Fitting a portable wheelchair ramp into
the trunk or backseat of your car can be a challenge, especially
since you already need to put the wheelchair itself somewhere to haul
along on a road trip. Multi-folding wheelchair ramps are the
solution. This type of portable ramp separates in the middle,
lengthwise. The two separate pieces then are folded in half. When
the hinged sides are folded together and snapped shut, an entire 6-
to 8-foot-long ramp is no bigger than two pieces of luggage.
Often referred to as a suitcase
wheelchair ramp, this accessibility equipment has handles so that you
can carry the two pieces just like you were carrying luggage into the
airport terminal. Depending on the length of the ramp, the pieces
weigh from 13 to just over 20 pounds each, so they are a manageable
size for ordinary folks.
When you get to your destination with
your friend or relative traveling buddy, it will take a few minutes
to get the ramp assembled. Each of the two pieces are unfolded, then
placed tightly against each other. They're locked into place to
provide a stable inclined surface that covers steps and other
obstacles. The rubberized covering on the ramp gives traction for the
wheels to roll up – and later, down – without slipping. This
style of folding ramp is typically designed to hold up to 500 or 600
pounds, so it is suitable for a wide variety of rolling objects,
including electric wheelchairs and scooters.