Disability Access Ramps (wheelchairs and mobility scooters)

Disability access ramps fall into two main categories, those that are in situ, i.e. that are in a permanent state of use, and those that are used as a temporary bridging solution. The latter are usually assembled and dismantled immediately before and after use.

A further classification can also be made between vehicle ramps and ramps used to access buildings, different floor levels etc.

You can find out more about ramps by continuing to read this page, or you can use the menu below for information about specific ramp types.

Ramp main page (this page)

Permanent ramps

The first ramp solution is a permanent ramp that may be an alternative to steps when it comes to travelling from one level to another. A ramp of this kind will usually be a long term fixture and it provides a wheelchair or mobility scooter "friendly" alternative to a short flight of stairs.

Ramps of this type are not usually deemed as an alternative to a full flight of stairs that bridges different floor levels (storeys) within a building. A stairlift, perch lift or elevator is a more appropriate solution.

Ramps of this kind need to have a gradual slope that can easily be overcome by either a wheelchair user, a third party pushing a wheelchair, or a powered wheelchair or mobility scooter. An example of this would be a door wedge ramp that is used to provide a gentle incline when two rooms are at different levels.

This link provides further information on the requirement (calculation) for the slope or incline of access ramps of this type.

Typical locations of access ramps can be entrances to dwellings, offices or other commercial buildings. There can also be situations where a ramp of this kind is required within a building when there are changes of level across a single floor or storey.

Permanent disability access ramps can have many different layouts. The determining factor in how their geometry works is defined by the height of climb, versus the allowable incline that the ramp can make. This may result in a simple straight ramp, or a ramp that turns through 180 degrees in order to achieve the necessary ascent whilst taking up a minimum volume of space.

Temporary ramps

The second category of ramp is a temporary ramp that can be used as and when required. This kind of ramp is usually lightweight and will fold, telescope, or dismantle down into one or more smaller components. Despite this it will still be strong and durable.

This type of ramp may be very small and intended for occasional use, or it may be a special purpose ramp, e.g. one that is used to enable wheelchair access to and from the rear of a vehicle and that is used constantly.

There are many different types of temporary ramp and many are designed for specific uses like the one mentioned above. These ramps may be required to stow away into a very restricted space when not in use, so space saving designs and easy to assemble and disassemble models are the most popular.

Temporary ramps are manufactured for both commercial and domestic use and the scale, weight and resilience of the different models reflects their level of use and price.

The main types of temporary ramp are

In-vehicle ramps
Folding (single, double or multiple section) ramps
Telescopic ramps
Suitcase ramps
Glass fibre ramps

Many ramps that fall into the categories above will also be applicable to none vehicle applications.

Twin channel ramps

Twin channel ramps, i.e. that have a separate channel (two individual ramp sections) for the left and right wheels of a transportable vehicle, are not as desirable for manned wheelchair or mobility scooter access as full width ramps. However, they are cheaper, they can be used to transport an unmanned mobility vehicle, and as a portable solution they may be the only foldaway option for smaller vehicles that carry wheelchairs.

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