A ramp is often the single change that turns a home from a barrier into an open door — letting a wheelchair or mobility scooter user get over a doorstep, up a kerb or into a car without help. The right ramp is safe and the right length; the wrong one is too steep to use. This guide covers the types, what they cost in the UK in 2026, the all-important gradient rule, and how to claim VAT relief.
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Types of wheelchair ramp and what they cost
| Type | Best for | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Threshold ramp | A single low step or raised doorway lip, up to about 75mm | £15 – £80 |
| Portable folding ramp | Car loading, visiting, temporary access; folds and carries | £60 – £600 |
| Channel / track ramp | A pair of rails for kerbs and a few steps; very light | £50 – £250 |
| Telescopic ramp | Adjustable length, extends to suit different steps | £90 – £400 |
| Modular / semi-permanent | Fixed aluminium system for a doorway or several steps | £500 – £3,000+ |
For occasional and travel use, a folding or channel ramp is ideal. For a step you cross every day, a fitted threshold or modular ramp is safer and sturdier.
The gradient rule — get the length right
This is the part people get wrong. A ramp that is too short for the height it climbs is dangerously steep. The recommended gradient is 1:12 for assisted use (someone pushing) and a gentler 1:20 for someone wheeling themselves unaided. In practice that means:
- Measure the total rise (the vertical height of the step or steps).
- For 1:12, you need 12cm of ramp length for every 1cm of rise — so a 15cm step needs a ramp around 1.8m long.
- For unaided use, double that with a 1:20 gradient.
When in doubt, choose a longer ramp. A gentler slope is always easier and safer, especially with a heavier powered chair or scooter.
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How to choose
- Permanent or portable? A daily-use step calls for a fixed ramp; occasional access is better served by a folding or channel ramp you can store away.
- Check the weight capacity. Add the user, the wheelchair or scooter and any attendant. Powered scooters are heavy — make sure the ramp is rated well above the total.
- Mind the width. The ramp should be wider than your wheels with clearance to spare; channel ramps must match your wheel spacing.
- Surface and edges. Look for an anti-slip surface and raised side lips to stop a wheel rolling off.
- Storage and weight. If you will lift it into a car, aluminium folding ramps are lightest.
VAT relief and grants
Ramps bought for a disabled person are zero-rated for VAT, saving 20% — this applies to portable and modular systems alike. You sign a short eligibility declaration at purchase; you do not need to be formally registered disabled.
For a permanent ramp as part of adapting your home, the Disabled Facilities Grant from your local council can cover the cost if you qualify. Start with a referral to your council’s occupational therapy team. See the full UK mobility funding and support guide.
Frequently asked questions
What length wheelchair ramp do I need?
Work from the rise (vertical height). For assisted use aim for a 1:12 gradient — about 12cm of ramp for every 1cm of height. For someone wheeling themselves, use a gentler 1:20. A longer ramp is always safer.
What is a threshold ramp?
A small wedge ramp, usually rubber or aluminium, that bridges a single low step or a raised doorway lip up to around 75mm. It needs no installation — it simply sits on the floor.
How much does a wheelchair ramp cost in the UK?
Threshold ramps cost £15–£80, portable folding ramps £60–£600, and fixed modular systems £500–£3,000+ depending on length and complexity.
Are wheelchair ramps VAT exempt?
Yes. Bought for use by a disabled person, ramps are zero-rated for VAT, saving 20%. You sign a simple declaration when you buy.
Can I get a ramp through a grant?
Yes, a permanent ramp can be funded by the Disabled Facilities Grant if you qualify. Apply via your council’s occupational therapy team.
Need access between floors too? See our guides to home lifts and stairlifts, or compare wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Back to the mobility hub.