Wheelchair ramp
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- EZ-ACCESS SUITCASE Singlefold Ramp. Best for: Single steps, curbs and thresholds. See options on Amazon
- EZ-ACCESS SUITCASE TRIFOLD AS Ramp. Best for: Longer runs and vehicles. See options on Amazon
- Modular aluminum ramp with handrails. Best for: Everyday home entry. See options on Amazon
Work out the length you need
Measure the total rise, the vertical height from the ground to the top of the step or threshold, in inches. At a 1:12 slope, every inch of rise needs 12 inches of ramp, so the number of inches of rise is roughly the number of feet of ramp you need. The ADA Standards also limit any single ramp run to a rise of 30 inches, so longer ramps need level landings in between; each landing must be at least 60 inches long, and 60 by 60 inches where the ramp changes direction.
For existing buildings where space is tight, the ADA allows steeper slopes only for small rises: steeper than 1:12 but not steeper than 1:10 for a rise up to 6 inches, and steeper than 1:10 but not steeper than 1:8 for a rise up to 3 inches. Anything steeper than 1:8 is prohibited. The ADA's advisory note says to provide the least possible slope to suit the widest range of users. EZ-ACCESS, a ramp maker, offers an incline calculator to help pick a length.
Key dimensions from the ADA Standards
| Feature | 2010 ADA Standard | Why it matters at home |
|---|---|---|
| Running slope | Not steeper than 1:12 | Easier to push up and safer coming down |
| Clear width | 36 inches minimum, between handrails if present | Room for the chair and hands on the wheels |
| Rise per run | 30 inches maximum | Long ramps need rest landings |
| Landings | At the top and bottom of each run | A level place to stop and open doors |
| Handrails | Required when a run rises more than 6 inches | Support for walkers and caregivers |
The ADA also limits the cross slope of a ramp run to 1:48 and calls for edge protection on the sides of ramp runs and landings, with some exceptions, so wheels cannot roll off the edge.
Portable, trifold or modular
- Singlefold portable ramp. EZ-ACCESS describes its SUITCASE Singlefold as lightweight aluminum with carry handles, a full-length hinge and a slip-resistant tread, in 2 to 8 foot lengths, for scooters and wheelchairs.
- Trifold ramp. Its SUITCASE TRIFOLD AS folds in three for longer lengths of 5 to 10 feet, can split into two sections, and has self-adjusting bottom transition plates; it suits raised landings, steps and larger vehicles.
- Modular home ramp. Its GATEWAY 3G is a solid-surface aluminum ramp with or without handrails, in 3 to 10 foot lengths, rated for 1,000 pounds, for temporary or semi-permanent home access.
Details are from EZ-ACCESS product pages.
Safety checks
- Slip resistance. Choose a ramp with a slip-resistant surface, as all three EZ-ACCESS designs above have, especially outdoors.
- Secure transitions. Make sure the top lip sits flat and firmly on the step or vehicle floor, and the bottom plate meets the ground without a lip.
- Weight rating. Add the user, the wheelchair or scooter, and any helper together and check the ramp's capacity.
- Handrails and edges. Use them for longer or higher ramps, as the ADA requires above a 6 inch rise.
- Weather. Clear ice, snow and wet leaves before use.
Using a ramp with a wheelchair or walker
Ask a physical or occupational therapist to show the user and any caregiver the safe way to push a wheelchair up and down your ramp, and practice with a spotter before relying on it. Set the wheelchair brakes at landings and doorways. Walker and rollator users often find handrails essential. For the chair itself, see our lightweight wheelchair guide, transport wheelchair guide and rollator walker guide.
Planning a permanent ramp
For a ramp that stays in place, check local building codes and any homeowners association rules before you build or install. An occupational therapist can assess which entry works best and what the user can manage. Leave level space at the top for opening the door and turning. If the rise is too large for a reasonable ramp length, ask about other options such as a platform lift.
What to look for when you buy
EZ-ACCESS SUITCASE Singlefold Ramp
Best for: Single steps, curbs and thresholds
EZ-ACCESS lists lightweight aluminum, carry handles and 2 to 8 foot lengths.
Watch out: Pick the length for your rise at about 1:12.
See options on AmazonEZ-ACCESS SUITCASE TRIFOLD AS Ramp
Best for: Longer runs and vehicles
EZ-ACCESS lists 5 to 10 foot lengths that fold in three or split into two sections.
Watch out: Heavier to carry at longer lengths.
See options on AmazonModular aluminum ramp with handrails
Best for: Everyday home entry
EZ-ACCESS lists its GATEWAY 3G with optional handrails and a 1,000 pound capacity.
Watch out: Check local codes for semi-permanent installs.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What slope should a wheelchair ramp be?
- The ADA Standards set a maximum of 1:12, or 1 inch of rise per 12 inches of ramp.
- How do I work out ramp length?
- Measure the rise in inches; at a 1:12 slope you need 12 inches of ramp for every inch of rise.
- How wide should a wheelchair ramp be?
- The ADA Standards require at least 36 inches of clear width.
- Does a ramp need handrails?
- The ADA requires handrails when a ramp run rises more than 6 inches.
- Do home ramps have to meet ADA rules?
- The 2010 ADA Standards cover public facilities; check local codes for homes and use the ADA as a safety guide.
Sources
- 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (section 405 Ramps) (ada.gov), U.S. Department of Justice
- SUITCASE Singlefold Ramp (ezaccess.com), EZ-ACCESS
- SUITCASE TRIFOLD AS Ramp (ezaccess.com), EZ-ACCESS
- GATEWAY 3G Solid Surface Portable Ramp (ezaccess.com), EZ-ACCESS