Wheelchair Ramps and Steps: How to Make It Work

People with mobility issues can find ascending steps to be difficult or impossible. Wheelchair and scooter users may even avoid buildings and areas with stairs unless they are given a safe alternative. Whether you own a home or a commercial space, if you need a wheelchair ramp for steps, the team at Williams Lift Company in New Jersey can help. Here, we explore the options you have, and which choice will work best for your situation.

What Are Wheelchair Ramps?

Wheelchair ramps are a form of accessibility equipment that enable those with mobility issues to get up and down stairs, steps, curbs, or other elevated areas. As the name suggests, these ramps are helpful for individuals who use wheelchairs, but they are also useful for:

• Individuals with mobility limitations
• Those in scooters
• People who rely on canes
• People with walkers or crutches
• Pregnant women
• Seniors who may simply struggle with steps

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has specific requirements regarding these ramps to ensure users’ safety. One of the most important guidelines involves the slope of the ramp. The standard wheelchair ramp slope ratio is 1:12, which means that for every one inch of vertical rise, the ramp must be at least 12 inches long. Because of this, home or business owners looking to add ramps to their spaces should contact professionals to ensure proper installation.

Can I Get a Wheelchair Ramp for Steps?

Because many businesses and public buildings have an entire flight of stairs visitors will have to navigate, you’ll almost always see a wheelchair ramp nearby to provide an easy-access alternative. However, there are homes and other areas with just a few steps that also need options for those with mobility concerns. Wheelchair ramps can be made to work with a short flight of steps, including compact options that can fulfill this purpose without requiring the owner to purchase more ramp than they need.

What Kinds of Wheelchair Ramps Are Available?

Professional installers and design teams can usually make a ramp that fits different spaces. Before the wheelchair ramp installation process begins, however, these experts will first need to meet with you to see your available space and discuss your preferences. This will help them determine which type of ramp makes the most sense for your situation. They’ll talk about the types of materials offered, the layout that will work best for the available area, and more. Some options they may recommend include:

Permanent Wheelchair Ramps

If you want a long-term wheelchair ramp to cover your steps, a permanent option may be ideal. These are fixed ramps that are typically made of materials like wood, concrete, or metal. They are built on-site and are not meant to be moved or adjusted after installation.

Portable Wheelchair Ramps

If you are looking for a convenient option that is there when you need it but can be put away when you don’t, consider a portable wheelchair ramp. This is a helpful option if you occasionally have customers or visitors who need ramps to enter your business and can’t take steps. They are also ideal if you are a homeowner who often has visitors who struggle to get up steps. Portable ramps are compact, lightweight, and easy to set up and take down, making them a great choice for covering steps in many different scenarios.

These ramps fold up into a suitcase-like package with a handle, so they can travel with you to be used anywhere you need them.

Wheelchair Ramp Rentals

If you only need a wheelchair ramp for a short time, Williams Lift Company provides wheelchair ramp rental options. These are well-made, temporary ramps that are great for those who don’t want permanent construction on their property. Depending on the type, they can cover small steps. This makes them ideal for those who are recovering from injury, pregnant individuals who need a month or two of step-free movement, and more.

Find the Ideal Wheelchair Ramp Today

If you’re looking for a wheelchair ramp for steps, turn to the experts at Williams Lift Company. We provide high-quality wheelchair ramps in New Jersey, including options for covering steps and more. Our team features factory-trained installers who will ensure the job is done quickly and properly, whether placing a ramp at a home or installing a commercial wheelchair ramp. Our company has over 50 years of experience installing these structures, so you can count on our work to be both functional and safe to use.

For those concerned about the cost of our ramps, we happily provide estimates so you know exactly what to expect before agreeing to the job. Since we offer repair and maintenance services as well, you can trust we’ll be there for you if needed. Contact us today if you want to learn more about wheelchair ramps for steps or to get started.