Access Ramp With Handrails

How wide is a portable wheelchair ramp?

Wheelchair Ramps are provided in various widths, our standard folding wheelchair ramp is 720mm wide. The key is to check the width of your doorway to ensure the ramp will fit in the required door. In addition check the width of the wheelchair or scooter to ensure the wheelchair will fit on the chosen ramp.

How heavy are the portable wheelchair ramps? 

The ramp weight varies depending on the length you require. The lightest solution are channel ramps however, please note the majority of channel ramps are only suitable for manual wheelchairs. Our folding wheelchair ramps start at weights from 4.2kg. Please view the product page to see the full description of the product including the weight and check it is suitable for your requirements. 

Can I rent a wheelchair ramp?

No, we do not rent wheelchair ramps. By selling new ramps only, we are able to offer at least a 1 year warranty. This can only be provided on new ramps as we can ensure they are provided to you in perfect condition.

What is a portable wheelchair ramp?

Portable wheelchair ramps are designed to be used on a temporary basis. They are often folding or telescopic for ease of storage and transport. These ramps can be great for those who wish to travel or use the ramps on a variety of steps/thresholds. Portable wheelchair ramps can be used to overcome steps and doorways at home. The access ramps are also often used by businesses and shops that wish to comply with the Equality Act and provide reasonable adjustments for wheelchair users but who are unable to, or have yet to build a permanent wheelchair ramp. If you require a ramp which is left in situ, please view our outdoor wheelchair ramps.

How long does a wheelchair ramp need to be and what is the maximum slope of a ramp?

We recommend a minimum of a 1:6 gradient for manual wheelchair, 1:8 gradient for electric wheelchairs, walkers and scooters. A 1:12 gradient is recommended for modular ramp systems. Use our ramp calculator to assist in identifying the ramp length you require. 

Please note for those requiring the ramp as a walking aid, including those with rollators and walkers, we would recommend a ramp with handrails where possible, such as our wheelchair ramp with handrails as this provide additional support to the user. Where this is not suitable you can of course install grab handles or similar on the walls next to a portable folding ramp. 

Do you have wheelchair ramps for narrow doorways? 

For narrow doorways, we would suggest viewing our channel ramps (only suitable for manual wheelchairs) or our 66cm wide RollAble ramp. For heights up to 177mm you can view our rubber ramps as, because they are rubber you can cut them to fit your required door width.

What is the longest portable wheelchair ramp length you provide? 

Our RollAble wheelchair ramps are modular and therefore can be provided in any length. These are available with or without handrails and can be used as a temporary or fixed ramp. Please do of course consider the weight of the mobility ramp as they can be quite heavy at longer lengths.  

Are portable wheelchairs safe? 

As long as portable ramps are used within the capacity stated for the ramp, for their recommended purpose (loading wheelchairs) and within the recommended load height they are safe to use. For health and safety reasons, for those using walkers and rollators a wheelchair ramp kit with handrails is of course preferable as the handrails provide additional support. 

What is a suitcase ramp?

A suitcase ramp is a folding portable wheelchair ramp which folds up as if it were a suitcase to allow the user to easily carry the ramp and use in alternative locations. 

Are wheelchair ramps suitable for manual and electric wheelchairs? 

Our standard folding ramps and our rubber threshold ramps are suitable for manual wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs and scooters. Channel ramps are only suitable for manual wheelchairs. If you are unsure please check the symbols on the product page which state which types of wheelchairs they are suitable for you, alternatively simply ask one of our advisers.

How much does an aluminium ramp cost? 

Our aluminium wheelchair ramps come in a variety of ranges, some of which are cheaper than others. You can view our economy range here for some of the cheaper options.

I am unsure what ramp would work for my doorway, do you provide site visits? 

We are an online business so we do not provide site visits however you can email over pictures of the area and measurements and our team will be able to provide recommendations. You can also send the details to us via our chat function or WhatsApp. We do also offer a 60-day return period (with the exception of built-to-order items) if the ramp is not suitable you can return it to us. 

Do I qualify for VAT exemption? 

Wheelchair Ramps can be purchased VAT exempt if you have a long term disability. Simply enter your full name (or the name of the person the ramp is for) and disability in the VAT exemption box which shows when you add the item to your basket. If you are a charity, simply enter the charity name and number. Please note if you are purchasing on behalf of a business you are required to pay the VAT. 

Can folding wheelchair ramps be left outside? 

Our folding wheelchair ramps are not designed to be left outside. If you wish to leave the ramp outside we suggest viewing our outdoor wheelchair ramps. 

What regulations are there around portable wheelchair ramps? 

At present there a limited regulations around portable wheelchair ramps as the regulations for wheelchair ramps focus more on permanent fixed wheelchair ramps. In terms of portable wheelchair ramps, we suggest referring to the Equality Act which requires reasonable adjustments to be made to provide those with disabilities access. 

What are the wheelchair ramps made from? 

Our folding and telescopic wheelchair ramps are mainly produced from aluminium. We also offer a range of rubber threshold ramps which are made from rubber. 

What should I do if I do not have space for the required ramp length?

In some instances you may not have space for the recommended ramp length, for example if there is a wall or road in front of the property. We strongly advise against purchasing a shorter ramp then recommended as it would be unsafe for the user. Instead, in these instances you may wish to look at having two ramps and a platform to create an 'L' shaped design, allowing the user to take a left or right turn. Alternative solutions would be a lift solution, please note we do note provide lifts. 

Are there companies that offer free advice for ramps? 

Yes, The Ramp People offer free advice regarding ramps. Simply contact us via phone, email or WhatsApp with details of your area, such as the height of the area and we can provide recommendations to you. Please also let us know who will be using the ramp, for example an assisted manual wheelchair, electric wheelchair or those using walking aids. If you are unable to measure the area yourself we would suggest asking a friend, neighbour or your Occupational Therapist to take the measurements for you.

How do I choose a portable ramp for a manual wheelchair versus a powerchair? 

Most folding wheelchair ramps are suitable for both manual wheelchairs and powerchairs. If your powerchair has a central wheel we would recommend a folding ramp with flat hinge. Generally powerchairs require a longer ramp due to their low ground clearance. We would advise against purchasing channel ramps for powerchairs.