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Wheelchair Ramp Specifications

Wheelchairs afford people who have lost the use of their legs a form of mobility they might not otherwise have. While they are useful on flat and graded surfaces, they are more of a challenge to use on jagged and abrupt surfaces such as stairs. Wheelchair ramps remedy this condition, and they are mandatory in nearly all public buildings. However, strict building regulations are necessary to ensure that these ramps are safe for use.

  1. Width and Slope

    • A ramp must not be so steep that it is not too difficult for a disabled person to roll up or that the person's chair can accidentally roll back down. The ADA, or the Americans with Disabilities Act, has created certain standards for wheelchair ramps, the first involving slope. According to A1 Wheelchair Ramps Guide, "an ADA wheelchair ramp may have a slope of 1:8 to 1:10 ratio, but not for a rise of more than 3 inches. A wheelchair ramp with a slope less than 1:8 ratio is not permissible under any circumstances." Additionally, the ADA requires that a ramp have a minimum width of 36 inches.

    Landings

    • In order to be in ADA compliance, ramps must join a flat surface, or landing, at the top and bottom of its length. The consequences for a person in a wheelchair in the absence of landings can be extreme. According to NewDisability, "If there is no level landing at the top, it will be nearly impossible for the user to open the door. A landing at the bottom may be important for the user to stop the wheelchair before making a turn so they don't end up in the bushes." Additionally, depending on the length of the ramp, a landing midway through might be necessary to break up a long ascent or descent and provide a place of rest.

    Materials

    • Almost any material can comprise a wheelchair ramp. However, they must provide some amount of traction for a chair's tires. They must be relatively smooth and free from obvious pits and protrusions. In addition, ramps should be made of durable materials designed to bear the load not only of human traffic but of the chairs carrying their human passengers and any baggage or accessories.

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