Roll Mobility Blog
Wheelchair Van Ramp Buying Guide
A mounted van ramp makes it easy to load and unload a wheelchair or scooter.
Looking for a wheelchair ramp for your vehicle? A van ramp is an easy way to make your vehicle accessible to wheelchairs, scooters, and power chairs. Here are a few tips on how to choose a wheelchair van ramp.
Portable or Installed
Van ramps are either portable or semi-permanently installed. A portable utility van ramp allows you to use the ramp only when you need it or transfer the ramp from one vehicle to another. If you will be using your van ramp on a regular basis, we recommend a semi-permanently installed ramp. The ramp mounts to the floor of the van inside the doorway. Some mounted van ramps include a spring assist for easy operation by one person.
Rear or Side Door Van Ramp
You can choose from either a rear door van ramp or a side door ramp. When parking, you’ll need to make sure you have enough room to the side or rear of the van to unfold the ramp. The ramp should not stick out into a traffic lane or parking lot row.
A side door ramp mounts inside the sliding door and folds in half to leave the doorway partly accessible for other passengers. A rear van ramp stores vertically inside the doorway and allows you to push the wheelchair into the back of the van. Keep in mind that a rear van ramp will take up most of your rear storage space.
Ramp Length
The longer the van ramp is, the easier it will be to push or drive the wheelchair up the ramp. Just keep in mind that the longer the ramp is, the more room you will need around your van to unfold the ramp. The ADA recommends a slope no greater than 9.5 degrees for an occupied wheelchair or scooter and a slope no greater than 14.5 degrees for unoccupied chairs.
Wheelchair Ramp Length
The wheelchair ramp should be long enough to form a safe slope.
How long should a wheelchair ramp be? Shorter ramps might be cheaper and easier to handle, but don’t skimp on length. If a wheelchair ramp is too short, you’ll have a difficult time pushing a wheelchair up the ramp (which can be dangerous) because of the steeper incline. Steep ramps can also be dangerous if there is snow, ice, or water on the ramp.
The ramp must be long enough to clear all of the stairs in the distance from the top of the landing to the bottom.
Do you have enough room at the bottom of the ramp to turn the wheelchair? If the end of the ramp is too close to a wall, fence, railing, or other obstacle, you could run into the obstacle or have a difficult time turning to avoid it. There should also be sufficient room at the top of the ramp to maneuver the wheelchair.
While longer wheelchair ramps are easier to navigate, they can also create difficulties when it comes to parking and clearance. The longer the ramp, the more room you need to set it up. Parking can be tricky, especially since you don’t want the ramp to extend into an area where other vehicles will be driving.
To find the correct wheelchair ramp length, measure the vertical rise from the bottom of the landing to the top. Then use the recommended incline for your wheelchair to find the proper ramp length using the incline chart below.
Wheelchair Ramp Incline Chart
Choosing a Threshold Ramp
A rubber threshold ramp offers a professional look to complement your home or office design.
Instead of bumping your wheelchair over a tall threshold, why not make it a smooth transition with a threshold ramp? Rubber and aluminum threshold ramps are easy to install and can be used in a variety of doorways, both at home and for office or commercial settings.
There are two basic types of wheelchair threshold ramps that are widely available: aluminum and rubber. Aluminum ramps provide the most affordable option, while rubber ramps are made with recycled rubber for an eco-friendly choice.
Aluminum Ramps
Aluminum threshold ramps are durable and lightweight. They are coated with an anti-slip, high traction surface that keeps your wheels from slipping when the ramp is wet. Self-supporting aluminum ramps line up directly against the door threshold—no installation needed. They are designed for doorways that swing out. Other aluminum ramps can be installed easily, using the holes punched in the top corners.
Rubber Ramps
Rubber threshold ramps are available in different colors to complement your home or office. Foot traffic on the rubber is quiet and solid, and there are no load weight limitations. Simple cutting tools allow you to field fit the ramp for inset doorways and various obstacles near the door. As a bonus, PVI rubber ramps are made with 100% recycled rubber for earth-friendly construction. Rubber ramps can accommodate up to a 2-inch rise, while aluminum ramps can be used for up to a 4-inch rise.
How to Set Up a PVI Folding Ramp
Since, setting up a folding ramp takes only a few minutes, portable folding ramps can be used either as semi-permanent or temporary ramps. The following instructions from PVI Industries will help you learn how to set up a multi-fold ramp.
1. Position the portable ramp about a ramp’s length away from the step, van, or platform where you want to set up the ramp. Stand the ramp up on its end with the open ends down and the handle side facing you. Reach down and lift the first half of the ramp toward the step or landing area, and set it down on top of the landing. Make sure the hook is pressed firmly against the step.
Step 1
2. Open the top half of the ramp.
Step 2
3. Unfold the top half of the ramp towards you and make sure that the ramp hooks are pressed firmly against the landing area.
Step 3
Rubber Threshold Ramp Installation
Rubber threshold ramps can be cut to fit almost any doorway.
A rubber threshold ramp provides a smooth transition through doorways and over raised thresholds. This makes it a lot easier for wheelchair and scooter access.
Measuring for a Threshold Ramp
To find the right size threshold ramp for your doorway, measure the height of the threshold. The higher the threshold, the longer the ramp needs to be. Choose a ramp that is the closest in height to your threshold. If the ramp is too high, it could interfere with opening and closing the door. If the ramp is too low, the transition will not be as smooth.
Depending on the setup of your doorway or raised threshold, you may need a ramp on both sides. Measure the threshold height on each side of the doorway, since the height on each side might be different.
If the ramp is for an entrance with double doors, you will need either purchase a wider ramp, install a shorter ramp for access through only one of the doors, or place two ramps side by side.
Installing a Rubber Threshold Ramp
One of the benefits of a rubber threshold ramp is that you can cut it to fit almost any doorway configuration. Simple cutting tools allow you to cut notches out of the ramp for a tight, secure fit.
Before cutting the ramp to fit, we recommend using a piece of cardboard as a template. If you mess up on the cardboard, you can always start over. Cut the cardboard to fit, and then use the cardboard template to mark where you need to cut the ramp.
Installation is quick and easy, with no fasteners required. The weight and non-slip rubber of the ramp keep it in place.
How to Set Up a Portable Wheelchair Ramp
Make sure the wheelchair ramp is stable before use.
A portable wheelchair ramp provides access to landings for wheelchair users. Ramps are available in a variety of styles and lengths depending on your needs. The following instructions will help you set up your ramp for use.
Portable Wheelchair Ramp Setup Instructions
Joining the Ramp Halves
To join the two halves of a multifold ramp, lock the two halves of the ramp together by aligning the hinges and rotating the cam pin to the locked position. You can either join the two halves before setting up the ramp or you can set up one half of the ramp and then attach the second half of the ramp by aligning the hinges and locking the cam pin.
Setting Up the Ramp
- Position the wheelchair ramp about a ramp’s length away from the steps or landing.
- Stand up the ramp on its end, with the open ends on the ground.
- Unfasten the Velcro straps located near the bottom of the ramp.
- Make sure the handle is lined up with the center of where you want the ramp to be.
- Bend down and grab the bottom half of the ramp. Unfold the ramp and stretch it out towards the step or landing area.
- Set the lip of the ramp down on the landing. The top lip should rest securely on the landing, with the ramp pressed firmly against the step. Make sure the landing is substantial enough to hold the ramp securely.
- Make sure the Velcro straps are located on the underside of the ramp to avoid a tripping hazard.
- Unfold the top half of the ramp.
- Then unfold the ramp lengthwise. Make sure the ramp is pressed firmly against the step to prevent the ramp from slipping off the landing during use. The ramp should be centered on the landing.
Securing and Testing the Ramp
- Whenever possible, anchor the top of the ramp to the landing surface with the steel security pins provided.
- Test the ramp to make sure it is stable before allowing an occupied wheelchair on the ramp.
- Use the built-in level to check the slope. The ADA recommends a maximum 2:12 slope for portable wheelchair ramp use. For loading unoccupied equipment, a 3:12 slope is acceptable.
Removing the Ramp
To remove the ramp, reverse the setup process. For easier carrying, separate the two halves of the ramp.
What Is the Best Wheelchair Ramp Material?
A portable aluminum ramp is lightweight, cost-effective, and portable.
Which type of material you should use for a wheelchair ramp depends on a number of different factors, including cost, maintenance, safety, durability, and portability.
Cost
Wood is one of the cheapest sources if the labor is donated. The cost of labor to build a wooden wheelchair ramp makes it one of the most costly sources in the long run. Steel is the lowest cost material available, although it is less popular because of its weight and its tendency to rust. Concrete is one of the most expensive materials, while aluminum is in the low to medium range as far as cost.
Maintenance
Wood ramps require the most upkeep to maintain their appearance and safety. Steel requires occasional care to prevent rusting. Concrete and aluminum ramps are practically maintenance-free, which makes them a better option for long-term ramp use.
Safety
An anti-slip, high traction surface coating reduces the risk of slipping on any ramp surface; however, snow and ice accumulation can make the surface dangerous. Drainage holes in a steel or aluminum ramp help to prevent this problem. Another safety concern is the tendency of wood material to rot over time. Without proper maintenance, a wood ramp can rot, warp, or split.
Durability
Steel and concrete wheelchair ramps last the longest. Aluminum ramps are durable, but the raised traction grooves wear down over time. Wood ramps deteriorate the fastest, due to rotting.
Portability
Aluminum wheelchair ramps are the most portable ramps available. They are lightweight and easy to carry. Portable steel ramps are available, but they are heavier and bulkier than aluminum. Wood and concrete ramps are permanent and not portable.
Wheelchair Ramp FAQs
An extended hook and steel security pins hold the portable van ramp in place.
What keeps the ramp from slipping off the landing?
The lip of the ramp is designed to rest firmly on the step or landing. The weight of the ramp and the weight of the wheelchair or scooter will hold the ramp in place. Steel security pins are included with PVI wheelchair ramps to anchor the ramp even more securely. Van ramps are available as portable ramps or mounted van ramps.
What happens if the ramp is too steep?
Manual wheelchairs will become too difficult to push if the ramp is too steep. Electric wheelchairs and scooters will either bottom out or stall on a steep ramp. If the chair bottoms out, the bottom plate or footrest will get stuck on the ramp and disable the drive wheels. If the chair stalls, the wheels will keep spinning but the chair will not have enough power to climb the ramp.
How do I install a van ramp if the threshold is higher than the van floor?
A conversion kit is required if the rear door threshold is higher than the van floor. You can purchase a conversion kit from a wheelchair ramp manufacturer. This kit lets you properly mount the ramp inside the rear door opening without interfering with the threshold trim. If you prefer a do-it-yourself option, you might also be able to raise the floor using a wooden pallet or platform secured to the van floor.
What about bumper cutouts?
If your vehicle has a cutout in the bumper that is larger than 30 inches wide (for example, a Cadillac Escalade), you will need to lay a piece of plywood (2×4) across the bumper to bridge the cutout and provide a solid platform for the wheelchair ramp.
Will a portable van ramp scratch my bumper?
PVI utility ramps are designed with an extended lip to clear the rear bumper; however, even with this extended lip, the ramp may still come in contact the bumper on some vehicles. If this happens, we recommend laying a rug or strip of carpet over the bumper before installing the portable ramp to prevent the paint on your bumper from getting scratched.
How to Push a Wheelchair Up and Down Ramps and Curbs
Push the wheelchair forward to go up the ramp. Pull it backwards to go down.
Learning how to safely push a wheelchair up and down ramps, curbs, landings, and other changes in elevation is important for the safety of the person sitting in the wheelchair and for the safety of the caregiver. Here are a few tips on how to navigate ramps and curbs.
Pushing a Wheelchair on a Ramp
When going up a ramp, push the wheelchair front-first. When going down a ramp, guide the wheelchair backwards down the ramp, keeping your body between the wheelchair and the bottom of the ramp.
As you are rolling the wheelchair down the ramp, face your body in the direction of the wheelchair and walk backwards while looking behind you in the direction you are moving. Keep a firm grip on the wheelchair at all times to keep it from rolling down the incline.
Navigating Curbs
When going up or down a curb, line up the wheelchair so that it is in a straight line with the curb. Both wheels should contact the curb at the same time. The wheelchair could tip or roll if only one wheel hits the curb first.
To go up a curb, face the front of the wheelchair to the curb and tilt the wheelchair back just enough to allow the front casters to clear the curb. Push the wheelchair forward and set the casters down on the curb. Then push the rear wheels up and over the curb.
To go down a curb, turn the wheelchair around so that the rear wheels are facing the curb. Gently lower the rear wheels down the curb, followed by the front casters.
Portable Wheelchair Ramp FAQs
A 2:12 slope ratio is the maximum ramp incline recommended for occupied wheelchairs.
Portable wheelchair ramps make it possible to access areas that are otherwise off limits in a wheelchair. With a portable ramp, you can load a wheelchair into a vehicle or access stairs and landings. The following advice will help you use a portable ramp safely.
Can I use a portable wheelchair ramp to load a person into a vehicle?
Yes, if you follow these guidelines: 1) Never exceed a 2:12 slope ratio for an occupied wheelchair. 2) Always make sure a qualified assistant is present when you use any portable ramp. 3) Make sure there is enough head clearance to safely load the wheelchair and person. 4) Make sure there is enough side-to-side clearance to set up the portable ramp. Most ramps require at least 30 inches of side-to-side clearance.
How do I know if the ramp is on a safe slope?
A yellow safety level is attached to the side of all PVI utility ramps and multifold ramps. Check the level before using the ramp to see if it is on a safe slope. The ADA recommends using the least slope possible. A ramp used to load an occupied wheelchair should be on a slope no greater than 2:12 (2 inches of rise per 12 inches of ramp length).
What keeps the ramp from slipping?
PVI utility ramps, solid ramps, and folding ramps come with steel security pins to hold the ramp in place and keep it from slipping.
How do I determine the ramp length needed?
First, measure the rise in inches from ground level to the top step or landing where the ramp will sit. Then find the maximum ramp incline and ramp length using the chart below. A 1:12 slope equals a 4.8° incline. A 2:12 slope equals a 9.5° incline.
Wheelchair Ramp Length Chart
Our Badge
