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Wheelchair bound individuals no longer need to be confined to
home thanks to vans that
are wheelchair accessible. But a trip meant to be a pleasant
adventure can turn into a stressful endeavor if the van isn't equipped
with the most suitable ramp to help the disabled passenger get into and
out of the vehicle as smoothly and effortlessly as possible. Converting a
new or pre-owned van to include a wheel chair ramp represents a major
investment, so it's important to fully understand the pros and cons of
the two different styles of ramps available in today's market, in-floor
and fold-out.Clik here to view.
The in-floor ramp is one that is capable of retracting under the van's floor when it is not being used. The fold-out ramp, on the other hand, collapses and forms a barrier against the front passenger seat that might be considered an obstruction during travel. How both of these ramps are stowed when not in use is a key difference. If able-bodied passengers frequently ride in the last two rows of the van, an in-floor ramp is a better choice because it doesn't obstruct easy entry or departure the way a fold-out ramp can.
Weather conditions impact the best wheel chair ramp choice. In areas where such inclement weather as rain and snowfall is predominant, an in-floor ramp collects less debris than the fold-out model, providing a cleaner path for the wheelchair. Consider the areas where the van will be driven and if grades tend to be steep and curbs tend to be tall. A fold-out ramp is more versatile because it is can be extended over the top of the sidewalk curb surface rather than an in-floor ramp which may prove too low to clear a high curb or grade.
Another important consideration is that an in-floor ramp doesn't impact the ability of the front-passenger seat to recline fully and this may make a difference if the van is used for long excursions rather than short in-town hops. It also pays to compare the amount of headroom and interior floor space provided by both in-floor and fold-out ramps which can range anywhere between 51 inches to a more spacious 57 inches.
In-floor ramps tend to be more costly, but like any product, quality construction matters and customers get what they pay for. Confine your purchases to quality ramp manufacturers and read product reviews providing feedback from customers who have first-hand experience using either fold-out or in-floor ramps and their experiences using either. Time is another factor influencing choice of the best wheel chair ramp. Some customers want it now and are willing to select from what is available on the dealer's lot, while others would rather save money by placing an order that may take more time but prove to be easier on their budget.
