In vehicle ramps

In-vehicle ramps fall into two categories.

1. Those that are permanently connected to the vehicle and which can be folded or telescoped out (and may be motorised), e.g. a vehicle used in the care industry with the primary purpose of transporting wheelchair users.

2. Those that are folded up and stored when not in use and which are only located in position when they are required, e.g. A taxi van that may be required to carry wheelchair users from time to time.

An alternative to a fixed in-vehicle ramp is a tailgate lift. This takes a wheelchair or mobility scooter at pavement level and then lifts it to the height of the vehicle's floor level. At this point it can then be rolled to a secure position within the vehicle.

Ramp requirements

Irrespective of the type of ramp (i.e. fixed or temporary), any vehicle access ramp must be sufficiently strong to take the weight of a wheelchair or scooter and its user, the combined weight of which may exceed 25 stones (350 pounds).

All disability ramps must have a non slip surface that will provide sufficient traction for the mobility vehicles wheels, even if they are wet.

The ramp needs to be of an adequate width to safely convey the mobility vehicle.

The ramp must be sufficiently long to allow a gradual incline for the height that needs to be bridged. See the ramp's index page for the formula for calculating ramp-length versus ramp-height (for ground level ramps).

An edging or side rail is advisable to prevent the wheelchair or mobility scooter from falling off the ramp. This will not be required (in most territories) for other types of ramp like kerb ramps and ramps that, e.g. ascend the door step of a home.

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