Portable Wheelchair Ramps: A Buyer’s Guide

A portable ramp can look long enough while folded. Put it against a step and the slope may tell a different story.

A ramp that is too short may fit the car, yet be hard to push up and frightening to come down. It is the mistake we see most often.

The ramp must suit the height, chair, user, helper and space at both ends. Here is how I would check it.

Measure the rise first

The rise is the straight height from the lower ground to where the top lip will rest. Measure up, not along the steps.

Also measure:

• Clear space in front.
• The top landing.
• Door opening and swing.
• Ground at the lower end.
• Walls, gates or rails.

Both ends need firm, level space. The user must line up straight. At the top, leave room to stop and open the door without rolling back.

A side photo can help the seller spot a hidden problem.

How long should the ramp be ?

Slope is shown as a ratio. A 1:12 slope rises one unit for every twelve units of run.

Rise × ratio = ramp length

A 150mm rise at 1:12 needs 1,800mm of ramp. At 1:8, it needs 1,200mm.

Current UK portable-ramp advice often uses:

• About 1:12 for self-propelling or walking.
• About 1:8 for some assisted chairs, powerchairs or scooters.
• A steep 1:6 only for some low rises when the maker allows it.

The chair may set a gentler limit. Strength, balance, ground clearance and carer control also matter.

A longer ramp is easier. If it will not fit, use another route or access system. Never solve the problem with an unsafe short ramp.

Portable ramps and Building Regulations

A loose ramp at home is not the same as a new fixed ramp for public access.

Approved Document M uses gentler slopes for longer runs. Examples are 1:12 for 2m, 1:15 for 5m and 1:20 for 10m. It also covers landings, rails, width and edges.

Rules vary by building and UK nation.

For staff, tenants, customers or public use, ask Building Control or an access expert. A portable ramp may not meet the legal duty.

Which type of portable ramp ?

Each type solves a different problem.

Ramp type Best use Watch for

Threshold Door sill or very low step. Door swing and drainage.

Full-width folding Manual chair, powerchair or scooter. Weight and boot size.

Multi-fold A longer ramp in less storage space. Hinges and finger traps.

Channel Wheelchairs with a suitable wheel track. Small castors and carer foot space.

Roll-up Travel and tight storage. Setup time and locked joints.

A full-width ramp is easy to line up. Channel ramps are two narrow tracks, lighter to carry. Both must match the wheel path.

Suitcase ramps fold but can be heavy. Threshold ramps suit small rises only. Use each ramp for its stated job.

Check the clear width

Use the chair’s full width, not the seat width. Include wheels, handrims, arms and side bags. For a scooter, check the outer wheel track.

Leave room for small steering errors. Raised edges help keep wheels on, but reduce the clear space.

A full-width ramp gives a carer room behind the chair. With channel ramps, the carer may walk between or outside the tracks.

Our folding ramp is 72cm wide. The telescopic platform is 70cm. Compare this with the exact chair or scooter.

Add up the full load

The safe working load must cover:

• The user.
• Chair or scooter.
• Batteries and fitted kit.
• Bags.
• A carer standing on the ramp.

Powerchairs can be very heavy. Never check user weight alone.

The rating assumes correct setup and full support. A bent or poorly placed ramp may fail below its printed limit.

Our folding ramps are rated to 272kg. The 2m telescopic platform takes 300kg. Advantage suitcase ramps take 363kg.

Choose for the true load and setup, not the largest number.

Look at the top lip and lower ground

The top plate must sit fully on a strong surface. Never balance it on a narrow edge or loose brick.

Use fixing pins only as the maker directs. The ramp must not slide away.

The bottom must sit flat. Gravel, soft soil or broken paving can make it rock or twist.

Both ends need a smooth join. Low powerchairs and scooters can catch where the ramp meets the floor or top edge.

Grip, edges and weather

Choose a non-slip surface with raised side edges.

Grip tape, mesh and patterned metal feel different when wet. Check how each one is cleaned.

Rain, leaves, mud, frost and ice raise the risk. Clear the ramp before use. Do not use it when grip is poor.

Water at a door can enter the home or freeze. Check drainage and light at both ends.

Manual chair, powerchair or scooter ?

A self-propelling user needs a gentle slope and room for hands at the rims.

A transit chair needs a carer who can push up and control the way down. Their shoes need grip too.

A powerchair needs enough load rating, grip and ground clearance. Follow its slope limit, use low speed and go straight.

A scooter may have a long, low base that catches at the top. Three-wheel scooters need care on tracks.

Never turn across a ramp. Follow the chair guide.

Can the ramp be moved and stored ?

Portable does not mean light. Long metal ramps can be hard to lift when folded. Check ramp weight and the heaviest part. Let the real carer try.

Check:

• Folded size.
• Handles and locks.
• Boot and home storage.
• Finger traps.
• Need for two people.

Secure the ramp in the car. For daily use, repeated lifting gets tiring. A fixed or modular system may work better.

A few ramps from our range

Our Folding Ramps come in 3ft and 6ft lengths. They are 72cm wide, have grip and hold up to 272kg.

The Telescopic Ramp extends to 2m. Its platform is 70cm wide and rated to 300kg.

Threshold Ramps come in 60cm, 80cm and 100cm lengths. They are 70cm wide and rated to 272kg.

Advantage Suitcase Ramps take 363kg and fold for travel.

The right one still depends on rise, slope, width and weight.

Set it up and test it

Read both guides.

Before use:

• Clear dirt, leaves and water.
• Open each part fully.
• Lock hinges and catches.
• Seat the top lip.
• Check the lower end.

Test for movement with an empty chair if allowed.

Tell user what will happen. Move slowly and straight. Stop if the ramp shifts, bends, rocks or feels steep.

Remove it after use.

Care and checks

Look for bends, loose hinges, cracks, lost pins and worn grip.

Clean as maker says. Keep oil and polish off. Dry it before storage.

After an overload, drop or crash, stop and ask for a check.