Wheelchair Ramp Standards

A wheelchair ramp is 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.

Ramps must be carefully designed in order to be useful. Many jurisdictions have established standards for wheelchair ramps. For example, they may specify the minimum width of a wheelchair ramp is 36 inches, and the slope must not be steeper than 1 inch of rise for every 12 inches of length. A less steep rise can be easier for a wheelchair user to navigate, as well as safer in icy climates.

Wheelchair ramps come in a number of varieties each intended for a different purpose. There are permanent, semi-permanent and portable. Permanent ramps are designed to be bolted or cemented in place. Semi-permanent ramps rest on top of the ground or cement pad and are commonly used for the short term. Portable wheelchair ramps are lightweight, usually aluminum and typically fold for ease of transport.

If you are building a ramp, remember to take the points below as guidelines.

• The maximum slope of ramps shall be 1" of rise for each 12" of run.


• The maximum rise for any run shall be 30".


• The minimum inside clear width of a ramp will be 36".


• Landings shall be provided at the top and bottom of each run.


• The Landing will be at least as wide as the ramp, and shall be minimum of 60" long.


• Handrails shall be installed on both sides of ramps, between 30 inches and 34 inches above ramp surface.


• Handrails shall have a clear space between the rail and wall of 1-1/2".


• Handrails shall be continuous through the length of the ramp, and shall extend, parallel to the floor, at least 12" beyond the top and bottom of ramp.


• Ends of handrails shall be either rounded or returned smoothly to the wall, floor or post.

Next article: Welding The Wheelchair Ramp

Followed by:

Portable Wheelchair Ramps

How to Build a Wheelchair Ramp: Designs and Plans

Fiberglass Wheelchair Ramp

8 Foot EZ- Access Wheelchair Ramp

How Helpful Is Wheel Chair Ramp 10 Feet Long

Building Plan For A Wheelchair Ramp

Aluminum Wheelchair Ramp - Lighter Option