How to Choose the Best Wheelchair Ramp for Your Van

For those who have reduced mobility, a wheelchair can be a lifeline, offering independence and mobility where previously there were only barriers. But that independence only extends as far as you’re able to take your wheelchair with you; if you have to leave your wheelchair behind because it can’t be loaded into your car or van, you have to give up an essential piece of yourself as well—your independence. This is why it’s so important that wheelchair users have access to wheelchair ramps for cars and vans. With the right ramp, loading and unloading your wheelchair into a vehicle is far simpler, making it easy to bring your wheelchair ramp with you everywhere. Keep reading to learn how to choose the best wheelchair ramp for your car or van.

Assess Your Needs and Vehicle

Before you start looking into the different types of ramps available, it’s important that you examine your own needs as well as the type of vehicle you own. Different types of cars have different configurations, even among more accessible vehicle types, like vans. The ramp you choose must be compatible with your car’s dimensions and door configurations.

Measure your van’s dimensions, paying particular attention to the height and width of the doors. Though you obviously can’t control the size of the parking spaces at every location you want to go to, you should also measure the available space in the garage, driveway, or other location where you plan to park the van at home. Make sure you have enough space to load and unload the wheelchair with a ramp extended, and ensure that the ground is level.

Additionally, consider your personal mobility needs and the type of wheelchair you use. Power wheelchairs are generally heavier and bulkier than manual wheelchairs, for example, so you’ll need a sturdier and possibly a wider ramp if you use this type of mobility device.

Types of Wheelchair Ramps

Once you know what your needs are, you can start looking at the different types of wheelchair ramps available to find one that fits those needs. There are several types of ramps designed for vehicle use, and each has its own list of pros and cons. Here’s a quick look at them:

1. Portable Ramps: These ramps are designed for temporary use, and so can be removed or folded when you don’t need them. These are great for users who need flexibility, and want to use the ramp in multiple locations (such as with multiple vehicles). They are lightweight and easy to store, making them ideal for travelling. However, they are less stable than permanently installed ramps, and because they’re not affixed for easy folding and unfolding, they can require more effort to set up.
2. Permanent Ramps: Permanent ramps, as the name implies, are installed directly into the van and permanently secure to the vehicle. They are more durable and, therefore, can handle heavier loads. They also don’t need to be set up every time; most are easy to pull out, either by sliding or unfolding, so you can have access to the vehicle quickly. This makes them the better choice for anyone who needs to regularly load and unload a wheelchair into one vehicle. Under this umbrella of permanent ramps are 2 subtypes: manual and automatic.
3. Manual Ramps: Manual ramps require the user or caregiver to physically unfold and set up the ramp before each use. While it does require some physical effort to do this, it’s usually relatively simple to do, and the lack of any mechanical components keeps the cost lower than with automatic ramps.
4. Automatic Ramps: These ramps are motorized to deploy the ramp at the push of a button. They’re great for those who want a more hands-free experience, or those who may not have the physical strength to deploy and stow the ramp by hand every time. However, the extra components mean the ramp will cost more, and you’ll need to perform routine maintenance to keep the motorized parts from breaking down.

Consider Ramps Length and Slope

The length and slope of your wheelchair ramp are critical factors for safety and ease of use. A ramp that’s too steep can be dangerous, while one that’s too long might not be usable in smaller parking spaces. ADA guidelines recommend a slop of 1:12, meaning that for every inch of height, your ramp needs 12 inches of length. For example, if your van’s entrance is 18 inches high, you’ll need a ramp that’s 18 feet long. While it may not always be possible to adhere to ADA guidelines and still have a ramp of a manageable length, you should strive to get as close to this ratio as possible when choosing a ramp for your van.

If you need help finding the right wheelchair ramps for a home, van, or other type of vehicle or property, contact Southern Mobility Solutions today. We’ll help you select the right ramp and provide professional installation to ensure stability, safety, and durability. Call now to schedule a consultation or request a quote.