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Access Ramps – Choosing the Right Length

Valerie Paxton — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 21:10:16 +0000

Choosing the right length access ramp is pretty easy once you have the formulas. All you need is a tape measure, a calculator or the handy Ramp Slope Chart (see below) and a keen understanding of what you’re trying to accomplish and you’ll be able to buy a ramp with the right amount of incline. You don’t want the ramp to be too steep, right? In fact, the length of the ramp is at least as critical as the width when it comes to safety, but takes some thought and a little planning.

Once you have the length calculated, you can choose the proper width and type of ramp – depending on how and where it will be used. What a relief to know you will be able to get your mobility scooter into the van; assist an elderly or disabled person up the porch steps; or roll your wheelchair down a terraced walkway with the greatest of ease and safety.

Our buddies at Prairie View Industries (PVI Ramps) shared their ramp slope formulas, ramp slope chart and measurement instructions so we could help you calculate your optimal ramp length. Thanks PVI!

How Long Should My Ramp Be?

To determine your ramp length you first need to determine the rise. The rise is the vertical measurement between the ground and where the top of the ramp is going to sit.

Note: If your rise is more than 24″ (2 feet) please contact a local dealer about a modular system.

PVI recommends not to exceed a 2:12 slope (9.5° ramp incline) on most applications. The slope relates to how steep the ramp is, in degrees of incline. Some ramps may need to meet the ADA’s 1:12 (4.8°) more gradual slope requirements, as specified by your state.

To find a 2:12 slope, take the total rise in inches (vertical measurement between the ground and the top of the step or landing) and divide it by 2. The result is the number of feet of ramp length you need for that rise.

Example: Say you have a 12″ rise. Divide 12 by 2 and you get 6. So a 12 inch rise requires a 6 foot ramp, using the 2:12 ratio.

A 1:12 slope (used by the ADA) would require 1 foot length of ramp for every inch of vertical rise.

Slope Recommendations based on Use of Ramp:

1:12 SLOPE (4.8°) – Gradual, gentle incline, longest ramp. Calculated as 1 foot length of ramp for every 1 inch of total vertical rise (the rise divided by 1). A 5 inch rise requires a 5 foot ramp, a 12 inch rise requires a 12 foot ramp and so on. The ADA recommends this slope for long home ramps as well as commercial ramps. Note: This 1:12 slope works for most strong, unassisted manual wheelchair users, although PVI always recommends assistance.

2:12 SLOPE (9.5°) – Steeper incline, shorter ramp. Calculate length of ramp in feet by dividing total rise by 2 (6″ of ramp length for every 1″ of rise). A 2:12 slope is the maximum acceptable grade (incline) for portable ramps used by occupied chairs and scooters, with a qualified assistant.

3:12 SLOPE (14.5°) – Steepest incline. Calculate the length of ramp by dividing the total rise by 3 (4 feet of ramp length for every 12 inches of rise). This 3:12 ratio should be used only for loading and unloading unoccupied chairs and scooters – (in and out of a truck or van, for example).

Ramp Slope Chart

Photo courtesy of PVI, Inc.

Access Ramp Safety Guidelines

Always have a qualified assistant present when using any portable ramp.
Never exceed a slope greater than 2″ on 12″ (2:12 ratio) with an occupied chair or scooter. Never exceed a slope greater than 3″ on 12″ (3:12 ratio) with an unoccupied chair or scooter.
Always make sure that the top of the ramp is secured on a step or landing before using. It may be necessary to anchor the top of the ramp to the landing surface with steel scurity pins provided.
Make certain there is adequate head clearance prior to loading an occupied chair or scooter into a vehicle.
Always follow manufacturer recommendations for your chair or scooter.
Always use your lap belt.
If your ramp comes with a safety DVD, watch it. All PVI ramps include a DVD.
If you need help, please call Allegro Medical at 800-861-3211.

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Travel Essentials for All Ages

Valerie Paxton — Tue, 18 May 2010 22:38:28 +0000

Everyone deserves a vacation! But admit it . . . travel can be a pain, or completely impossible if you don’t have the essentials for comfort, safety, convenience or mobility. Don’t despair. Allegro has new and unique products to make your vacation not only possible but a whole lot easier and more comfortable. Great gift ideas too.

Prepare for the time of your life with these travel essentials from Allegro Medical.

Travel Essentials for All Ages

Car Travel Essentials - From babies to seniors, here’s everything you need for your carload to be comfy and safe on that next road trip.

Great Deals on Allegro’s BEST Mobility Products

Valerie Paxton — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:40:02 +0000

Need a little help getting around? For many, cooler weather means Autumn outings, family travel and events galore. Allegro has hundreds of products to shore up your mobility stability, allowing you to increase your independence and get you on the move!

If you have a friend or loved one with decreased mobility, let them know about these products and share our fabulous discounts & promotions.

Preparing for house guests? It’s nice to have a walker, cane, rollator or transport wheelchair on hand if you have elderly visitors, especially over the holidays.

Allegro’s BEST

Cane, Crutch, Walker, Rollator, Transport Wheelchairs, Scooter & Knee Walker

Offset Cane with Strap – If you’re 4’4″ to 6’4″ and under 250 lbs, this is your cane. Great grip and stability.

Quick Change Crutches – Trade in your heavy old wooden crutches and get moving with a pair of these lightweight aluminum beauties. Quick, push button height adjustment.

Lightweight Forearm Crutches - One-piece molded cuff and hand grip for maximum safety & comfort. Cool colors.

Dual Release Adult Walker - Quiet operation, wide, deep frame. Lightweight aluminum. Large number of height adjustments. Terrific value.

Aluminum Rollator with 6″ Wheels- Ideal for indoor or outdoor use, this rolling walker is a terrific mobility aid for people with limited hand function. A special lock protects fingers from “snapback” injuries when the brake is released. Comes with a basket that can be mounted underneath or in front. Large 12″ x 12″ padded seat. Removable backrest. One handed folding. Wt. Capacity 300 lbs. Lifetime warranty.

Strolleasy Lightweight Portable Transport Wheelchair - Perfect for all activities, especially travel. Ultralight, this travel wheelchair weighs under 15 lbs. Folds up in 3 easy steps (no tools) and stores in its own carry bag with shoulder strap. Fits into most airplane overhead containers and easily into car trunks. Yeah! Brakes are foot operated by the caregiver.

Expedition 12″ Rear Wheel Transport Chair - Safe and comfy transport, this folding transport chair comes standard with fixed fully-padded arms, a fold-down back and swingaway footrests. Attendant-operated wheel locks. For users up to 250 lbs.

Ableware Wheelchair Cup Holder - Hands-free drink holder. What’s not to love? Holds a cup, glass, can or bottle. Also works on bed rails and other tubular frames. Easy to position.

Phantom 3-Wheel Scooter - Previously known as the Stringray, this super affordable scooter is LOADED. On board battery charger, flip back adjustable width arms, sleek stylish design. Super reliable and easy to use in the house or outside. Disassembles in 5 lightweight pieces. Fits in most car trunks so you can take it anywhere. Max speed 4 mph – up to 15 miles per charge. Order today for delivery at your home!

Knee Walker with Fixed Wheels - A great new alternative to standard crutches. Especially designed for those with a below-knee injury. Great for foot surgery recovery. Just put your knee of the injured leg on the knee pad and propel the knee walker around with your good leg. To steer, take a step with the good leg while gently lifting the handle and turning in the direction you want to go. Comes with brakes which can be adjusted for right or left handed use.

See all Canes

See all Crutches

See all Walkers & Rollators

See all Wheelchairs

See all Wheelchair Accessories

Thanks for your business and your referrals. It means a lot.

Roll in Style – Top 7 Wheelchair Add-Ons

Valerie Paxton — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:05:06 +0000

It’s wheelchair beautification month again (I know, it comes around so fast). Our idea of a beautiful wheelchair is a well-accessorized, fully-actualized mobility device, so rather than celebrate by putting a flag on your scooter or some reflective tape on your spokes, do it up right with some of our most popular accessories for scooters, wheelchairs and walkers.

Beverage Holders - No more spills. Carry your favorite drink with you, but leave your hands free.

Most Popular: Adjustable Wheelchair Cup Holder

Casters - Wow, these are cool. We have a whole lot to choose from, but most of them are truly…um…boring. If it was up to me, everyone would have colored casters or ones that light up. More color! More color!

Most Popular: Light Up Casters and Soft Roll Casters

Wheelchair Gloves – Refine your look and save your hands at the same time.

Most Popular: Half-Finger Wheelchair Gloves

Coolest: Leather/Lycra & Mesh Back Gloves

Packs & Pouches – Wheelchair and walker bags can be attached to the front of a walker, the armrest of a transport chair or the push handles of any wheelchair. See all of our sidepacks, back packs, underneath carriers, cell phone holders and oxygen tank holders.