As wheelchair designs continue to push the boundaries giving users ever increasing accessibility and comfort, Faiveley Vapor Ricon has created a new extra wide, semi-automatic ramp to cater for wider wheelbase chairs.
Faively Vapor Ricon has begun to produce the Auto Electronic Ramp, part of its R Series range, after creating a bespoke solution for a customer who was unable to find a ramp to accommodate her Terrain Hopper wheelchair and was finding this prohibitive to her independence.
“Our client Fiona, who has been a wheelchair user for 20 years, was explaining the challenges she was facing when she visited our stand at the Mobility Roadshow last year and it made us consider the options we had to be able to create a ramp that would suit her needs and those of many more people like Fiona,” said Michael Dickinson sales manager Faively Vapor Ricon. “Some years ago we had engineered something similar and upon further investigation this particular client was still enjoying the benefits that this bespoke ramp had brought him. It was at this point that we made investigations to adapt one of our existing R-series ramps to initially make a bespoke piece for Fiona but which we are now proud to include in our range as a direct reaction to an obvious market demand.”
The Auto Electronic Ramp offers users of wide wheelbase chairs the ability enjoy complete independence both in their wheelchair and in their vehicle. The R-Series ramp is easy to install and operate and can be securely stowed during travel to reduce in-transit noise. Available in a wide range of lengths from 1800mm to 2500mm and in two widths 800mm and 900mm (with an extra 40mm when side rails included) it offers a simplistic and convenient travel solution.
It is entirely suited to all terrain wheelchairs such as the one Fiona uses which are designed to tackle uneven ground and surfaces such as sand, mud, gravel and snow. Furthermore, it is suited to standard size vehicles, in Fiona’s case a Volkswagen Transporter and has a manual override facility giving complete peace of mind should there be an electrical failure.
“Mike has been so incredibly helpful and I find it hard to explain just what a difference this has made to my everyday life – exercising my assistance dog and just getting out on my own without having to rely on other people,” said Fiona Briglmen. “It is this type of ‘can do’ attitude and determination to find workable solutions that has set Faively Vapor Ricon apart from all its competitors. I cannot praise them enough and look forward to working with them in the future.”
Lizzie Green Marketing Manager at Lewis Reed Group commented; “This simple innovation has made such a difference to Fiona. Once again, the Faively Vapor Ricon team has displayed its ‘can-do’ attitude to provide a user-friendly transport solution which we are happy to fit in our customer’s vehicles.”
Sam Dantzie at Terrain Hopper commented; “We welcome this fantastic innovation to support our popular chairs which deliver such independence for so many people, allowing them to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. We wish Fiona many miles of happy motoring and travel both in her chair and vehicle.”
Faiveley Vapor Ricon is proud to offer a wide range of domestic and commercial products to aid vehicular access for those with limited mobility.
The ramp is now available for pre-order by contacting the team on 01509 635920.