Wheelchairs

How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Wheelchair Ramp? (Guide)

Written by Siun L
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How much does it cost to rent a wheelchair ramp? Many wheelchair users that have to resort to wheelchair ramp rentals ask that question.

Renting a ramp will cost you a minimum of $10 to $20 daily, depending on different factors, such as the length or type of ramp.

Here is all you need to know about rental ramp costs. Read on!

READ MORE: What is the Standard Width of a Wheelchair Ramp?

Quick Summary

  • The wheelchair ramp renting cost depends on the type of ramp, its length, and its configuration.
  • Sometimes it’s cheaper to buy a purchase a ramp than rent one.
  • Don’t forget to ask about the minimum ramp rental period.

Here is a simple summary of what to expect when renting a wheelchair ramp.

Size of RampRamp Cost
2ft ramp$150
4-6 ft ramp$150- $600
7-10 ft ramp$200- $600

READ MORE: How Much Does It Cost to Install a Ramp?

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Wheelchair Ramp?

On average, you can expect to pay from $100 to $300 per month to rent a wheelchair ramp. However, the price depends on several factors.

wheelchair ramp place in front of an older building

1. Types of Ramp

Permanent ramps are more expensive to rent because you also have to cover the installation price, delivery, and removal.

So, you’ll have to pay around $300 per month and a one-time fee that can reach $1000, depending on the type of installation and the labor cost.

Modular ramps are also expensive, reaching up to $700 per month. But these aluminum ramps are easy to maintain and a safe mobility solution.

Portable ramps are a more affordable option – from $60 to $200-300. They make great outdoor indoor ramps, perfect for doorways, steps, cars, etc. And you don’t have to worry about additional costs.

Aluminum threshold ramps are also relatively affordable to rent, with rates ranging from $15 per day to $130 per month.

2. Ramp Length and Width

The longer the outdoor ramp, the more expensive it is. A 2ft access ramp costs $60 on average, but a 5-foot ramp will cost at least $100.

Most ramps are 36 inches wide, providing ample space to navigate with a wheelchair. But if you need to rent a wider ramp to accommodate your heavy-duty bariatric wheelchair, it probably will cost extra.

3. Configuration

The ramp configuration also can increase/decrease its rental price. And it matters if you’ll want safety features, such as handrails.

4. Rental Period.

Depending on how long you need to rent, the renter can give you a discount if you pay the first few rental payments upfront.

So, is it worth renting a wheelchair ramp, or should you purchase one?

Here’s a video showing a wheelchair ramp installation.

Nina Creech, senior operations vice president at an accessibility modification service company in Ohio, says some rental companies can charge $10 for every linear foot. [1]

The ramps usually have ADA-compliant configurations, which use the 1:12 rule. This rule ensures all ramps can work for standard wheelchairs or any other mobility device, such as a scooter.

Depending on your area’s labor costs and the ramp type, that price will go up or down.

Some wheelchair ramp rental companies offer you the option to turn the rental into a permanent purchase.

They’ll usually even factor money paid during the rental period into the final cost. Lifeway Mobility, for instance, allows for 70% of the costs to apply to the total ramp cost.

Why Rent a Wheelchair Ramp?

Ramps are expensive. Also, high labor rates and the cost of additional materials make it hard to build a ramp.

But is that all there is when renting this all-important home feature that could prove a medical necessity? No. There are additional benefits.

Here’s why people rent a wheelchair ramp.

1. It’s Cheaper to Rent Than Buy

Consider this question: “how much does it cost to rent a wheelchair ramp?” It’s cheaper to use wheelchair ramp rentals than to buy one outright. You get to pay less per linear foot for the rental ramp than if you bought one.

You also get to avoid the hustle of installing the ramp. So it is an affordable option because there is no need for additional labor costs.

2. Renting is Best for Temporary Mobility Issues

If you have a person with temporary mobility issues visiting or only need the ramp for a short period, it’s better to rent.

For instance, if you know you’ll use a wheelchair for a short six months, there’s no need to get a permanent concrete ramp.

A semi-permanent portable ramp would be a better fit in such a situation. Fortunately, with the many types of ramps available, it’s easy to get one that will boost your quality of life in the short term.

3. For Special One Day Events

If you are holding a special event that you figure will have some wheelchair users, there’s little need to buy a wheelchair or scooter ramp.

Permanent ramp installation for an event that will only last a few days isn’t worth the cost. So it’s better to rent a portable ramp.

4. When You Live in a Rented Apartment

Building a larger ramp at rented premises could cause issues with your landlord because of the lack of additional space for a permanent fixture.

You could need the assistive equipment, but with no ample space for permanent outdoor ramps, your landlord probably won’t let you. So it’s better to rent.

Is it Better to Buy, Rent or Build a Wheelchair Ramp?

Renting wheelchair ramps, though slightly cheaper, could have a higher average cost in the long run than buying one outright.

an old wheelchair threshold ramp

But then what if, instead of renting or buying, you build a ramp instead? Which of the three options is best?

Let’s run down the figures involved.

1. Buying a Wheelchair Ramp

If you’ll need the ramp for a long time, it’s better to buy it. What’s a long time here? A period of over six months. The ramp purchase price is high, but it will be worth it.

So what are the budget requirements? A long aluminum modular wheelchair ramp cost can be as much as $11000. The price will increase or decrease with the length or type of the ramp.

For instance, a portable wheelchair ramp offering temporary or semi-permanent home access could be cheaper. The same goes for wooden ramps.

2. Building a Wheelchair Ramp

You’ll need a minimum of $1000 to build a wheelchair ramp. That figure can rise as high as $4000, depending on the cost of materials for the ramp.

You’ll need a professional well versed with outdoor ramps to build such ramps. According to Home Advisor, an instant estimate website, the total cost of building a ramp could be between $1,017 and $3,193 [2].

Some ramps have lower installation prices depending on the material used. Wooden wheelchair ramps are cheaper to build than aluminum ramps. But you’ll need an expert wheelchair ramp builder for the best outcome.

You might not even need financial help for your ramp-building project. If a family member knows how to build a custom-made ramp, you can save some labor costs.

Verdict: If you’ll be in a wheelchair for the long term, buying or building a ramp is better. Renting will ultimately cost more in monthly payments.

But renting is your best option if you won’t need ramps for long.

Where Can I Get a Temporary Ramp?

Plenty of online rental programs and services offer affordable ramp solutions for their clients. You can check Lifeway Mobility, Freedom Mobility, Next Day Access, and more.

A simple Google search for accessibility ramp rentals for your country/state should give you plenty of options.

But don’t forget that you have to rent the right ramp length, or you can endanger your safety. And how to calculate the ramp’s length? It’s easier than you can imagine!

How to Calculate How Long a Ramp to Rent?

The ramp length depends on the raise you have to overcome.

Per ADA ramp regulations, all commercial ramps should adhere to the 1:12 ratio, meaning you require 12 inches of a ramp for one inch of raise. [3]

In other words, if you have to overcome 12 inches of height, you need to rent a 12-ft ramp. Use this calculator to help you.

Also, you should consider the gradient of the ramp you’re renting and ensure it’s suitable for the type of mobility aid.

Asexperts from TheRampPeoplesay,

“For manual wheelchairs, a minimum of a 1:6 is recommended. For electric wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers, a 1:8 is the minimum gradient.” [4]

And now, let’s talk about other things you should consider before renting a ramp.

5 Things to Consider When Renting a Ramp

When I decided that handicap ramp rental was the perfect solution for my grandfather’s problem, I had a hard time because I didn’t pay enough attention to the detail.

Besides looking for high-quality ramps to rent, you should also consider the renting period, read the small print, and inquire about any hidden additional costs.

1. Is There a Minimum Rental Period?

Some rental programs have a 1-month minimum rental period or more. So, check whether you can return the ramp earlier if you no longer need it or extend the renting period.

Companies may also have a maximum renting period, so you should read the renting conditions thoroughly.

2. Can You Purchase the Ramp?

Some companies, like Lifeway Mobility, allow you to rent a ramp with the option to purchase it later. That’s a great option if you don’t know how long you’d need an indoor or outdoor ramp.

3. What Is Included in the Price?

If renting a permanent concrete wheelchair ramp, you should inquire about ramp installation costs and any other fees you must pay. And don’t forget to ask about shipping costs.

FAQs

Do I qualify for a free ramp with Medicaid?

Unfortunately, the state-based assistance program doesn’t pay for wheelchair ramps. The government assistance program only caters to medically necessary equipment for which ramps don’t qualify.

How long Can I rent a ramp?

You can rent a ramp for as long as you need it. Some retailers will even rent you the ramps for a day or a week.

How Long Does a Wheelchair Ramp Have to be for Three Steps?

For three steps with a height of 22 inches, you need a 22-foot ramp, per ADA’s regulation. But a 12-foot portable ramp can also work for three steps since 22 feet is too long for most homes.

Does Medicare Cover a Ramp?

Medicare doesn’t cover home modifications, such as wheelchair ramps or widening doors for wheelchair access.

How Much Does an Aluminum Wheelchair Ramp Cost?

Building an aluminum wheelchair ramp costs $150 per linear foot on average. But you can also purchase a portable aluminum ramp, which is cheaper.

Conclusion

How much does it cost to rent a wheelchair ramp?The average cost for a simple wheelchair ramp is between $1000 and $4000, depending on the type of ramp.

It’s better to use handicap ramp rentals than to buy one, especially for short-term needs.

Now you have a better idea of wheelchair ramp costs. Always select a versatile ramp that will cater to your type of wheelchair.

Do you have any accessibility ramp rental ideas you think I didn’t mention? Mention them below in the comments!

wheelchair ramp placed on a door front

Do you have any ramp rental ideas you think I didn’t mention? Mention them below in the comments, and I will include them in the article.

Resources

  • 1. Acosta K. Everything You Need To Know About The Best Wheelchair Ramps [Internet]. Forbes Health. 2021. Available from: https://www.forbes.com/health/healthy-aging/best-wheelchair-ramps/
  • 2. Learn how much it costs to Build a Disability Ramp. [Internet]. www.homeadvisor.com. Available from: https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/environmental-safety/build-a-disability-ramp/
  • 3. Americans with Disabilities Act Ramp Slope – HandiRamp [Internet]. handiramp.com. Available from: https://handiramp.com/ada-guidelines/ada-ramp-slope.htm
  • 4. Doctor TR. Which wheelchair ramp should I buy? [Internet]. The Ramp People Ireland Blog. 2019. Available from: https://www.theramppeople.ie/blog/wheelchair-ramp-buy/

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17 thoughts on “How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Wheelchair Ramp? (Guide)”

  1. I think it’s a great opportunity in some cases to have a ramp when needed for short time. Love that I can find in this post the ramp’s costs to make a better evaluation

  2. Wow, that’s a lot. I thought it should be developers who would provide residents with such installation. I guess when you are a private homeowner, it’s a different thing…

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