Frequently Asked Questions
Q How do I choose the right length of ramp?
A. It is better to choose the longest ramp possible that suits the space it needs to fit into. Also, your ability to lift /store/move it and within the budget you want to spend eg. a 2m long ramp might give the desired gradient, but do you have enough room to use a 2m ramp when you factor in the 1m or so turning space required to access the bottom of the ramp to start your ascent?
For portable ramps providing assisted access a ramp 6-8 times the height (of the steps/kerb) will provide for comfortable access.
Q Are there any regulations that give the gradient to be achieved?
A. There are regulations that give guidelines for permanent ramp gradients which is normally 1:15 ie 15 inches of ramp for every inch of rise. While there are a useful benchmark; this recommended gradient is nearly always totally impractical with a portable ramp.
To apply 1:15 to a portable ramp would be counter to the main benefits of a portable ramp i.e. the ability to lift it , store it and move it within the often limited space available.
A proper risk assessment by a healthcare professional should be sufficient to decide if a portable ramp is suitable and safe in a particular situation, but inability to achieve a particular gradient should not be a bar to using a portable ramp.
For example 1:15 may be the desired permanent ramp gradient, but maybe for a portable/temporary ramp you can only achieve 1:6 because of space restrictions.
Q Can is use a smaller gradient... maybe 1:6?
If the client safe and happy with 1:6; then with care, and an able assistant, a 1:6 gradient or a 9.6 degree angle is safe.
Q What type of ramp should I buy?
A. The better option is always to choose a single width ramp. They are heavier than channel ramps but the user / carer can move up/down them without having to align wheels or feet with 2 channels. It also allows it to be used for more than one purpose. Allowing mobility scooters, wheelchairs, delivery trolleys alike to make use of the ramp
A. It is better to choose the longest ramp possible that suits the space it needs to fit into. Also, your ability to lift /store/move it and within the budget you want to spend eg. a 2m long ramp might give the desired gradient, but do you have enough room to use a 2m ramp when you factor in the 1m or so turning space required to access the bottom of the ramp to start your ascent?
For portable ramps providing assisted access a ramp 6-8 times the height (of the steps/kerb) will provide for comfortable access.
Q Are there any regulations that give the gradient to be achieved?
A. There are regulations that give guidelines for permanent ramp gradients which is normally 1:15 ie 15 inches of ramp for every inch of rise. While there are a useful benchmark; this recommended gradient is nearly always totally impractical with a portable ramp.
To apply 1:15 to a portable ramp would be counter to the main benefits of a portable ramp i.e. the ability to lift it , store it and move it within the often limited space available.
A proper risk assessment by a healthcare professional should be sufficient to decide if a portable ramp is suitable and safe in a particular situation, but inability to achieve a particular gradient should not be a bar to using a portable ramp.
For example 1:15 may be the desired permanent ramp gradient, but maybe for a portable/temporary ramp you can only achieve 1:6 because of space restrictions.
Q Can is use a smaller gradient... maybe 1:6?
If the client safe and happy with 1:6; then with care, and an able assistant, a 1:6 gradient or a 9.6 degree angle is safe.
Q What type of ramp should I buy?
A. The better option is always to choose a single width ramp. They are heavier than channel ramps but the user / carer can move up/down them without having to align wheels or feet with 2 channels. It also allows it to be used for more than one purpose. Allowing mobility scooters, wheelchairs, delivery trolleys alike to make use of the ramp
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