Ramp Length & Load Height
This guide should help you identify how long a ramp you require, so if you're in any doubt read the details below. If you still have questions after reading, feel free to give us a call. The crucial thing to know is your load height.
Load Height: this is the vertical measurement from the ground to where you rest the ramp onto.
For vehicle ramps EU guidelines recommend that no ramps with a gradient greater than 30% or 1:3.3 should be used. Essentially the load height x 3.3, gives you your ramp length. Furthermore no TUV Certified Ramp is designed to exceed this gradient.
For loading cars and other vehicles with either:
a) Low ground clearance or b) Front and/or Rear overhang a gentler gradient is recommended (this will vary)For manual wheelchairs we would recommend a minimum gradient of 13% or 1:6. Thus, for example, for a 1 foot rise (load height) you'll need a 6 foot long ramp. For mobility scooters we recommend a minimum gradient of 9% or 1:8. Thus, for example, for a 1 foot rise (load height) you'll need a 8 foot long ramp. Mobility scooter ramps need to be longer due to the low ground clearance.