The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Wheelchair Ramps
Portable vs. Permanent Solutions
When it comes to mobility and independence, selecting the right wheelchair ramps is a decision that impacts safety, convenience, and quality of life. Whether you need a wheelchair ramp for temporary access, travel, or a long-term home modification, the key is choosing a solution engineered for reliability and performance.
We’ve reviewed the world’s leading access solutions from enable-access.com to determine the absolute best options for every scenario, focusing on two key categories: the ultimate portable ramp and the strongest semi-permanent alternatives.
The Best Portable Wheelchair Ramps: Why the Aerolight-Xtra is World-Class
For users, carers, and professionals who prioritise versatility, ease of use, and best-in-class design, the Aerolight-Xtra sets the standard for portable wheelchair ramp technology. It is consistently hailed as one of the best folding ramps available globally, and for good reason.
1. Unmatched Portability and Deployment
The Aerolight-Xtra is engineered to be a true “suitcase ramp.” Its lightweight design makes it quick and easy to deploy by a single person, and it conveniently folds to half its width. This compact storage profile, combined with built-on carry handles, makes it effortlessly transportable in a car or stored discreetly in the home.
2. Superior Safety and Durability
While lightweight, these portable wheelchair ramps do not compromise on strength or safety.
High Capacity: It is built with high-quality materials to handle substantial loads, supporting capacities of up to 450kg (71 stone) depending on the length, accommodating everything from manual wheelchairs to heavy power chairs and scooters.
Anti-Slip Surface: A high-grip anti-slip surface ensures reliable traction in all conditions.
Visibility: Contrasting colour edge strips increase visibility, reducing the risk of trips and enhancing safety.
Flat Hinge Design: The innovative flat hinge design allows for smooth transit across the entire width, making it suitable for aids like three-wheeled rollators and three-wheeled scooters.
If you need portable, full-width wheelchair ramps that offers safety, speed, and genuine ease of use, the Aerolight-Xtra is truly the benchmark for excellence.
Permanent Solutions: The Best Alternatives to Leave In Place
The Aerolight-Xtra is ideal for temporary or travel use, but sometimes you need reliable wheelchair ramps to overcome permanent thresholds or a series of steps. For a solution that can be left in place without expensive, irreversible construction work, there are two primary market leaders from Enable Access: the Permaramp and the Welcome Modular Ramp System.
Alternative 1: The Permaramp—The Ultimate Relocatable Threshold Ramp
The Permaramp is the perfect solution for creating a semi-permanent, fixed access point over a doorway threshold. It is specifically designed to be left outside and withstand the elements, making it a powerful, weather-resistant alternative to traditional wheelchair ramps.
Feature | Benefit |
Gripdeck™ Surface | Unique surface provides incredible grip and sustained outside use, retaining traction even when wet. |
Relocatable Design | Unlike concrete ramps, the Permaramp can be securely fixed in place and later uninstalled and reused elsewhere if you move or modify the property. |
Threshold Protection | The Permaramp-Adjust model is self-supporting, eliminating the potential for damage to fragile UPVC or wooden door thresholds. |
Customisation | It can be fitted with optional Quickrails™ Handrails for added security and support. |
The Permaramp delivers the stability of a permanent fixture with the flexibility of a relocatable system.
Alternative 2: The Welcome Modular Ramp System—Fast & Flexible Access
For overcoming larger rises, such as multi-step doorways or patio areas, the Welcome Modular Ramp System is the professional choice. It offers an attractive, full-scale access system that eliminates the time, cost, and disruption associated with building a traditional ramp.
100% Modular: This system uses prefabricated, interchangeable sections that are easily assembled, allowing for full reconfiguration to meet specific site requirements.
Clean Installation: The system involves a “totally clean install,” meaning there is no major building work required. It can often be installed quickly and efficiently by one person, saving costs and dramatically reducing timescales.
Residential Focus: It offers an aesthetically pleasing solution that integrates seamlessly with residential settings, providing outstanding quality and value for local authorities, occupational therapists, and homeowners alike.
Summary: Choosing Your Ideal Wheelchair Ramps
Whether your priority is ultimate portability or a durable, semi-permanent fixture, selecting high-quality wheelchair ramps is crucial.
For Portability and Travel: Choose the Aerolight-Xtra. Its folding design, lightweight construction, and high capacity make it the definitive choice for overcoming single steps and obstacles on the go.
For Permanent Doorway Access: Choose the Permaramp. Its weather-resistant Gripdeck™ surface and fixing options provide a durable, fixed threshold solution.
For Complex Access Needs (Multiple Steps/Height): Choose the Welcome Modular Ramp System. It provides a fast, customizable, and non-invasive alternative to traditional wooden, timber and concrete wheelchair ramps.
Always ensure you measure the height of the rise to select the correct ramp length, maintaining a safe gradient for the user. Consulting an Enable Access Trusted Assessor is highly recommended by leading industry experts to find the perfect wheelchair ramps for your specific needs.
Contact the Trusted Assessor Team today:
+44 (0)20 8275 0375