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Wheelchairs

How Much Do Wheelchair Ramps Cost?

Written by Dayna C
Last Updated :

How much do wheelchair ramps cost?

Honestly, it depends on your specifications and preferences.

Materials matter, too, as the best wheelchair ramps run significantly higher than, say, cheaper DIY options.

We put together a handy guide that will help you determine just how much to budget for yours, so let’s get started!

How Much Does a Wheelchair Ramp Cost to Buy?

Wheelchair use in the United States has about 2.7 million users, making the safe mobility challenge an important matter in daily living.

Both indoor and outdoor ramps help alleviate those challenges a bit.

How much are handicap ramps, though? It varies depending on handicap ramp locations, materials, and design.

a man pushing the patient in a wheelchair inside the van through a wheelchair ramp

The average wheelchair ramp estimate cost is provided below.

Type of Ramp: Average Cost

There are a wide variety of wheelchair ramps to choose from to sustain you in daily living. While we can’t give you specific dollar amounts, the cost estimates below will help you set up a basic budget.

Let us discuss how much wheelchair ramps cost by type.

1. Threshold Ramp

A threshold ramp is a sensible and secure choice if your door frame is higher than the floor. This is important for those recovering at home or requiring walkers and canes.

Doorway and entryway threshold ramps are priced from $50 to $1,200. Yes, that’s a HUGE price range, but it really does depend on the type of ramp.

Rubber threshold ramps, for example, range in price from $100 to $600, depending on the size and quality.

They’re a great option for those who really don’t want to deal with installation, as they’re fairly simple to add onto your threshold.

How much do aluminum wheelchair ramps cost? While it’s possible to find a very cheap one under $50, quality options range from $250 to $1200 and even higher.

Again, the final price depends on the size of the ramp as well as the overall quality of the brand you choose. Bariatric aluminum ramps often cost a bit more.

To recap:

  • Rubber ramps- $50-200, with many models falling in the “under $100) range
  • Stand alone aluminum ramp – $50 to $1200+
  • Bariatric ramps – $150 to $1,300

2. Portable Ramp

A portable wheelchair ramp can cost from $100 to $3,000, and they are particularly well-suited for those in search of a temporary solution and needs minor home modifications.

A portable ramp is helpful since it can be moved from one room to another, or taken on vacation for temporary usage as per vehicle modification.

Folding – $100 to $600
Telescoping – $150 to $500
Roll-up – $200 to $1,000
Track – $200 to $2,000
Bariatric – $400 to $800
Pathway – $500 to $3,000

3. Modular Ramp

A modular ramp typically costs between $400 to $3,000.  

These ramps are generally built on-site in parts and delivered to the worksite ready for your contractor to assemble. Aluminum ramp and steel ramp are the most common ramp materials used.

4. Semi-Permanent Ramp

The average cost of semi-permanent ramps is from $1,000 to $2,000.

Semi-permanent ramps do not stay in place, like permanent ramps. They are installed, but if removal is required, it is far less of a hassle for vehicle modification.

5. Permanent Ramp

Permanent wheelchair ramps for homes range from $1,400 to $3,000. Permanent ramps are the most stable and reliable option especially for people with a medical condition.

However, they are fixed in place and not open to big changes for vehicle modification. Building permits are also required.

6. Custom Ramp

Ramps that are customized tend to cost between $1,400 and $3,000, although wheelchair ramp prices can go as high as $6,000 if additional design and ramp materials are required.

A custom ramp is typically built into the ground and is usually long-term. With a help of an expert, you can tailor it to suit your daily living.

READ MORE: How to Measure for a Ramp?

Ramp Insurance

Along with service locations for STAR+PLUS HCBS Program, this also aimed to provide affordable alternatives to institutional care in Texas board of nursing facilities.

Qualified individuals receive financial assistance from intermediate care facilities, based on an assessment of their needs, informed choice, and person-centered process.

insurance policy form

Care organizations affiliated with MCOs offer care budget services to members in their own homes, nursing homes, ALFs, and other locations.

This service provider is identified in an individual service plan and authorized by MCOs per Section 8113, General Requirements for MCOs. Type of service include:

  • personal assistance services (PAS)
  • nursing services
  • physical therapy
  • occupational therapy
  • speech therapy
  • rehabilitative therapy
  • medical equipment
  • office equipment
  • dental services
  • respite care
  • other program benefits/supplemental benefits

Prior to granting individual service plan services, the MCO provider staff must identify, coordinate, and when applicable, authorize available Medicaid, Medicare, and other third-party resources.

  • Form H1700-2, Individual Service Plan
  • Form H1700-3, Nursing Service Plan
  • Form H1700-A, Rationale for STAR+PLUS HCBS Program Items/Services
  • Form H1700-A1, Certification of Completion/Delivery of STAR+PLUS HCBS Program Items/Services
  • Form H1700-B, Non-STAR+PLUS HCBS Program Services
  • Form H2060, Needs Assessment Questionnaire and Task/Hour Guide
  • Form H2060-A, Addendum to Form H2060
  • Form H2060-B, Needs Assessment Addendum
  • Form H6516, Community First Choice Assessment
  • Other forms and assessments are linked to the provider’s services, as needed.

It is the program’s eligibility to transmit the functional evaluation data to the medical professional when requested.

Form H1700-1 can be sent electronically to Medicaid federal program and Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) Long-Term Care Organization Online Portal or TMHP Electronic Data Interchange.

Ramp Maintenance

Ramps require regular cleaning and upkeep. Keep an eye out for sagging, decaying, or loose bolts.

Generally, you can do this yourself, but if you have questions or believe your ramp is badly flawed, you should have it inspected by a medical professional and your primary care provider.

READ MORE: Gifts for Wheelchair Bound Elderly

How Much Will It Cost to DIY a Wheelchair Ramp?

Although it is not fairly common, many homeowners and DIYers can make a handicap ramp or execute other changes at their homes and make them wheelchair accessible.

All in all, with regard to wood, you could have a wheelchair ramp built and installed in just a week.

Average Cost to Build a Wheelchair Ramp

How much to build a wheelchair ramp?

You can build one yourself for around $35 per linear foot, or you can buy one ready-made for roughly $65 to $215 per linear foot.

For those without masonry or welding skills, a ramp built of wood will be best.

You will need to acquire permissions (e.g., building codes, environmental adaptations, accessibility adaptations) that allow you to use the slope and level landings and guarantee you comply with the ADA ramp regulations.

See below an invoice cost for each material per linear foot[3]:

  • Concrete – $200 to $250
  • Wood – $100 to $250
  • Aluminum – More or Less $150
  • Steel/Metal – $200 to $250
  • Prefabricated Aluminum – More or Less $100
  • How To Build A Wheelchair Ramp

Don’t hesitate if you have decided to trust yourself with a DIY project. We are here to help.

Follow these simple procedures, and you will both save up to $1,000, as well as construct a wheelchair ramp that anyone can use in daily living.

1. Setting the specifications for the ramp such as wheelchair ramp slope, landings, width, and weight must be done.

2. If you’re looking to design a customized or modular ramp, determine if you want a portable or fixed ramp.

3. Stack all the boards on edge to face each other.

4. Nail to the back of two boards you have side-by-side and make two T-shaped structures.

5. Attach the brackets at the bottom and top of the case using a drill.

6. Install the ramp with railings on the bars.

7. Go ahead and test the ramp.

Related: How to Get the Free Wheelchair Ramps for Disabled?

Ramp Alternatives

Wheelchair ramps are a great investment for homeowners and families who need to go securely throughout the house in daily living, but they aren’t the only options.

You might also want to consider using wheelchair ramp alternatives, such as electric wheelchairs or scooter stairlifts. Generally, the cost of installing a home stairlift will range between $4,000 and $8,000.

On the high end, an estimated additional ramps cost ranges from $35,000 to $50,000 for a residential elevator. 

Do I Need to Pay Extra to Have a Ramp Installed?

Ensure you and your contractor are aware of any city-specific requirements. If you’re building a custom ramp for your home, you can follow ADA ramp guidelines.

If you decide to hire a professional contractor, expect expertise pay. The cost to install wheelchair ramp can be 50$-250$ depending on the ramp size.

DIY wheelchair ramp: how much does a wheelchair ramp cost?

Many states and non-profit care organization offers financial support for wheelchair ramps. For further information, contact your local government or senior/disability care organization.

Also Read: How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Wheelchair Ramp?

FAQs

Are wheelchair ramps covered by Medicare?

Medicare generally does not cover wheelchair ramps. Because Medicare Part B only pays for “Durable Medical Equipment” like wheelchair ramps when a licensed physician deems them medically necessary.

Does Home Depot sell wheelchair ramps?

 Home Depot volunteers help build wheelchair ramps.

Why are ramps so expensive?

The cost of wheelchair ramps is high. Getting a bunch from the woods is more labor-intensive than pulling them up from a clean garden row, thus the pricing reflects it.

Do all ramps have to be ADA compliant?

Yes. The ADA requires curb ramps and ramps along any accessible route in a public place with a height adjustment of more than a half inches.

Conclusion

No one should have to compromise on ease of use and home beauty in order to use a home access system in daily living.

Talk to a professional carpenter to get his/her opinion about your home’s necessities and how a wheelchair ramp would help you.

References

  • “2021 Ramp Installation Cost | Cost to Build Wheelchair Ramp.” 2021. Fixr.com. February 2021. https://www.fixr.com/costs/ramp-installation#average-cost-of-wheelchair-ramp-by-type.
  • “2021 Wheelchair Ramp Cost | Handicap Ramp Cost Calculator.” 2021. Improvenet.com. 2021. https://www.improvenet.com/r/costs-and-prices/handicap-ramp-cost.
  • “Learn How Much It Costs to Build a Disability Ramp.” 2021. Homeadvisor.com. 2021. https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/environmental-safety/build-a-disability-ramp/.
  • “Section 8000, Specific STAR+plus HCBS Program Services.” 2021. Texas.gov. 2021. https://www.hhs.texas.gov/book/export/html/177026.
  • “What Medicare Covers | Medicare.” 2021. Medicare.gov. 2021. https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers.
manual wheelchair on a newly-built wheelchair ramp

How much does a wheelchair ramp cost? Have you tried buying or making your own? Please share with us below!

About Author

Dayna C
Dayna has an incredible passion for helping others and a background as an in-home caregiver for the elderly. She left the field temporarily three years ago to stay at home with her twins, but found that she really missed working with senior citizens. She launched LoAids as a way to help not just her own loved ones and former clients, but ALL seniors live life to the fullest in their golden years.  Follow her on LINKEDIN and TWITTER. Read her LATEST POSTS. Learn more about her HERE.

8 thoughts on “How Much Do Wheelchair Ramps Cost?”

  1. The cost of wooden ramps has come up quite a bit in 2021 with the cost of wood. But hopefully, that will settle down before we know it. I know my friend’s family installed 3 different ramps in late 2020 and they weren’t as expensive as when they priced one in 2021. Two were longer than 8 feet and one was a shorter one for the front door of the house. Great post as always.

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