Written by Susan Griffitts, MSN, RN, FCN
Wheelchair ramps are an essential tool for improving accessibility and ensuring that people with mobility issues can navigate their surroundings with ease. Whether you are a wheelchair user, a caregiver, or a facility manager, finding the right ramp is crucial for enhancing independence and promoting inclusivity. With the multitude of options available in the market, selecting the perfect wheelchair ramp can be a daunting task. This comprehensive guide on "How to Choose the Best Wheelchair Ramp" will walk you through the essential factors to consider, different types of ramps, and expert tips to help you make an informed decision. At Rehabmart, we are committed to empowering individuals with mobility challenges and their caregivers by providing well-researched and practical advice for all your accessibility needs. So, let's dive in and explore the world of wheelchair ramps and discover the best one for your unique requirements.
The first thing to consider when deciding on which ramp is best for you is the type of mobility device that will be used on the ramp, and whether or not this will change over time.
If you are a patient in recovery, you may be using a wheelchair now, but as you heal you may progress to using a rollator, and then a cane. If you know that you are in recovery and you will gain your mobility back, a portable ramp could be the best option for you.
If you are living with one or more degenerative conditions, you may progress from using a cane to a walker, or from a walker to a power chair or scooter, and investing in a modular ramp may be the best solution for you.
Someone may need a threshold ramp if they use a mobility device such as a wheelchair, walker, or scooter, and encounter a raised surface or doorway threshold that is too high to navigate safely. Threshold ramps are also a great option for users that have leg weakness and need minimal assistance when entering their homes.
Portable wheelchair ramps are a type of mobility aid designed to provide access for wheelchair users over obstacles such as stairs, curbs, and thresholds. They are typically made from lightweight materials such as aluminum, which allows them to be easily transported and set up wherever needed. Portable wheelchair ramps come in a variety of sizes and styles, including folding ramps, telescoping ramps, and semi-permanent ramps. They are particularly useful for individuals who need temporary access, such as when visiting friends or family, or traveling to different locations. Portable wheelchair ramps are a cost-effective and practical solution for improving mobility and accessibility for wheelchair users.
When choosing the best portable wheelchair ramp, there are several factors to consider. The first is the weight capacity of the ramp, which should be appropriate for the weight of the user and their mobility device. The length and width of the ramp should also be considered to ensure that it is suitable for the environment where it will be used. Another important factor is the slope or incline of the ramp, which should be gentle enough to allow for safe and easy access. Finally, it is also important to consider the materials used in the construction of the ramp, as well as its portability and ease of use.
Threshold wheelchair ramps are a type of mobility aid designed to provide a smooth transition over small obstacles, such as doorways or thresholds, which may otherwise pose a challenge for wheelchair users. They are typically made from lightweight materials such as aluminum, rubber, or plastic, and are designed to be easily installed and removed as needed. They are particularly useful for individuals who require minimal assistance with mobility and need to navigate small height differences. Threshold wheelchair ramps are a cost-effective and practical solution for improving accessibility and independence for wheelchair users.
When choosing the best threshold wheelchair ramp, there are several factors to consider. The first is the height and width of the threshold, which should be measured to ensure that the ramp is the appropriate size. The weight capacity of the ramp should also be considered to ensure that it is suitable for the weight of the user and their mobility device. Another important factor is the materials used in the construction of the ramp, as well as its portability and ease of use. It is also important to consider the type of surface the ramp will be placed on, as well as any potential hazards such as uneven or slippery surfaces.
Modular wheelchair ramps are a type of ramp system that provides a customizable, semi-permanent solution for individuals with mobility challenges. Unlike traditional ramps, which are typically installed permanently, modular ramps consist of pre-fabricated components that can be configured and adjusted to fit the specific needs of the user and their environment. These ramps are made from durable materials such as aluminum, steel, or wood, and they are designed to withstand heavy use and outdoor weather conditions. Modular ramps can be installed with or without handrails and are available in a variety of configurations, such as straight, L-shaped, or switchback. They are ideal for individuals who require a long-term ramp. Another perk of modular ramps is that they can be adjusted if the user’s mobility needs change, or relocated if the user moves houses. With their versatility and durability, modular wheelchair ramps offer an effective solution for improving accessibility and promoting independence for individuals with mobility challenges.
The first factor to consider is the weight capacity of the ramp, which should be sufficient to support the weight of the user and their mobility device. The length and width of the ramp should also be considered, as well as the slope and rise, to ensure that the ramp is easy to navigate and meets any applicable building codes. The materials used in the construction of the ramp should be durable and weather-resistant, such as aluminum or steel, and the ramp should be designed for outdoor use if needed. Other factors to consider include the configuration of the ramp, such as whether it is straight, L-shaped, or switchback, as well as whether handrails are necessary for added safety and support.
This is the #1 choice of wheelchair ramp material. It is loved because it is low-maintenance and rust-resistant. It’s especially an ideal material for portable ramps because it is lightweight. For modular ramps, this material is the most cost-effective. A drawback can be if you purchase a modular ramp, it can be dented by falling tree limbs. Read: 6 Amazing Reasons to Choose an Aluminum Wheelchair Ramp!
Strong and durable, making it suitable for high-traffic areas and heavy-duty use. Rest assured, this material can withstand hits! However, it is heavier and may require regular maintenance to prevent rust. Also, steel is powder-coated, and the paint could chip over time. Due to its weight, this material usually has a high shipping cost.
This option is aesthetically pleasing and can be painted or stained to match the surrounding environment. However, it requires regular maintenance to prevent warping, rotting, or splintering. And like steel, due to wood’s weight, this material has a high shipping cost.
A non-slip and weather-resistant option that provides good traction in wet or icy conditions. For threshold ramps, rubber can usually be cut so you can customize a perfect fit. However, it may not be as durable as other materials and may require frequent cleaning to prevent mold or mildew growth.
A permanent option that is durable and requires minimal maintenance. However, it is expensive and may require professional installation. It is also not suitable for areas with uneven surfaces or significant grade changes.
Open mesh and solid surface are two different types of wheelchair ramp surfaces, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Ultimately, the choice between an open mesh or solid surface ramp will depend on the specific needs of the user and the environment in which the ramp will be used. Factors such as weather conditions, the user's mobility device, and personal preferences will all play a role in determining which type of surface is best suited for a particular situation.
When choosing a wheelchair ramp, safety is a top priority. Here are some general safety features to consider. Some of the features will vary depending on if you are selecting a portable, threshold, or modular ramp.
Make sure the ramp can safely support the weight of the user and their mobility device. Look for ramps with weight capacities that exceed the combined weight of the user and their equipment.
Choose a ramp with a non-slip surface, such as a textured or perforated surface, to provide traction and prevent slips and falls.
Guardrails or handrails provide additional support and stability for users as they navigate the ramp. Look for ramps that have sturdy, secure handrails on both sides.
Edge protection, such as curbs or raised edges, can help prevent users from accidentally rolling off the side of the ramp.
If the ramp will be used in multiple locations or needs to be transported frequently, choose a ramp that is lightweight and easy to move, but still sturdy and secure.
Make sure the ramp meets all relevant safety codes and regulations, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.
Modular wheelchair ramps are typically large and complex and therefore require professional installation. This is because modular ramps often involve multiple sections and components, and must be anchored securely to the ground or structure. BE SURE to check out the article Wheelchair Ramps for Homes: What to Know Before You Buy! That article explains, in detail, exactly the process of purchasing a modular ramp for your home.
On the other hand, portable and threshold wheelchair ramps are generally designed to be more user-friendly and can be installed by individuals with basic DIY skills. Portable ramps are lightweight and can be easily moved and set up as needed, while threshold ramps are typically small and simple enough to be installed without professional assistance.
As an accessible way for wheelchair users or people living with mobility challenges to safely enter or exit a pool, pool ramps provide exceptional safety, reducing the risk of accidental falls and injuries. Although the ADA requires public pools to adhere to specific guidelines regarding this secondary means of access and exit, this requirement does not apply to private residence pools.
Pool ramps can be permanent additions to the pool or just roll away for storage. It is important to ensure the ramps are made with water-resistant material like noncorrosive PVC or stainless steel. A pool ramp with deck anchors can be helpful, as it keeps the ramp steady.
Ramps for vehicles enable access for both occupied and unoccupied wheelchairs and mobility scooters, so it’s important to choose the right style for your particular needs. Used for vans, buses, and other types of vehicles, the ramps can either be built into the vehicle or portable for more temporary applications and versatile usages.
Portable vehicle ramps, like folding ramps and telescoping track ramps, are often employed for rolling a mobility device into and out of vehicles as well. The most important factor in choosing the right portable vehicle ramp is taking measurements of the intended door dimensions and matching these to a ramp that easily accommodates the size.
The ADA, or American With Disabilities Act, has requirements that outline the proper shape, size, slope, and design of wheelchair ramps and other building components so that they can be safe and accessible for people living with disabilities. These requirements can be complicated, which is why we recommend that any time you're going to be building a ramp the public will be using, you consult with a licensed contractor well-versed in ADA requirements. Most of these regulations do not strictly apply to private homes, but public buildings and structures must adhere to these rules. It is important to keep in mind that this is just an outline and some states may have stricter regulations and building codes than the ADA.
According to ADA regulations, you must install handrails on both sides of any wheelchair ramp that has a rise of more than six inches. If handrails are required, they must meet the following specifications:
The ADA recommends a 1:12 slope. This means that for every inch of vertical rise, you should have a foot of ramp length. Anything steeper than this is considered dangerous. The width of the ramp must be at least 36 inches to allow for adequate room.
The specific standards for threshold ramps, which were established in the Federal Register in 2010, are particularly focused on the height of the front edge of a threshold, as well as the slope of the transition through the doorway. It is important to make sure that both these elements of the threshold ramp are not too steep.
The key regulatory standard regarding threshold ramps as set by the ADA states that ramps must have a slope that is no steeper than 1:12. In other words, the slope of the threshold ramp may not exceed 8.33 percent. Additionally, the grade of the threshold may not exceed 2 percent in any direction.
All wheelchair ramps must include an appropriate landing at both the top of the ramp and the bottom of the ramp, and each landing must be level. If the ramp changes direction at the landing, the landing must have minimum dimensions of five feet by five feet. If the ramp does not change directions at the landing, the landing must be at least five feet long and at least as wide as the wheelchair ramp. If a landing is installed in a location that may become wet, it must be designed to prevent the accumulation of water.
If space is severely limited and a compliant ramp cannot be installed, consider an alternative, such as a platform lift. Platform lifts are often a better choice for users living in very tight spaces, such as those commonly found in urban environments. Although a platform lift may be more expensive than a wheelchair ramp, it will be worth the investment if it prevents accidents and injuries. If you aren't sure whether you should install a wheelchair ramp or a platform lift, consider consulting an experienced contractor for advice.
Choosing a quality, well-made, positively-reviewed wheelchair ramp that meets the intended user’s needs for width, weight capacity, ramp angle, and handrails will ensure optimal safety. As previously stated, even though ADA ramp compliance guidelines don’t typically apply to private-use access ramps, we recommend following those suggestions with any portable ramp to maximize safety and ease of use.
Although permanent, semi-permanent, and modular wheelchair ramps tend to have higher weight capacities than portable ramps, many quality portable wheelchair ramps are designed to generously accommodate between 600 to 1,000 pounds of weight, safely holding both the person and their heavy mobility scooter or wheelchair.
Permanent, professionally-installed wheelchair ramps can typically cost anywhere between $100 to $250 per linear foot, with starting prices varying among manufacturers for permanent, semi-permanent, and modular ramp systems. Portable wheelchair ramps are generally the most affordable, with quality choices starting at less than $90 per linear foot. The total price of any wheelchair ramp is dependent on how much length is required, along with add-on configurations and features, such as handrails.
Yes, wheelchair ramps fall under the category of Medicare Part B, Durable Medical Equipment (DME), and are therefore covered under the DME provision of the policy. However, the ramp must first be declared “medically necessary” by a licensed physician. Medicare policies are generally very strict regarding home modifications, so please consult your state’s Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) for more information.
Insurance policies differ, but most private insurance companies will cover equipment that has been defined as DME. Requirements include the following:
As an essential piece of equipment for people who experience physical obstacles and barriers when participating in daily mobile activities, wheelchair ramps come in a wide variety of styles and configurations to suit many purposes and applications. They enable safe, secure access over uneven terrain, steps, and inclines for users of wheelchairs, scooters, rollators, walkers, and other assistive mobility devices.
We outlined the most important factors to consider when you’re trying to determine the best ramp to fit your needs, such as permanent or portable options, and how different construction materials and designs work better for certain climates. We discussed various types of ramps, such as pool ramps that provide access to pools, and vehicle ramps that provide access for both occupied and unoccupied wheelchairs and scooters, to give you the best information in order to find the best ramp to meet specific requirements.
ADA specifications were provided to inform those setting up ramps for public use as to what kinds of design guidelines must be met, but how most of these specifications do not apply to ramps used in private residences. We also answered many of the most-asked questions people have when it comes to selecting the best wheelchair ramp.
As with most tools, choosing the right ramp for the job or environment is important to ensure a positive outcome, keeping you and your loved ones safe and happy for years to come.
After battling (and winning) cancer, Susan changed careers from being a paralegal to nursing. This decision was a direct result of the care received during her battle and all of her healthcare providers taking an interest in her as a person and not just a diagnosis. Thanks to those amazing experiences, this is the way Susan approaches nursing and caring for her patients. She is passionate about caring for all individuals but her primary focus is providing relief from the symptoms & stress of serious illnesses, the process of aging, and the particular problems of seniors.
Susan lost her right leg above the knee, to cancer, in 2013. Since that time, she has been very active in the amputee community helping to bring awareness and independence to other amputees. Read how Susan helped shape the future of new prosthetic devices.
