Addressing Common Concerns About Buying a Wheelchair Ramp for Your Home

As the American population ages and more people use mobility aids, wheelchair ramps are becoming an increasingly popular addition to homes. Ramps can make a home more welcoming and accessible, but many homeowners still have questions about how they look, how much they cost, how they will affect the home, and whether they are safe and durable enough for everyday use.

Fortunately, today's wheelchair ramps come in a wide range of styles, materials, lengths, and configurations. Some are designed for temporary use and can be moved from one location to another, while others are intended for longer-term or semi-permanent access. Understanding the different options can make it easier to find a ramp that works with both your home and your mobility needs.

We've pulled together answers to some common concerns that we hear on a regular basis. From cost and appearance to safety, durability, and choosing the right size, read on for more insight into why a wheelchair ramp might be what your home's been missing.

Concern: Wheelchair Ramps Are Expensive and Permanent

For starters, you can think of a wheelchair ramp as an investment in accessibility and independence. A properly selected ramp can make it easier to enter and leave the home while reducing the need to navigate stairs or other obstacles. It can also make it easier to transport wheelchairs, power chairs, mobility scooters, and other equipment in and out of the home.

Furthermore, there are more options on the market than ever before. Gone are the days when your only choice was a completely permanent structure that required extensive construction. Today's portable wheelchair ramps include folding, telescoping, and roll-up designs that can be transported, stored, and repositioned as needed.

For example, a Roll-A-Ramp aluminum roll-up wheelchair ramp, pictured above, can be rolled up for more compact storage and transportation. Portable ramps can be especially useful for homeowners who need flexibility or who do not want to commit to a permanent ramp installation.

For smaller obstacles, a threshold rampmay provide an even simpler solution. Threshold ramps are designed to bridge smaller rises at doorways, sliding doors, and other entry points without requiring a long ramp system.

If you're not sure whether a portable, threshold, or more permanent solution is right for your home, our guide to choosing the correct wheelchair rampcan help you compare the factors that go into selecting a ramp.

Concern: I Don't Know What Size Wheelchair Ramp I Need

One of the most important considerations when purchasing a wheelchair ramp is choosing the correct length. A ramp that is too short for the rise can create a steeper incline than intended, while choosing a ramp that is unnecessarily long may make installation and storage more difficult.

Start by measuring the vertical rise from the ground or lower surface to the top of the step, threshold, or landing. You'll also want to consider how much horizontal space is available in front of the entrance. These measurements can help narrow down which ramp lengths will work for your home.

Concern: Wheelchair Ramps Will Affect My Home's Resale Value

Many people are concerned that accessibility modifications could negatively affect their home's resale value. After all, what if the next people who live in the home have no need for the ramp? Will they be less likely to place a bid on the house if they know they are going to have to remove it?

The answer can depend on the type of ramp and how it is installed. One advantage of portable and modular ramps is that they can generally be removed or reconfigured as accessibility needs change. This can make them a practical option for homeowners who want to improve access without committing to a major permanent renovation.

Appearance can also play a role. Aluminum ramps are available in relatively streamlined designs that can blend into many residential settings. A ramp does not necessarily have to make a home feel institutional or out of place.

In fact, accessibility can be a useful feature for homeowners who plan to remain in their homes as they age. Adding accessibility features before they become urgently needed can make it easier to continue using the same entrances and living spaces as mobility needs change.

For more ideas, see our guide on how to modify your home for aging in place.

Concern: Ramps Are Not Safe

If you're concerned about the safety of wheelchair ramps, it's important to look at the features of the specific ramp you're considering rather than assuming all ramps provide the same experience. Ramp safety depends on selecting the appropriate length, weight capacity, surface, width, and configuration for the intended user.

A properly sized ramp can provide an alternative to navigating steps, which can be particularly difficult when surfaces are wet, icy, or otherwise slippery. A ramp can also make it easier for caregivers to assist someone entering or leaving the home.

Many ramps include traction features designed to provide additional grip. Depending on the model, this may include a grit-coated surface, perforated aluminum, punch-plate traction, or another textured surface. Some ramps also include side rails or raised edges to help keep mobility devices aligned with the ramp.

You can learn more about these features in our article on wheelchair ramp safety features worth the investment.

It is also important to follow the manufacturer's installation and usage instructions. A portable ramp should be positioned securely on a stable surface, and the ramp's weight capacity should be sufficient for the combined weight of the mobility device and user.

For additional information about ramp slope and accessibility standards, see our guide to ADA specifications for wheelchair ramps.

Concern: I Need a Ramp With Handrails

Not every wheelchair ramp requires handrails, but they can be an important feature for some users. Handrails may provide additional stability for people who walk with mobility limitations and can also provide something to hold onto when entering or leaving the home.

If handrails are an important consideration for your household, look for a ramp system specifically designed with them rather than attempting to add incompatible rails to a portable ramp. Discount Ramps offers wheelchair ramps with handrailsfor users who want additional support along the ramp.

The right configuration will depend on who uses the ramp and how it will be used. Someone who walks up the ramp may have different needs than someone using a power wheelchair or mobility scooter.

Concern: Ramps Don't Last

This myth of low durability is another concern that can be addressed by looking at the materials and construction of the ramp. Because wheelchair ramps are frequently used outdoors, exposure to rain, snow, sunlight, and changing temperatures should be considered when choosing a product.

Aluminum is a popular ramp material because it provides a combination of strength and relatively low weight. Many aluminum ramps are also designed with textured or perforated surfaces to provide traction while allowing water to drain through the ramp.

Other materials can make sense for specific applications as well. For example, rubber threshold ramps can be useful for smaller rises and are available in designs intended for indoor or outdoor use. Our threshold ramp selectionincludes aluminum, rubber, and foam options for different doorway configurations.

Choosing a ramp that is appropriate for the location and intended use can help you get the most from your investment. A ramp designed for a small doorway threshold, for example, will have different requirements than a longer portable ramp used to overcome several steps.

Concern: I Don't Want a Ramp That Is Difficult to Move or Store

Portability is another important consideration for homeowners who may only need a ramp at certain times or who want the flexibility to move the ramp between entrances. A long, heavy ramp can be difficult to transport, so folding and roll-up designs can be useful when storage space is limited.

Multi-fold ramps can fold into a more compact size for transportation, while telescoping ramps can collapse to reduce their stored length. Roll-up ramps offer another option for homeowners who want to store a longer ramp in a relatively compact form.

Discount Ramps offers a broad selection of portable wheelchair ramps in different lengths and configurations.

If you're deciding between a full-width ramp and a track-style ramp,our article on full-width portable wheelchair ramps vs. track ramps explains the differences between these two common portable ramp styles.

Concern: I Don't Know Which Type of Ramp Is Right for My Home

There is no single wheelchair ramp that works for every home. The best choice depends on the height of the obstacle, the available space, the mobility device being used, and whether the ramp needs to remain in place or be moved regularly.

For a small doorway threshold, a compact threshold ramp may be all you need. For stairs or larger rises, a portable ramp may provide the length and flexibility necessary to create an accessible route. Homeowners who need a more permanent configuration can also consider a modular ramp system.

When choosing between options, consider these questions:

• How high is the step, threshold, or landing?
• How much space is available for the ramp?
• What type of mobility device will use the ramp?
• What is the combined weight of the user and mobility device?
• Will the ramp remain in one location or need to be transported?
• Would features such as handrails, side rails, or a high-traction surface be beneficial?

Answering these questions before shopping can help narrow down your choices and prevent you from purchasing a ramp that is too short, too narrow, too heavy, or otherwise unsuitable for your home.

Wheelchair Ramps Can Make Your Home More Accessible

Wheelchair ramps are more versatile than many homeowners realize. Portable, threshold, and modular options make it possible to improve accessibility without automatically committing to a large permanent construction project. With the right ramp, entering and leaving the home can become easier for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users, caregivers, and people who have difficulty navigating steps.

The most important thing is to choose a ramp based on the actual needs of your home and the person using it. Measure the rise, consider the available space, check the ramp's weight capacity, and think about features such as traction, handrails, portability, and storage.

If you're ready to start shopping, browse our selection of wheelchair ramps to compare portable, modular, and other accessibility solutions. You can also use our wheelchair ramp calculator to get a starting point for determining the ramp length you need.