Half Steps Buying Guide
Half steps are designed to make navigating doorways, doorsteps, and thresholds easier—both at home and in the workplace. They are often ideal for individuals with limited mobility, the elderly, those recovering from a fall or operation, or anyone seeking greater confidence when managing height differences..
Half steps work by reducing the height from the ground to the step, doorway, or threshold. This makes it easier and safer for users to navigate, helping them maintain independence.
This guide will walk you through what to consider when choosing a half step, how to assemble one, and how to apply for VAT relief on your purchase.
Things to Consider When Shopping for Half steps
For walking or walking sticks we suggest a standard or large model. Walking frames require a large step. For rollators, an extra-large step is recommended.
Half steps are available with single and double handrails which are perfect for offering extra support and added confidence.
Measure the available space, both length and width, to make sure the Half Step fits. If placing it outdoors, check that it won’t create a trip hazard, especially near public pavements.
If you require handrails, consider how your door opens. If your door opens over the half step, double handrails will not be possible, as they will prevent the door from opening.
Measure the vertical height of your step or doorway, we suggest the step is around half the height of this. For extra high areas there are double half steps available.
If you are using the half step outside, ensure you purchase a water-resistant model. Also, consider whether you wish to fix it in place.
Types of Adjustable Half Steps
- Available in two sizes—suitable for walking unaided, with walking sticks, or with walking frames
- Slip-resistant, self-draining open-mesh GRP surface
- Available in all black or black and bronze
- Adjustable between 80mm - 120mm
- Lightweight and portable design for use in various locations
- Available in two sizes—suitable for walking unaided, with walking sticks, or with walking frames
- Slip-resistant, aluminium chequered surface
- Anti-rust zinc-coated alloy frame
- Adjustable between 80mm - 120mm
- Lightweight and portable design for use in various locations
- Available in three sizes—suitable for walking unaided, with walking sticks, walking frames or rollators
- Slip-resistant, chequered surface
- Indoor or outdoor use, can be fixed in place
- Adjustable between 80mm - 150mm
- Available with a single handrail for additional stability or no handrails
- Available in two sizes—suitable for walking unaided, with walking sticks, or with walking frames
- Slip-resistant surface with drainage
- Available with no handrails, single handrail or double handrails for optimum security
- Adjustable between 100mm - 130mm
- Anti-trip bar located at the front of the step
- Brackets to secure to the ground where preferred
PGR Half Steps
- Available in two sizes—suitable for walking unaided, with walking sticks, or with walking frames
- Slip-resistant, self-draining open-mesh GRP surface
- Available in all black or black and bronze
- Adjustable between 80mm - 120mm
- Lightweight and portable design for use in various locations
Metal Half Step
- Available in two sizes—suitable for walking unaided, with walking sticks, or with walking frames
- Slip-resistant, aluminium chequered surface
- Anti-rust zinc-coated alloy frame
- Adjustable between 80mm - 120mm
- Lightweight and portable design for use in various locations
Half Step with Handrail
- Available in three sizes—suitable for walking unaided, with walking sticks, walking frames or rollators
- Slip-resistant, chequered surface
- Indoor or outdoor use, can be fixed in place
- Adjustable between 80mm - 150mm
- Available with a single handrail for additional stability or no handrails
Mobility Step With Handrails
- Available in two sizes—suitable for walking unaided, with walking sticks, or with walking frames
- Slip-resistant surface with drainage
- Available with no handrails, single handrail or double handrails for optimum security
- Adjustable between 100mm - 130mm
- Anti-trip bar located at the front of the step
- Ground-fixing brackets included
Why Choose The Ramp People's Half Steps
Anti-slip Surface
Designed for optimum grip, all of our half steps offer an anti-slip finish, such as PGR mesh or chequered aluminium.
Adjustable Heights
Our half steps can be adjusted in height so you can set the half step to a height that’s comfortable and manageable.
Premium Quality
Built from high-quality metals for durability and backed by a minimum two-year warranty.
Assembling, Positioning & Use
- The Ramp People's range of half steps are designed to be quick and easy to set up. The portable half steps simply require you to screw the legs into the step and set to your required height, assembly can usually be undertaken in under 15 minutes.
- Where you select a half step with handrails, or one which is secured to the ground assembly usually takes 1 hour. We suggest a confident DIYer or builder installs the half steps as you will need to drill into the ground to secure the step in place.
- When choosing what height to set the step to, it does depend on the preference of the user. In general we recommend setting it to half the height of the area you wish to overcome.
Maintenance & Care
- The half steps require very little maintenance, simply wipe or sweep clean when required. We recommend regularly checking the fixings to ensure they remain secure and check for signs of damage or wear.
- The Ramp People's range of half steps are suitable for use indoors and outdoors, including in wet weather. Additional care should be taken in extreme conditions including snow or icy weather.
- Always ensure to adhere to the recommendations on our website and user manual. Do not exceed the recommended capacity.
Claiming VAT Relief
VAT relief is available across all of our mobility aids including wheelchair ramps, threshold ramps, half steps, rollators, wheelchairs. In the UK, people with long-term disabilities do not have to pay VAT on mobility aids. Registered charities also do not have to pay VAT on these items. When you add the item to your basket simply complete your VAT exemption details in the VAT relief box to purchase the ramp without the VAT. It is a self-declaration, we simply require the user's full name and disability. You do not need to send over any paperwork as evidence, nor do you need to be registered as disabled or claim benefits.
Request a callback
Still need assistance? 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.