Requirements For Wheelchair Ramp Slopes

There are many aspects to consider when choosing a wheelchair ramp, but perhaps the most vital consideration of all is the wheelchair ramp slope. Why do we call it a vital aspect? Well, if the slope of your wheelchair ramp is too steep, you will not be able to use it efficiently and it can also pose a great danger. And if the  ramp slope is too gradually inclined, the length of the wheelchair ramp will increase tremendously, thus requiring you to travel a longer distance on the ramp. This means that you will have to expend that much more energy for using the wheelchair ramp; and the main purpose of the ramp - conserving energy while overcoming obstacles, will be lost.

Wheelchair Ramp Slope Guidelines

• The slope of your wheelchair ramp should ideally not be steeper than 1:12 ratio. This indicates that for every inch of rise of the wheelchair ramp, its length needs to be at least 1 foot. For instance, if the doorway to your home is 2 feet above ground level and you need to build a wheelchair ramp till your door; then the ramp should be at least 24 feet in length (24 inches rise = 24 feet length). By following this guideline, you can ensure that the wheelchair ramp slope is neither too steep, nor too gradual.
• Although the recommended chair ramp slope is as stated above, if there are space constraints, you can have a steeper slope than 1:12 ratio. A wheel chair ramp slope with 1:10 ratio is considered acceptable for rise up to 6 inches, whereas a slope of 1:8 is acceptable for maximum rise of 3 inches. However, under no circumstances should the ramp slope be steeper than 1:8. If there is no space to accommodate a slope even as steep as 1:8, you should not build a wheelchair ramp in that place. Doing so can be very dangerous.
• If you use a powered wheelchair or an electric scooter, you can do with a wheel chair ramp slope that is steeper than the recommended 1:12 ratio.
• In places where there is a lot of rainfall or snowfall, the wheelchair ramps tend to become very slippery. Thus, it is advisable to have a ramp slope of 1:16 or even 1:20 in such places.

By ensuring that you follow these guidelines for wheelchair ramp slopes, you can increase the safety of your wheelchair ramps.