Wheelchair Ramps for Homes: Types, Slope Rules, and What Fits

For someone using a wheelchair, scooter, or walker, a single step can be the difference between getting into a home independently and needing assistance every time. Ramps address that gap - and the good news is that for most home entry situations, a portable wheelchair ramp is all that's needed, without permanent construction or permits.

Choosing the right ramp comes down to three things: the height of the rise you need to bridge, the slope that's safe and manageable for the chair and user, and the type of ramp that suits the location. This guide walks through all three, and introduces the EZ-Access ramp options available from Davies Home Healthcare in North Vancouver and Squamish.

Browse our full range of mobility aids to see what's currently in stock.

The Two Main Types of Portable Wheelchair Ramp

Not all ramps serve the same purpose. The three products in this guide represent two distinct categories, each suited to different situations.

Folding Suitcase Ramps

Folding suitcase ramps are the most versatile type of portable wheelchair ramp. They fold in half (or in thirds, for longer versions) for transport and storage, then unfold flat to create a smooth, continuous ramp surface. They're used for front steps, raised landings, vehicle loading, and any situation where a rise of more than a few inches needs to be bridged.

The name "suitcase ramp" refers to the carrying format: when folded, the ramp can be carried like a suitcase using its built-in handles, or separated into two independent sections for lighter individual loads.

Threshold Ramps

Threshold ramps - sometimes called angled entry ramps - are short, self-standing ramps designed to bridge small rises at doorways. They typically handle rises of under 6 inches and don't require any leaning or placement against a step - they stand independently with adjustable legs and work on both sides of a doorway, including for doors that swing in or out.

They're the right solution for raised thresholds, sliding door channels, and small step-ups that would be awkward or unnecessarily long for a folding suitcase ramp.

The Slope Rule: How Long Does a Ramp Need to Be?

This is the question most people get wrong, and it's the most important one.

A ramp that's too steep is dangerous - it can cause a wheelchair to tip, make self-propulsion impossible, or be unmanageable for a caregiver assisting from behind. The generally accepted accessible slope standard is 1:12 - one inch of rise requires twelve inches (one foot) of ramp length.

According to the Rick Hansen Foundation's accessibility guidelines, a 1:12 slope (approximately 5 degrees) is the recommended maximum for independently accessible wheelchair ramps. Gentler slopes of 1:16 or 1:20 are preferable for power wheelchairs, heavier manual chairs, or users with limited upper body strength.

Here's a quick reference for the 1:12 standard:

If you have a 4-inch front step and space is tight, a 4-foot ramp at 1:12 is the minimum. But a 6-foot ramp at that same rise gives a much gentler 1:18 slope - far easier to navigate for both user and caregiver, especially with a loaded power chair or scooter.

When in doubt, choose longer rather than shorter. A ramp that's a foot too long is inconvenient; a ramp that's too steep is unsafe.

Width: Does the Ramp Fit the Chair?

The two folding suitcase ramps in this range are 29.5 inches wide. The Transitions Angled Entry Ramp is 36 inches wide.

Most standard manual wheelchairs are 24 to 26 inches wide. Power wheelchairs and mobility scooters vary more - typically 22 to 28 inches for compact models, and up to 30 inches for larger ones. It's worth measuring your specific chair at its widest point (usually the wheels or armrests) before selecting a ramp.

For the suitcase ramps at 29.5 inches, most standard wheelchairs fit comfortably, but wider power chairs or scooters with armrest extensions may be close. The Transitions Angled Entry Ramp at 36 inches is more accommodating for wider chairs and scooters at thresholds.

 

EZ-Access Suitcase Singlefold AS Ramp

The EZ-Access Suitcase Singlefold AS Ramp is a single-fold portable ramp available in lengths of 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 feet. It covers rises up to 6 inches at the 1:12 standard, and shorter lengths suit smaller rises at a gentler slope.

By removing two hinge pins, the ramp separates into two independent sections - useful when the full folded weight is too much to carry in one piece, or when the two halves need to be staged separately. The ergonomic carrying handles are flexible and non-breakable, and the applied slip-resistant surface provides traction in wet weather. Self-adjusting bottom transition plates independently conform to the ground surface at the ramp's base, eliminating the bump at the ramp-to-ground transition.

At 800 lbs weight capacity, it handles power wheelchairs and loaded mobility scooters without limitation. This ramp is currently out of stock at Davies - contact our team for availability.

 

EZ-Access Suitcase Trifold AS Ramp

The EZ-Access Suitcase Trifold AS Ramp is the longer-reach version, available in lengths of 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10 feet. The three-fold design is what makes longer ramp lengths portable - a 10-foot ramp folded into thirds is manageable in a way a 10-foot singlefold ramp is not.

It covers the same situations as the Singlefold for moderate rises (5 or 6 feet), and extends to handle rises of up to 10 inches at 1:12 - covering most standard front steps, raised landings, and larger vehicle loading situations. The trifold design includes a patented interlocking bracket hinge that provides smoother operation and reduces the pinch points that can be a concern with standard hinges.

Made from aircraft-quality aluminum, it shares the same 800 lb weight capacity, applied slip-resistant surface, and self-adjusting bottom transition plates as the Singlefold. It can also be separated into two independent sections for lighter carry loads. This ramp is currently out of stock - contact our team for availability.

 

EZ-Access Transitions Angled Entry Ramp

The EZ-Access Transitions Angled Entry Ramp is a different product for a different problem. Rather than bridging a full step, it handles the small threshold rises - typically under 6 inches - found at doorways, sliding glass door tracks, and similar transitions.

The ramp is self-standing on independently adjustable legs with swivel feet, allowing approximately 2 inches of vertical adjustment to accommodate uneven surfaces. The full adjustment range covers rises from 1-3/8 to 5-7/8 inches. Because the legs adjust independently, it works well on slightly uneven ground that would cause a non-adjustable ramp to rock.

At 36 inches wide and available in lengths of 12, 24, or 36 inches, it offers wider coverage than the suitcase ramps and suits scooters or chairs that wouldn't fit on a narrower ramp. Pre-drilled slots and included hardware allow it to be anchored in place if a permanent installation is preferred over portable use. Weight capacity is 700 lbs. Currently out of stock - contact our team for availability.

Portable vs. Permanent: What to Consider

A portable wheelchair ramp is the right starting point for most home situations. It requires no permits, no construction, no modification to the property, and can be repositioned or taken along when travelling. For rented homes or situations where the need is temporary - a visiting family member, a recovery period after surgery - portable is the only practical choice.

For permanent or long-term accessibility needs, particularly for rises greater than 10 inches or where a modular ramp system would better suit the entryway, a permanent installation may be worth considering. Davies Home Healthcare's installations team handles home accessibility modifications in North Vancouver and Squamish, and our home safety renovation work gives a sense of how ramps and other modifications come together in real North Shore homes.

For very large rises - a full flight of stairs, for example - a stairlift is typically a better solution than a ramp. Find out more about the stairlift options we carry on our stairlifts page.

Getting the Right Ramp for Your Home

The right portable wheelchair ramp is the one that bridges your specific rise at a safe slope, fits your chair's width, and works with your home's entry layout. Measuring the rise accurately before choosing a ramp length is the single most important step - and erring toward a longer ramp gives a gentler, safer slope.

For guidance on which ramp suits your situation, or to ask about current stock and expected availability of the EZ-Access range, our team at Davies Home Healthcare is happy to help.

Get in touch to ask about wheelchair ramps, home accessibility modifications, or any other mobility and home safety products available at our North Vancouver and Squamish locations.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate what length portable wheelchair ramp I need?

Measure the rise - the vertical height of the step or threshold you need to bridge - in inches. For a standard accessible slope of 1:12, multiply that number by 12 to get the minimum ramp length in inches, then convert to feet. A 6-inch rise needs at least 6 feet of ramp at 1:12. For a gentler slope better suited to power chairs or heavier users, multiply by 16 or 20 instead.

What is the difference between the Singlefold and Trifold EZ-Access ramps?

Both are suitcase-style portable wheelchair ramps from EZ-Access with the same 800 lb capacity and 29.5-inch width. The Singlefold folds in half and is available in lengths of 2 to 6 feet - suited to smaller rises. The Trifold folds into thirds, allowing it to be made in lengths of 5 to 10 feet while remaining portable - suited to larger rises, taller steps, and vehicle loading situations where a longer ramp is needed.

What is a threshold ramp used for?

A threshold ramp - like the EZ-Access Transitions Angled Entry Ramp - bridges small rises at doorways, typically up to about 6 inches. It stands independently on adjustable legs and suits situations where a full suitcase ramp would be unnecessarily long or impractical, such as a raised door threshold, a sliding glass door channel, or a small single step rise.

Can I use a portable wheelchair ramp for a power chair or scooter?

Yes. The EZ-Access Singlefold and Trifold ramps both support up to 800 lbs, accommodating most power wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Check the width of your specific chair or scooter at its widest point (usually the wheels or armrests) against the ramp's 29.5-inch width to confirm it will fit.

Do I need a permit for a portable wheelchair ramp in BC?

Portable ramps that are not permanently attached to the structure generally do not require a building permit in BC. Permanent modular ramp systems may require a permit depending on the municipality. If you're unsure, check with your local municipality or speak with Davies Home Healthcare's installations team, who can advise on what's needed for your specific situation.

What if I need a ramp for a rise taller than 10 inches?

For rises over 10 inches, a portable folding ramp becomes very long and may not be practical or safe. A permanent modular ramp system or a stairlift is typically a better solution for taller rises. Davies Home Healthcare handles home accessibility installations and carries Handicare stairlifts for multi-step situations.