Choosing the Right Disability Ramp: A Complete Guide

At-home mobility

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Mobility and independence go hand in hand and the right disability ramp can make all the difference. Whether you need to enter your home, navigate a small step, or load your wheelchair or mobility scooter into a vehicle, a well-chosen ramp can improve safety, comfort and accessibility.

At Monarch Mobility, we offer a wide range of ramps for disabled access , from compact threshold ramps for doorways to strong, foldable ramps for vehicles and travel.

Here’s everything you need to know before buying a ramp for disabled access, including ramp types, gradients, materials, and safety features.

What to consider before buying a disability ramp

Before selecting your new disability ramp, here are some questions to consider about how and where you’ll use it:

What do you need the ramp for?

Different ramps are designed for different purposes, from wheelchair ramps for homes to mobility scooter ramps for cars, so it’s important to choose the right type for your needs.

Front door or internal doorways: A threshold ramp or front door ramp helps bridge small steps or raised door frames. They come in various lengths and heights.
Vehicles: Disability ramps for cars can provide safe, easy access for loading your wheelchair or mobility scooter.

Where will the ramp be positioned?

Before purchasing a wheelchair ramp or mobility scooter ramp, carefully measure the area where it will be installed.

Consider both the width needed to accommodate your wheelchair or mobility scooter, as well as the length required to achieve the correct gradient for safe use.

Make sure there’s enough clearance at the top and bottom of the ramp, whether it’s for a doorway, threshold, vehicle, or stairs, to ensure smooth, unobstructed access.

Who will put the ramp in place?

Consider who will be positioning and moving the ramp. If you or a carer will need to lift or carry it, a lightweight foldable disabled ramp or portable mobility scooter ramp with built-in carry handles is ideal.

These ramps are easier to manoeuvre, set up, and store, making daily use safer and more convenient. Choosing a ramp with the right balance of portability and strength ensures that it can be moved quickly without compromising safety or stability.

How often will the ramp be used?

Consider how frequently you’ll need to use your ramp, as this will determine the style and material it is made from.

Daily use: If you’ll be using your ramp every day, choose a durable, weather-resistant model made from aluminium or rubber. These materials provide long-term reliability, excellent grip, and are ideal for outdoor or permanent setups.
Occasional use: If you only need a ramp for visitors or temporary access, a foldable disabled ramp is a smart, space-saving solution. Easy to store and quick to set up, these ramps are perfect for when you need accessibility on demand.

Where will the ramp be stored?

Storage is an important factor when choosing your ramp, especially if space is limited. A foldable ramp or a portable ramp can be folded away compactly and stored in a cupboard, hallway, or car boot when not in use.

If your ramp will be staying outdoors, choose a durable aluminium ramp designed to withstand all weather conditions.

What material should your ramp be made of?

The material your mobility ramp is made from plays a big role in how easy it is to use, how long it will last, and where it can be placed.

Aluminium: Strong yet lightweight, aluminium ramps are ideal for everyday use both indoors and outdoors. They’re resistant to rust and weather damage, making them perfect ramps for homes, cars, or permanent setups outside entrances. Aluminium ramps are lightweight so offer excellent portability – perfect if you need to move or store your ramp regularly.
Rubber: A rubber ramp is a discreet and practical choice for smaller steps and raised doorways. Designed to provide a stable, non-slip surface, they’re durable, easy to install, and can blend seamlessly into the home environment while providing safe, smooth access.

What safety features should you look out for on your ramp?

Safety is key when choosing any ramp for disabled access. The right features will give you confidence and stability, whether you’re using your ramp indoors, outdoors, or for vehicle access.

Anti-slip tread: A good ramp should have a textured, non-slip surface to provide traction in all weather conditions — from rain to frost. This ensures safe and steady movement, reducing the risk of slips or skids.
Side rails: For extra peace of mind, side rails or raised edges help prevent wheels from rolling off the sides of the ramp. They’re especially important on longer ramps or where it is positioned at a steeper angle.
Security locks or fixings: To keep your ramp stable during use, look for models with security locks, clips, or ground fixings. These help the ramp stay firmly in place.

Choosing the right size, gradient, and weight of your disability ramp

The right combination of size, gradient, and weight ensures your ramp is easy to use, fits your space, and supports your mobility aid reliably.

Gradient

Getting the right disabled ramp gradient ensures safety and ease of use.

For assisted manual wheelchairs, use a 1:6 gradient — every 1 foot of height requires 6 feet of ramp.
For unassisted wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or powerchairs, use a 1:8 gradient — every 1 foot of rise requires 8 feet of ramp.

Size

There are lots of ramps available in a range of sizes to suit different doorways, thresholds, and vehicles.

Always make sure the ramp is wide enough for your mobility aid yet narrow enough to fit through doorways or entrances.

Check the dimensions carefully before you order to ensure a safe and comfortable fit.

Weight Considerations

Weight is one of the most crucial factors to consider before purchasing a ramp, as it impacts both safety and usability. Always look at these two key weight ratings to make sure your ramp meets your needs:

Load-bearing capacity: This refers to the maximum weight the ramp can safely support — including both you and your wheelchair, powerchair, or mobility scooter. A ramp with a high load capacity will offer greater strength and long-term reliability.
Carrying weight: This is the weight of the ramp itself. If you or a carer will be lifting or transporting it regularly, choose a ramp that is lightweight. Many modern ramps are designed with built-in carry handles or folding mechanisms to make lifting and moving more safe.

Find the perfect disability access ramp with Monarch Mobility

A quality ramp can transform your daily independence, giving you freedom to move safely and confidently.

Whether you need a door ramp for a mobility scooter, a ramp for stairs for a wheelchair, or a folding ramp for the car, Monarch Mobility has the perfect solution.

Threshold Ramps

Ideal for small steps, thresholds, and doorways, threshold ramps make indoor and outdoor transitions smooth and easy.

Bridge Threshold Ramps are perfect for bridging uPVC door thresholds.
Wedge Threshold Ramps provide effortless access over steps and high thresholds.
Rubber Threshold Ramps are a more discreet ramp that are perfect for smaller steps.