Written by Mike Price, OT
Helping to prevent trips and falls for people with limited mobility, Threshold Ramps For Wheelchairs provide a slightly inclined platform to assist wheeled mobility devices to cross over raised landings, rough or uneven surfaces, small steps, and doorway thresholds. They make a world of difference for seniors aging in place at home, patients recovering at home after a hospital stay, and people of all ages living with either temporary or permanent disabilities.
 | 1) SafePath EZEdge Smooth Rubber Threshold Ramp View Product |
When even the slightest ½ inch rise can be a major obstruction for a wheeled mobility device or a user with limited mobility, installing a threshold ramp provides a convenient, simple solution to enhance safety and access. A ramp for doorway entry, small steps, uneven flooring, and other small rises provides a cost-effective and often easy-to-install remedy that can be used at home, at work, and wherever you may need it.
Available in a wide array of styles, designs, and sizes, choosing the best threshold ramp to meet your needs requires an understanding of the different features available:
The best threshold ramps are usually constructed with aluminum or rubber. Aluminum ramps are typically the lightest in weight and are made with non-corrosive types of aluminum that won’t rust, making them a good choice for outdoor use. Heavy-duty rubber ramps are usually heavier, but they can accommodate larger weight loads and are generally simple to maintain.
We can’t overemphasize enough how important it is to measure the rise you intend to use the threshold ramp for - this is the most common mistake people make when they purchase a ramp. Threshold ramps come in multiple size options to suit a wide range of user needs and can typically range from ½ inch to 6 inches in height to provide an angled slope that’s maneuverable by users and their mobility chairs. You can also learn more about specific ADA guidelines for threshold slope compliance here.
Some threshold ramps are adjustable, enabling a range of heights to fit your needs, while others may be modular, with interchangeable segments that lock together for customized support. Fixed options offer just one height, but can come in several size choices to accommodate your needs.
Tread is especially important for outdoor use when the threshold ramp is exposed to all kinds of weather like snow and rain, look for ramps that have built-in or added tread to their surfaces. This helps optimize traction to prevent user falls and keep the mobility device from sliding off the ramp.
While most quality threshold ramps are designed to accommodate large weight capacities, it’s important to determine the user’s weight along with the weight of their mobility device to ensure the weight capacity of a ramp can safely hold this total weight. Rubber ramps generally offer the highest weight capacity, while strong aluminum ramps can often accommodate weights of at least 700 pounds.
A threshold ramp is a sturdy, inclined platform that is placed over small rises, such as doorways, uneven flooring, raised landings, small steps, and more. It provides a low, gradual, and smooth incline for users with mobility impairments to walk across or ride over with a wheelchair, power chair, or scooter, enhancing safety and access.
There are three critical dimensions required to ensure you choose the right size threshold ramp for your purposes. First, measure the threshold’s rise in inches from the top of the door’s threshold to the walking surface, measuring each end of the threshold to see if there’s a variation in height at the corners. If there is, you’ll probably need to select an adjustable ramp that can accommodate the slight variance.
Next, measure the door or entry’s width. While standard threshold ramps generally come in widths of 32 and 36 inches, some designs are smaller or larger to fit a variety of widths. The last measurement to determine is how far the ramp needs to extend from the door or entryway. The higher the rise, the longer the ramp will need to be. For small rises that measure an inch of rise or less, you’ll typically only need about a foot or so of ramp space. For higher rises, you may require several feet of space to ensure a gradual, safe ramp incline.
Figuring out what type of threshold ramp you need is dependent on where you’ll be using it, your weight and the weight of your mobility device, and if you need portable or permanent installation. If you need the ramp for outdoor use, be sure it’s designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. Be sure the ramp can safely accommodate your weight along with the weight of the mobility equipment, and if you need a ramp you can use in multiple locations, choose a portable style.
Just about all threshold ramps are simple to install, with self-contained ramps only needing to be placed over the rise. Some ramps, like adjustable types and ramp plate designs, often require the ramp to be secured with screws or adhesives. They may come with pre-drilled holes and the included hardware to make installation an easier process.
Patio doors and sliding glass doors usually have a raised u-channel that keeps the movable part of the door in place horizontally as it slides along a raised center rail. To help reduce the inherent trip and fall risk of this design, beveled or rounded threshold ramps on both sides of the door are a great solution, as are rubber door jamb threshold ramps.
 | EZ-ACCESS TRANSITIONS Angled Entry Mat View Product |
Transforming your house into a universally visitable home is more than a point for inclusion. Whether you're thinking about your grandparents, mom, and dad, or other friends you like to have at home frequently, making entrances accessible for everybody is an important task. Don't get discouraged by high remodeling expenses, the EZ-ACCESS TRANSITIONS Angled Entry Mat by EZ-ACCESS is the answer you were looking for that easily adapts to any house threshold.
With no installation required, this ramp is designed to fit your doorway simply by placing it on the floor. The slip-resistant properties of this eco-friendly threshold ramp will keep it in position every time. The EZ-ACCESS TRANSITIONS Angled Entry Mat will ease the path to any room while also keeping your entrance looking good and your guests comfortable.
Made of fully recycled rubber, the EZ-ACCESS TRANSITIONS Angled Entry Mat is a long-lasting solution that can also trimmed if you choose a more custom look. This threshold ramp is sturdy and wide enough to let even scooters, power wheelchairs, and bariatric wheelchairs go in and out effortlessly. This waterproof mat is great for the outdoors and provides a cost-effective solution to avoid high remodeling prices.
 | TRANSITIONS Modular Entry Ramp by EZ ACCESS Ramps View Product |
The versatile, adjustable, and modular design of the TRANSITIONS Modular Entry Ramp by EZ ACCESS wins it the 5th position in our review. Its 7 different size options are 34 inches wide and enable transitional access for thresholds up to 6 inches in height, while it's modular design and hidden hinge enable the mixing and matching of its interlocking segments for perfect accommodation. A pivoting flap attaches to the top of the ramp, adding ¼ inch of adjustability.
The self-contained, high-strength aluminum construction of this EZ Access Ramp will not corrode or rust, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor threshold needs. It’s easy to use without any installation by simply placing it over the rise, or it can be used for more permanent applications with its included hardware and pre-drilled slots. A series of graduated horizontal supports on the underside of the ramp add structural integrity and stability, and this modular ramp will accommodate a weight capacity of 700 pounds.
Extruded ribbing on the surface of this ramp optimizes traction in both directions to prevent slips, trips, and falls, keeping users safe and their mobility equipment on the track. Ranging from 3 lbs to 20 lbs in weight, the lightweight, self-contained modular segments are easy to move and transport, so you can take this ramp wherever you go.
.jpg&newwidth=365&maxheight=200 "Rubber Threshold Entry Ramp by National Ramp") | Rubber Threshold Entry Ramp by National Ramp View Product |
Taking the number 4 spot on our list with its exceptionally durable and 100-percent recyclable rubber construction, the Rubber Threshold Entry Ramp by National Ramp delivers long-lasting performance for both indoor and outdoor applications. Available in four different sizes to accommodate threshold heights ranging from ½ inch to 2”, this 36-inch wide entry ramp doesn’t require any fasteners or adhesives - just set it over the rise and you’re good to go!
As part of the popular Celebration series of ramps from National Ramp, this rubber ramp is so strong and resilient, that it highlights an unlimited weight capacity, making it perfect for bariatric users along with heavy mobility equipment. As a bonus, its rubber formulation won’t scratch or damage floors, either.
Lightweight and easy to transport for threshold support you can use it wherever you roam, this Celebration threshold ramp’s sleek and modern design complements any decor. A wide variety of ramp accessories are available, enabling you to customize this ramp to meet your special requirements.
 | Elev8 Aluminum Adjustable Threshold Ramp View Product |
The convenience of both fixed height and adjustable height options along with its ADA-compliance make the Elev8 Aluminum Adjustable Threshold Ramp our 3rd choice for the best threshold ramp. Accommodating weight up to 800 pounds, this ramp comes in 8 variations of size, easily supporting large, bulky scooters, power chairs, wheelchairs, and bariatric users. It’s also a good choice for transporting heavy equipment or appliances.
This ramp by Prairie View Industries is constructed with heavy-duty aluminum that won’t rust or corrode, providing years of dependable, durable performance for both indoor and outdoor thresholds. Its ridged, non-slip surface optimizes traction, even when it’s wet. This threshold ramp is ADA-compliant when it is installed and used correctly, adding peace of mind for users living with disabilities.
 | Rubber Anti-Slip Low-Profile Threshold Ramp for Doorways and Curbs by Rampit USA View Product |
We placed the Rubber Anti-Slip Low-Profile Threshold Ramp for Doorways and Curbs by Rampit USA in the 2nd position in our review for its high-strength, non-slip rubber construction, and price point. Accommodating 1,000 pounds of force, this low-profile threshold ramp can safely hold the user and their mobility equipment, such as wheelchairs, power chairs, and scooters.
It can also be utilized for safer walking for people who use canes, crutches, walkers, and rollators, reducing the risk of trips and falls. No installation is required, you simply place the ramp where you need it. These lightweight ramps are perfect for taking along wherever you need a threshold ramp.
This portable, stand-alone threshold ramp from Rampit USA highlights a slip-resistant surface, optimizing traction in all directions and in all conditions, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Its 3 different size options come in various lengths that all have a 32-inch width and accommodate thresholds up to 2 inches high.
 | SafePath EZEdge Smooth Rubber Threshold Ramp View Product |
The journey to a good time on your porch or backyard can be quick, pleasant, and secure with the EZEdge Smooth Rubber Threshold Ramp. This long-lasting mat with unlimited weight capacity will ease your way in and out of places and requires no complicated installation, so you can forget about expensive remodeling costs.
The EZEdge Smooth Rubber Threshold Ramp by SafePath Products is the only mat with an assisting piece that goes inside your doorway to guarantee a safe and steady journey. This mat is perfectly suitable for sliding glass doors, showers, patios, or any outdoor entrance. With simple cuts you can fix the height and width to accommodate your gate, making it a customizable solution that can be placed anywhere.
Heavy-duty and eco-friendly are two great features that users love the most. This slip-resistant product will make your traveling across rooms straightforward and safe. The SafePath EZEdge Smooth Rubber Threshold Ramp is made with recycled tires to provide unlimited weight capacity while also making it resistant to water and harsh outdoors.
Threshold ramps deliver a smooth transition through doorways and over small inclines, steps, and uneven flooring for people of all ages living with either temporary or permanent mobility challenges. Whether you use a walker, wheelchair, rollator, or mobility scooter, threshold ramps help to prevent slips and falls, providing safer access for both riding and walking.
We researched the best threshold ramps available in today’s marketplace, factoring in ease of installation, durability, ease of use, functional features, and feedback from the actual real-life users of these ramps to determine our five best choices.
We invite you to look through our comprehensive wheelchair ramp catalog to find all the ramps you require for both residential and commercial accessibility. You can also check out our vast Caregiver University educational resource to learn more about support, tips, and tools for the job of living.
Co-Founder of Rehabmart and an Occupational Therapist since 1993. Mike has spent his professional career working in multiple areas of Occupational Therapy, including pediatrics, geriatrics, hand therapy, ergonomics and inpatient / outpatient rehabilitation. Mike enjoys writing articles that help people solve complex therapeutic problems and make better product choices.
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