Ramp Capacity, Length & Load Height

This guide should help you gauge how long a ramp you require, so if you're in any doubt read the details below. If you still have questions after reading, feel free to give us a call. The crucial thing to know is your load height.

Load Height: this is the vertical measurement from the ground to where you rest the ramp onto.

Guide to the maximum load height is shown in the product description/table, please note the minimum Load Height will be 5% below the maximum height stated on the ramp, to calculate  use (maximum load height - 5% = minimum load height).

For vehicle ramps EU guidelines recommend that no ramps with a gradient greater than 30%  or 1:3.3 should be used. Essentially the load height x 3.3, gives you your ramp length. Furthermore no TUV Certified Ramp is designed to exceed this gradient. Going over this gradient is can cause accident, injury or death and may invalidate the warranty.

Please check the wheelbase measurement of the machine you are loading is suitable for the capacity the ramp can take based on the wheelbase measurement advised. To check your wheelbase, look at the vehicle from side view, the distance between the centre of front wheel and rear wheel (rim centre) is your wheelbase. For machines with an unbalanced weight distribution such as, scissors lifts, paving machinery, steel tracked machinery and machines with low ground clearance we would advise you contact us first, so we can check and advise on the most suitable solution.

For loading cars and other vehicles with either a) Low ground clearance b) Front and/or Rear overhang a gentler gradient is recommended (this will vary depending upon the vehicle). Please also note that most forklifts and pallet trucks are not built to be used on slopes. Please check the manual for the gradient information.

Further information can be seen in this blog article here

How wide is a portable wheelchair ramp?

Wheelchair Ramps are provided in various widths, our standard folding wheelchair ramp is 720mm wide. The key is to check the width of your doorway to ensure the ramp will fit in the required door. In addition check the width of the wheelchair or scooter to ensure the wheelchair will fit on the chosen ramp.

How heavy are the portable wheelchair ramps? 

The ramp weight varies depending on the length you require. The lightest solution are channel ramps however, please note the majority of channel ramps are only suitable for manual wheelchairs. Our folding wheelchair ramps start at weights from 4.2kg. Please view the product page to see the full description of the product including the weight and check it is suitable for your requirements. 

Can I rent a wheelchair ramp?

No, we do not rent wheelchair ramps. By selling new ramps only, we are able to offer at least a 1 year warranty. This can only be provided on new ramps as we can ensure they are provided to you in perfect condition.

What is a portable wheelchair ramp?

Portable wheelchair ramps are designed to be used on a temporary basis. They are often folding or telescopic for ease of storage and transport. These ramps can be great for those who wish to travel or use the ramps on a variety of steps/thresholds. Portable wheelchair ramps can be used to overcome steps and doorways at home. The access ramps are also often used by businesses and shops that wish to comply with the Equality Act and provide reasonable adjustments for wheelchair users but who are unable to, or have yet to build a permanent wheelchair ramp. If you require a ramp which is left in situ, please view our outdoor wheelchair ramps.

How long does a wheelchair ramp need to be and what is the maximum slope of a ramp?

We recommend a minimum of a 1:6 gradient for manual wheelchair, 1:8 gradient for electric wheelchairs, walkers and scooters. A 1:12 gradient is recommended for modular ramp systems. Use our ramp calculator to assist in identifying the ramp length you require. 

Do you have wheelchair ramps for narrow doorways? 

For narrow doorways, we would suggest viewing our channel ramps (only suitable for manual wheelchairs) or our 66cm wide RollAble ramp. For heights up to 177mm you can view our rubber ramps as, because they are rubber you can cut them to fit your required door width.

What is the longest portable wheelchair ramp length you provide? 

Our RollAble wheelchair ramps are modular and therefore can be provided in any length. Please do of course consider the weight of the ramp as they can be quite heavy at longer lengths.  

Are portable wheelchairs safe? 

As long as the portable ramps are used within the capacity stated for the ramp, for their recommended purpose (loading wheelchairs) and within the recommended load height they are safe to use. The access ramps also offer safety edges and an anti-slip surface. 

What is a suitcase ramp?

A suitcase ramp is a folding portable wheelchair ramp which folds up as if it were a suitcase to allow the user to easily carry the ramp and use in alternative locations. 

Are wheelchair ramps suitable for manual and electric wheelchairs? 

Our standard folding ramps and our rubber threshold ramps are suitable for manual wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs and scooters. Channel ramps are only suitable for manual wheelchairs. If you are unsure please check the symbols on the product page which state which types of wheelchairs they are suitable for you, alternatively simply ask one of our advisers 

How much does an aluminium ramp cost? 

Our aluminium wheelchair ramps come in a variety of ranges, some of which are cheaper than others. You can view our economy range here for some of the cheaper options.

I am unsure what ramp would work for my doorway, do you provide site visits? 

We are an online business so we do not provide site visits however you can email over pictures of the area and measurements and our team will be able to provide recommendations. You can also send the details to us via our chat function or WhatsApp. We do also offer a 60-day return period (with the exception of built-to-order items) if the ramp is not suitable you can return it to us. 

Do I qualify for VAT exemption? 

As wheelchair ramps are mobility aids they can qualify for VAT relief if you are an individual with a disability. Please view our blog to learn about reclaiming VAT on disabled access ramps. 

Can folding wheelchair ramps be left outside? 

Our folding wheelchair ramps are not designed to be left outside. If you wish to leave the ramp outside we suggest viewing our outdoor wheelchair ramps. 

What regulations are there around portable wheelchair ramps? 

At present there a limited regulations around portable wheelchair ramps as the regulations for wheelchair ramps focus more on permanent fixed wheelchair ramps. In terms of portable wheelchair ramps, we suggest referring to the Equality Act which requires reasonable adjustments to be made to provide those with disabilities access. 

What are the wheelchair ramps made from? 

Our folding and telescopic wheelchair ramps are mainly produced from aluminium. We also offer a range of rubber threshold ramps which are made from rubber. 

What should I do if I do not have space for the required ramp length?

In some instances you may not have space for the recommended ramp length, for example if there is a wall or road in front of the property. We strongly advise against purchasing a shorter ramp then recommended as it would be unsafe for the user. Instead, in these instances you may wish to look at having two ramps and a platform to create an 'L' shaped design, allowing the user to take a left or right turn. Alternative solutions would be a lift solution, please note we do note provide lifts. 

We understand that in some instances, customers will need to return an item due to a change in circumstances, incorrect sizing or simply changing their mind. Here at The Ramp People we offer a 60 day money back guarantee on all purchases; however, there will be circumstances where a return is not possible. So as to remain transparent with our customers, we have detailed our returns policy below to answer any queries you may have about the process.

Here are the most common circumstances for returns and how we can help;

Change of mind, wrong size or unsuitable item

Sometimes an item is not what you imagined, it doesn’t fit or you just don’t need it any more. In these circumstances, we are happy to offer an exchange or a full refund, no quibble of course, if the item is returned in its original condition, including original packaging, and within 60 days from date of receipt. Please note, items which are advertised as 'built to order', or customised items are non-returnable and non-refundable.

Please take care when returning an order to us as all customers are in charge of the item’s return and covering the cost. We recommend you use a tracked, insured returns method so as to ensure a secure transit.

For an exchanged item, please make a note on the returns form that you wish to exchange the product or call us on +353 1 695 0520. We can deliver new items within our standard delivery policy. Unwanted items should be sent back to our address marked 'Returns Department'.

Item incorrect or damaged on arrival

Upon delivery, please do not sign for the goods unless you are happy with the condition of the product.

We pride ourselves on our excellent customer care and service delivery, however, if an unfortunate incident occurs where you believe you have been sent the wrong item please call us immediately on #353 1 695 0520.

For damaged items, please supply proof of damage with a photo and email it across to our customer support team at hello@theramppeople.co.uk. For any incorrect deliveries, we will always check the part numbers on your order due to using different names for marketing and warehouse storage – we can then arrange for the correct item to be delivered whilst the unwanted item is collected and brought back to us.

A refund or replacement can only be processed once we have received all unwanted items and confirmed any damage.

Faulty items

In the unlikely event of an item becoming faulty, please view our guarantee policies in our terms and conditions.

If your item is within our warranty, we will be able to collect it to either repair or replace, however this can only be done once we have confirmed the fault. If you urgently need the item returned, we advise placing a new order and await the refund for the faulty item.

Items that cannot be cancelled or returned

Under Consumer Contract Regulations, customers have the right to cancel any order for any item bought through The Ramp People on this website including a full refund. Unfortunately, these regulations do not apply to the following circumstances;

• Items that are collected from our premises.
• Items with a product description stating: "Built to order or customised."
• Products that are personalised or made to a customer specification.
• Sealed goods that come with health protection or hygiene regulations that have been un-sealed after delivery.
• Returning any products that present a hygiene risk after being used by the recipient.

What happens next?

Should you need to return any item this must be sent back to our UK warehouse: The Ramp People, Unit 5 Quantum Business Park, Beacon Hill Road, Church Crookham, Fleet GU52 8EA. Our returns details can be viewed here. 

We want you to receive your goods on a timely basis and in pristine condition. Please help us accomplish this by checking the delivery address carefully as noted on the invoice and notifying us immediately if there is an error. Upon delivery, please do not sign for the goods unless you are happy with the condition of the product.

Customers are responsible for any returned goods until they reach our warehouse as stated in this returns policy. None of these terms or conditions affect your statutory legal rights.

Once the item is returned back to our warehouse, please allow 1-2 working days for the items to be checked. Once the items have been checked and the condition is as agreed, a credit note will be emailed across to you. Please note, once the credit note has been provided refunds take up to 7 days.

The Ramp People work in line with Consumer Contract Regulations to ensure your consumer rights are looked after.