
5 Myths About the Modular Wheelchair Ramp
The modular wheelchair ramp industry is one where form is certainly secondary to function. Industry pioneers have defined that function, and subsequent ramp manufacturers are born to simply copy the established template. The result is a generic wheelchair ramp simply repeated, with minor cosmetic differences, and a different manufacturer logo affixed to it.
Redispan has challenged the conventional modular wheelchair ramp recipe, and has finally introduced an improved product that defies tradition.
Let's examine several myths common among virtually all major modular wheelchair ramp manufacturers, and discover how Redispan is changing the game.
Myth #1: Aluminum Modular Wheelchair Ramp Sections Must Be Permanently Welded

The traditional modular ramp design features large, heavy, bulky ramp sections that are permanently tack welded together. Most sections are available in 5', 6', 8', or 10' lengths. This means that these very heavy and cumbersome pre-welded components must be freighted on large pallets for delivery. This requires a forklift at the delivery location to unload and relocate the pallet.
Many installers unload by hand due to the lack of a forklift. This requires 2-3 workers putting themselves at risk of serious injury. Once unloaded, several workers must again maneuver and place each section according to the ramp layout, and then flip them over to install the hardware.
Additionally, aluminum tack welds are fragile and subject to fracture over time due to stress and repeated use - putting the wheelchair user in potential serious danger should the section welds break while in use.
Redispan Ramps are different.
Our ramps feature absolutely no welds. Redispan side rails are available in standard lengths, can be custom ordered, or even modified on the fly in the field with ease.
Our aircraft-grade aluminum decking simply slides and locks into place, and then bolts down into the side rail for maximum strength, rigidity, and durability.
This is one reason why dealers prefer Redispan Ramps for rental purposes, due to the fact that customization is seamless and trouble-free. For instance, a 10 foot section of ramp can be easily transformed into two five foot sections, or a six and a four foot section, or whatever the particular job requires.
Additionally, our unique design allows for much easier shipping, at a much lower cost, since we are not limited by fully assembled and welded ramp sections that require pallet freight.
Myth #2: Ramp Installs Require 2-3 Installers
Another ramp industry norm common among our competitors, is that each ramp job requires several installers to complete. This is because it typically requires at least two workers to carry ramp sections, and then flip them in order to install the hardware, brackets, and leg supports. This traditional process is inefficient, and puts workers at risk of unnecessary injury.
Redispan Ramps only requires one installer, and no flipping.
Due to our improved modular ramp design, one installer can easily lay out the side rails, and then slide the decking into place. All hardware and bracket supports install on the top side of the ramp - no flipping required! Leg supports simply slide, twist, and lock into place in the outside channel of the side rail.
Once the upper platform is in place, sections are simply lowered onto the connecting bracket, and legs slide and lock into place.
One installer can complete the process in less time than that it takes two installers to install a competitor's ramp. Redispan dealers report huge savings on labor costs due to our improved design.
Myth #3: Ramp Manufacturers are Difficult to Deal With
Talk to any experienced wheelchair ramp dealer, and ask them about their customer service experience with the major ramp manufacturers. Their response will invariably include the following major pain points:
- Poor communication and inefficiency
- Being "nickel and dimed" for necessary components
- High shipping costs and logistical problems
- Competing with dealers for VA business
At Redispan, we are shifting perceptions and changing expectations about customer service in the ramp industry.
Redispan is a boutique operation. All of our manufacturing, sales, and support is self-contained, and immediately accessible. Our "ramp in a box" packages include absolutely every component necessary for a complete modular ramp install. No more itemized ordering of brackets and fasteners for every ramp job. A ten foot section of ramp order includes every component to successfully install and use that section.
Due to our improved and efficient ramp design, our shipping packages are much smaller - making shipping cheaper and easier than the other guys. No more pallets of fully assembled and pre-welded heavy sections of ramp to deal with. If however you prefer fully pre-assembled sections, we can do that too. The important thing is, we offer you the option for what is most efficient and convenient for you.
Our dealers agree that one of the best aspects about Redispan, is the fact that we do not directly compete with them for VA business! All of the top major ramp manufacturers sell modular ramps to their dealers, and then actively compete for federal contracts using their own FSS contracts - which allows them to provide ramp products to the Department of Veteran's Affairs, and other federal agencies. This puts DME and modular ramp dealers at an immediate disadvantage, since they are paying the markup for the product, when the manufacturer can sell direct at a cut rate.
Redispan does not hold a FSS contract. We do not artificially inflate our dealer prices in order to take business away from dealers by competing against them for VA hospital jobs and other federal contracts.
Redispan is in the business of manufacturing and selling the world's best modular wheelchair ramps - not creating more competition for our dealers.
Myth #4: Handrails are Cumbersome
Major modular wheelchair ramp manufacturers approach their handrail designs as a necessary afterthought to satisfy ADA standards.
Redispan has reengineered modular ramp handrails for efficiency, durability, and simplicity - while exceeding ADA standards. In an effort to reduce the number of components needed for a complete ramp installation, our design utilizes the same bracket for both leg supports and handrail posts. Our one-of-a-kind bracket simply slides and locks into place along the side rail channel. Handrail posts effortlessly slide into the bracket, and interlock with the next section of handrail assembly. See adjacent video for a demonstration of this simple process.
Myth #5: Modular Ramps Can Only Be Reused in the Same Configuration
Our competitors' modular ramp systems are comprised of bulky, fixed components that make customization nearly impossible - if even possible at all. Redispan Ramps are designed by professional modular ramp technicians with decades of field experience, and are crafted with the intention of solving every traditional problem that exists among conventional modular ramp manufacturers.
Our ramps can be completely modified in the field to meet any condition that may arise. In addition, if a ramp is no longer needed at a particular location, it can easily be broken down and reconfigured for use elsewhere. These design features make Redispan Ramps the ideal choice for the ramp rental market.
Redispan is radically changing the modular ramp industry. Contact us today to find out just how simple and intuitive your next modular ramp installation can be.