Aluminium Ramps

Aluminium ramps are key mobility aids, especially for people using wheelchairs, rollators or mobility scooters.

Using aluminium to manufacture ramps has a number of benefits compared to other materials.

Modern aluminium alloys are a relatively lightweight metal, while remaining strong and rigid.

These properties make it ideal for portable wheelchair ramps, which may need to be moved and handled by one person alone.

Aluminium's rigidity means that it does not significantly sag under the weight of a wheeled mobility aid.

It is also not prone to rust, making it suitable for ramps which are left outside for long periods.

This contrasts with steel, which corrodes in the elements and is also significantly heavier.

Single section ramps are available, which are the simplest kind, but the most popular aluminium ramps compress in size when not in use.

This means they are easy to store or move as required.

Some ramps have hinges in the middle, meaning they can fold in half when not in use.

Others have a telescopic mechanism.

Telescopic channel ramps come in pairs, one for each set of wheels.

They can be placed the desired width apart to accommodate the mobility aid they're intended for.

Each of these 'channel ramps' has raised 'lips' which prevent wheels rolling off to the sides.

'Roll-up ramps' have unique sections which fit together when in use to create a stable ramp platform.

The sections then separate and can be 'rolled-up' after use.

This type of ramp is usually relatively short and does not bear heavier weights.

Yes, there are ramps available specifically for this purpose.

Some versions are able to accommodate different floor heights on either side of the threshold.

This depends on the specific ramp, so please check the product details concerned.

Aluminium does not corrode under normal conditions so ramps made from it do not rust.

Many people leave their aluminium ramps outside and exposed to the elements, without any problems.

Each ramp has its own weight bearing limit, so it's important to read the product details before choosing one.

Many aluminium models are strong enough for mobility scooters.

Aluminium wheelchair ramps have two standard methods of preventing the rolling surface from becoming slippery when wet.

The simplest is a raised pattern of grooves milled into the surface.

This improves the grip of the tyres found on rollators, wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

Other models have a surface coated with a bumpy rubber or soft plastic compound, creating a high-friction non-slip layer.

Aluminium is the most abundant metal in the earth's crust!