How long should my wheelchair ramp be?

When deciding which wheelchair ramp is best for you there are a number of things to take into consideration, the most important of these is how long should your wheelchair ramp be? If the ramp is too short then wheelchair users may struggle ascending the rise without assistance, and descending would be like riding a roller-coaster! Consider using our simple ramp calculator: Ramp Length Calculator  Another factor to take into consideration when choosing an access ramp is whether you require a portable or semi-permanent ramp, this is because different types of ramps require different gradients. For a semi-permanent access ramp a 1:12 or a 1:20 gradient, depending on the threshold height, is required by UK building regulations. If you require a portable wheelchair ramp, then at least a 1:6 gradient is advisable for ease of use and comfort. It’s all well enough being advised which is the most suitable gradient, but how does this help you choose a wheelchair ramp? The equation is very simple! When choosing a portable access ramp take the vertical measurement from ground level to door and multiply by 6 to get the correct ramp length. For example, if your threshold height is 15cm, then your ramp will need to be 90cm (3ft) long (15 x 6 = 90). When choosing a semi-permanent ramp, such as our modular systems, we would advise that you give us a call so that we can ensure these ramps are DDA and UK building Regulations compliant.