to be?The length of the stairs and the vertical height the ramp needs to ascend will determine the type of ramp you need. Also consult the guidelines in wheelchair or scooter manuals. The ramp length that you’ll need can be easily calculated with a few simple measurements.1-Inch Rise: 12-Inch Run (4.8 degrees): The number of inches in total vertical height = the number of feet in length you need. For example, two 5-inch-high steps would account for 10 inches in total vertical height and would therefore require a 10-foot-long ramp.
1:12 is recommended for easy and safe maneuverability. 2-Inch Rise: 12-Inch Run (9.5 degrees): Calculate by dividing the total vertical height in inches by 2. A 2-inch:12-inch run is the maximum recommended for any ramp installation, including portable ramps used by occupied wheelchairs and scooters.3-Inch Rise: 12-Inch Run (14.5 degrees): Calculate by dividing the total vertical height in inches by 3. This is the steepest incline a ramp should have and should never be used by occupied wheelchairs and scooters.How wide does your ramp need to be?To determine the ramp width you need, consider the following:How wide is the wheelbase on your wheelchair or scooter? It's important to make sure your chair can safely cross the ramp surface with some margin for safety on either side.If using a ramp to get in and out of a vehicle, consider the width of the door opening on your vehicle. Depending on the ramp you purchase, you'll need 30 inches or more for a door opening. Choosing Your Wheelchair RampNow that you know how to figure out the ramp length and width you need, there are several types of ramps you can consider to meet your needs.
Shower RampsShower ramps are small, short surfaces that blend in with the flooring in your bathroom. They're meant to eliminate the small barrier that exists at the front of walk-in showers.Doorway and Threshold RampsDoorway ramps cross a couple of steps. Solid ramps and panel ramps are the two most common types of doorway ramps. Before purchasing a doorway ramp, calculate the length you need. If your required length is longer than standard doorway ramps, consider an exterior access ramp.Threshold ramps are the most common type of ramp needed inside and outside the home, as raised thresholds, usually ½ inch or 1 inch high, are common at many doors. These ramps are very short, designed to facilitate a very small rise, portable and light. Consider locating threshold ramps permanently at any doors with raised thresholds.Portable and Automotive RampsPortable ramps assist in entering and exiting a vehicle or to use in the home occasionally. These ramps usually fold up like suitcases for easy carrying, although there are some shorter ramps that are solid surfaces.
When purchasing a portable ramp, consider the total weight of the ramp to ensure safety in transport.Exterior Access RampsYou may need a ramp length beyond what's offered for getting through front and back doors. When this is the case, consider a home access ramp with customizable length. There are two main types of exterior access ramps:Custom wood ramps are built from quality lumber and building materials. These ramps match your home style or coordinate with an existing deck or porch. Custom wood ramps are advanced projects, best suited for someone with advanced building skills or a professional.Aluminum modular ramps are made from durable aluminum and bought in sections to create the length and path you need. You can buy straight sections in various lengths as well as platforms on which to make left, right or U-turns. While not as complex as building and installing a custom wood ramp, this is still a job for someone with proven building skills who can ensure the safety and stability of the ramp.
Custom access ramps include mixed materials of custom wood and aluminum modular ramps. These systems feature an aluminum modular support structure that's outfitted with your choice of off-the-shelf decking and railing products to create a one-of-a-kind look. This type of ramp requires the same level of skill needed to install an aluminum modular ramp, but matches any home style, like a custom wood ramp. When choosing an exterior access ramp, refer to local building codes. Also consult the Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessibility or visit ADA.gov.Shop Mobility Improvements Scooter & Power Chair Lifts Dealership vs. Internet Sellers Whether you are looking to purchase mobility equipment for the very first time, or are looking at purchasing different mobility equipment based on your changing needs, MobilityWorks can help! The good news is that there are many mobility options available on the market today. What can be intimidating is navigating through all of the information available about those options in order to determine the best option(s) to fit your needs, your lifestyle and your budget.
So, to help you begin your process, we have developed this Getting Started Guide. Our mission is to help you focus your attention on the most important buying considerations for your unique situation, present you with all of your available options and finally, help you make the best decision. Let's start by taking a look at a series of key considerations. Key Factors to Consider & First Steps / Tips If you are in the market for a wheelchair accessible vehicle, then the very first steps should be understanding what you need, what will work for you and what won't. will the wheelchair user be the driver? What are the dimensions of the wheelchair? Who needs to be transported in the vehicle and where will it be garaged? Will the wheelchair user be the driver or will a caregiver be the driver? What are the wheelchair user's key dimensions? Who needs to be transported in the van and where will it be parked/garaged? Are there important key features that you want/would like in the vehicle?
Working with a budget? The reason that we ask this question is because while all wheelchair minivans are designed to handle a passenger or "transport" situation, they don't all work when an adaptive driver (someone in a wheelchair) is driving. Individuals interested in becoming adaptive drivers should first start by working with a Professional Driver Rehabilitation Specialist who can advise them. Wheelchair drivers should also consider whether they would prefer to drive from their wheelchair or transfer into the driver's seat of the vehicle. Back to top → Download Our Free Guide on Securing Accessible Vehicle Funding People like you are finding alternative ways to pay for their wheelchair vehicle. Download our guide to find out how. The height/weight of the wheelchair user, wheelchair and any other mobility equipment will determine the ability to enter, exit and maneuver within various wheelchair vans. The key dimensions will also help determine what seating positions are available to the wheelchair user.
In general, average to small people will have more options that those who are larger or taller. Height as measured from the floor to the top of the person's head while seated in the wheelchair Width of the wheelchair at its widest point Width of the wheels on the wheelchair Length of the passenger while seated in the wheelchair---including leg extension and/or any equipment mounted on the back of the chair Combined weight of the passenger and the wheelchair The number of people who will be transported in the van is important to know. In addition, where you may be parking the vehicle and if/where you may be garaging the van are also important considerations. For example, if you have a narrow garage, you won't be able to deploy a side-entry ramp in it. Features available on some vans: backup camera, navigation aid, power sliding driver and passenger doors, rear air satellite radio, sunroof, DVD Player, removable seats, as well as many others. Your budget is also an important first consideration in the buying process.