The most common ramp mistake is buying one that's too short. A short ramp on a tall step makes a steep slope that's hard to push up and dangerous to come down. Here's how to size one properly.
Step 1: Measure the rise
The rise is the total height you need to climb, from the ground where the ramp starts to the top surface (the landing, porch or door sill). Measure straight up, in inches. If there are several steps, measure the total height of all of them.
Step 2: Use the 1:12 rule
The safest slope for most people is 1:12: one inch of rise for every 12 inches (1 foot) of ramp. This is the slope used in Canadian and US accessibility standards for ramps someone uses on their own.
The quick math: at 1:12, the ramp length in feet equals the rise in inches.
- 3 inch rise: 3 ft ramp
- 6 inch rise: 6 ft ramp
- 12 inch rise: 12 ft ramp (this usually means a permanent or modular ramp)
Some portable ramp makers allow a steeper slope when a helper is pushing a manual wheelchair, or for some power chairs and scooters. Only go steeper than 1:12 if the ramp's own instructions say it's OK for that use, and never steeper than they allow.
Step 3: Choose the type
- Threshold ramp: for door sills and small lips, usually 1 to 3 inches.
- Single-fold portable ramp (2 to 4 ft): folds in half like a suitcase. Good for a single step or getting into a van.
- Multifold ramp (5 ft and longer): folds in half lengthwise and again across, so a long ramp still fits in a trunk. Good for two or three steps.
- Modular or permanent ramp: for rises over about 8 to 10 inches, or when it's used every day. These often need a contractor.
Step 4: Check width and weight
- Measure the wheel-to-wheel width of the wheelchair or scooter. The ramp's usable width must be wider, ideally by a few inches.
- Add up the weight of the person plus the chair or scooter (power chairs and scooters can weigh 100 to 300 lb on their own) plus a helper if they'll walk on it. Stay under the ramp's rating.
Using it safely
- Make sure the top lip sits flat and fully on the landing, and the bottom sits flat on firm ground.
- Wheelchair users should go up facing forward and come down backwards with a helper, or use the ramp edges as a guide if self-propelling.
- In winter, sweep off snow and keep ice away. Even textured ramps get slippery under ice. Store portable ramps inside when you can.
Shop ramps: EZee Life 3 ft Portable Ramp (up to about a 3 inch rise at 1:12), EZee Life 6 ft Multifold Ramp (up to about 6 inches at 1:12).
Not sure which one is right? Email us at supportaccessliving@gmail.com with the person's height, weight and where they'll use it, and we'll help you choose.
This guide is general information to help you shop. It isn't medical advice. An occupational therapist or physiotherapist can assess what's safest for a specific person. Your doctor can refer you to one. Always follow the instructions and weight limit that come with your product.