How to build a mobility scooter ramp
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Mobility scooter ramps provide a gradual incline to entranceways for those who are disabled or use a mobility scooter. All types of ramps for the disabled are similar in that they cannot have a slope that exceeds a 1-to-12 ratio, which means that if the rise is 1 metre (3.
3 feet), the length of the ramp should be at least 12 m (40 feet). You should construct these ramps of a material that can withstand nature's elements. Treated timber and plywood are adequate for mobility scooter ramps and will work well to meet the needs of any home.
Snap a chalk line across the 3.6 m (144 inch) boards diagonally, from corner to corner. This will form the slope of your ramp. Since each board is 30 cm (12 inches) wide and the slope rises to this height, your ramp will provide you with a gradual slope to the height of 30 cm (12 inches).
- Mobility scooter ramps provide a gradual incline to entranceways for those who are disabled or use a mobility scooter.
- Since each board is 30 cm (12 inches) wide and the slope rises to this height, your ramp will provide you with a gradual slope to the height of 30 cm (12 inches).
Cut along the chalk line on both boards using your circular saw. When you finish, you will have four equal-size, triangular pieces of wood.
Position the four pieces so they lie on their 3.6 m (144 inch) edge, parallel, spaced 25 cm (10 inches) apart. Align their hypotenuses. The hypotenuse is the slope you created when you cut the boards along the chalk lines.
Lay both sheets of plywood on top of the hypotenuses so their 115 cm (46 inch) edges are butted against each other. Make sure the 185 cm (73 inch) edges are flush with the two outside boards. Also, be sure the 115 cm (46 inch) edges at the bottom and top of the ramp are flush with the ends of the boards.
- Cut along the chalk line on both boards using your circular saw.
- Lay both sheets of plywood on top of the hypotenuses so their 115 cm (46 inch) edges are butted against each other.
Screw 24 screws through each sheet and into the boards. Use 12 screws for each board, and space the screws 30 cm (1 foot) apart.
References
Warnings
- Wear gloves when handling heavy pieces of wood.
- Wear safety glasses when using power tools.
Writer Bio
Brandon Salo is a world-traveling writer, musician, medical technician and English teacher. After earning his degree at Northern Michigan University, he traveled the world while writing, performing as a jazz pianist and teaching English. In 2014 he worked as an emergency medical technician in New York state before he left to travel the world while finishing his first book.