Portable Wheelchair Ramps
Portable and lightweight wheelchair ramps that can be rapidly deployed to mount a curb.
The Challenge
Stacey is an electric wheelchair user who likes to go to shops and cafes in her spare time. Many of these types of buildings have a single step at the entrance which makes them inaccessible to wheelchair users. After posing this challenge in the 2016 Makeathon, Stacey came back to the developer groups to further develop the design and improve its safety and usability.
This project reflects work we were involved in previously; however, the design no longer aligns with our current focus due to the nature of the solution or the challenge. We are now more mindful of the safety and suitability of DIY design solutions. We share this in the spirit of acknowledging the valuable contributions of our volunteers and supporting open collaboration.
In consultation with Stacey, the team created a portable ramp solution that includes 2 parts that are stored on the side of her wheelchair.
When she approaches a curb, Stacey can place the two ramp pieces next to the curb. she drives her chair up and then turns to pick up the pieces and return them to their storage space.