Wheelchair ramps
Our client, Brian, uses a power wheelchair that cannot cross the threshold of the patio doors into the conservatory due to the aluminum door sill. A fixed ramp is required in the conservatory, and a removable ramp is needed on the other side of the sill to enable the doors to be closed. No commercial ramps that meet the specifications of this challenge are available so David, our highly skilled engineer, set to work on two bespoke ramps.
The Challenge
Both ramps needed to be stable and sturdy to take the weight of the electronic wheelchair.
The solution
David’s solution was fit for purpose. Both ramps were 800mm wide to match the existing rubber ramp and were made from 9mm thick hardwood ply, shaped to give slopes of no more than 1:10. These pieces of plywood were supported on softwood bearers tapered to give the desired angle. The fixed ramp was approximately 550mm long and the other 250mm. The larger ramp was fitted with metal angle brackets screwed to the bearers either side and these brackets were then screwed to holes drilled into the aluminium sill.
The benefit
Brian can now move easily into his conservatory, so he can enjoy using that part of his home with his family.
