Do you rent an apartment, condo, or home and are in need of a wheelchair ramp? Wheelchair ramps can dramatically increase everyday accessibility for mobility device users.
If you would like to install a wheelchair ramp as a renter, you may have a handful of questions, such as:
How do I ask my landlord to approve a wheelchair ramp installation?
Who pays for a new wheelchair ramp?
What wheelchair ramps are best for renters?
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about adding a wheelchair ramp to your rented home, so that you can create more accessible, safe pathways for you or loved ones.
The Fair Housing Act
Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), landlords are required to provide “reasonable accommodations” for tenants with disabilities, so that they ensure all tenants have equal access to housing. This definition of “reasonable” accommodations can vary depending on the situation.
In some cases, reasonable modifications can include allowing the installation of a wheelchair
For many power wheelchair users, this mobility device can be the single most important tool to lead an independent, active, and fulfilling life. However, just like any other device or car, a power wheelchair can occasionally break down, require maintenance, or need to be replaced altogether.
The best time to start planning to purchase a new power wheelchair is before you need one. In this guide, we'll go over the average lifespan of an electric wheelchair, as well as signs to look out for when your mobility device may be reaching the end of its life. Planning ahead gives you the time to research and make an informed decision, rather than rushing into a quick purchase because of a sudden emergency.
How Long Do Power Wheelchairs Last?
The average lifespan of a power wheelchair is around five years. However, this can vary depending on factors like the frequency of use, terrain it’s used on, and how well you take care of it. This lifespan estimate is for the general frame of the chair: other
As we grow older or experience illness, accessibility can play a critical role in visiting new destinations.
If you regularly use a manual or powered wheelchair, power scooter, or rollator, you're all too familiar with the importance of accessibility. There's nothing worse than being excited to visit a bucket list destination or new restaurant, only to find uneven ground that makes it inaccessible to wheelchair users.
Don't let accessibility limitations negatively affect your travel experience. For those unexpected travel situations, you need portable ramps. In this guide, we'll go over how these access ramps can transform your independence while on-the-go.
What is a Portable Wheelchair Ramp?
A portable wheelchair ramp is what it sounds like: a wheelchair ramp designed to fold or disassemble with ease. These ramps are lightweight, offer easy installation, and provide a proactive and flexible solution for overcoming accessibility challenges when traveling.
For customers, loved ones, or anyone with a mobility device, a wheelchair ramp can make a world of difference in everyday life. These ramps let users safely and independently access buildings and places that would otherwise not be possible for them.
If you’re a business owner, installing a wheelchair ramp at your business may be mandatory in order to comply with ADA requirements. But these ramps aren’t just for businesses– consider installing a ramp at your home for greater day-to-day accessibility.
In this blog post, we’ll cover the differences between a temporary vs permanent wheelchair ramp so that you can make the best purchase decision for your unique needs.
What are Wheelchair Ramps?
Wheelchair ramps are platforms that make it easy for people with mobility restrictions to navigate inclines and declines. They can be essential for those who use wheelchairs, power scooters, rollators, and even busy parents with strollers.
An accessible alternative to stairs (and far more affordable
Imagine running errands, only to find that you aren't even able to enter a store due to the way their entrance is built.
As a business owner, it's important to make sure that your business is accessible to customers of varying mobility needs. If your building includes areas with steep curbs, stairs, or other difficult pathways, this may mean installing a mobility ramp.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that all companies must make their public facilities accessible to customers with disabilities. For customers who use a wheelchair, walker, or power scooter and may struggle with steps, a mobility ramp can offer the perfect solution to help them safely access your business.
In this guide, we'll cover the basics of what you need to know about choosing and installing a wheelchair ramp on commercial property.
Top 3 Reasons for Installing a Mobility Ramp
ADA Compliance
For US business owners, ADA compliance is mandatory. Companies must make sure that their buildings can
Navigating the Tax Landscape of Medical Devices – A State-by-State Guide
When purchasing medical devices for personal or family use, your state may impact the overall cost of your items. While most states provide some form of sales tax exemption for medical devices, the details vary from state to state.
In general, most states provide a blanket exemption for all medical devices, or a tax exemption for medical devices prescribed by a licensed provider. However, there are some exceptions.
In this blog, we'll provide an overview of medical device taxes in each state.
Exemptions for All Prescribed Devices
To meet the tax exemption, these states require that a medical device be either prescribed or dispensed by a physician.
Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington D.C., and West Virginia.
As we age or navigate physical limitations, mobility scooters can become important tools for maintaining an independent, active life. But transporting these devices can pose a challenge. While some mobility scooters can easily disassemble or fold for transport, other models are too heavy to be easily lifted into a car or van.
That's where mobility scooter lifts come in, providing a practical solution for users to load scooters in and out of their vehicle.
So, how do you choose the right solution for your needs, and how do you use a scooter lift? Here's what you need to know.
Mobility scooter lifts, often referred to as scooter carriers, are mechanical devices designed to raise and transport mobility scooters into and out of your vehicle from the ground. They come in two primary styles: platform lifts and hoist lifts.
Platform lifts, also known as a platform style scooter lift, involve a platform onto which you drive your scooter. The platform then raises (through a powered system
Have you taken a vacation this summer? Travel continues to be at an all-time high post-pandemic, with a record number of people taking flight to seek out new vacations, experiences, and spend quality time with loved ones.
If you rely on a mobility scooter to navigate everyday life, air travel can feel overwhelming. What are the scooter requirements? Are you able to take your scooter onboard, or will you store it as checked baggage? What steps should you take with the airline prior to your flight? What models are best for navigating crowded airport terminals?
Below, we've included a list of our top tips for flying with a mobility device, what features to look for in a travel scooter, and our recommendations for best-in-class travel mobility scooters.
Tips for Scooter Air Travel
Pre-Flight Arrangements: Don’t wait until you reach the boarding gate– contact the airline at least 48 hours before your flight to notify them about your mobility scooter. Provide all necessary information,
Two of the most common everyday mobility solutions are power wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Both allow users to easily navigate daily excursions without the stress of walking, though they do have important differences. Here, we’ll cover what differentiates power wheelchairs and mobility scooters, as well as how to choose which solution is best for you.
Mobility Scooters
If you or a loved one needs some extra support “getting around”, mobility scooters are the most popular, affordable option. These battery-powered scooters are great for users who need only mild to moderate mobility assistance, as they do require arm and torso strength to operate the tiller handle.
Mobility scooters can be excellent for travel: many models fold down or disassemble to be easily tucked away in a storage compartment. This bypasses the need to purchase an expensive vehicle lift. Mobility scooters come in many lightweight models to make even airline travel a breeze.
Many scooters come equipped with a basic carry basket, which is definitely convenient when you’re running errands or out on the go. But a few simple scooter accessories can increase the convenience, safety, and comfort of your scooter.
Here are our top picks for must-have scooter accessories.