A wheelchair ramp is a tilted plane that is installed in buildings instead of stairs or along them. A wheelchair ramp allows wheelchair users to easily move around and  access the building without the help of a caregiver. This offers wheelchair users ease of movement, if the wheelchair ramp is constructed properly. A wide collection of designs are available, which enables to manage the inclination and curbs. There are couple of them which are semi-permanent or portable.

Permanent ramps are those ramps which are preconceived and ultimately constructed as the permanent part of the building . Semi-permanent ramps are used for short period of times, perhaps  while architects decide if and when to build a permanent one, for example, when upgrading a building that wasn’t designed with a wheelchair ramp. Portable wheelchair ramps are usually lightweight, made of aluminum and can be folded for ease of transportation.

Ramps should be carefully designed so that they are useful. First of all, architects and manufacturers should decide the inclination of the ramp. On the other hand, if a semi-permanent or portable wheelchair ramp is the preferred choice then first some of the different wheelchair ramps should be tested so that a correct choice could be made.

Designing of wheelchair ramps involve many parameters. Manufacturers should also be aware of the many rules and regulations which should be  followed in every country or state. Some of the most common ones are:

-Steepness

When a wheelchair ramp is made to provide an accessible entrance, then the steepness of the ramp should be as small as possible.

- Width

The minimum width of a wheelchair ramp is normally 36” from railing to railing. However, this can be too narrow for big models, so a lot ramps are built with a width  of 40”.

- Handicap handrails

There should be handrails on both sides. They give the wheelchair users the option to pull themselves up, to rest if they get tired, or to steady themselves.

It provides a great assistance to other people, who can not walk.

- Edge protection

Ramps must have edge protection on the side to prevent people and wheelchairs from tripping off and falling. This feature is very important for the safety of people who haven’t learned to control their wheelchair completely.

- Landings

Flat surfaces or level landings are required both at the top and the bottom of a wheelchair ramp. A landing at the top will allow the user to open the door at the top of the ramp, whereas, at the bottom a landing may be important for the user to stop the chair before making a turn.