What is a threshold ramp?
It’s a small ramp designed to bridge the height difference between the floor and a doorway or entryway. These ramps are usually smaller in length than traditional wheelchair ramps, and as such they generally do not come with side rails or curbs. They are designed for smaller rises, often a matter of a few inches, which might not seem like a big deal to most people but can be difficult impediments to those individuals using mobility devices, as well as those with limited leg mobility.
Before choosing a threshold ramp, it’s helpful to know what features and options are available to you.
Material
Because portability isn’t a requirement, threshold ramps come in several different types of material. Aluminum is popular because it’s low maintenance and lightweight compared to steel, rubber creates a sturdy, non-scratch option that is fully waterproof and resistant to mold/mildew, and expanded foam is extremely lightweight and portable.
Surface Traction
Depending on the climate you live in and whether your ramp will be used indoors or outside, some traction options might be more appealing than others. Grit-coat adhesive is popular because it provides uniform traction that does not get slippery in inclement weather. Rubber and aluminum threshold ramps often have grooved lines or raised traction designs that allow rain and snow to channel down and away so that traction isn’t affected. Punch plate offers the most aggressive traction option for scooter or wheelchair wheels, however if the ramp will be used at an entryway where some users will be barefoot, it might be safer to choose a ramp with more uniform traction.
Adjustability
Wedge-shaped threshold ramps are not adjustable, so measuring the exact height of the rise and matching it to your ramp will be paramount for a good fit. Because they butt up to the side of the step, there is a chance for a small gap with most wedges.
Ramps with adjustable legs or an adjustable top flap allow for some play with how the ramp will sit, and can overcome small discrepancies between the rise and the height of the ramp.
Plate-style threshold ramps with no legs or base support rest on the top of the step, and as such, will have infinite adjustability. As Uncle Ben said, “With great power, comes great responsibility.” It’s up to you to determine the safest height and angle at which you can place your plate-style ramp.
ADA-Compliance
Speaking of safety, ADA guidelines provide a rule of thumb for how great the rise to ramp ratio can be before it becomes a liability. That ratio is 1:12. For every one inch of vertical height, there should be at least one foot, or 12 inches, of ramp length.
Business are obligated to follow this ratio and a slew of additional ADA-compliant regulations to provide safe accommodation to their guests and patrons, however if you’re outfitting a private residence such as your own home, it will be at your own discretion. We always recommend following ADA guidelines if possible for the greatest degree of safety for yourself and any loved ones who will be using the ramp.
Our Silver Spring Foam ADA Ramps are expanded foam core ramps with fully-enclosed traction coating built to comply with ADA specifications so that you’ll always be using them safely.
Weight Capacity
Realistically, a threshold ramp should be able to support the heaviest weight moving across the entryway, and the majority of our ramps can do that easily. Most are designed to accommodate up to 600 lbs. or 800 lbs., with some exceptions depending on the material and construction.
Perhaps grandma is visiting with her four-wheel scooter and both grandkids decide to ride on her scooter as she travels up the ramp and into the home. Maybe you’re using your manual wheelchair and have a couple of bags of groceries on your lap. Whatever the scenario, know that your threshold ramp is built to support you throughout your daily life.
Our Threshold Ramp Options
Mobility Mart’s selection of threshold ramp call out the safe use range so that you always know the maximum rise that will safely work with your chosen ramp. Our popular threshold ramp lines include:
The Silver Spring Aluminum Modular Self-Supporting Threshold Ramp, which features segments that slide together and an adjustable top flap to compensate for the gap.
The Silver Spring Aluminum Grit-Coat Threshold Ramp, which not only has an 800 lb. capacity but also raised curbs, something that you don’t often see on smaller threshold ramps.
The VersaRamp Lightweight Foam Threshold Ramp, which looks like concrete yet weighs 12 pounds or less, making it incredibly easy to move. It supports up to 600 lbs. and is a great choice for inside use because of its non-marring surface.
