Entrance ramps are one of the key adaptations for enabling access for wheelchair users to the interiors of buildings and therefore to the services within. At the same time, ramps represent a significant intervention both from a planning and financial perspective, so it is crucial that they are properly designed and executed in accordance with standards. Otherwise, a substantial investment of time and money will not achieve the goal of universal accessibility.
Width: A ramp must be at least 1200 mm wide or provide at least 1000 mm of clear width between handrails. Temporary ramps should also be constructed as a single unit rather than separate wheel tracks, as the latter do not provide access for all types of wheelchairs and pose a safety risk.
Slope and length: The following prescribed ratios for slope are recommended:
- 874 – 1000 cm in length: max slope 2.86° (5% or 1:20)
- 756 – 874 cm in length: max slope 3.03° (5.3% or 1:19)
- 654,5 – 756 cm in length: max slope 3.2° (5.6% or 1:18)
- 560 – 654,5 cm in length: max slope 3.37° (5.9% or 1:17)
- 472,5 – 560 cm in length: max slope 3.6° (6.3% or 1:16)
- 392 – 472,5 cm in length: max slope 3.83° (6.7% or 1:15)
- 318,5 – 392 cm in length: max slope 4.06° (7.1% or 1:14)
- 252 – 318,5 cm in length: max slope 4.4° (7.7% or 1:13)
- 198 – 252 cm in length: max slope 4.74° (8.3% or 1:12)
Exceptionally, for external ramps when adapting urban spaces and entrances:
- 1265 – 1500 cm: max slope 4.74° (8.3% or 1:12)
- 1000 – 1265 cm: max slope 5.19° (9.1% or 1:11)
- 675 – 1000 cm: max slope 5.7° (10.0% or 1:10)
- 300 – 675 cm: max slope 6.2° (11.1% or 1:9)
- < 300 cm: max slope 7.1° (12.5% or 1:8)
Handrails: Ramps with a slope ≥ 1:20 and longer than 800 mm must have handrails on both sides. For lengths ≤ 800 mm, one handrail is sufficient. Handrails must be installed at a height between 850 and 1000 mm. The ramp must also include 150 mm high edge protection on both sides to prevent wheelchair slippage.
Other: The surface must be non-slip, the ramp stable; in the case of mobile ramps, proper anchoring must be ensured (e.g., a “lip” at the top and bottom edges). The start and end of the ramp must be marked with a tactile contrast strip, as should any edges or elevation changes beside it.