How to choose the right wheelchair ramp for your home

Finding the perfect wheelchair ramp for your home is key to ensuring safe, easy, and comfortable access. With so many options available, it’s important to understand your specific needs and the different types of ramps available.  

This guide will take you through all the essentials, making the decision-making process simple and stress-free. 

1. Assess Your Needs 

Start by identifying what you require from a ramp: 

 

• Who Will Use It? 
  Will you use the ramp independently, or will you have assistance? If you will use it independently, especially with a manual wheelchair, you may benefit from gentler slopes for easier movement. 

• What Type of Mobility Equipment Do You Have? 
  Consider the equipment being used, such as a manual wheelchair, power chair, scooter, or walker. This will influence your ramp’s design and weight capacity requirements. 

2. How Steep Should Your Ramp Be? 

The ramp's gradient (or slope) plays a critical role in its usability and safety. Here are some general guidelines: 

• 1:6 (10°): Suitable for short ramps, like those bridging small thresholds. Use with caution as it may be steep. 

• 1:8 (8°): A practical choice for portable ramps or when assistance is available. 

• 1:12 (5°): The most common recommendation for residential ramps, often required by Building Regulations Document M for installed ramps. 

• 1:15 (4°): Preferred for independent or public access, offering a very gentle slope. 

Space Constraints: If space is limited, steeper gradients might be better, but it's essential to ensure they remain safe and navigable.  

For instance, a 1:8 gradient can be suitable in certain situations, especially when an assistant is helping you.  

Note: For steeper gradients, wheelchairs may need to descend backward. Always assess safety carefully. 

3. How Long Should the Ramp Be? 

To determine the appropriate ramp length: 

• Measure the Height: 
  Measure the vertical distance of the step, threshold, or entry point. Once you have the height, use this handy guide to decide the ramp length: 

 

• Consider Space Constraints: 
  If space is tight, you may need to use platforms to change the ramp’s direction. For longer ramps (over 300cm), options like high-rise ramp kits, the Welcome modular system, or the Swift Ramp System are excellent solutions. 

4. Choose the Right Ramp Type 

Once you’ve calculated the required gradient and length, select the ramp that best suits your needs: 

 

• Portable Ramps: 
  Perfect for temporary or flexible use. For example, the Aerolight-Xtra is lightweight, foldable, and easy to store. 

• Threshold Ramps: 
  Designed for small height differences at doorways, like the Doorline-Threshold wedge. 

• Modular Ramps: 
  These customisable ramps, such as the Welcome Modular Ramp System, are great for permanent or semi-permanent solutions and can be adapted as your needs change. 

• Semi-Permanent Ramps: 
  Relocatable ramps like the Permaramp range offer durable solutions with features such as non-slip surfaces and edge protection. 

 

5. What Type of Ramp Do You Need? 

The type of ramp depends on the specific application. Here's a quick breakdown: 

Ramps for Steps or Stairs: 

• Aerolight-Classic 

• Aerolight-Xtra 

• Ultralight range 

• Welcome modular ramp system 

• Swift Ramp System 

Ramps for Wood/Level Access Doors: 

• Aerolight range 

• Ultralight range 

• Doorline range 

• Permaramp-Original 

• Welcome modular ramp system 

Threshold Ramps for PVC Doors: 

• Ultralight-Combi / Folding ramps 

• Doorline range 

• Permaramp-Adjust 

• Welcome modular ramp system 

• Swift Ramp System 

Vehicle Ramps (for Cars): 

• Aerolight-Lifestyle 

• Aerolight-Broadfold 

• Ultralight range 

6. Enhance Your Ramp with Additional Features 

Make your ramp even safer and more convenient with these options: 

 

• Handrails: Add extra support, especially on longer ramps. 

• Non-Slip Surfaces: Prevent slips, even in wet conditions. 

• Edge Protection: Raised edges help prevent wheelchairs from rolling off the sides. 

 

7. Get in touch for expert help  

Not sure which ramp to choose? The team at Enable Access is here to help. All our ramps are Made in Britain to excellent standards and designed for British doorsteps. With expert advice and tailored solutions, we’ll ensure you find the perfect ramp for your home, giving you safe, reliable access and enhancing your independence. 

 

Heading to Naidex 2025? 

Put our ramps to the test at Naidex this year! 

Enable Access is proud to sponsor the interactive Mobility Test Track at Naidex for the 9th consecutive year. 

Show visitors will be able to ‘try before you buy’ and experience our ramps in action - simulating real-life accessibility challenges so you can see first-hand how our solutions perform. 

• Try our ramps in real-life scenarios 

• Discover why our solutions set the standard for accessibility 

• Chat with our expert team and find the perfect solution for your needs 

Featured Products on the Test Track: 

Metro Portable Folding Ramp – A lightweight, easy-to-use solution for instant access. Discover more 

Welcome Modular Ramp System – A versatile, modular system designed for seamless accessibility. Discover more 

Rollout-Trackway – A flexible pathway solution for safer outdoor access. Discover more 

Visit Enable Access at Stand NDX-F212 to meet our team and experience the next generation of mobility solutions. Plus, something exciting will be revealed at the show, so be sure to visit our stand to see for yourselves!