DIY Builds
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How do you measure a wheelchair ramp?

1. Measure Total vertical rise you need to overcome. Example: If you are trying to bypass a set of stairs, measure from top step straight down to the ground ‍ Available distance without obstruction measuring straight out from the highest point ‍ Usable width of the surrounding area.

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Every location is different with uniquely configured entrances, but all have one thing in common: the entrance needs to be easily accessed. In some cases, a ramp needs to be installed to overcome a series of steps that lead up to an entrance. In other cases, a ramp needs to be installed up to a loading dock to offer ease of loading and unloading in and out of the building. No matter the application or specifications for your location, there are a few simple steps that you’ll want to follow to determine the proper size of ramp that you’ll need:

1. Measure

Total vertical rise you need to overcome

Example: If you are trying to bypass a set of stairs, measure from top step straight down to the ground ‍ you need to overcome Example: If you are trying to bypass a set of stairs, measure from top step straight down to the ground Available distance without obstruction measuring straight out from the highest point ‍ without obstruction measuring straight out from the highest point Usable width of the surrounding area Example: The width of the entrance or doorway where the ramp will start

2. Research

In a couple of sentences below, we will talk about ADA recommendations, but it’s important to research your local building and accessibility codes. Local codes differ by state, region, and even city. For commercial occupied use, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recommends a 1:12 slope. This means that every 1” of the vertical rise needs at least 1’ (12”) of ramp length. This equates to 5 degrees of incline. For more ADA guidelines, click the link above.

3. Calculate

This sounds tricky, but it’s actually the easy part.

View the Incline Calculator

4. Verify

Make sure you have enough space for the ramp length required. Compare the available distance you measured in step one with the run length value provided in the incline calculator results. You will also want to ensure there’s enough space for the width of the ramp and any platforms that will be incorporated into the system. Determine the ramp width you will need, along with the platform size based on the available space you measured for in step one. If you would like to talk to someone about measuring for ramp size, or have any questions about installing a commercial ramp, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Customer Service team!

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Do they make portable wheelchair ramps?

EZ-ACCESS portable ramps include a variety of foldable ramps in our SUITCASE® line and solid surface, one-piece ramps in our GATEWAY® 3G line. Each ramp is made of durable aluminum and features a slip-resistant surface that you'll be able to use safely in all weather conditions.

Portable Ramp Solutions

Improve Accessibility with a Ramp You Can Take Wherever You Go

Durable DESIGN That WILL LAST A LIFETIME

EZ-ACCESS portable ramps include a variety of foldable ramps in our SUITCASE® line and solid surface, one-piece ramps in our GATEWAY® 3G line. Each ramp is made of durable aluminum and features a slip-resistant surface that you’ll be able to use safely in all weather conditions. Our portable ramps also include self-adjusting ground transition plates to ensure mobility devices have an easy transition from ramp to ground. You’ll find SUITCASE ramps available in lengths ranging from 2 to 10 feet so that you can select the right ramp for your exact needs and GATEWAY 3G ramps available in lengths up to 10 feet to accommodate multiple steps and those higher curbs and raised entryways.

Quick Setup and Easy Transport

Portable ramps need to be easy to move from place to place, quick to set up when you need them, and easy to remove when it’s time to leave. All of our portable ramps meet this criterion but, for ultimate transportability, we recommended any one of our three styles of SUITCASE ramps. These are lightweight and can be easily stowed in a vehicle for their next use thanks to their folding design. GATEWAY 3G ramps however, are most ideal for at home use when repositioning is occasional rather than frequent.

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