HOW TO MEASURE FOR YOUR RAMP

1. Determine the Rise. This is the measurement in inches from the ground straight up to the top of your platform/entrance. ADA standards state that you should have a foot of ramp per inch of rise. Example: 7 inch rise should have a 7 foot ramp. ADA standards are required to be met for most commercial locations, however in residential locations, the choice is yours.

2. Determine a Safe Slope. The slope is the tilted angle of the ramp in degrees. Please review the information below to determine a safe slope for your modular ramp.

1:12 SLOPE (5 Degrees): This is the ADA recommended slope for commercial or public access ramps. This 5 degree angle is the best solution for manual wheelchair users who will be propelling themselves up the ramp and for users of electric wheelchairs and scooters.

2:12 SLOPE (9.5 Degrees): This Slope is not recommended for commercial use by ADA standards, but can be used in residential applications. This slope usually works with an able assistant to push the mobility equipment from behind (or walk along-side while powering the equipment up with no rider) for those unable to power themselves up the ramp. For those powering themselves up the ramp with manual wheelchair (strong users only), electric scooters or electric wheelchairs, please check the manufacturers specifications for the safe climbing grade of the equipment.

3:12 SLOPE (14.5 Degrees): At this angle, stability and use become a concern for mid-wheel drive electric wheelchairs and ground clearance of most 3 and 4 wheel scooters. Use this only for residential use for loading unoccupied electric wheelchairs and scooters that have the ground clearance to clear this steep angle.

3. Determine the Layout of the Land: When you determine the length of the modular ramp system you need, consider the layout of the land. If you need a 30 foot long ramp, do you have 30 foot of space in front of, or to either side of the platform? Also, is the ground flat and level or is it sloped, on a hill, or is there un-even terrain? Don't forget to consider the landscape. Are there any trees or shrubs in the way of your layout?