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Best Portable Wheelchair Ramps: Five Folding Aluminum Ramps Compared
A portable ramp covers a step, a threshold or a curb so a wheelchair, scooter or walker can roll over it. The right one is decided by arithmetic, not by brand: the ramp has to be long enough for the height of the step. The ADA Standards set the limit at 1:12, which means 12 inches of ramp for every inch of rise.
The five picks below run from 2 to 8 feet. All were in stock on Amazon for delivery to ZIP 10001 when we checked. We could not read any maker's own page, so every figure comes from the Amazon listing. Measure the rise first, then pick the length, because the listings say their ramps work at steeper slopes than the ADA's rule allows.
| Best for | Pick | Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | VNN 3ft Portable Wheelchair Ramp | Check price |
| Best for a low threshold | Fachnuo 2ft Portable Wheelchair Ramp | Check price |
| Lowest price | VEVOR 3ft Portable Wheelchair Ramp | Check price |
| Best for a 6-inch step | VNN 6ft Portable Wheelchair Ramp | Check price |
| Longest here | Whalemotor 8ft Portable Wheelchair Ramp | Check price |
Best Wheelchair Ramps
Best overall
VNN 3ft Portable Wheelchair Ramp
- Length
- 36 in
- Width
- 29.2 in
- Step heights
- 3 to 9 in (listing)
- Load
- 800 lb (listing)
- Weight
- 18.3 lb (listing)
- Sold by
- VNNAUTO
The VNN 3-foot ramp is a folding aluminum ramp, 36 inches long and 29.2 inches wide, with a non-skid surface and side baffles. The listing says it holds 800 pounds and weighs 18.3 pounds.
The listing says it is for step heights of 3 to 9 inches, and includes screws to fix it to a wooden platform and transition plates at the top and bottom.
Why We Picked It
It is the best balance of length, price and reviews: 2,231 reviews at 4.4 stars, and a length that covers a typical 3-inch threshold at the ADA's 1:12 slope. The listing describes a double non-skid surface, reflective stickers and a carry handle, and it comes with screws if you want to fix it in place.
What to Know Before You Buy
At 36 inches it fits a 3-inch rise at 1:12. The listing says it works up to 9 inches, which would be a 1:4 slope, far steeper than the ADA's rule and hard to push uphill. Use it for 3 inches, or buy a longer ramp. The ramp is 29.2 inches wide, narrower than the ADA's 36-inch clear width, so check your chair's wheelbase. The figures are from the listing.
Best for: A 3-inch threshold or doorstep.
Skip it if: Your step is higher than 3 inches.
Good for
- 2,231 reviews at 4.4
- Screws for fixing it down
Watch Out for
- Listing range is steeper than 1:12
- 29.2 in wide
Best for a low threshold
Fachnuo 2ft Portable Wheelchair Ramp
- Length
- 24 in
- Width
- 29.2 in
- Step heights
- 2 to 6 in, 4 in for wheelchairs (listing)
- Load
- 800 lb (listing)
- Weight
- 10.9 lb (listing)
- Sold by
- FACHNUO TOOL
The FACHNUO 2-foot ramp is 24 inches long and weighs 10.9 pounds, folding to 24 by 13.2 by 3.2 inches. The listing says it is for step heights of 2 to 6 inches and holds 800 pounds.
It adds that for wheelchair access the step height should not exceed 4 inches, and that the wheelbase should not exceed 27 inches.
Why We Picked It
It is the lightest and smallest ramp here, and it is the only listing that states a lower recommended step height for wheelchairs, 4 inches, than its full range. At 24 inches it suits a 2-inch rise at 1:12, a typical door threshold. It has 1,739 reviews at 4.4 stars.
What to Know Before You Buy
Even the listing's own 4-inch recommendation is steeper than 1:12 on a 24-inch ramp, so keep to a 2-inch rise if you can. The 27-inch wheelbase limit rules out wider chairs and scooters. The listing says the ramp may sink slightly under load and rebound. It is sold by FACHNUO TOOL, and the figures are from the listing.
Best for: A low door threshold and a narrow wheelchair or walker.
Skip it if: The step is over 2 to 4 inches or the chair is wide.
Good for
- Lightest at 10.9 lb
- States a wheelchair step limit
Watch Out for
- Wheelbase limit of 27 in
- Listing only
Lowest price
VEVOR 3ft Portable Wheelchair Ramp
- Length
- 36 in
- Width
- 29.3 in
- Step heights
- 3 to 6 in (listing)
- Load
- 800 lb (listing)
- Weight
- 18.1 lb (listing)
- Sold by
- Amazon
The VEVOR 3-foot ramp is the cheapest here. The listing gives 36 by 29.3 by 2.4 inches open, 36 by 14.65 by 3.35 folded, 18.1 pounds and an 800-pound load.
It says the ramp is for 3 to 6 inch doors and curbs and has raised side baffles and reflective strips.
Why We Picked It
It costs much less than the VNN 3-foot ramp for nearly the same size and weight, and the listing says it has transition plates that let the ramp meet the ground and the step. Amazon sells and ships it.
What to Know Before You Buy
It has only 129 reviews at 4.1 stars, the lowest rating of the five, and the listing's 3 to 6 inch range is steeper than 1:12 above 3 inches. The listing says a slight sinking and rebound is normal. All the figures come from the listing.
Best for: A 3-inch step on a tight budget.
Skip it if: You want a larger body of reviews or a higher rating.
Good for
- Lowest price
- Sold and shipped by Amazon
Watch Out for
- 129 reviews at 4.1
- Listing only
Best for a 6-inch step
VNN 6ft Portable Wheelchair Ramp
- Length
- 72 in
- Width
- 29.2 in
- Step heights
- 6 to 18 in (listing)
- Load
- 800 lb (listing)
- Weight
- 35.5 lb (listing)
- Sold by
- VNNAUTO
The VNN 6-foot ramp is 72 inches long and 29.2 inches wide, with a center hinge made without a gap, which the listing says reduces tripping. It weighs 35.5 pounds and is rated for 800 pounds.
The listing says it is for step heights of 6 to 18 inches.
Why We Picked It
At 72 inches it suits a 6-inch rise at the ADA's 1:12 slope, which is a common height for a porch step. The gap-free center hinge avoids the bump that sits in the middle of many folding ramps, and the listing says it has the same baffles and reflective strips as the shorter ramp.
What to Know Before You Buy
At 35.5 pounds it is hard to carry, so it is better left in place than moved. The listing says it works up to 18 inches, which would be a 1:4 slope, and the ADA also asks for handrails on ramps over 6 inches of rise, which this ramp does not have. Use it up to 6 inches, or add a rail.
Best for: A 6-inch porch step, left in place.
Skip it if: You need to carry it often or the rise is over 6 inches.
Good for
- Right length for a 6-inch rise at 1:12
- Gap-free center hinge
Watch Out for
- 35.5 lb
- No handrails
Longest here
Whalemotor 8ft Portable Wheelchair Ramp
- Length
- 96 in
- Step heights
- 8 to 24 in (listing)
- Load
- 800 lb (title), 606 lb (bullets)
- Weight
- 49 lb (listing)
- Extras
- Transition plates, anti-slip mat
- Sold by
- WHALEMOTOR
The WHALEMOTOR 8-foot ramp is the longest of the five, at 96 inches. The listing says it is for step heights of 8 to 24 inches, with transition plates above and below and an anti-slip mat under the plate.
The title gives an 800-pound capacity, while the bullets say it supports up to 606 pounds.
Why We Picked It
At 96 inches it suits an 8-inch rise at 1:12, the longest run here, so it gives the gentlest slope for a high step or a car threshold. It has 910 reviews at 4.4 stars, and the listing says it is anti-slip with a jagged texture.
What to Know Before You Buy
The listing disagrees with itself on capacity, 800 pounds in the title and 606 in the bullets, so plan on 606. It weighs 49 pounds, is the most expensive of the five and the listing says the center hump can flatten under a heavy load. The 24-inch top of its stated range would be a 1:4 slope.
Best for: An 8-inch step where you want the gentlest slope.
Skip it if: You need to carry it, or need a confirmed load rating.
Good for
- Right length for an 8-inch rise at 1:12
- 910 reviews at 4.4
Watch Out for
- Listing disagrees on load
- 49 lb and the highest price
Compare the 5 Picks
| Pick | Length | Listed step height | Rise at 1:12 | Load | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VNN 3ft Portable Wheelchair Ramp | 36 in | 3 to 9 in | 3 in | 800 lb | 18.3 lb |
| Fachnuo 2ft Portable Wheelchair Ramp | 24 in | 2 to 6 in | 2 in | 800 lb | 10.9 lb |
| VEVOR 3ft Portable Wheelchair Ramp | 36 in | 3 to 6 in | 3 in | 800 lb | 18.1 lb |
| VNN 6ft Portable Wheelchair Ramp | 72 in | 6 to 18 in | 6 in | 800 lb | 35.5 lb |
| Whalemotor 8ft Portable Wheelchair Ramp | 96 in | 8 to 24 in | 8 in | 800 lb (606 lb in bullets) | 49 lb |
The 1:12 Rule from the ADA Standards
The 2010 ADA Standards, published by the U.S. Access Board, say a ramp run should have a running slope not steeper than 1:12, meaning 1 inch of rise for every 12 inches of ramp length. They allow steeper slopes up to 1:8 in existing sites where space is limited, but only for small rises: 6 inches at slopes steeper than 1:12 up to 1:10, and 3 inches at slopes steeper than 1:10 up to 1:8. They prohibit anything steeper than 1:8.
The Standards also give a clear width of 36 inches for a ramp run, a maximum rise of 30 inches per run, and landings 60 inches long at the top and bottom. For a rise over 6 inches, they ask for handrails, and they ask for edge protection on both sides. The ADA covers public and commercial buildings and does not bind a private home, but it is the clearest published rule for how steep a ramp should be.
The CDC says more than 1 in 4 older adults falls each year, and a ramp that is too steep, too narrow or not secure is a hazard.
Measure the rise, then multiply by 12. A 2-inch step needs a 24-inch ramp, a 3-inch step 36 inches, a 6-inch step 72 inches and an 8-inch step 96 inches. The listings say their ramps work at much steeper slopes. For example, the VNN 3-foot ramp lists 3 to 9 inches, which is as steep as 1:4, so use the ADA rule to choose the length and not the listing's range.
How to Choose a Wheelchair Ramp
Measure the Rise
Measure from the ground to the top of the step or threshold in inches. Multiply by 12 to get the minimum ramp length in inches, and divide by 12 for feet.
Length
The picks are 24, 36, 72 and 96 inches long. At 1:12 they suit rises of 2, 3, 6 and 8 inches, so a 4-inch step needs at least a 4-foot ramp.
Width and Wheelbase
The ramps are about 29 inches wide, narrower than the ADA's 36-inch clear width. The FACHNUO listing says the wheelbase should not exceed 27 inches. Measure your chair or scooter before you buy.
Weight Limit
Four listings give 800 pounds. The WHALEMOTOR title says 800 while its bullets say 606, so plan on 606. Add the weight of the person, the chair and anything carried.
Weight of the Ramp
The ramps weigh from 10.9 to 49 pounds. A ramp you move daily should be light. One that stays in place can be heavier.
Edges and Handrails
The ADA asks for handrails on ramps with a rise over 6 inches. The listings describe side baffles and reflective strips, not handrails. For a high step, add a rail or choose a different solution.
Wheelchair Ramp Questions
How Long a Ramp Do I Need?
Twelve inches of ramp for every inch of rise, according to the ADA Standards, which set the limit at a 1:12 slope. A 2-inch step needs 24 inches, a 3-inch step 36 inches, a 6-inch step 72 inches and an 8-inch step 96 inches. Measure the rise from the ground to the top of the step, multiply by 12 and choose a ramp at least that long.
Can I Use a Steeper Ramp?
The ADA allows slopes up to 1:8 in existing sites, but only for rises of 3 to 6 inches, and prohibits anything steeper. A steeper ramp is harder to push up and easier to tip on.
Are Portable Ramps Wide Enough?
The ramps here are about 29 inches wide, which is less than the 36-inch clear width the ADA asks for on a ramp run. Whether that is enough depends on your chair or scooter. The FACHNUO listing says the wheelbase should not exceed 27 inches. Measure the wheel track of your chair and the maker's width limit before you buy.
Do I Need Handrails?
The ADA asks for handrails on ramp runs with a rise of more than 6 inches, and for edge protection on both sides. The portable ramps here have side baffles and reflective strips, but not handrails. For a high step, add a rail, choose a different solution, or ask a physical therapist or a contractor who builds accessible ramps.
Can I Fix a Portable Ramp in Place?
The VNN 3-foot listing says it comes with screws so it can be fixed to a wooden platform, and the other listings describe a non-slip surface and transition plates at the top and bottom. If you leave a ramp outdoors, check that the plates sit flat on the ground and the step, and that the ramp does not slide when you push or pull a chair on it.
Why Does the Ramp Flex When I Roll over It?
The FACHNUO, VNN and VEVOR listings say a long portable ramp may sink slightly under load and rebound, and the WHALEMOTOR listing says the hump in the center can flatten under a heavy load. This is the hinge and the aluminum flexing, and the listings call it normal. A ramp that bends sharply, rocks or has a gap at the hinge is not normal, so stop using it and contact the seller.
Our Take
The VNN 3-foot ramp is the best pick for the most common case, a 3-inch step, with 2,231 reviews averaging 4.4 stars. The FACHNUO 2-foot ramp is the choice for a 2-inch threshold and a light carry, and the VEVOR is the cheapest 3-foot option, with a lower rating from far fewer reviews.
For a 6-inch porch step, the VNN 6-foot ramp gives the right length for 1:12, at 35.5 pounds. For an 8-inch step, the WHALEMOTOR 8-foot does, but its listing disagrees on capacity, so plan on 606 pounds.
Whichever you choose, measure first and match the length to the rise, and do not rely on the highest step height the listing claims.
The Bottom Line
The VNN 3-foot ramp is the best all-round portable ramp for a 3-inch step. Choose the FACHNUO 2-foot for a 2-inch threshold, the VNN 6-foot for a 6-inch step and the WHALEMOTOR for an 8-inch step. Measure the rise, multiply by 12, check your chair's width and ask a physical therapist or occupational therapist if the push up the ramp is a concern. See also our guides to transport wheelchairs and mobility scooters.