Buying a wheelchair ramp: Everything you need to know
Wheelchair ramps provide accessibility for people with disabilities. In the UK, the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 and the Equality Act 2010 both stipulate that reasonable adjustments must be made to ensure that those with disabilities have equal access to facilities.
This applies to public buildings and services, from schools and libraries to museums and office buildings, and also to private residences where wheelchair users need to access the entrance and navigate different levels within the home.
Ramps also help those with pushchairs, shopping carts and delivery trolleys to navigate raised curbs and entrances and are commonly used in the construction industry.
Here, we’ll take you through the regulations, measurements and factors to consider before you buy a wheelchair ramp.
The UK’s wheelchair ramp regulations
The UK’s wheelchair ramp regulations and guidelines -– as stipulated in Document M of the Building Regulations 2010: Access To and Use of Buildings and by the British Standards Institution (BSI) -– ensure safe, practical accessibility for wheelchair users.
The rules regarding dwellings (private homes) are different from those in buildings other than dwellings (public buildings). Let’s look into this briefly.
Wheelchair ramp regulations for dwellings (residential buildings):
In private homes, the requirements for permanent wheelchair ramps set out in the Building Regulations Volume 1: Dwellings apply to new buildings and certain types of building work. They specify that:
- a house should, where reasonable, provide a level approach to the entrance and avoid a single-step entrance -– though if a single step is unavoidable, then a ramp should be provided;
- the wheelchair ramp gradient should not exceed 1:20;
- the width of the ramp should be at least 900mm;
- a landing area should be provided at the top and bottom of the ramp;
- if the ramp is longer than 10 metres, a rest platform should be provided at intervals not exceeding 10 metres.
Wheelchair ramp regulations for non-dwelling buildings (public buildings):
The regulations for non-residential buildings, as set out in Volume 2: Buildings Other Than Dwellings are generally more stringent. The regulations require that:
- the gradient of the ramp should not exceed 1:12;
- the width of the ramp should be at least 1,500mm;
- a landing area should be provided at the top and bottom of the ramp;
- the minimal length of a level platform is 1,500mm;
- if the ramp is longer than 10 metres, a rest platform should be provided at intervals not exceeding 10 metres.
The British Standard for wheelchair ramps
The British Standard for wheelchair ramps -– BS8300 (2018) -– is a code of practice for designing buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people. Though it’s not a legal requirement, it’s best practice. The Standard aligns with the Building Regulations and recommends:
- that ramps have a maximum gradient of 1:12;
- the provision of handrails on both sides of the ramp for gradients steeper than 1:20.
Are handrails mandatory?
Yes, in most cases, handrails are required with permanent wheelchair ramp installations to ensure that users can safely access the ramp. The Building Regulations specify that for both dwellings and other buildings, where a ramp has a gradient steeper than 1:20, handrails must:
- be provided on both sides of the ramp;
- be positioned between 900mm and 1,000mm above the surface of the ramp;
- extend at least 300mm beyond the top and bottom of the ramp;
- be continuous with no obstructions or breaks;
- be easy to grip.
Additional local requirements
Your local council may have additional legal regulations or building codes around the use and installation of ramps. Make sure you acquaint yourself with these before building any permanent fixtures.
Portable wheelchair ramps
Portable ramps are not considered permanent structures and so do not fall under the same requirements of the Building Regulations. However, portable ramps still need to meet certain safety standards and comply with the relevant European Standard (EN) for accessibility products.
The British Standards Institute strongly recommends that a portable wheelchair ramp should have the lowest practicable gradient, within the 1:20 to 1:12 range, and the maximum corresponding length between landings.
What does a gradient of 1:12 or 1:20 mean?
A 1:20 gradient means that for every 20 units of horizontal distance, the ramp should rise by no more than 1 unit vertically. In simplest terms, a ramp with a length of 120cm would be rested on a curb of no higher than 10cm. A 1:20 gradient is the same as a gradient of 5% or 2.86 degrees.
Likewise, a slope or gradient of 1:12 means that for every 12 units of horizontal distance, the ramp should rise by no more than 1 unit vertically. Another way to describe it is as an 8.33% or 4.76 degrees gradient.
The dangers of a too-steep gradient
Note that the maximum gradient may not be appropriate for all users, as some people may have difficulty navigating even a relatively shallow incline. In general, the shallower the incline, the easier it will be for most people to use the ramp.
As the British Standards 8300-1:2018 explains:
“Where the gradient is too steep or an individual flight too long, a wheelchair user might not have sufficient strength to use the slope … a companion who is pushing a wheelchair user is also likely to encounter the same difficulties.
“If the gradient is too steep, there is also the danger of a wheelchair user falling out forwards when descending, or of a wheelchair tipping over backwards when ascending. Control and braking are also difficult on steep gradients. Excessive cross‑fall gradients present further difficulties when manoeuvring on ramps.”
If you’re not a professional, it's always best to consult with a qualified accessibility expert to ensure that the ramp is appropriate for the user's needs and abilities.
What else to look out for when buying a wheelchair ramp
Now that we know what the regulations are, here is a list of considerations when selecting a wheelchair ramp to ensure it meets your needs and it’s safe and practical to use.
1. Wheelchair ramp measurements
Length:
How do you calculate wheelchair ramp length?
Here is a simple formula for working out how long the ramp needs to be:
Height x Gradient = Length
Example: If a curb is 10cm higher than the road and the gradient needs to be 1:20 (1.2), then the wheelchair ramp should be at least 120cm long.
Width:
Stick to the regulations for permanent ramps. For a temporary ramp, you want it to be wide enough to comfortably accommodate the width of a wheelchair and any mobility aids, such as a walking stick. The average width of a standard empty wheelchair in the UK is around 635mm, although wheelchair dimensions can vary widely, and the user’s arms and accessories may take up more space.
2. Wheelchair ramp gradient
Ensure the ramp has a suitable gradient for the intended use, preferably no steeper than 1:12. A longer ramp may require a shallower incline to be safe and accessible. And remember to leave sufficient landing space on either side of the ramp.
3. Weight, portability and installation
Consider whether you need to install a permanent ramp for long-term use at a specific location or whether you need a lightweight, portable ramp for temporary use -– such as for redirecting pedestrians around a pavement or for offloading deliveries. For the latter, the weight and size of the product matter, as well as how easy it is to set up and take down, transport and store.
4. Slip resistance
To prevent slips and falls, check that the ramp has a slip-resistant surface so the wheelchair can grip the ramp securely, particularly in wet, icy or slippery conditions.
5. Visibility
Especially if the wheelchair ramp is a temporary solution, opt for a ramp in a high-visibility colour and with reflective strips.
6. Additional safety features
Some products may offer safety features such as side barriers and fixing pins to ensure the ramp is safe to use and prevents the wheelchair from rolling off the ramp.
7. Weight capacity
You want to make sure the ramp can safely support the total weight of the user and their motorised wheelchair or mobility scooter, plus any additional equipment or shopping bags. Depending on the length of the ramp, you may have to consider the weight of a caregiver too. As a guide, motorised wheelchairs can weigh more than 200kg. It's recommended to choose a heavy-duty ramp with a capacity of 500kg.
8. Maintenance
Is the ramp easy to maintain to keep it safe and functional? Opt for heavy-duty, durable material like glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) or aluminium, which will withstand wear and tear. Wood and plastic may be cheaper but aren’t long-lasting, durable materials.
9. Budget
Prices can vary significantly from a few hundred to several thousand pounds, depending on the wheelchair ramp’s size, weight capacity, material, additional safety features, and whether or not it needs professional installation.
If you’re considering buying used or refurbished ramps to save money, it's important to ensure that used ramps are still in good condition and meet safety standards.
Ultimately, you need to balance cost with quality and safety. Choose one that meets your needs, complies with UK and EU regulations and provides safe and reliable access for wheelchair users.
The benefits of a portable wheelchair ramp
When you need a temporary solution to help with kerbside access, opt for a portable wheelchair ramp with measurements and features that comply with UK regulations, such as Barriers Direct’s Standard Wheelchair Ramp or the Kerb Master Ramp. The benefits include:
- it’s heavy-duty yet lightweight and easy to transport and store;
- it’s cost-effective;
- no need for installation fees or planning permission;
- it’s perfect for delivery drivers, hospitals, warehouses, airports, and storage depots.
How do I install a portable wheelchair ramp?
Placement: Make sure the ground surface is level and stable, for instance, a smooth concrete pavement instead of gravel, sand or uneven paving, and that there are no obstacles in the way.
Orientation: The ramp should be placed perpendicular to the edge of the landing area and provide the most gradual slope. The landing area should be as wide as or wider than the ramp.
Stability: Ensure the ramp is stable and secure when in use. If needed, use the manufacturer's instructions to secure the ramp to the ground or landing area using additional safety hardware such as anchors or braces.
Accessibility: Provide appropriate signage or markings, if necessary, to help make the ramp accessible to all users, including those with visual impairments or cognitive disabilities.
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