Which Entrance Ramp Is Right for Your Home? 4 Ramp Types Explained

A front step, raised doorway, garage entrance, or elevated porch can quickly become a barrier for someone using a wheelchair, mobility scooter, walker, or other mobility aid. The right ramp depends on the vertical rise, available space, mobility device, and whether the access solution is temporary or long-term.

1. Small Doorway or Threshold? Consider a Threshold Ramp

Threshold ramps are designed for small height changes at doorways, garage entrances, patios, and sliding doors. They create a smoother transition over raised thresholds without requiring a long ramp system.

Best for: small doorway rises, single thresholds, walkers, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters.

2. One or Two Steps? Consider a Folding Ramp

Folding ramps are useful when access is needed at lower steps and the ramp may need to be moved, folded, stored, or transported. They can be a practical option for temporary or occasional use.

Best for: short-term recovery, occasional access, visiting family, rental homes, travel, and lower entry steps.

3. Need a Sturdier Temporary Solution? Portable Solid Ramp

A portable solid ramp provides a continuous, stable rolling surface while still allowing the ramp to be repositioned when needed. Some configurations can also include handrails for additional support.

Best for: regular home access where a sturdy ramp is preferred but a full permanent or modular system may not be necessary.

4. Multiple Steps or a High Porch? Consider a Modular Ramp

For higher entrances, porches, decks, or daily wheelchair and scooter access, a modular ramp system can be configured with ramp sections, platforms, turns, and handrails. Modular layouts are especially helpful when a straight ramp would require too much space.

Best for: multiple steps, elevated entrances, daily mobility-device use, longer ramp runs, and aging-in-place access.

Before Choosing a Ramp, Measure These 3 Things

• Total vertical rise - measure from the lower surface to the entrance landing.
• Available ramp space - account for sidewalks, landscaping, driveways, walls, and other obstructions.
• Doorway and landing area - check door swing, turning space, and room to safely enter or exit.

Also consider the mobility device, combined user and equipment load, surface conditions, frequency of use, and whether a caregiver will assist.

Which Ramp Type Fits the Situation?

Threshold ramp: small doorway rises and transitions.

Folding ramp: lower steps, temporary access, and portability.

Portable solid ramp: a sturdier surface for regular use without a full modular system.

Modular ramp: higher rises, multiple steps, daily access, platforms, turns, and handrails.

Working with a local mobility store, such as Mobility Plus Buford, can help determine an appropriate ramp type and configuration based on the entrance, available space, and mobility equipment being used.

The Bottom Line

There is no single entrance ramp that is right for every home. A small threshold may need only a threshold ramp, while one or two steps may be better suited to a folding or portable solid ramp. A larger porch or multi-step entrance may call for a modular ramp system.

The best place to start isn't choosing a ramp - it's measuring the entrance