If you’re installing a wheelchair ramp on your personal or business property, it can be difficult to find enough space to accommodate a long ramp with a gentle slope. You might think that installing a steep ramp would be better than installing no ramp at all. However, a ramp that’s too steep can be incredibly dangerous for wheelchair users. It increases the risk of an accident, and can be just as inaccessible as stairs in some cases. Understanding these risks and what the right slope is for a wheelchair ramp is essential to ensure your ramp is safe and accessible—and, in the case of business properties, compliant with ADA standards.
Increased Risk of Falls and Injuries
A ramp that is too steep requires a lot more effort to ascend. Manual wheelchair users might struggle to push themselves up the steep incline, which can even lead to them rolling backwards if they lose momentum. Even with the help of someone pushing the wheelchair, the pusher is equally likely to tire and even lose their footing on a steep ramp. For those using power wheelchairs, a steep ramp can put extra strain on the motor, increasing the likelihood of the motor failing.
Descending a steep ramp has even bigger risks. The increased momentum can make it difficult for wheelchair users to control their speed, leading to loss of control and potential accidents. Caregivers assisting those in wheelchairs can also struggle to control the momentum, and both parties can be injured in a fall.
Compliance with ADA Guidelines
If this ramp is being installed on a public or business property, the ADA guidelines likely apply to your building. The ADA, or Americans with Disabilities Act, has set guidelines for wheelchair ramps to ensure they are safe and accessible. According to the ADA, the maximum slope for a wheelchair ramp should be 1:12. This means that for every inch of rise, there should be at least 12 inches, or 1 foot, of ramp length.
So, if your doorway is 30 inches above the ground, the ramp should be at least 30 feet long to meet these ADA standards. This gradual incline allows wheelchair users to navigate the ramp safely, and without excessive strain.
While ADA standards don’t apply to private property, a slope of 1:12 is still ideal. If that’s not possible, you should aim for a minimum of 8 inches of ramp length for every inch of rise, or a 1:8 ratio. However, even this can be difficult to navigate for individuals using a manual wheelchair without assistance.
Getting the Right Ramp
A properly designed wheelchair ramp is essential for accessibility and safety. Steep ramps are dangerous, and by ensuring a safe slope, those with mobility challenges can access your property with confidence and independence. So if you’re looking at wheelchair ramps for sale, make sure to select the proper length of ramp for your entryway height.
