Hello, I hope you are all keeping well and safe during these worrying times. This blog post has been a long time coming. I started researching portable ramps at the start of 2020, but due to COVID-19 and lockdown I was unable to give them a really good try and give you my honest opinion of them.
The ramp that I found online that I thought would be best for me was the Aerolight Xtra Lightweight Portable Folding Access Ramp. I got the one that is 4ft long, 30 inches wide and has a maximum capacity of 350kg. The ramp is easily portable as it is a suitcase fold ramp with a carry handle to make it easy to transport and get in and out of the car.
I went away to a private house for my 21st birthday this summer, I used this opportunity to really trial the ramps to see how good they were. My Dad took them out the car, we store them behind the seats between the front and rear facing bench seat, and unfolded them and put them outside the front door of the house. They are very quick and easy to set up so I was able to get into the house without any issues. Once inside the house, my Dad moved the ramp to the back of the house where my bedroom was. To get outside from my bedroom there was twin opening doors with a step down to the ground which led into the garden. Dad was able to pop the ramp down and give me the independence I needed to come and go freely, without having to ask for help.
The 4ft portable ramp I have can cover a step height distance of 8 inches. I wanted to really try this out so once I got home, I asked Dad to put the ramp up outside my back patio door to see what it would be like on a steeper incline. The ramp worked perfectly, it didn’t move or slip and I was able to sit still on the ramp for a few minutes, and I still felt safe.
I would recommend the ramp to any wheelchair user, whether you have a large VW Caravelle like me or a smaller car; the ramp folds up flat so it would fit in the boot neatly. The ramp is light enough so it can be lifted and carried around easily to make locations more accessible to wheelchair users.
These ramps are available from a few different websites, I will list them below so you can have a look for yourself-
Aerolight Xtra Lightweight Portable Folding Access Ramp
https://www.uksmobility.co.uk/aerolight-xtra-folding-wheelchair-ramps
https://www.millercare.co.uk/aerolight-xtra-ramp/
https://www.esedirect.co.uk/p-2704-aerolight-xtra-folding-access-ramps.aspx
These ramps would be perfect to use once it is safe to go out and about; in the meantime, I’m going to use them to get outside into my garden through the back doors of my house.
Please stay safe, keep yourself and your loved ones protected by washing your hands and wearing a face covering if you need to go out. I look forward to a time when we can get together again without worrying about our safety and health!
❤
Sending lots of love and positivity to you all!
Myles xxx
