Wheelchair Ramps
Wheelchair ramps provide access for people in wheelchairs to enter and move through buildings and other structures. They allow people with limited mobility to access locations with varying elevations that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to navigate.
Types of Wheelchair Ramps
- Permanent ramps - Made of concrete, wood or metal. Fixed to a structure.
- Portable ramps - Temporary ramps that can be transported. Often made of lightweight aluminum or composite materials.
- Modular ramps - Prefabricated components assembled on site. Can be permanent or temporary.
Wheelchair Ramp Components
Key components of a wheelchair ramp include:
- Surface - The ramp floor made of non-slip materials.
- Handrails - Provide support and help prevent falls.
- Edge Protection - Side barriers that prevent wheels from falling off the ramp sides.
- Landings - Flat areas at the top, bottom and switchbacks of ramps for resting.
ADA Requirements
In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides requirements and guidelines for wheelchair ramps:
| Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Slope | 1:12 ratio maximum |
| Width | Minimum 36 inches between handrails |
| Handrails | Required on both sides if ramp is longer than 6 feet |
| Edge protection | Minimum 2 inch curb or barrier required |
| Landings | Required at top, bottom and turns. 60x60 inches minimum size. |
Safety Tips
- Check ramps regularly for damage and debris
- Install proper handrails on both sides
- Maximize traction with non-slip surfaces
- Ensure proper access at entries and exits
- Watch for pinch points at hinges (for portable ramps)
Following ADA guidelines and best practices for wheelchair ramps creates safe, accessible ramps for mobility impaired individuals. Proper construction and maintenance is key.
Choosing the Right Ramp
Selecting the most appropriate ramp for your needs depends on factors like the application, load weight, length required, and portability. Follow key considerations to pick the right ramp option.
Types of Ramps
- Loading ramps - For moving equipment, vehicles, etc.
- Dock, yard, van, low-profile
- Accessibility ramps - For wheelchairs and mobility impairment
- Commercial, residential, portable
Key Considerations
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Use | Select based on using for loading vehicles or providing wheel chair access |
| Length | Measure distance needed and account for landings |
| Slope | ADA max is 1:12. Flattest slope suits more people. |
| Load | Check weight capacity and concentrated load rating |
| Portability | Determine if fixed or portable ramp is needed |
Material Options
- Aluminum - Lightweight, resistant to weather and rust
- Steel - Durable but heavy, prone to rust
- Wood - Affordable, provide good traction
- Composites - Lighter than wood, but cost more
Special Features
- Railings - Required for safety on some ramps
- Toe plates - Retain wheelchair wheels on edge
- Embedded LED lights - Enhance visibility
- Heating systems - Prevent ice and snow buildup
Considering all key criteria and requirements will lead you to pick the wheelchair, loading, or other ramp that best fits your specific situation.
Consider Slope and Length Based on Use
When installing or choosing a ramp, two of the most important factors to consider are the slope and length required. These will depend primarily on the intended use and users of the ramp.
Common Ramp Uses
- Wheelchair Access
- Residential - Homes and apartments
- Public Buildings - Schools, offices, hospitals
- Temporary Events - Concerts, festivals
- Loading and Unloading
- Warehouses - Forklifts and pallet jacks
- Transportation - Vans, trucks, trailers
- Construction Sites - Moving equipment and materials
Slope Considerations
The steepness of a ramp's slope, or its rise over run, significantly impacts ease of use.
| Use | Recommended Slope |
|---|---|
| Wheelchair Access | 1:20 to 1:12 ratio maximum |
| Loading / Unloading | 1:8 to 1:12 ratio maximum |
For example, a residence with a 36" rise would need a minimum ramp length of 36 ft at a 1:12 slope ratio.
Length Factors
The total length of a ramp depends on:
- Rise or elevation change
- Landings required
- Bottom/top transitions
A commercial building ramp with a 72" rise, 60" landings every 30', and 24" transitions would need a total ramp length of (72"/12) + (2 x 60") + (2 x 24") = 186 inches.
Other Considerations
- ADAcompliance for accessibility ramps
- Weight capacity for heavy loading
- Turning radius for switchback ramps
- Weather conditions like rain or snow
Analyzing the intended ramp use, rise, and additional factors will ensure your ramp is designed and installed with the proper slope, length, and features.
Choosing Ramp Materials: Aluminum, Steel, Wood
The primary materials used to construct wheelchair, loading, and other ramps are aluminum, steel and wood. Each material has advantages and disadvantages.
Aluminum Ramps
- Very strong yet lightweight
- Corrosion resistant
- More expensive than wood
- Can be slippery when wet
Aluminum ramps are a great choice when you need a sturdy but portable ramp. The lightweight metal makes ramps easier to install and move.
Steel Ramps
- Very durable and strong
- Prone to rusting
- Heavier than other materials
- Often used for permanent ramps
Steel is ideal for heavy duty loading ramps that need to withstand heavy equipment. Permanent ramps are also often constructed from steel.
Wood Ramps
- Traditional and affordable option
- Provides good traction
- Pressure treated wood is weather resistant
- Can rot over time with exposure
Wood remains a popular choice for wheelchair ramps. Cedar and pressure treated pine offer durability. Composite wood is also an option.
| Material | Cost | Weight | Weather Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | $$$ | Light | Excellent |
| Steel | $$ | Heavy | Prone to Rust |
| Wood | $ | Medium | Fair if treated |
Consider the needs of your specific ramp to determine if aluminum, steel or wood is the best fit.
How To Choose The Right Threshold Ramp For Your Needs?
Here are four possible outlines for an article about products from the "Ramps" category:
- Types of ramps and how to choose the right one for your needs.
- The best car ramps on the market and what makes them stand out.
- Popular brands and types of wheelchair ramps for accessibility and mobility.
- Heavy-duty ramps for loading, hauling, and other heavy-duty needs.
Top products in 🦽 Ramps
Best Car Ramps For Easy Vehicle Maintenance
When it comes to performing maintenance on your vehicle, car ramps can be a great alternative to jack stands. Here are five of the best car ramps on the market, according to expert reviews and user ratings:
- Best Overall: Best Aluminum Ramps Trailer Auto Hauler
- Best Value: Rhino Gear RhinoRamp
- Best for Lowered Cars: Pyle Curbside Driveway Ramp
- Best for Trucks: RhinoRamp MAX
- Best for Low-Profile Vehicles: Race Ramps RR40
When choosing car ramps, it's important to consider factors such as weight rating, angle of approach, ramp height, oil drain plug access, weight of ramps, storage/carrying solutions, slipping or movement, and stability. It's also important to store car ramps in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and to keep them clean and free of debris to maintain traction.
Are There Any Car Ramps That Are Specifically Designed For Trucks?
Yes, there are car ramps specifically designed for trucks. Here are some car ramps that are suitable for trucks:
- RhinoRamp MAX
- STARK USA Drive Up Ramp Low Profile Car Lift Service Ramps
- Black Widow PSR295
- Heavy-duty truck service ramps from HDRamps
These ramps are designed to accommodate the weight and size of trucks, providing a safe and convenient way to perform maintenance tasks. When choosing car ramps for trucks, it's important to consider factors such as weight rating, angle of approach, ramp height, and stability.
Similar products
Are There Any Car Ramps That Are Designed For Lifted Trucks?
Yes, there are car ramps specifically designed for lifted trucks. Here are some options:
- Black Widow PSR295 Plastic Car Service Ramps
- Lifts vehicles 6.25" high for maintenance or oil changes
- Each ramp is 12" wide
- Pack of two ramps with a weight capacity of 10,000 lbs
- ML-1066 Mini-Lift Aluminum Low Profile Car Service Ramps
- Designed for low-profile vehicles, including lifted trucks
- Each ramp has a weight capacity of 1,500 lbs
- Omega Lift Equipment Truck Ramps
- Easily positioned and available in different sizes to fit under different size trucks and tires
- Provides a safe and easy way to lift one axle of a truck
These ramps are specifically designed to accommodate the height and weight of lifted trucks, providing a safe and convenient way to perform maintenance tasks. When choosing car ramps for lifted trucks, it's important to consider factors such as weight capacity, ramp height, and stability.
