Wheelchair ramp or threshold ramp: which do I need?

As a wheelchair user, there are many physical obstacles in everyday life to overcome. Some of these are obvious, like needing to use a lift to go up floors in a building or a ramp to climb levels. Some, on the other hand, are less obvious. Even overcoming slightly raised thresholds in your home can be difficult. However, a wheelchair ramp may be overkill in these situations. In this article, we’ll take a look at what can be used to overcome smaller obstacles.

Should I use a wheelchair ramp inside my home?

Wheelchair ramps tend not to be practical for use inside your house. Whilst modular ramps are perfect for fitting over steps outside, there is rarely enough space inside to fit them. Ideally, a wheelchair user will live in a house that is all on one level or has a lift fitted. Wheelchair ramps take up a lot of space and will be hard to navigate for people in the house who are not wheelchair users. However, what can be useful are threshold ramps.

How is a threshold ramp different to a wheelchair ramp?

A threshold ramp is a small ramp that allows you to manoeuvre over a small barrier. In your home, this might be a door threshold or an uneven area of the floor. They can also help in places where surfaces are made of different materials. They are usually made of rubber, which means they grip to the floor and don’t slip. They work with heights from half an inch to four inches. It is recommended that you don’t attempt to stack them as the incline will become too steep.

Where can I use a threshold ramp inside my house?

Basically, anywhere you like. If you don’t have a completely flat doorway into your home, placing a threshold ramp either side will allow you to easily get up and over it. If there are other doorways in your house which are similarly tricky, a threshold ramp will help. They are also useful for areas of your home that may not be level; for example, if floorboards are uneven. A threshold ramp can also be used in the garden if you have uneven paving or difficult bumps to contend with.

Can a threshold ramp be left in place?

Yes. Because they are relatively small, threshold ramps can be left where they are. Other people living in the house will be able to step over them easily. You can also adapt threshold ramps to custom fit in a space. Because they are made of rubber they can be easily modified with basic DIY tools. This allows them to fit snugly into any area, making them safe for the wheelchair user and unobtrusive for anyone else using the space.