| For users of electric mobility scooters and electric | | | | and should be used wherever possible. If you have a |
| wheelchairs, accessibility is very important. Uneven | | | | small stairway that can be covered by a 5' ramp, you |
| surfaces such as exterior entrances to the home can | | | | will save money by opting for the ramp. You'll also |
| create a barrier that a wheelchair or electric scooter | | | | save time, because wheelchair lifts generally move |
| user cannot cross. Some homes (particularly older | | | | slowly. Of course, you should make sure that you're |
| homes or homes that have been remodeled) have | | | | buying a quality wheelchair ramp. It may be tempting |
| other doorjambs or uneven floor levels that require a | | | | to save even more money by purchasing a less |
| step as you are going from one part of the house to | | | | expensive ramp that isn't intended for wheelchair |
| another. Of course, many homes also have stairways | | | | users. Wheelchair ramps are very sturdy, and they're |
| that aren't negotiable for wheelchair or mobility | | | | specially designed to remain in place. You will be safe |
| scooter users. Beyond the home, there are other | | | | by using a wheelchair ramp as long as the angle isn't |
| parts of the property that cannot be traversed by a | | | | too high. Your safety will be jeopardized if you |
| wheelchair or mobility user. Going from an exterior | | | | attempt to use anything other than a real wheelchair |
| porch to the ground level and back is a common | | | | ramp. |
| problem, as well as negotiating a street curb. | | | | Wheelchair and scooter lifts are necessary for getting |
| Furthermore, when wheelchair users go out, they | | | | from one floor to another, getting up or down from |
| also need a way to conveniently load their wheelchair | | | | an exterior porch, and loading the wheelchair or |
| or scooter into the vehicle. | | | | scooter into your vehicle. Lifts are more expensive |
| Fortunately, modern accessibility options exist that | | | | than ramps, but they're a good investment when |
| can solve any or all of the above problems. If you | | | | they can provide accessibility all over the home. Most |
| use an electric wheelchair or a mobility scooter to get | | | | platform lifts move vertically, and can be installed to |
| around, you can make your property completely | | | | allow you access to an outdoor porch or other |
| accessible by installing wheelchair ramps and lifts. | | | | stories in your home. In situations where the |
| Ramps are more appropriate for the lesser | | | | stairway is the only way between stories, an inclined |
| inconveniences about the grounds, such as external | | | | platform lift is your best bet. Also, when you go out, |
| doorways, protruding doorjambs, and single steps. | | | | you need a lift that will allow you to load your |
| These are commonly known as threshold ramps. Lifts | | | | scooter or wheelchair into the vehicle. |
| are necessary for the bigger tasks of traversing | | | | These are several ways to make your surroundings |
| amongst the different stories of the home, getting | | | | more accessible if you use a wheelchair or mobility |
| to the ground level from an outside porch, and | | | | scooter. By using these methods, your home and its |
| loading the wheelchair or scooter into your vehicle. | | | | immediate surroundings will become a much more |
| Wheelchair ramps are far less expensive than lifts | | | | comfortable place. |