Create a Wheelchair Accessible Taxi
Create a Wheelchair Accessible Taxi
Understand the requirements for making your taxi accessible for all, including for those using manual wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs.
At The Ramp People we have a range of portable and fixed ramps designed to make your taxi accessible.
Introduction to our Guide
Under The Equality Act 2010, taxi drivers are required to provide assistance to those in wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Prior to this the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 was in place to ensure taxis remained accessible. It is important that taxi drivers of course are able to find the right ramp to provide users with a smooth gradient whilst still having enough space in their vehicle to transport users.
Within this guide we will look at the key requirements taxi drivers need to meet along with products which can help you to make your taxi accessible.
Regulations & Helpful Links
Section 160 of the Equality Act focuses on taxi accessibility regulations. It focuses on the requirement for taxi drivers to ensure those with disabilities can safely access taxis, even when seated in a wheelchair. Taxi drivers can be fined if they do not comply.
The government provides key guidance around the law for drivers to assist those with disabilities and the help they must provide, including helping those with disabilities to get in and out for the vehicle and placing the mobility aid in the boot. Drivers cannot charge for the extra help.
Explore our wheelchair ramp buying guide and use our Wheelchair Ramp Length Calculator to easily identify the ramp length you require for your vehicle.
This act focuses on requiring taxi drives to carry the wheelchair and mobility aids when required. Taxi drivers should also provide assistance as needed.
What Are The Different Types of Ramps for Taxis
When making your taxi wheelchair accessible, you will need to identify whether you require a portable or fixed wheelchair ramp. A portable ramp simply rests onto the taxi when required, meaning no vehicle modifications are required. When you are not using the ramp you can simply fold the ramp away and store it in your car boot. Alternatively, for regular use, fixed ramps are a popular solution.
Note, for loading empty scooters and wheelchair chairs a 1:33 gradient is sufficient. For loading occupied wheelchairs and mobility scooters, a 1:8 gradient is generally recommended.
Multi-fold Ramps
The portable ramps simply rest in place when needed. Available in lengths up to 10ft, the multi-ramps split in two and fold for compact storage. The ramps can be used to load occupied or unoccupied wheelchairs and scooters into the car.
Telescopic Ramps
Available in lengths up to 12ft, channel ramps are generally the lightest and most compact solution on the market. They are also perfect for narrow doorways. Simply rest in place and start using. The telescopic design makes them extremely compact.
Fixed Ramps
Ideally for regular use, the fixed van ramps can easily be fixed into your vehicle. With lengths up to 4m available, the ramps provide smooth access into the taxi. The range includes solutions which are Safety Crash tested and TUV certified.
Do all UK taxis have wheelchair ramps?
At present unfortunately not all taxis in the UK are wheelchair accessible however it is the aim to provide more accessible taxis in the UK. Taxi drivers are not allowed to decline customers due to a disability or an assistance dog. In larger cities, a larger proportion of taxis are wheelchair accessible. For example, in London all black cab taxis have a wheelchair ramp. Uber has 'Uber WAV' available for those seeking wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Local councils are also required to have a list of licensed accessible taxis.
What is benefit of installing a wheelchair ramp in a taxi?
Adding a wheelchair ramp to your taxi can enhance your taxi and businesses. Providing access for all allows you to meet the requirements of the Equality Act, expand your customer base, improve safety for those using mobility aids and can assist to future proof your business. Having a fixed ramp also help businesses to comply to manual handling requirements and can reduce the need for drivers to undertake heavy lifting as the ramp can be used for loading various items including luggage and mobility aids.
How do you install a ramp in a taxi?
The portable wheelchair ramps simply rest onto the taxi, no installation is required. For fixed ramps, instructions are provided. Installation generally can be completed in around 30 minutes.
Where Should Speed Bumps be Located
It is essential that speed bumps are clearly visible to both drivers and pedestrians to ensure they can react safely and in good time. Visibility can be improved through adequate lighting, such as nearby street lighting that illuminates the road surface, as well as by incorporating reflectors or reflective markings directly on the speed bumps themselves. These measures help highlight the bumps in low-light conditions or at night, reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall road safety.
Who Should I Inform Prior to Installation
Before you install speed bumps, you are legally required to inform those who will be affected by the speed bumps. For example, it is important to inform emergency services including the police, ambulance and fire brigade.
You must also inform residents in the area, transport services (if they operate on the road), traders, the council and any other organisations who may be affected.
Installation Guidance
The Ramp People provide fixings for tarmac and concrete, and a free drill bit, with all speed bumps and speed cushions. The speed bumps and speed cushions are easy to install, any confident DIY'er or handyman can install these.
We also have a handy installation guide. Our Product Guide for Speed Bumps & Speed Cushions can be found here.
Signage for Speed Bumps
It is essential you alert road users of speed bumps and speed cushions. Signage is a perfect way to do this. The Traffic Signs Regulations state you must consider the correct warning signs for the speed bumps you are using on the road. We provided a range of 5mph and 10mph speed bump signs which can be wall mounted or post mounted. The signs are CE marked and include reflective sheeting to ensure they are highly visable to road users.
Still Require Assistance? Request a callback
Our team is available throughout the week to help via phone, email, live chat or WhatsApp. If you’d rather we call you, you can easily request a callback here.
