Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Ramp Requirements

One of the most common questions when shopping for a ramp for your wheelchair or other mobility equipment is whether or not the ramp is going to need to be in compliance with The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, if so, what does that mean?  Among many other questions, what measurements does the ramp need to follow as it pertains to your specific threshold?

We've put this guide together to aggregate the most important aspects of the ADA requirements for wheelchair ramps, and to hopefully answer any questions you may have.  It's important to note that while the ADA requirements do not apply to private residential ramps, homeowners may still want to consider incorporating these accessible design features to improve the usability and value of their home and ensure the safety of any wheelchair ramp you install.

Main Takeaways for Ramps in Compliance with ADA

• Slope - The maximum slope ratio of a wheelchair ramp should be 1:12.

• Width - The minimum width of a wheelchair ramp is to be 36 Inches.

• The Ramp Surface should be Slip-Resistant and Stable.

• Landings are required at the top and bottom of the ramp with a minimum size of 5'x5'.

• While the ADA Requirements do not apply to private residential ramps, homeowners may still want to consider incorporating the same, or similar, design features for their Modular Ramps at home to improve usability and safety.

Table of Contents 1. Why do the ADA Requirements Matter? 2. What are the Wheelchair Ramp ADA Requirements? Ramp Runs Ramp Width Landing Requirements Handrails 3. Benefits of an ADA Compliant Wheelchair Ramp

 

Why do the ADA Requirements Matter? 

The ADA Requirements for wheelchair ramps are critical because they ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to public and commercial buildings.  The provision of wheelchair ramps helps remove barriers that may prevent people with mobility impairments from entering or exiting a building safely and independently.  ADA requirements also promote safety by setting standards for the slope, width surface, handrails, and landings of wheelchair ramps, which help to prevent accidents and injuries.

Compliance with ADA requirements for wheelchair ramps is not only important for accessibility and safety, but it is also a legal requirement.  Failure to comply with ADA requirements can result in penalties and legal action.  Overall, the ADA requirements for wheelchair ramps matter because they promote accessibility, safety, and inclusivity for people with disabilities, and they ensure that building owners and operators comply with legal requirements.

 

For more information, Click Here for the full comprehensive breakdown of all the ADA Requirements for Wheelchair Ramps and other Accessibility Standards.

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What are the ADA Ramp Requirements?

Ramp Runs

• Ramps must have a maximum 1:12 Slope Ratio.  This means that for every 1" of Rise, there needs to be 12" of Run.  For example, a 6" Rise will require a 6 Foot Long Ramp.
• For longer ramps, the maximum length a run can go before needing a platform is 30 Feet.  There is no requirement for the number of runs a ramp can have as long as there's a platform placed every 30 feet.
• Changes to the slope requirement can be made in situations with limited space:
• Thresholds with 6" or less can have a slightly steeper slope ratio of 1:10.
• Thresholds with 3" or less can have an even steeper slope ratio of 1:8.

Ramp Width

The Wheelchair Ramp runs must have a clear width of 36" minimum.  This measurement is to be made between the ramps handrails.  Check your specific requirements in your state, because it can vary by state. 

For Commercial or Bariatric use, the Wheelchair Ramp width should be 48"

 

Landing Requirements

• ADA Requirements mandate that level landings are required at the top and bottom of each ramp.
• For longer ramps that can change direction, the intermediate landings between runs have to be at least 60" x 60" when they change directions.
• For Landings that have doorways at them, the required  door maneuvering clearances can overlap ramp landings.
• At the bottom of every ramp, the landing needs to be on a hard surface.  This prevents the risk of the wheelchair user getting stuck in any softer surfaces (mud, grass, etc.)
• It's important to have a slip resistant surface throughout the length of the ramp and on the landings to prevent risk of falling when your ramp is going to be exposed to the elements.

 

Handrails 

• Handrails are required on any ramp that has a height of 6" or higher.
• The handrails need to be consistently at a height of 34" to 38" throughout the entire run of the ramp.
• Handrail Extensions of a minimum 12" long in the same direction of travel are required at the top and bottom of runs.  This is to help the ramp user by providing support when they're entering and exiting the ramp.
• If the ramp runs up against a wall, there needs to be 11.5" of space between the handrail and the wall, so the wall doesn't impede the use of the handrail.

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Benefits of a Wheelchair Ramp that Meets ADA Standards

• Accessibility - The primary benefit of an ADA compliant wheelchair ramp is that it provides safe and easy access for people with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs, walkers, canes or crutches.  This makes it easier for them to enter and exit buildings, making public spaces more inclusive and welcoming to all.

• Safety - An ADA compliant wheelchair ramp is designed to be safe and secure, with a gradual incline that meets the maximum slope requirements.  This prevents accidents and ensures that individuals can safely navigate the ramp.

• Compliance - By meeting the ADA requirements, the wheelchair ramp ensures that the building is compliant with federal laws and regulations.  This helps protect building owners from potential legal liabilities and ensures that they are providing equal access to individuals with disabilities.

• Convenience - An ADA compliant wheelchair ramp provides a convenient alternative to stairs, making it easier for everyone, including those with strollers, bicycles, or luggage, to enter and exit buildings.  This promotes a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

• Aesthetics - A well-designed ADA compliant wheelchair ramp can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a building, adding to its architectural character and providing an attractive feature that complements the overall design of the building.

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