Choosing the Right Handicap Ramps for Your Home Entryways

Quick Summary:

This blog discusses types of ramps and their features. Learn more about accessibility to help you discover which ramp best suits your needs.

Introduction

One cannot overstate the importance of ramps for wheelchair users. Ramps are great home modifications for mobility support. Implementing home accessibility solutions is vital for wheelchair users, seniors, and individuals with limited mobility.


By making entryways wheelchair accessible, handicap ramps improve independence and home safety. When choosing a handicap ramp for safety, remember factors like durability, incline, and maintenance.

Wheelchair RampWheelchair Ramp

Types of Handicap Ramps for Home Entryway

1. Threshold Ramps

These small step accessibility ramps are the best ramps for door thresholds and small stairways. They are available in rubber, aluminum, and composite options.

Between rubber vs. aluminum threshold ramps, you’ll find several differences. Rubber ramps suit shorter threshold rises, while aluminum ramps suit larger rises.1 You can adjust the height of aluminum ramps, though you can cut rubber ramps to better fit a doorframe.

Threshold ramps are excellent wheelchair-friendly entryway solutions. These portable ramps for home entrances are ideal for wheelchair and walker users.

2. Portable Ramp

Travel-friendly handicap ramps make for portable accessibility solutions. The best foldable wheelchair ramps are transportable, compact ramps for temporary use or travel.

Find a ramp for your needs and weight capacity considerations. If portability is important, consider lightweight ramps for mobility scooters and wheelchairs.

3. Modular Ramps

The best modular ramp systems for homes are designed for permanent use. With personalized lengths and configurations, these customizable wheelchair ramps are great long-term accessibility solutions.

ADA-compliant modular ramps ensure safe, accessible use. You can find handrails and safety in modular ramps for added support.

4. Permanent Aluminum or Concrete Ramps

In looking for long-lasting mobility solutions, consider durable ramps for home entryways. Let’s study the differences between concrete vs. aluminum accessibility ramps.

With high weight capacities, durable concrete ramps are pricey to construct and remove.2 The best aluminum wheelchair ramps are lightweight, easy-to-install, weather-resistant permanent ramps.3 Both are long-lived and require little maintenance.

5. Vehicle Ramps

For travel mobility solutions, consider wheelchair ramps for vans and SUVs. Choosing the right vehicle ramp involves accounting for vehicle height. Folding and telescopic designs are the ideal portable car ramps for wheelchairs.

Folding ramps fold in the middle,4 while telescoping ramps slide into a compact design. The best telescoping ramps for vehicles adjust for height differences.5

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Handicap Ramp

1. Ramp Length and Slope

To ensure your ramp meets ADA ramp slope guidelines, learn about safe slope recommendations for ramps and how to calculate ramp length.

The commercially-used slope ratio is 1:12, meaning that for every inch of rise, there is one foot of ramp length.6 Experts consider five degrees the best incline for wheelchair ramps. Measuring entryway space for ramps also helps users determine the right ramp size.

2. Material and Durability

Determine whether portability or durability is more important in choosing a lightweight vs. heavy-duty ramp. The best materials for long-lasting ramps are heavy-duty to match your needs. For example, users should find weatherproof ramps for outdoor use.

We discussed aluminum vs. rubber ramps. Now, we’ll be further comparing mobility ramp materials to help you weigh their features:

Aluminum:

  • Lightweight
  • Rust-resistant
  • Low maintenance

Rubber:

  • Affordable
  • Ideal for small rises

Wood:

  • Traditional look
  • Requires upkeep

Concrete:

  • Sturdy
  • Permanent
  • Prone to cracking

3. Safety Features

Consider the best safety features for ramps. For example, non-slip surfaces for wheelchair ramps provide traction, ensuring secure footing on handicap ramps. Handrails for accessibility ramps offer added security.

Follow weight capacity ratings for ramps to ensure stability.

4. Installation and Maintenance

Whether you implement DIY vs. professional ramp installation, there are safety measures to consider. Ensuring a safe ramp setup means planning for future use. Ramp installation tips for homeowners include:7

  • Mapping the ramp layout for a 1:12 ratio
  • Adding handrails for safety
  • Securing a clear path and lighting

Prioritize cleaning and maintaining wheelchair ramps. This means washing the surface, tightening bolts and screws, and checking for uneven settlement. It also involves weather tracking and surface treatment.8 The best ramps for all-weather use protect against damage.

Wheelchair Ramp Handrails for SafetyWheelchair Ramp Handrails for Safety

Best Handicap Ramps for Home Entryways

Now, we’ll examine the best-rated ramps for home use and customer-reviewed accessibility ramps. We’ll also discuss the most durable handicap ramps and the top affordable wheelchair ramps. This includes threshold ramps — the best ramps for small entryways.


Best for Small Thresholds and Doorways – SafePath BigHorn Threshold Ramps

Made with 100% recycled plastic, SafePath BigHorn Threshold Ramps meet thresholds 1-1/2 inches high.

 

Key Features

  • Weather-Resistant
  • Cuts Easily
  • Non-Slip

 

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: SafePath Products
  • Weight: 14 Pounds
  • Size: (H) 1-1/4 Inches x (W) 12-1/4 Inches x (L) 42 Inches

 

Customer Review

Works great! Makes a great transition for the threshold. Also easy to cut to custom fit it. Quick shipping and good price.

Threshold Ramp
(11)
$85.25 - $88.14
Most Popular
SafePath BigHorn Threshold Ramps

Most Portable and Travel-Friendly Option – Portable Wheelchair Scooter Ramp Single Fold with Carry Handle and Travel Bag

With an easy folding mechanism, the Portable Wheelchair Scooter Ramp is highly transportable.

 

Key Features

  • Lightweight
  • Anchoring Hooks
  • Travel Bag and Handle

 

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Drive Medical
  • Weight Capacity: 600 Pounds
  • Width: 28.5 Inches
Portable Wheelchair Scooter Ramp Single Fold with Carry Handle and Travel Bag
FSA & HSA Eligible
(1)
$128.20 - $294.14

Best Modular Ramp for Long-Term Home Use – EZ-ACCESS® TRANSITIONS® Modular Entry Ramps, Lightweight Aluminum

Made with lightweight aluminum, TRANSITIONS Modular Entry Ramps are a sturdy option for extended use.

 

Key Features

  • Rust-Resistant
  • Easy-Install
  • Non-Skid Surface

 

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: EZ-ACCESS
  • Weight Capacity: 700 Pounds
  • Material: Aluminum

 

Customer Review

It was so hard for everyone to get me in and out of the house. Thanks to my new ramp I can get in and out of the house with great ease. I can even go in and out on my own. Putting it together was easy for my family and they love to see me smile.

Portable Wheelchair Scooter Ramp Single Fold with Carry Handle and Travel Bag
FSA & HSA Eligible
(1)
$128.20 - $294.14

Top-Rated Aluminum Ramp for Durability – PATHWAY 3G Modular Access System - Scooter and Wheelchair Ramps

EZ-ACCESS manufactures its PATHWAY 3G Modular Access System with heavy-duty aluminum.

 

Key Features

  • Customizable
  • Low Maintenance
  • Durable

 

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: EZ-ACCESS
  • Weight Capacity: 1,000 Pounds
  • Material: Aluminum

 

Customer Review

awesome

EZ-ACCESS® TRANSITIONS® Modular Entry Ramps, Lightweight Aluminum
FSA & HSA Eligible
(24)
$63.56 - $256.68

Best Budget-Friendly Ramp With Non-Slip Surface – SafePath EZ Edge Transition Rubber Threshold Ramp - ADA Compliant Ramps

SafePath EZ Edge Transition Rubber Threshold Ramp is an affordable choice with anti-slip materials.

 

Key Features

  • Any Weight
  • Durable
  • Nonslip

 

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: SafePath Products
  • Material: Recycled Tire Rubber
  • Warranty: 10 Years

 

Customer Review

Wheel chair customers have no problem getting over the 2in edge on our main entrance now. Haven't seen any walking customers stumble since we installed it. Thanks!

SafePath EZ Edge Transition Rubber Threshold Ramp - ADA Compliant Ramp
(14)
$43.79 - $564.89

Who Can Benefit from a Home Handicap Ramp?

Improving independence with ramps is important. Ramps are great mobility solutions for recovering patients, wheelchair and scooter users, and seniors needing home accessibility.

Handicap ramps for caregivers prioritize user safety, though the best ramps for wheelchair users suit specific needs.

Conclusion

Ramps are among the best home modifications for wheelchair users. Durability is key in choosing long-lasting ramps for stability.

Finding the best ramp for home entryways means reflecting on user requirements. Consider slope, material, safety, and weight capacity. Soon, you’ll be on your way to ensuring safe and accessible mobility solutions in your home.

If you’re wondering where to buy reliable handicap ramps, explore our variety of wheelchair ramps.

Footnotes

1  "Cleary, M. (2024, March 19)." How do I choose between a rubber or an aluminum threshold ramp? Handi Ramp.

2  "Burfield, J. (2017, July 27). What Type of Wheelchair Ramp Material is Best? Lifeway Mobility.

3  "EZ-ACCESS (2023, July 17)." 4 Types of Materials for Commercial Ramps

4  "Stepless." Folding ramps

5  "Stepless." Telescopic ramps

6  "Discount Ramps (2025, March 24)." How to Determine Proper Wheelchair Ramp Length

7  ”Bohmbach, L. (2023, December 4)." What to Consider When Installing a Wheelchair Ramp for Home. Home Healthsmith.

8  ”Adapta. (2022, October 7)." A Guide To Wheelchair Ramp Maintenance