How to Choose the Right Wheelchair Ramp for Your Needs

At The Ramp People we understand that choosing a wheelchair ramp can be difficult, especially if it is the first time you are purchasing a ramp. We have a team of dedicated experts on hand available via phone, email, WhatsApp and web chat to assist with all of your enquiries, whether you are seeking a lightweight portable ramp which can be stored in your car boot, you require a ramp for a step in your garden or you are struggling to overcome a difficult uPVC door threshold. 

In order to identify the most suitable ramp for your needs you will need some key details:

1. What height are you going up? You will need to know the vertical height of the steps, kerb or threshold. For doorways, especially uPVC door thresholds, we recommend also checking if there is an internal height. The height is important as it allows you to identify the ramp length required to obtain a smooth gradient. 
2. Who will be using the ramp? Will the ramp be used by an assisted manual wheelchair, unassisted wheelchair, mobility scooter, walker or rollator? For assisted manual wheelchairs we suggest a minimum of a 1:6 gradient, for unassisted wheelchairs, scooters and walkers a minimum of a 1:8 gradient is recommended. If you are unsure who will be using the ramp, for example if you are purchasing the ramp for a businesss or event, we would suggest a 1:8 gradient. 
3. Are you seeking a portable ramp which can be folded away each time or do you wish to have a solution which can be left in place? We offer a range of portable ramps which can be put down when needed. We also offer semi-permanent ramp solutions which can be secured in place with just a couple of fixings. 

We also recommend checking the width of your doorway, especially if you have a narrow door to ensure the ramp will fit. If space is limited, check what length of ramp you have space for. If you do not have space for the recommended ramp length you may wish to consider an L shaped design which can be created using a portable platform. 

Once you have identified the height of the area we suggest using our handy Wheelchair Ramp Length Calculator to identify the most suitable ramp length for your area. The ramp calculator suggests the minimum ramp length required based on your height, you can of course purchase a longer ramp if preferred to achieve a smoother slope. 

For low heights, you may wish to view our range of Rubber Threshold Ramps. These ramps are perfect for overcoming heights up to 203mm. Simply rest in place and start using. As they are produced from rubber they can be left outside. If you are seeking to bridge a threshold we have a selecting of bridging ramps available. 

We also have a wide selection of portable wheelchair ramp which can be put down when required, for example our popular aluminium Folding Wheelchair Ramp which is available in 2ft - 8ft. With a durable 300kg capacity the ramp is suitable for the majority of mobility aids.  

We have an extensive range of wheelchair ramps available to meet your needs. Below we have put together a handy guide to help you find a suitable ramp based on your area. If you are unsure please contact our team for advice. 

If you are seeking to overcome a kerb, one step or a low height we would suggest viewing our range of rubber ramps which are available in heights from 4mm to 203mm. Simply put the ramp in place and start using. The ramps can be cut to meet your doorway width. Produced from recycled rubber and offered with an anti-slip surface, these ramps are perfect for indoor and outdoor use.

At The Ramp People we offer an extensive range of folding wheelchair ramps available in lengths from 2ft to 10ft. Our standard folding wheelchair ramp simply folds like a book for easy storage. We also offer a multi-fold ramp which, for length from 6ft upwards, splits in two to make it easier for you to carry and store. All of our folding wheelchair ramps are perfect for manual wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters and walkers. Easy to use, the ramps simply rest onto the step. For peace of mind, the ramps are offered with safety edges and an anti-slip surface. 

It is often difficult to find a wheelchair ramp which is 11ft or longer. At The Ramp People we offer a RollAble ramp which is available in lengths from 3ft upwards and can be created in any length. This clever wheelchair ramp is modular, allowing you to add and remove sections when required, whether you wish to use it in various areas or simply wish to split the ramp for easy storage. The aluminium ramp can be used as a straight wheelchair ramp to overcome steps or as a bridge ramp to go up and over doorways and thresholds, including uPVC doorways. Available in 3 widths, the ramp is perfect for narrower and wider doorways. 

An alternative solution for those seeking a long ramp is connecting two ramps together with a joining support. We have joining supports available which can be used  with our folding wheelchair ramps or our Wheelchair Ramp Kit with Handrails. Using a joining support can also be beneficial for those who are concerned about the weight of a ramp as it helps split the ramp or for those with limited storage space. 

It is important that areas are accessible for all, which is why we offer a range of wheelchair ramp solutions, including ramps with handrails. Ramps with handrails are a popular choice for those with limited mobility, including those using walkers and rollators, and for those seeking to make an event or business accessible to all. Handrails also help to enhance the safety of a ramp and therefore are often recommended, especially for those seeking to purchase a ramp for higher heights or for use in public areas. For those seeking a temporary ramp with handrails, we offer a Wheelchair Ramp Kit with Handrails in 4ft - 12ft lengths. We also offer our RollAble Ramp with single or double handrails. Both of these ramps can be used as a portable solution or can be fixed in place where preferred.

If you are seeking a semi-permanent solution, we have a range of modular wheelchair ramps available. All of our modular ramps are built to order so we suggest contacting our dedicated modular team with your requirements so we can provide a bespoke quote based on your home, business or property. 

For overcoming thresholds we have a wide selection of bridge ramps to choose from. If you are seeking a bridge ramp for a manual wheelchair and the height is the same on either side of the threshold, for heights up to 10cm we would suggest viewing our aluminium bridge ramp. Where the height varies on either side of the threshold, or the ramp is to be used by a mobility scooter or electric wheelchair, we would suggest viewing the Butterfly Ramp (for heights up to 15cm).

For higher heights, or for a solution which can be left in place, we would suggest viewing our Adjustable Threshold Ramp with Entry Plate Kit. This clever solution promotes independence as the ramp can be left in place. Simply flip the inner ramp/entry plate over the doorway when you wish to use the ramp. When you wish to close the door, simply flip the plate back onto the ramp and close your doorway. The outer ramp is available in lengths up to 8ft allowing you to bridge door thresholds, including uPVC doorways where there are multiple steps outside. For a portable alternative to this, you could purchase a folding wheelchair ramp for the steps and a rubber ramp for the internal lower height, for example as shown in our drive-in system range.  

In some instances there is not space for a straight ramp at the length you required, for example, if there is a wall outside the property, another building or a road. In these instances, we suggest creating an L shaped design to allow the user to come out of the property onto a platform and then take a left or right turn and go down another ramp to reach ground level, or the pavement.

Our Adjustable Platform is a popular choice to create an L shaped ramp design as it provides the wheelchair user with a turning circle. The platform can be used in conjunction with many of our portable wheelchair ramps. 

For lower heights up to 16cm, we have Mini Ramps available in a variety of designs. These clever modular ramp systems are built to order so please contact our team for recommendations. 

The majority of our wheelchair ramps are 70cm or wider. If your doorway is narrower we do still have several options available. For heights up to 203mm, we would suggest viewing our rubber threshold ramps. Although these are around 1m wide, depending on your chosen height, you can cut these to your doorway with with a knife or saw. For higher heights, if you are using a manual wheelchair, Telescopic Wheelchair Ramps are a perfect solution. These lightweight ramps simply line up with the wheels of the wheelchair. Due to the lightweight, compact design they are also perfect for those seeking a lightweight ramp solution which can be stored easily in the car boot. If you would prefer one wide ramp, we offer a RollAble Ramp which is 685mm wide. This ramp is suitable for all mobility aids and can be used as a straight ramp or bridge ramp depending on your requirements. 

We offer a range of portable and fixed ramps which are perfect for loading unoccupied mobility scooters and wheelchairs into the car boots. 

If you are seeking to load an empty mobility scooter or electric wheelchair into a car you will need to measure the vertical height from the ground to where the ramp will rest on the vehicle. You will need to multiply this height by 3.3 to identify the minimum ramp length you require. We would also suggest checking your mobility aids manual to ensure it can climb this gradient as some mobility scooters and wheelchairs have low clearance.

If you wish to have a ramp which is secured into your vehicle additional measurements will be required including the internal width of the vehicle to recommend a suitable ramp to you, please contact our team for advice. We offer a range of 2-part and 3-part fixed loading ramps which have been safety crash tested and are offered with a 3 year warranty. 

How do I claim VAT relief when I purchase a wheelchair ramp from The Ramp People? 

On our website, when you add a wheelchair ramp to your basket, you will be asked if you are eligible for VAT relief. If you are eligible, for example you have a long term disability or are purchasing on behalf of a charity, simply enter your VAT exemption details in the box and the VAT will be removed. 

What is the cost of delivery?

We offer free delivery on all of our ramps within mainland UK. On selected items we also offer the option to upgrade to next day delivery at a charge for those who require the item urgently. 

What is The Ramp People's returns policy? 

We offer a 60 day returns policy. The item must be returned as new, please note you are responsible for arranging the return of the item to us. 

Do The Ramp People offer visits to assess the most suitable ramp for a home or property? 

As an online business we do not provide site visits however you can send over pictures and measurements to us and our team can provide you with recommendations. 

If you have any questions or require any assistance please call our expert advisors on 01372 569 051.