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Telescopic Ramps Buying Guide

Telescopic ramps, also referred to as channel ramps, are often seen as the perfect solution for those seeking a lightweight wheelchair ramp that's compact and easy to store either at home or in the car boot.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before buying telescopic wheelchair ramps. We’ll look at the pros and cons of each type, the key features worth considering, how to identify choose the right length to achieve a smooth slope and what to check before investing. Whether you’re looking for channel ramps for your home, or an access solution you can take with you on your travels or a ramp which your friend can use when they visit, our guide is here to assist.

Pair of telescopic ramps Pair of telescopic ramps

What To Measure

1. Vertical height

Telescopic ramps are best for manual wheelchairs. If it’s for an assisted wheelchair, consider both the user and the assistant as the assistant will need to watch their footing whilst pushing the wheelchair.

2. Width of the doorway

Check the usable width of the doorway to check the space available for the ramp to rest. If the door opens inside the doorframe be sure to take this into account as it may reduce the space available.

3. External space from the doorway

Measure from the doorway outwards to check how much space you have available for a ramp. If you have limited space due to a wall, pavement or similar you may need to consider an L-shaped design.

Need more help? You can use our handy calculator to help calculate the right size wheelchair ramp for your needs here.

Tips & Recommendations

1. For assisted manual wheelchairs we would recommend a minimum gradient of 1:6. For example, for a 1 foot rise (load height) you'll need a 6 foot long ramp.

2. For unassisted wheelchairs, mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs, we recommend a minimum gradient of 1:8. For example, for a 1 foot rise (load height) you'll need a 8 foot long ramp.

3.If you wish to use the channel ramps with an electric wheelchair or mobility scooter you will need to check you have enough clearance as the edges on the ramp can prevent low clearance scooters from going up the ramp. The clearance should be at least 100mm.

Need more help? You can use our handy calculator to help calculate the right size wheelchair ramp for your needs.

Wheelchair Ramp Length Calculator

Things to consider

Who will be using the ramp?

Telescopic ramps are best suited to manual wheelchairs. For assisted wheelchairs, attendants generally need to pay closer attention to their footing than with folding ramps.

Is the ramp for a set area or various areas?

For a set location simply purchase your required length. For use in various locations consider adjustable ramps that can be set to your preferred length when needed.

Is the weight & stored size suitable?

Check the stored size of the wheelchair to ensure it will fit in the storage space available or car boot. Also, make sure the ramp's weight is manageable for the person carrying it.


Benefits of telescopic wheelchair ramps 

Extremely lightweight

Provided as a pair, they weigh as little as 2.5kg per ramp, perfect for those seeking a lightweight solution.

Perfect for narrow doorways

Each ramp is around 190mm, depending on your chosen model, ideal for narrow doorways.

Compact for easy storage

Due to the telescopic design, they slide down to a shorter lengths for easy storage at home or in the car boot.

Types of Telescopic Channel Ramps 

  • Provided with a carry bag for convenient storage
  • Available in 4ft - 7ft
  • Easy to use – simply press the button, extend the ramps, rest them on the step or kerb, and begin using
  • Black anti-slip, high-traction surface for added safety
  • Smooth transition on and off the ramps for a more comfortable experience
  • Durable 275kg capacity across the pair
Pair of telescopic wheelchair ramps with black anti-slip surface, wheelchair going up the rampsPair of telescopic wheelchair ramps with black anti-slip surface, wheelchair going up the ramps
  • Adjustable design – clip in place to use at various lengths, ideal for use in various locations
  • Available in 6ft - 12ft
  • Easy to use – simply unclip and extend, rest on the step or kerb, and begin using
  • High traction surface for added safety
  • Lightweight, built-in carry handle
  • Smooth transition on and off of the ramps
Wheelchair going up a pair of telescopic wheelchair rampWheelchair going up a pair of telescopic wheelchair ramp
  • Multipurpose design – use as straight ramps to overcome steps, or as bridge ramps to go up and over thresholds and doorways
  • Available in 7ft - 10ft - folding and telescopic design
  • Easy to use – simply unclip and extend, then rest on or over the step or doorway and begin using
  • High traction surface for secure grip
  • Lightweight, built-in carry handle
  • Smooth transition on and off of the ramps
Pair of aluminium wheelchair ramps overcoming stepPair of aluminium wheelchair ramps overcoming step
  • Multipurpose design – use as straight ramps to overcome steps, or as bridge ramps to go up and over thresholds and doorways
  • Available in 6.5ft - 9.8ft
  • Easy to use - simply unclip and unslide, rest on, or over the step or kerb and start using
  • High traction surface for optimum traction
  • Lightweight for easy handling, built-in carry handle
  • Made in Sweden, 3 year warranty
Pair of aluminium wheelchair ramps going over door threshold Pair of aluminium wheelchair ramps going over door threshold

Telescopic Wheelchair Ramps

  • Provided with a carry bag for convenient storage
  • Available in 4ft - 7ft
  • Easy to use – simply press the button, extend the ramps, rest them on the step or kerb, and begin using
  • Black anti-slip, high-traction surface for added safety
  • Smooth transition on and off the ramps for a more comfortable experience
Wheelchair going up a pair of telescopic wheelchair ramps with anti-slip surfaceWheelchair going up a pair of telescopic wheelchair ramps with anti-slip surface

Adjustable Telescopic Ramps 

  • Adjustable design – clip in place to use at various lengths, ideal for use in various locations
  • Available in 6ft - 12ft
  • Easy to use – simply unclip and extend, rest on the step or kerb, and begin using
  • High traction surface for added safety
  • Lightweight, built-in carry handle
  • Smooth transition on and off of the ramps
Pair of adjustable wheelchair ramps resting on step with wheelchair going up the rampPair of adjustable wheelchair ramps resting on step with wheelchair going up the ramp

Dual Purpose Ramps 

  • Multipurpose design – use as straight ramps to overcome steps, or as bridge ramps to go up and over thresholds and doorways
  • Available in 7ft - 10ft - folding and telescopic design
  • Easy to use – simply unclip and extend, then rest on or over the step or doorway and begin using
  • High traction surface for secure grip
  • Lightweight, built-in carry handle
  • Smooth transition on and off of the ramps
Extendable telescopic and folding wheelchair ramps bridging step Extendable telescopic and folding wheelchair ramps bridging step

Combination Wheelchair Ramps

  • Multipurpose design – use as straight ramps to overcome steps, or as bridge ramps to go up and over thresholds and doorways
  • Available in 6.5ft - 9.8ft
  • Easy to use - simply unclip and unslide, rest on, or over the step or kerb and start using
  • High traction surface for optimum traction
  • Lightweight for easy handling, built-in carry handle
  • Made in Sweden, 3 year warranty
Pair of telescopic wheelchair ramps bridging door thresholdPair of telescopic wheelchair ramps bridging door threshold

Set up, Positioning & Use 

  • Telescopic wheelchair ramps are designed to be quick and easy to use. Simply press the button or unclip the ramps to extend them to the full or required length (if adjustable). Rest the ramps onto your step, kerb, or doorway. Line up the wheelchair with the ramps and proceed up the ramp.
  • To ensure the ramps stay securely in place, they feature a curved rest-on connection that sits on the step. Underneath this connection is a rubber or grip surface that provides optimal traction with the step or curb. The foot, or base, of the ramps is designed to sit flush with the ground, offering users a smooth entry and exit.
  • For added security, all channel ramps feature a high-traction, anti-slip surface and raised safety edges on either side to help prevent users from veering off the ramp.
  • The maximum recommended gradient and capacity should not be exceed to ensure the safety of the user.
  • Wheelchair ramps are designed as mobility aids and should only be used for this purpose. We do not recommend loading trolleys, pallet trucks and similar on wheelchair ramps as this can damage the ramps and effect the warranty.

Exploring Alternatives to Channel Ramps

  • We understand that when it comes to wheelchair ramps, one size doesn’t fit all. While telescopic ramps are ideal for many users — particularly those looking for an extremely lightweight and portable solution or something that fits narrow doorways — others may require a single, wider ramp, ramp with handrails or a fixed access ramp.
  • At The Ramp People, we offer an extensive range of accessibility ramps to suit every need. Our collection includes folding wheelchair ramps, fixed ramps with handrails, rubber threshold ramps, and bridge ramps, all designed to make access safer and more convenient for everyone.

Should I purchase Telescopic Ramps or a Folding Wheelchair Ramp? 

  • Telescopic ramps are generally lighter and more compact than folding wheelchair ramps and therefore are often preferable for those seeking a solution which can easily be transported in their car boot or for the elderly or those with limited mobility who may struggle to lift a folding ramp. They are also a great solution for overcoming narrow doorways.
  • Telescopic ramps are best suited for manual wheelchairs. Electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters have low ground clearance, the raised edges of the channel ramps can prevent them being able to climb the ramp. As a general guideline, the clearance — including the battery pack — should be at least 4 inches (100mm) from the ground to ensure safe use.
  • For businesses or public spaces, folding ramps or those with handrails are often better suited, as they accommodate a wider range of mobility aids including electric wheelchairs, walkers, and rollators.

Alternative Solutions - The Ramp People's Handpicked Favourites 

  • Available in lengths from 2ft - 10ft
  • Various folding solutions including our folding ramp which folds like a book or our multifold ramp
  • Portable design, built on carry handle
  • Easy to use, simply unfold and rest on the step or doorway
  • Available in widths from 72cm upwards
Folding wheelchair ramp with black anti-slip surface, wheelchair going up the rampFolding wheelchair ramp with black anti-slip surface, wheelchair going up the ramp
  • Available in 3ft - 12ft
  • Purchase with or without handrails, ideal for all mobility aids
  • Solid, non-folding design
  • Indoor or outdoor use, can be secured in place
  • Available in 72cm wide or 93cm wide
Person pushing a manual wheelchair up a wheelchair ramp with handrails to overcome stepPerson pushing a manual wheelchair up a wheelchair ramp with handrails to overcome step
  • Available in heights from 4mm - 203mm
  • Easy to use, simply place by the step, kerb or doorway and start using
  • Smooth gradient for ease of use
  • Indoor or outdoor use, can be left outside
  • Cut to your required width with a knife or saw
Manual wheelchair going up rubber threshold rampManual wheelchair going up rubber threshold ramp
  • Available in any length from 3ft - use as a straight ramp or bridge doorways
  • Easy to use, simply place by the step, kerb or doorway and start using
  • Available in three widths; 685mm wide, 785mm wide or 935mm wide
  • Indoor or outdoor use, can be left outside
  • Reduce the length when needed
Manual wheelchair going up RollAble Access RampManual wheelchair going up RollAble Access Ramp

Folding Wheelchair Ramps

  • Available in lengths from 2ft - 10ft
  • Various folding solutions including our folding ramp which folds like a book or our multifold ramp
  • Portable design, built on carry handle
  • Easy to use, simply unfold and rest on the step or doorway
  • Available in widths from 72cm upwards
Manual wheelchair going up folding wheelchair ramp with black anti-slip surfaceManual wheelchair going up folding wheelchair ramp with black anti-slip surface

Wheelchair Ramps with Handrails

  • Available in 3ft - 12ft
  • Purchase with or without handrails, perfect for all mobility aids
  • Solid, non-folding design
  • Indoor or outdoor use, can be left outside and fixed in place
  • Available in 72cm wide or 93cm wide
Person pushing a manual wheelchair up a wheelchair ramp with handrailsPerson pushing a manual wheelchair up a wheelchair ramp with handrails

Rubber Threshold Ramps 

  • Available in heights from 4mm - 203mm
  • Easy to use, simply place by the step, kerb or doorway and start using
  • Smooth gradient for ease of use
  • Indoor or outdoor use, can be left outside
  • Cut to your required width with a knife or saw

RollAble Ramps

  • Available in any length from 3ft - use as a straight ramp or bridge doorways
  • Easy to use, simply place by the step, kerb or doorway and start using
  • Available in three widths; 685mm wide, 785mm wide or 935mm wide
  • Indoor or outdoor use, can be left outside
  • Reduce the length when needed

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 users 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.