Safety Features

Top 9 Wheelchair Ramp Safety Features

Always keep the following features at the top of your mind when shopping for a new wheelchair ramp.

1. Non-Slip Surface

A non-slip surface is a critical safety feature for using a ramp in damp, rainy or icy conditions. Wheelchair users and their caregivers need enough traction to reduce the risk of slips and falls.

A reliable, non-slip surface ensures stability and confidence when dealing with rain, ice, snow or morning dew. Look for ramps with textured materials or coatings designed to enhance grip, even in adverse weather conditions. 

2. Appropriate Slope

The last thing you want is a too-steep ramp when entering or exiting your home. The slope is critical for safety and ease of use.

A ramp with an appropriate slope allows people to use it comfortably without exerting excessive effort. It ensures a smooth and manageable ascent or descent angle while minimizing the risk of accidents such as tipping backward or forward. It’s all about finding balance — not too steep to be daunting, but not too shallow to be ineffective. 

3. Weather Protection

Don’t forget the weather when investing in a wheelchair ramp. Harsh conditions like rain, snow or extreme sun can make using a ramp challenging and dangerous. That’s why choosing weather protection features is a smart move. 

Ramps with canopies or shelters shield users from the elements. These protective covers can keep people dry and comfortable and maintain the ramp materials’ integrity over time. 

4. Strength

A sturdy ramp provides stability and instills confidence in wheelchair users and caregivers. Choose a ramp constructed from durable materials like aluminum or steel that can support the user and their mobility device. 

A robust ramp ensures smooth and safe transitions, even for heavier power wheelchairs or scooters. It’s an invaluable investment in your peace of mind.

5. Adequate Width and Weight Capacity

A wheelchair ramp should have sufficient width to accommodate different wheelchair sizes and allow space for caregivers to assist users comfortably. A ramp that’s at least 36 inches wide provides ample space for comfortable maneuvering. The vertical clearance above the ramp should also be sufficient to prevent head injuries and ensure unobstructed passage.

Additionally, consider weight capacity. A sturdy ramp capable of holding 800 pounds or more ensures stability for users. It should support the combined weight of the wheelchair, user and caregiver without bending or breaking.

Installing a ramp with adequate width and weight capacity ensures safe and convenient access for users and caregivers. 

6. Handrails

A ramp with nothing to hold onto is a recipe for disaster. Handrails offer a reliable grip to help users maintain balance and stability as they ascend or descend. They can also be a vital safety measure — if someone falls, they can catch themselves and prevent injury. While handrails may not be mandatory for all ramp installations, they are essential for longer ramps or those with steeper inclines. 

7. Edge Protection

With no edge protection on a ramp’s sides, it’s easy for a wheel to slip off the edge, leading to an accident or injury. That’s where edge protection comes in. Installing barriers or curbs along the sides creates a protective border that keeps wheelchairs from deviating off course. These safeguards offer people more confidence and reassurance as they traverse the ramp. Additionally, edge protection provides a path and reduces the risk of accidental falls. 

8. Visual and Tactile Cues 

Incorporating visual contrast, such as color variations or striping, on the ramp surface can help people with visual impairments distinguish the ramp from surrounding areas. Tactile warning strips at the top and bottom of the ramp alert users of elevation changes.

9. Level Landings

Level landings at the top and bottom provide a stable platform to rest, maneuver and safely open doors. These flat surfaces are essential to maintain control and stability, especially when transitioning between the ramp and adjacent areas. Level landings allow wheelchair users to turn or stop as needed without feeling unbalanced or rushed.