Make Life Easily Accessible With Used Wheelchair Ramps
If your disability forces you to use a wheelchair, then a wheelchair ramp will make getting around much easier for you, while at the same time maintaining your independence. For this reason, buying (or even building) a wheelchair ramp will most likely be at the top of your list of priorities. If your medical insurance doesn't pay out enough to cover the costs of a new ramp, then a second-hand or used wheelchair ramp is just as good.
Whether its a new or used, modular, permanent or a folding/portable wheelchair ramp you want, you need to take into consideration all the basic requirements. If you're not exactly sure what you're supposed to be looking for, shopping for a ramp (new or used) can be rather stress inducing.
Before making a purchase, here are some things you should consider when buying a pre-owned wheelchair ramp:
The shape and size of the ramp -How strong do you need the ramp to be? Think about the height and length of the ramp and whether or not it meets your specific needs.
The type of used ramps available - What type of ramp are you looking for? Do you need a portable or permanent used ramp? If you're getting a portable ramp, you must make sure that it's lightweight and compact so that it's easy to move around. You could also consider to build a wheelchair ramp yourself if you fancy yourself a handy man.
Safety features - Check that the toe rail protectors and handrails are in good working order. If the hand rails are made of wood, check carefully for wood-rot and make sure the wood is finished (polished) correctly to avoid nasty splinters. If the ramp is made from aluminium, make sure there's no rust or any other weaknesses. Also, if it's a folding ramp, check that the folding mechanism is in proper working order.
Where and how you will be using the ramp - Where will you install the wheelchair ramp? If the ramp is going to be installed at your home, will it be at the main entrance, or some place else? Where will the wheelchair ramp be kept when its not being used? If you are buying a portable/folding ramp, you will need to think of where to store it when its not in use. Some ramps can be stored in the boot of a car for easy transportation.
What is your budget for a pre-owned wheelchair ramp?
Making the decision to buy a second-hand wheelchair ramp doesn't mean settling for a falling-apart old one. Choosing to buy a pre-owned ramp only means that you're buying a ramp in "good-as-new" condition, for the price of a used one. In fact, manufacturers who use demo models in their showrooms are not permitted to sell those as new, so they're classed as "used" and sell at second-hand prices. Even a ramp that is returned to the store simply because the owner no longer wants it, will be classified as a used wheelchair ramp and sold at a lower price.
In other words, buying a previously owned wheelchair ramp basically means getting a ramp in good working condition for a great price! Happy hunting!
