Frequently Asked Wheelchair Ramp Questions
Short answers to the questions families ask most before installing a ramp in Georgia.
If you're considering adding a wheelchair ramp to your home, you probably have questions about cost, ramp length, materials, installation, safety, and which type of ramp is right for your situation.
Ramp It Now provides residential wheelchair ramp solutions throughout Georgia, including modular aluminum ramps, custom wheelchair ramps, threshold ramps, and portable ramps. Below are answers to some of the questions homeowners and families commonly ask when planning a more accessible entrance.
How do I know what type of wheelchair ramp I need?
The right ramp depends on the height of the entrance, available space, mobility equipment, how frequently the ramp will be used, and whether you need a temporary or long-term solution.
For example, a modular aluminum ramp can be a good choice for an elevated porch or multiple steps. A threshold ramp may be appropriate for a small doorway transition, while a portable ramp can provide greater flexibility for certain temporary or movable applications. More challenging properties may require a custom wheelchair ramp configuration.
Ramp It Now can evaluate your Georgia home and help determine which approach makes sense.
How much does a wheelchair ramp cost?
There isn't a single price for a residential wheelchair ramp because projects vary considerably.
Cost can depend on:
- Ramp type and material
- Required ramp length
- Height of the entrance
- Number of platforms or landings
- Handrails and other components
- Number of turns
- Property layout
- Installation requirements
- Site conditions
A short threshold ramp will naturally cost considerably less than a large modular aluminum system designed to reach an elevated porch.
The best way to establish an accurate budget is to evaluate the entrance and determine the appropriate ramp configuration.
How long does a wheelchair ramp need to be?
Ramp length is primarily affected by the vertical rise and appropriate ramp slope, but those aren't the only considerations.
Available space, landings, changes in direction, door clearance, mobility equipment, and the physical abilities of the person using the ramp can all affect the final design.
The U.S. Access Board's ADA guidance generally establishes a maximum 1:12 running slope for ramps on accessible routes covered by the ADA. That means 12 inches of horizontal run for every inch of vertical rise. The Access Board also recommends using the least possible slope where practical. U.S. Access Board ramp guidance
However, residential homes aren't automatically subject to the same ADA requirements, and local building requirements may apply. The appropriate ramp should therefore be evaluated for the specific property and application.
Does my home wheelchair ramp have to be ADA compliant?
Not necessarily.
The Americans with Disabilities Act primarily applies to places such as businesses, government facilities, public accommodations, and certain other facilities rather than automatically imposing ADA design standards on every private residence.
However, ADA standards can provide useful accessibility guidance, and Georgia and local building requirements may apply to a residential ramp project.
Ramp requirements should be determined based on the specific property and jurisdiction rather than assuming every home must meet commercial ADA requirements.
Do I need a permit to install a wheelchair ramp in Georgia?
Permit requirements can depend on the type of ramp, how it is installed, the property, and the local jurisdiction.
Georgia homeowners should check applicable city or county requirements before installing a permanent or substantial ramp system. There may also be zoning, setback, HOA, or other property-specific considerations.
Ramp It Now can help you understand the installation considerations associated with your project.
What is the best material for an outdoor wheelchair ramp?
Aluminum is an excellent choice for many residential wheelchair ramps because it is durable, doesn't rot, requires relatively little maintenance, and can be incorporated into modular systems.
Wood can also be used for residential ramps, but it generally requires more ongoing maintenance and can be affected by moisture and weather over time.
The best material depends on your home, budget, intended length of use, appearance preferences, and accessibility requirements.
Are aluminum wheelchair ramps slippery when wet?
Quality outdoor aluminum ramp systems are designed with traction in mind, but any walking or rolling surface can become more challenging when exposed to rain, ice, snow, leaves, or debris.
Surface design, drainage, slope, maintenance, and environmental conditions should all be considered when selecting and using an exterior ramp.
Regularly keeping the ramp clear of debris and addressing hazardous weather conditions can help maintain safer access.
How wide should a wheelchair ramp be?
The necessary width depends on the application and mobility equipment being used.
For ADA-covered accessible routes, the standards generally require at least 36 inches of clear width between handrails where handrails are provided. Residential requirements can differ, however. U.S. Access Board guide to ramps and curb ramps
A residential ramp should provide enough usable space for the wheelchair, scooter, or other mobility device and should account for handrails, edge protection, and maneuvering requirements.
Does a wheelchair ramp need handrails?
It depends on the ramp's rise, length, application, and applicable requirements.
For ADA-covered ramps, handrails are generally required on both sides when a ramp run has a rise greater than 6 inches. Residential codes and circumstances may differ. U.S. Access Board ramp handrail requirements
Even when handrails aren't specifically required, they may improve safety and confidence for people who walk on the ramp or need additional support.
Does a wheelchair ramp need a landing?
Landings can be important at the top and bottom of a ramp and where a longer ramp changes direction.
They provide space to stop, maneuver, open a door, or turn a wheelchair or scooter without trying to perform those movements on an incline.
The number, size, and location of landings depend on the ramp configuration and applicable requirements.
Can a wheelchair ramp have turns?
Yes. A wheelchair ramp doesn't have to be one long straight run.
Modular aluminum wheelchair ramps can incorporate platforms that allow the ramp to change direction. This is particularly useful for Georgia homes where the necessary ramp length won't fit directly in front of the entrance.
A custom configuration can potentially run alongside a porch or house and use one or more turns to make better use of the available space.
What if I don't have enough room for a wheelchair ramp?
Limited space doesn't necessarily mean a ramp is impossible.
A custom configuration may use turns and platforms to fit the necessary ramp into the available area. It may also be worth evaluating another entrance.
For example, a garage or side entrance may sometimes provide a lower elevation or more usable space than the front door.
If a practical ramp configuration isn't possible, another type of accessibility equipment may need to be considered.
Can a wheelchair ramp be installed over existing steps?
Depending on the property and ramp system, a ramp may sometimes be configured around or over an existing entrance area without requiring the steps to be completely removed.
The appropriate solution depends on the entrance dimensions, elevation, structural conditions, door operation, available space, and ramp configuration.
An on-site assessment is the best way to determine what will work.
Can I put a wheelchair ramp in my garage?
Potentially, and a garage can sometimes provide an excellent accessible entrance.
A garage entrance may have fewer steps, protection from weather, and convenient access from a vehicle. However, available space, parking requirements, door clearance, elevation, and maneuvering room all need to be considered.
Ramp It Now can help evaluate different entrances to determine which location offers the most practical accessible route.
What's the difference between a modular and custom wheelchair ramp?
A modular wheelchair ramp is assembled from standardized components such as ramp sections, platforms, and railings.
A custom wheelchair ramp refers more broadly to a ramp configuration designed around a particular home and accessibility need.
The two terms aren't mutually exclusive. A modular aluminum system can be arranged into a highly customized configuration using different ramp lengths, platforms, and turns.
What's the difference between a threshold ramp and a regular wheelchair ramp?
A threshold ramp is designed for relatively small elevation changes, particularly raised door thresholds, sliding-door tracks, and small steps.
A larger residential wheelchair ramp is designed to overcome a more substantial elevation change, such as several steps between a driveway or walkway and an elevated porch.
Ramp It Now offers both types of solutions for Georgia homeowners.
When should I choose a portable wheelchair ramp?
A portable ramp can be a good option when accessibility needs are temporary, the ramp needs to be transported, or you're addressing a relatively small obstacle for which the particular portable ramp is designed.
Portable ramps can be useful for visiting friends or family, temporary recovery situations, or entrances that don't require a larger permanent system.
They should always be selected according to the elevation, ramp specifications, mobility device, user, and intended application.
Can a wheelchair ramp be used with a mobility scooter?
Yes, many residential ramps can accommodate mobility scooters, but it's important to consider the specific scooter.
Factors include:
- Scooter width
- Total weight
- Wheelbase
- Ground clearance
- Turning radius
- Ramp width
- Ramp weight capacity
- Ramp slope
A ramp that's appropriate for one mobility device isn't automatically appropriate for every wheelchair or scooter.
Can people who use walkers benefit from a wheelchair ramp?
Absolutely. Residential ramps aren't exclusively for wheelchair users.
A ramp can also make a home easier to access for people using walkers, canes, or other mobility aids and for people who have difficulty safely climbing stairs because of strength, balance, or mobility limitations.
For someone planning to age in place, eliminating or reducing the need to navigate exterior stairs can be an important home accessibility improvement.
Can I install a wheelchair ramp myself?
Some small portable or threshold ramps are designed for relatively straightforward placement by the user, provided the manufacturer's instructions are followed.
Larger residential ramp systems are more complex. Slope, platforms, stability, transitions, handrails, door clearance, surface conditions, and local requirements all need to be considered.
Professional evaluation and installation can be particularly valuable for a ramp that will serve as the home's primary accessible entrance.
How long does wheelchair ramp installation take?
Installation time varies depending on the type and complexity of the ramp.
A small accessibility solution can be relatively straightforward, while a larger custom modular ramp with multiple sections, platforms, and turns will require more planning and installation work.
The property must first be evaluated so the appropriate configuration can be determined.
Can a wheelchair ramp be removed later?
One advantage of many modular aluminum ramp systems is that they're assembled from individual components rather than constructed as a permanent concrete structure.
Depending on the system and installation, this can make them easier to modify, reconfigure, or remove if accessibility needs change.
This flexibility can be especially valuable when a ramp is needed during rehabilitation or when future mobility needs are uncertain.
How do I maintain an aluminum wheelchair ramp?
Aluminum ramps generally require relatively little maintenance compared with wood ramps.
Routine maintenance can include removing leaves, dirt, snow, ice, and other debris; keeping drainage areas clear; inspecting the walking surface; and periodically checking the system for anything that appears loose, damaged, or out of alignment.
Follow the ramp manufacturer's maintenance instructions for the particular system.
Can a wheelchair ramp increase my ability to age in place?
It can be an important part of an aging-in-place strategy.
Exterior stairs can become a significant obstacle as balance, strength, and mobility change. Creating a more accessible entrance can make it easier to remain in a familiar home and reduce dependence on stairs.
Accessibility planning may also include bathroom modifications, grab bars, doorway improvements, and other home safety solutions.
How do I get started with a wheelchair ramp in Georgia?
Start by identifying the entrance that's causing difficulty and the person or mobility equipment the ramp needs to accommodate.
You don't need to determine the exact ramp length or configuration yourself.
Ramp It Now serves customers throughout Georgia and can help evaluate your accessibility needs, property, and available options. Depending on your situation, the appropriate solution may be a modular aluminum ramp, custom wheelchair ramp, threshold ramp, or portable ramp.
Have Another Wheelchair Ramp Question?
Every home and accessibility situation is different. If you aren't sure what type of ramp you need, how a ramp could fit your property, or which entrance would work best, Ramp It Now can help.
With more than 22 years of industry experience and a family-first approach to accessibility, Ramp It Now helps Georgia families find practical solutions that support greater safety, mobility, and independence.
Contact Ramp It Now today to discuss wheelchair ramp options for your Georgia home.
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