Ramp Buying Guide
Our ramp buying guide will aid you when choosing a ramp or ramp system.
It is important when buying a ramp to consider what type of ramp suits your needs.
Many factors have to be taken into account when choosing and buying a safe and adequate ramp or ramp system.
Ramp Buying Guide
Our ramp buying guide will aid you when choosing a ramp or ramp system.
It is important when buying a ramp to consider what type of ramp suits your needs.
Ramp Buying Guide
Our ramp buying guide can help aid you in your decision to ensure that you are getting the best ramp for your needs.
If you are in the market for a ramp or ramp system, it is essential to consider several important factors before making a purchase.
The weight capacity of the ramp, the incline of the ramp, its length, and the material it is made of are all essential elements to keep in mind while researching. The ramp’s weight capacity must accommodate the weight of whatever needs to pass over it.
The incline must be step enough for the intended use but shallow enough to maintain safety.
The ramp’s length should be sufficient to reach the desired location. The materials of the ramp should be reliable enough to provide durability and longevity.
Permanet or Modular System:
A permanent wheelchair ramp system provides a reliable and convenient access solution for individuals who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices. These ramps are an ideal choice for long-term residential situations or frequent commercial applications where easy and safe access is required.
A permanent ramp is a one-time investment that eliminates the need for costly temporary solutions and makes the property accessible to all individuals without any limitations.
They are designed to comply with local building regulations, ensuring that they are safe and secure.
Permanent ramps are available in a range of materials, including wood, concrete, aluminum, and steel, and can be customised to fit any space. They are low maintenance and designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring they remain functional and aesthetically pleasing for years to come.
Temporary or Portable System:
Temporary ramps are a great solution for providing wheelchair access in situations where a more permanent ramp may not be needed or practical. These types of ramps are designed to be quickly and easily installed and removed as needed, making them an ideal choice for situations where wheelchair access is only needed on a temporary basis.
Door threshold ramps are used to bridge gaps between two uneven surfaces, making it easier for wheelchair users to navigate through doorways. Travel ramps are lightweight and portable, making them perfect for travel and transportation purposes. Ramps for vehicle access can be used to help wheelchair users get in and out of cars, trucks, and other vehicles.
Overall, temporary ramps provide a safe and convenient way for wheelchair users to access areas that may not otherwise be wheelchair accessible. They are also budget-friendly and do not require any major construction or installation, making them an excellent choice for short-term solutions.
Other Considerations
Incline:
- How steep and high is the incline you will be using the ramp on?
- What kind of material do you require for the ramp?
- Our range of access ramps are extremely strong, slip resistant, lightweight and weather resistant.
Weight Specs for Ramps:
It is important when buying a ramp that the ramp is strong enough to support the weight of the wheelchair user and assistant if required.
Storage Space:
- Before you buy a temporary access ramp, detachable or travel ramp it is advisable to check you have adequate storage space.
Choosing the Correct Gradient:
When choosing an access ramp for use with a wheelchair or mobility scooter it is vital to use the recommended gradient in relation to ramp length for adequate safety of the user.
The gradient of the ramp should be as shallow as possible, steep gradients can be unsafe and create difficulties for some wheelchair users who lack the strength to propel themselves up the slope or slow down when descending the slope.
Assisted or unassisted use of access ramps has to be taken into account:
- 1:20 gradient is perfect for unassisted use
- 1:14 and 1:12 gradient we would recommend assisted use
For example a 1:20 ratio multiply the height of step by 20 to give you the minimum length of ramp.
6 inch step x 20 = 120 inches (10ft ramp)
Or
15cm (150 mm) Step x 20 = (300cm – 3m)
- 1:14 – Gradient is recommended for assisted use when access space is restricted.
- 1:12 – Is the maximum recommended gradient for safe assisted ramp use, this gradient should only be used when access space is severely restricted.
- 1:20 – The ideal Gradient for a safe unassisted ramp.
A wheelchair/access ramp will comply with Part M of Building Regulations if it:
- The ramp surface is slip resistant, especially when wet
- The ramp has a surface width of at least 1.5m
- The ramp has a maximum individual flight of 10m or a rise of more than 500mm – 0.5m
- The ramp has an unobstructed (including door swing) landing area at the head and foot of the ramp no less than 1200mm – 1.2m in length.
- Landing spaces (1800mm – 1.8m long) and (1800mm – 1.8m wide) are provided as passing places when the wheelchair user cannot see from one end of the ramp to the other or the ramp system has three flights or more
- All landings should be level, subject to a maximum gradient of 1:60 along their length and a maximum cross fall gradient of 1:40 along their width
- The ramp or landing has a kerb at least 100mm high on open sides that contrasts visually with the ramp or landing
- There is handrails on both sides
- The ramp has a maximum gradient of 1:20 at 10m (500mm high)
- The ramp has a maximum gradient of 1:15 at 5m (333mm high)
- The ramp has a maximum gradient of 1:12 at 2m (166mm high)
