How Long Should A Wheelchair Ramp Be?

How Long Should A Wheelchair Ramp Be?

Published on Thursday 22nd September 2022

Amongst several questions to consider when choosing the right ramp, an important one is how long should a wheelchair ramp be? Well, it depends on the threshold height and gradient required.

Amongst several questions to consider when choosing the right ramp, an important one is how long should a wheelchair ramp be? Well, it depends on the threshold height and gradient required.


Suppose the ramp is too short for the threshold height of the entry point. In that case, it can create an unnecessary steep gradient that can be hard for a user with mobility issues to ascend independently. Plus, it can make it difficult for a caregiver to safely push a hospital bed or wheelchair user. 

 

Working out the right ramp length depends on the following...

 

The Height

The total height will inform the maximum gradient that your ramp can reach. 

 

To find the total height, measure the ground level to the bottom of the door. The diagram shows this.

A + B = Total threshold height

 

More information: https://www.rapidramp.co.uk/how-to-obtain-a-free-quotation 

 

Once you have the threshold height, enter this measurement on our ramp calculator and choose from one of three gradients to reveal the required ramp length: https://www.rapidramp.co.uk/ramp-calculator

 

 

The Gradient

The maximum (steepest) gradient you can use is 1:12.

You can use a gradient between 1:12 and 1:20, if the ramp length remains within the permitted lengths.

Please refer to the diagram below for the maximum ramp lengths corresponding to these gradients (see Doc M. Vol 2, Page 19, Table 1 & Diagram 3  / BS8300-1, Page 40).

The Width

A ramp’s width is just as crucial as the gradient.  

For building control to sign off a ramp, it must meet a minimum width.  Ramps for public use (whether to a building or space) must accomplish a minimum width of 1500mm, while for dwelling ramps, the minimum width is 900mm.

Ramp Requirement

We offer both a fully compliant version and a standard version of our modular ramp system.

REQUEST A QUICK PRICE

Estimates can be returned within 24hrs if there is clear information given, including project address, drawings, photos and contact details.

 

 

Step Units

Alongside our modular metal ramps, we also provide our widely used and specified modular steps. Again, compliant and standard versions are available.

 

 


CASE STUDIES

Euston Station

FAST, TEMPORARY ACCESS FOR THE STATION

Application : Public Building
Location : London
System : Fully Compliant Ramp & Step System

Rapid Rental

Royal Cornwall Hospital

A CUSTOM NHS BLUE RAMP WITH A 1:20 GRADIENT

Application : Healthcare
Location : Truro, Cornwall
System : Fully Compliant Modular Ramp

Supply & Install

St Bartholomew’s Hospital

AN EXTERNAL RAMP TO THE GRADE 1 LISTED HOSPITAL

Application : Heritage
Location : London
System : Fully Compliant Ramp & Steps

Supply & Install

University of Sussex

A PORTABLE CABIN & PREFABRICATED RAMP TO SUIT

Application : Education
Location : Brighton, East Sussex
System : Fully Compliant Modular Ramp

Supply & Install

Westminster Hall, Westminster

RENTAL RAMPS FOR THE LYING-IN-STATE OF HER LATE MAJESTY

Application : Heritage
Location : London
System : Fully Compliant Modular Ramp

Rapid Rental

Worthing Integrated Care Centre (WICC)

Application : Healthcare
Location : Worthing, West Sussex
System : Fully Compliant Ramp

Rapid Rental

THE UK’S EXPERTS IN MODULAR RAMP SYSTEMS.

Rapid Ramp

Riverside Works, Church Ln, Etchingham, TN19 7AS

Hours:
8am - 5pm, Monday to Friday