Temporary Ramps for Disabled Access

What Are Temporary Ramps for Disabled Access?

Temporary ramps for disabled access are ramps that can be put in place quickly, used for as long as they are needed, and then removed without leaving a mark. They are not bolted or concreted in. Instead they rest on the step or sill, sometimes with adjustable feet, and can be lifted away, folded, rolled up or returned to a hire company.

They suit a wide range of short-term situations: coming home from hospital before a permanent ramp can be fitted, a relative in a wheelchair coming to stay, a rented flat where fixings are not allowed, a shop or venue that needs step-free access for an event, or a workplace while building work blocks the usual entrance. This guide explains the main types and how to choose one for your situation.

Which Types of Temporary Ramp Are There?

• Threshold ramps are short wedges that sit against a raised door sill.
• Folding ramps hinge in the middle like a suitcase and often have a carry handle.
• Telescopic channel ramps are two separate tracks, one for each wheel, that slide out to length.
• Roll-up ramps are made of linked slats that roll into a bundle for storage.
• Modular ramps on hire are larger aluminium systems with platforms and rails, fitted for weeks or months and then collected.

Each has strengths. A folding ramp gives a full-width surface that feels secure for self-propelling users. Channel ramps are lighter but need a carer to line them up. Roll-up ramps pack small for travel. Our guide to portable wheelchair ramps compares these designs in more detail.

When Does a Temporary Ramp Make Most Sense?

A temporary ramp is often the right choice when the need is short, uncertain or likely to change. After surgery or a fall, for example, someone may use a wheelchair for a few weeks and then return to walking. Buying a permanent ramp would be wasted money, and waiting for building work would leave them stuck indoors.

Temporary ramps are also useful when you are not allowed to make changes to a building, such as in rented homes, listed buildings or shared entrances. And they give a way to try out a ramp position before committing to something permanent, which can show up problems with space, door swing or drainage that are hard to spot on paper.

How Do You Choose the Right Length?

The height of the step decides how long the ramp needs to be. A longer ramp gives a gentler slope, which is easier to push up and easier to control on the way down. A ramp that is too short will feel steep and can tip a user backwards or make a carer struggle.

Measure the total rise from the ground to the top of the step or sill, then check the maker’s guidance for that rise. It will usually recommend a longer ramp for self-propelling users and allow a slightly shorter one where a carer is pushing. If the length needed will not fit the space, a ramp with a turn or a different entrance may be a better answer. Our page on temporary access ramps covers more on sizing.

What Makes a Temporary Ramp Stable?

Because it is not fixed, a temporary ramp relies on good design to stay put. Look for a lip or top plate that rests squarely on the step, anti-slip pads underneath, and a surface with plenty of grip. Raised edges help stop wheels running off the side, and a carry handle that folds flat stops it catching feet.

Always check the maximum load against the combined weight of the user and their wheelchair or scooter, adding a carer if they will walk on the ramp too. Place the ramp on firm, level ground where you can, and never use it on loose gravel or wet grass without a solid base.

Is It Better to Hire or Buy?

Hiring suits larger modular ramps needed for a set period, such as a few months of recovery or while a home is adapted. The hire company usually surveys, fits and collects the ramp, and the cost is spread over the time you use it. Ask about minimum hire periods and what happens if you need it longer than planned.

Buying suits smaller folding, roll-up and threshold ramps, which are affordable and handy to keep for visitors or trips away. They can also be sold on or passed to someone else when no longer needed. Our guide to the roll-up wheelchair ramp is a good starting point for compact options.

How Can Businesses and Venues Use Temporary Ramps?

Shops, cafes, churches and event venues often have a step at the entrance that is hard to remove. A temporary ramp brought out when needed, with a bell or sign asking customers to call for help, can open the door to many more visitors. For events, hire companies can supply ramps for stages, marquees and temporary buildings.

Staff should know where the ramp is kept and how to put it in place quickly. Keep the route clear, and check the ramp every time it goes out for damage or loose parts. For permanent use, a fixed solution will usually serve customers better than a ramp that has to be fetched.

Can Employers Get Help with Access at Work?

If a disabled employee needs a ramp to get into their workplace, the employer may be expected to make a reasonable adjustment. The Access to Work scheme can help with the cost of equipment and adaptations needed because of a disability. A temporary ramp can bridge the gap while longer-term changes are planned.

Can You Take a Temporary Ramp on Holiday or Visits?

Lightweight folding and roll-up ramps are popular with families who travel. Holiday cottages, friends’ houses and older hotels often have a step at the door or between rooms, and a ramp in the car boot means you are not relying on someone else to have thought about access. Channel ramps are the lightest to carry, while a folding ramp with a handle is easier for a single carer to set up.

Before a trip, ask the host how many steps there are and roughly how high, so you can pack a ramp that will cope. Keep the ramp in a bag or cover so grit from one place does not scratch the car, and check the car boot is big enough for both the ramp and the folded wheelchair. A small threshold ramp is also worth packing for doorways inside the property.

Who Can Advise on a Temporary Ramp at Home?

For someone coming home from hospital, ask the ward or discharge team whether an occupational therapist can assess the home. Councils often lend temporary ramps and can arrange a permanent one later if needed. For hire, choose a company that sends a trained installer to measure and fit the ramp rather than delivering parts and leaving you to assemble them.

Looking After a Temporary Ramp

Store folding and roll-up ramps indoors, away from damp, and wipe off mud and grit after use so the surface keeps its grip. Check hinges, locking pins and anti-slip pads regularly, and replace worn parts before they fail. Bring the ramp in when it is not in use, both to stop it walking off and to keep it in good condition for next time.

If a temporary ramp ends up being used every day for months, it may be time to look at a longer-term option. Our guide to wheelchair access ramps covers permanent designs for homes.

Comparing the Ramps on This Page

The cards below show portable ramps in black, grey and silver decks, including folding designs with carry handles and multi-panel ramps. Compare the deck surface, edge style and carrying handles, and check the listed length and load against your own step and wheelchair before choosing.