Wheelchair ramps, ramp length, incline for private
The requirement for a maximum gradient of 6% results in very large ramp lengths. Example: for a step height of 36 cm to be overcome, the ramp length is 600 cm. In most cases, however, there is not enough space for such a large ramp. Provided that the wheelchair is pushed by an attendant or that an electric drive is available, the ramp in the private area can also be made steeper. This allows the length of the ramps to be shortened. The ramp width can also be adjusted.
Which gradient can still be considered safe?
It should be noted that manual wheelchairs without an anti-tip device (which is sometimes a nuisance at curbs) have a tendency to tip backwards for wheelchair users without legs, heavyweights, people with untrained driving habits, or with goods loaded behind the backrest.
For safety reasons, wheelchair users should not climb up and down slopes with an incline of more than 8%. A low adjusted footplate can bump into you.
When driving downhill on gradients of more than 8%, the upper body must be laid back!
In the private sector , the following values for the gradient have proven to be suitable in practice:
- Self-drive: 6%
- powerful self-propelled vehicles: 6% – 10%
- it is pushed by a weak person: max. 12%
- it is pushed by a strong person: 12% – 20%
- Electric drive (gradient according to the operating instructions): up to approx. 20%
Recommendation: use of anti-tip devices on the wheelchair and a safety belt for the person.
