Wheelchair Ramps: Plans, Designs and Information

Author: Disabled World (DW)
Updated/Revised Date: 22 Jul 2026

Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - About This Section - FAQs - Publications - Subtopics

Synopsis

Authoritative guide to wheelchair ramp plans, designs, ADA slope rules, and the differences between permanent, semi-permanent, portable, and vehicle ramps.

At a Glance

1 - For loading unoccupied wheelchairs, the ADA recommends a 3:12 slope, requiring at least one foot of ramp per three inches of rise.
2 - Track ramps line up with each wheelchair wheel, and some telescoping versions extend for use on steps, vans, or curbs.
3 - A level landing at the top and bottom should match the ramp width and be at least 60 inches long to fit the entire wheelchair, plus extra room to open a door.

Topic Definition

Wheelchair Ramp: A wheelchair ramp is an inclined plane installed alongside or in place of stairs so that wheelchair users, along with anyone moving strollers, carts, or other wheeled items, can reach a building entrance without climbing steps. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, ramps or comparable access methods such as lifts are required in new public accommodation construction across the United States. They come in permanent, semi-permanent, and portable forms, ranging from bolted-in concrete structures to lightweight folding aluminum units, and each design must balance slope, support, railings, and landing space to stay safe and usable for both manual and powered chairs.

About This Section

Wheelchair Ramps: Plans, Designs, ADA Slope Guidelines, and Accessibility Information

A wheelchair ramp is defined as an inclined plane installed in addition to or instead of stairs. Ramps permit wheelchair users, as well as people pushing strollers, carts, or other wheeled objects, to more easily access a building. Wheelchair ramps (or other ways for wheelchair users to access a building, such as a wheelchair lift) are required in new construction for public accommodations in the United States by the Americans with Disabilities Act. A wheelchair ramp can be permanent, semi-permanent or portable. Permanent ramps are designed to be bolted or otherwise attached in place. Semi-permanent ramps rest on top of the ground or concrete pad and are commonly used for the short term. The wheelchair ramp gives a wheelchair user more accessibility where a vertical distance must be traversed.

Types of Wheelchair Ramps

Semi-permanent ramps - Rest on top of the ground or padding and are commonly used for short-term solutions.
Permanent ramps - Long-term solutions for disability act compliance and are usually bolted or cemented in place. These are best suited for new buildings or halls.
Portable ramps - Made of lightweight materials and can fold for ease of transport. It is important to find a variety that has a skid resistance surface. They are available in various metals and aluminum blends that are easy to maintain and clean. There are quite a variety of portable vehicle wheelchair ramps available. Some are just ramps, while others have handrails. Deluxe versions have handrails on both sides. The old style of track wheelchair ramps is still available. These have one ramp per set of wheels for the wheelchair and are most commonly used with vehicle access.
Vehicle Ramps - Vans equipped with wheelchair ramps are commonly seen at senior centers and schools, where they are used to transporting people with disabilities to and from public events. Many dealers sell vans with these ramps already attached - in fact, it may be easier to purchase a new van rather than modify your old van to accommodate a wheelchair ramp.
Track Wheelchair Ramps - Designed to line up with the wheels of the wheelchair, some of which use a telescoping design that extends to be used on steps, vans, or curbs. For public transportation, the construction of low floor trams and buses is being encouraged by the federal government.
Suitcase portable wheelchair ramps - Standard, single-folding units that fold in half and are carried like a suitcase with handles.

In this particular view, a brick switch-back ramp with black metal railings, has been added to the entrance on an older, traditionally-designed building. The ramp begins not far from where the stairs are positioned, making the accessibility route short, and easy to find. The result makes the access route easier for visitors, demonstrating that some ramps, as well as other stepless-entrance features, can benefit people who are ambulatory, as well as those who use wheelchairs - Creator: CDC/ Richard Duncan, MRP, Sr. Proj. Mngr, North Carolina State University, The Center for Universal Design.

What Angle or Slope Should a Wheelchair Access Ramp Be?

In America, for loading unoccupied wheelchairs, the ADA recommends a 3:12 slope. This means for every three inches of vertical rise, you are required to have at least one foot of ramp. For business use the ADA recommends a 1:12 slope which means that every one inch of vertical rise requires one for the ramp. For example, 24 inches (60.96 cm) of rise demands a 24-foot-ramp minimum. The U.K. has its set of guidelines, which are more complicated because they integrate both the metric and English terms of measurement.

Your state or provincial government is a good place to start if you're looking for more information on how to make your business more accessible. Often your local government can provide tips on which features are the most effective and on how to install them.

Product appraisals and trials involving wheelchair users have highlighted the fact that no single ramp design met all the needs of the users, though wheelchair ramps were available in a diverse range of designs and configurations.

Things to Keep in Mind When Designing an Access Ramp

Some common problems associated with permanent ramps include inclines which are too steep or uneven, improperly supported slopes and landings, lack of railings and side barriers or ramps which attain some height. Difficulties associated to portable ramps include too short a length making the ramp too steep, unevenly placed ramps which can cause instability, improperly anchoring which can cause the portable ramp to slip off its upper surface whether it's a van floor, porch or any other elevated platform.

Construction or placement of a ramp should consider a manual wheelchair user's upper body strength to push up a steeper incline, the stress on the motor of a scooter or power wheelchair of such an incline, and the tipping potential posed by descending a steeper ramp.

There must be a level landing at the top of the ramp and where the ramp meets the ground. The landing can be an existing surface such as a porch or sidewalk, or it can be constructed as part of the ramp. Landings should be at least the same width as the ramp and 60 inches (152.4 cm) long to accommodate the entire wheelchair. If the landing is in front of a doorway, it should also provide enough space for you to open the door.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials are wheelchair ramps commonly made from?

Ramps are typically built from aluminum, wood, concrete, or steel, each with its own trade-offs. Aluminum is lightweight, rust resistant, and popular for portable and semi-permanent ramps, while concrete and steel suit permanent installations that need long-term durability. Wood can blend in with a home but requires more upkeep to stay safe and slip resistant.

Do I need a permit to install a wheelchair ramp at my home?

Requirements vary by location, and many areas require a building permit for permanent ramps, especially those attached to the structure or exceeding a certain height. Portable and freestanding ramps often do not need a permit, but local rules differ. Checking with your city or county building department before installation helps you avoid fines and ensures the ramp meets local codes.

How much does a wheelchair ramp cost?

Costs range from relatively inexpensive portable folding ramps to significant sums for custom permanent concrete or switchback ramps with railings. Pricing depends on the material, length, complexity, and whether professional installation is needed. Getting several quotes and matching the ramp type to your actual rise and usage helps you control the cost.

How do I measure the ramp length I need for my entrance?

Start by measuring the total vertical rise from the ground to the top surface, then apply the recommended slope for your situation to calculate length. For a 1:12 slope, every inch of rise needs a foot of ramp, so a larger rise requires a considerably longer ramp. When in doubt, choose a gentler slope and confirm your measurements before buying or building.

Can portable ramps be used safely in wet or icy conditions?

Portable ramps can be used in poor weather, but a slip-resistant surface is essential, and extra caution is needed when the ramp is wet, snowy, or icy. Keeping the surface clean and clear of debris and ice reduces the risk of slipping. In severe conditions, having a helper present or waiting until the surface is safer is the wiser choice.

How much maintenance does a wheelchair ramp require?

Maintenance depends on the material, but all ramps benefit from regular checks of the surface, fasteners, railings, and supports. Wood ramps may need sealing or resurfacing, metal ramps should be inspected for corrosion and loose bolts, and any ramp should be kept free of debris. Routine upkeep keeps the ramp safe and extends its useful life.

Should a wheelchair ramp have handrails?

Handrails greatly improve safety, especially on longer or steeper ramps, and many accessibility guidelines require them above a certain height or length. They give users something to hold, help prevent falls, and offer support for people who are ambulatory as well. Even where not strictly required, adding railings is a sensible safety measure for most ramps.

Curated and edited by Ian C. Langtree, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Disabled World. This section is maintained by the Disabled World editorial team.

Last updated: 22 Jul 2026