Getting mobility ramps right starts long before anything is delivered or installed. If you’re exploring ramp options for your home in West Salem, WI, or anywhere across our service area, one of the most common questions we hear is simple: how do I know what size ramp I need? The good news is that measuring your entry is something most people can do on their own with a little guidance, and taking accurate measurements upfront saves time, money, and frustration down the road.
Start With the Rise: That’s the Number That Drives Everything
The “rise” is the vertical height from the ground to the top of your threshold or landing. This single measurement is the foundation of everything else. Grab a tape measure, hold it flat on the ground at the base of your steps or entryway, and measure straight up to the surface your wheels or feet will land on at the top. Include the threshold height if there is one, because even a half-inch lip matters.
For most power wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and manual chairs, the general guideline is a 1:12 slope ratio. That means for every inch of rise, you need roughly 12 inches of ramp length. So a six-inch rise calls for at least a six-foot ramp, and a twelve-inch rise calls for at least a twelve-foot ramp. If the person using the ramp has limited upper body strength or will be using a heavier power chair or scooter, a gentler slope (think 1:16 or even 1:20) may be more appropriate and safer.
Measure the Width of Your Doorway and Landing Area
Once you have your rise nailed down, look at the width of your doorway and the space available on both ends of the ramp. Standard residential ramps are typically 36 inches wide, which works for most wheelchairs and scooters. If you have a wider power chair or a bariatric chair, you may need a wider ramp surface, often 42 inches or more.
Check the landing space at both the top and bottom of the ramp as well. At the top, there needs to be enough flat surface for someone to open the door without rolling backward. At the bottom, you want clear, level ground where the ramp meets the walkway or driveway. If the ground slopes away from the house, that affects your measurements too.
Consider the Type of Ramp That Fits Your Entry
Not every entry calls for the same ramp style, and this is where it helps to think through how the space is actually used. A modular aluminum ramp is a popular choice for permanent or semi-permanent installations, and products from manufacturers like EZ-Access give you a lot of flexibility for different entry configurations. Portable folding ramps work well for lower rises and situations where the ramp needs to move with the person, such as getting in and out of a vehicle.
If your entry has a turn, a narrow porch, or a raised deck, the configuration gets more involved. Switchback ramp systems, for example, are a great solution when you have a longer rise but limited straight-line space. This is also where a professional measurement and site assessment makes a real difference.
A Few More Things to Note Before You Buy
Write down a few quick details beyond the numbers: the surface your ramp will rest on (concrete, asphalt, grass, wood decking), whether the area gets significant snow or ice in winter, and the weight capacity you need. A sturdy aluminum ramp rated for heavier chairs or scooters is built differently than a lightweight portable model, and knowing your requirements upfront helps narrow your options quickly.
Also think about who else uses that entry. If family members, home health aides, or visitors need to use it regularly, comfort and safety for multiple users may influence your final choice.
Let Us Take a Look
We’ve been helping people across West Salem, WI, La Crosse, WI, Onalaska, WI, Sparta, WI, Tomah, WI, Winona, MN, Caledonia, MN, and surrounding areas find the right ramp solutions for over 35 years. Our team is happy to talk through your measurements with you, answer questions about specific products, or schedule a site visit if the entry is complex. Give us a call or drop us an email and we’ll help you figure out exactly what you need.