Mobility March 31, 2026

Wheelchair Ramp Buying Guide: Sizes, Types & UK Regulations

Choosing the right wheelchair ramp for your home can make a real difference to independence and daily life. Whether you need step-free access for a wheelchair, mobility scooter or rollator, a well-chosen ramp removes barriers and makes coming and going safer and easier.

This guide covers everything you need to know — ramp types, sizing, UK regulations, materials and what to look for before you buy.

Types of wheelchair ramp

Not all ramps are the same. The right type depends on where you need it, how often it will be used, and whether the installation needs to be permanent or temporary.

Portable folding ramps

Folding ramps are the most versatile option for home use. They fold in half for compact storage and can be moved between locations — from the front door step to the car boot to a friend’s house. Most folding ramps are made from aluminium, making them lightweight yet strong enough to handle standard wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

Our HOMCOM 122cm Folding Aluminium Wheelchair Ramp and HOMCOM 152cm Folding Aluminium Wheelchair Ramp are both portable folding designs with 272kg capacity, sandblasted non-slip surfaces and safety anchor points.

Threshold ramps

Small wedge-shaped ramps designed for single door thresholds and low lips. Typically made from rubber or aluminium, they are a simple solution for internal doorways and patio doors. Not suitable for steps.

Semi-permanent and permanent ramps

For homes that need a ramp in place long-term, semi-permanent aluminium ramps can be bolted to the ground or wall. Permanent concrete ramps are another option but require building work and may need planning permission.

How to choose the right ramp length

Ramp length is the single most important specification. Get it wrong and the ramp will be either too steep (unsafe) or unnecessarily long (impractical). The key measurement is the rise — the vertical height from the ground to the top of the step or threshold the ramp needs to reach.

The gradient rule

UK Building Regulations (Approved Document M) recommend a maximum gradient of 1:12 for wheelchair ramps — meaning the ramp should be at least 12 times longer than the height it needs to overcome. For example:

  • 10cm rise: minimum 120cm ramp (1.2m)
  • 15cm rise: minimum 180cm ramp (1.8m)
  • 20cm rise: minimum 240cm ramp (2.4m)

For self-propelled wheelchair users, a gentler gradient of 1:15 or even 1:20 is advisable, as steeper ramps require more upper body strength to navigate.

Quick sizing guide

Measure the height of your step in centimetres, then multiply by 12 to get the minimum ramp length. Our two ramp sizes cover the most common UK doorstep heights:

  • 122cm ramp: ideal for rises up to 10cm — covers most standard doorsteps and patio thresholds
  • 152cm ramp: ideal for rises up to 12.5cm — covers higher doorsteps and single steps

If your rise is above 12.5cm, you may need a longer ramp or a semi-permanent installation.

Weight capacity

Always check the maximum weight capacity of a ramp. This should account for the combined weight of the user plus the wheelchair or scooter. A standard manual wheelchair weighs around 15–20kg, while powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters can weigh 50–100kg or more.

Both of our HOMCOM ramps support up to 272kg, which comfortably handles the vast majority of users and mobility devices.

Surface grip and safety features

A ramp is only safe if it provides reliable grip in all weather conditions. Key safety features to look for:

  • Non-slip surface: Sandblasted or textured aluminium provides better grip than smooth metal, especially when wet. Avoid painted surfaces that can become slippery over time.
  • Side rails or baffles: Raised edges along both sides prevent wheels from slipping off the ramp.
  • Reflective markings: Helpful for low-light conditions, particularly for ramps used at front doors during winter months.
  • Anchor points: Fixtures that secure the ramp to the step, preventing it from shifting during use.
  • Smooth transitions: Sloped lips at the top and bottom of the ramp ensure a gentle transition rather than a harsh bump.

Materials: aluminium vs steel vs fibreglass

Aluminium is the standard choice for portable ramps. It is lightweight (important for moving and storing), resistant to rust and strong enough for daily use. Oxidation-treated aluminium with reinforced welding offers the best durability.

Steel ramps are heavier and more suited to permanent installations. They are extremely strong but will rust if not properly coated, making them less practical for outdoor use in the UK climate.

Fibreglass ramps are lightweight and weather-resistant but more expensive and less widely available. They are most commonly used for semi-permanent threshold ramps.

UK regulations and planning permission

For portable ramps, no planning permission is required. You can place a folding ramp at your doorstep and remove it at any time without any permissions or notifications.

For permanent ramps, the rules depend on the property:

  • Private homes: A permanent ramp is generally classed as permitted development and does not need planning permission, provided it does not extend beyond the boundary of the property. However, it should comply with Building Regulations (Approved Document M) regarding gradient, width and handrails.
  • Listed buildings and conservation areas: Planning permission may be required. Contact your local authority before installation.
  • Rented properties: You must get your landlord’s written permission before making any permanent modifications. Under the Equality Act 2010, landlords cannot unreasonably refuse reasonable adjustments for disabled tenants.

Funding and financial support

You may be able to get help with the cost of a wheelchair ramp:

  • Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG): Available through your local council to fund home adaptations. Means-tested, with a maximum grant of £30,000 in England. Application is through your local authority occupational therapy service.
  • NHS wheelchair services: If you are issued an NHS wheelchair, your local wheelchair service may be able to advise on or provide ramp access.
  • Charities: Organisations like the Family Fund, Turn2Us and local disability charities sometimes provide grants for mobility equipment and home adaptations.
  • VAT relief: If you are registered disabled, you may be eligible for VAT exemption on certain mobility equipment. This can reduce the cost by 20%.

Our wheelchair ramps

We stock two sizes of the HOMCOM folding aluminium wheelchair ramp, both with a 272kg weight capacity and sandblasted non-slip surface:

Both ramps fold in half for compact storage, include safety anchor points and reflective stickers, and are compatible with most wheelchairs, mobility scooters and rollators. Free UK delivery on orders over £20.

Frequently asked questions

How wide does a wheelchair ramp need to be?

Building Regulations recommend a minimum width of 900mm for wheelchair access. Our ramps are 730mm wide, which accommodates standard wheelchairs. For wider powered wheelchairs, measure your chair width first to ensure compatibility.

Can I use a wheelchair ramp for a mobility scooter?

Yes, provided the ramp width accommodates your scooter and the weight capacity covers the combined weight of user and scooter. Both of our HOMCOM ramps support up to 272kg and are compatible with most standard mobility scooters.

Do I need planning permission for a portable wheelchair ramp?

No. Portable ramps that can be placed and removed without fixing to the building do not require planning permission. Only permanent, fixed installations may require permission in some circumstances.

How do I stop a wheelchair ramp from slipping?

Look for ramps with anchor points that fix to the step edge. Our HOMCOM ramps include anchor fixtures and safety pins. On smooth surfaces, placing a non-slip mat under the bottom lip of the ramp adds extra stability.

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Sources & further reading

This guide is informational and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The sources below are the primary references used and are good starting points for deeper reading.