Ramping Buying Guide
Things to Consider
When choosing a new portable ramp there are many different elements to consider so that you find the right ramp for your needs and situation. Using a ramp which is unsuitable for your needs, product or environment can lead to damage to the ramps, your scooter or wheelchair and even to you.
Where is the ramp to be used?
This has an important bearing on the type of ramp that will be most appropriate.
Typical circumstances where a ramp is used include:
- At an entrance way to overcome a step
- Mounting a kerb
- Loading a wheelchair or scooter in to a vehicle
Where the ramp is to be used at a public entrance or access point it must be able to accommodate other users as well. This may exclude the use of portable ramps unless you are prepared to pack them away after each use. A permanent ramping solution may be more appropriate in these circumstances.
Where the ramp is required for use when you are out and about, it needs to be compact and lightweight so it is easily carried. Loading or unloading a scooter or wheelchair from a vehicle can be done with a variety of different ramps.
Who is going to position the ramp?
The longer ramps can be quite unwieldy and heavy. It is unlikely that you are going to be able to handle the ramp if you are the end user. therefore, you will need to think about who can assist you. If you are using a suitcase or trifold ramp longer than 4ft, it is recommended that you use gloves to protect your hands when positioning the ramp.
What are you putting on the ramp?
This has an enormous impact on the maximum gradient that the ramp can be. If the ramp is intended to be used by a self-propelling wheelchair user the gradient must be shallow to enable them to propell up the ramp. Where you are loading an unmanned scooter into a vehicle the gradient is less important.
How frequently will it be used?
If the ramp is to be used very frequently, you should consider a permanent ramping solution. Permanent ramps are normally safer and easier to use and avoid the hassle of having to unfold and position the ramp.
Where are you going to store the ramp?
This is an important issue particularly where you want to transport the ramps with the wheelchair or scooter in the back of the car. Most ramps fold up to varying degrees and you will need to understand the maximum size that you can accommodate before deciding on which ramp to go for.
Types of Portable Ramps
Portable ramps can be an extremely versatile solution to your access problems. They come in variety of styles and lengths. They are also available in different materials including fibreglass where weight is an important factor.
Channel Ramps
Channel ramps are one of the most affordable portable ramp options, made up of two separate tracks positioned to match the wheels of a wheelchair or scooter. They are lightweight, often telescopic for easier storage, and best suited to self-propelled wheelchairs and some 4-wheel scooters. They are not suitable for 3-wheel scooters and care must be taken with wider or low-clearance scooters to avoid grounding.
Threshold Ramps
Threshold ramps are compact ramps designed to overcome door thresholds up to around 3 inches high. They can be portable or permanently fixed and often have their own leading edge, so they don’t rely on the door frame itself. In many cases, ramps are needed on both the inside and outside of the doorway.
Portable Wheelchair Ramps
Portable wheelchair ramps are short, lightweight ramps typically 18–24 inches long, designed to help with kerbs and small steps when out and about. They are wide enough for a wheelchair and usually come with a carry bag for easy transport. Many can be attached to the back of a wheelchair when not in use.
Suitcase & Trifold Ramps
Suitcase ramps are full-width ramps that fold in half and include a carry handle, while trifold ramps fold further to reduce storage space. They are easier to position, allow space for an attendant to walk behind, and can be used with 3-wheel scooters. Although heavier and more expensive than channel ramps, trifold designs are recommended for ramps over 5ft for easier handling and storage.
Sizing Guide
Ramp length is determined by the height or rise to be climbed and the desired gradient or slope of the ramp. What length of ramp do I need? We would recommend that wheelchair ramps that are to be used by the occupant should be no more than a 1:12 gradient (this means 12” of ramp length for each 1” climb) eg a 4” climb would require a 48” ramp.
A steeper rise may be acceptable depending on the your weight and whether an assistant can be available to help push you up the ramp. For example, a gradient of 1:6 could be achieved safely.
For loading an unmanned scooter or wheelchair, the slope is far less important and a higher gradient can be used but this should generally not exceed 1:3.
These figures should only be used as a guide and clearly the length of ramp will need to be rounded to the nearest length you can actually buy. Where there is a dash, this indicates that the ramp length needed is not available as a portable ramp - the length needed will necessitate a permanent ramp.
Once you have decided on the best length, you need to make sure that you have the room to store the ramp in the car once the scooter is loaded. Tri-fold ramps fold lengthways and can take up less room eg an 8ft tri-fold ramp is only 4ft long when folded.
