Wheelchair Ramps in India: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy
India has 26 million citizens with disabilities and a rapidly ageing population. Yet more than 70 % of our buildings remain inaccessible. Wheelchair ramps are the fastest, most affordable fix—and Acc-Red’s aluminum range is built for Indian terrain and weather conditions. Below you’ll find a no-jargon walkthrough of ramp types, legal slopes, simple measuring hacks and a clear price table for the four most-requested lengths.
Why ramps matter (and why 1 in 12 isn’t always enough)
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 recommends a 1:12 slope—one inch of rise for every 12 inches (one foot) of ramp. That’s perfect on paper but often impossible on cramped Indian footpaths. Acc-Red therefore offers a pragmatic 1:4 slope option for sites where space is limited yet a safe gradient is still needed. Anti-skid aluminum treads and side curbs compensate for the steeper angle, giving you the best compromise between safety and footprint.
Seven ramp styles you’ll see on shopaccred.com
- Suitcase Ramps – Fold in half like a suitcase; ideal for two- or three-step entrances at shops and clinics.
- Modular Aluminum Ramps – Inter-locking sections that build straight or L-shaped runs, perfect for schools and hospitals.
- Roll-a-Ramp – Rolls up like a fire-hose, great for event venues and heritage sites.
- Telescopic Track Ramps – Two independent channels that extend for exact fit; popular for cars and small staircases.
- Threshold Plates – 1–3 inch rises at doorways to eliminate jolts.
- Society Fold Ramp – Wall-mounted, flips down only when needed—ideal for apartment lobbies.
- Vertical-Fold Special Ramp – Combination of wall-fold and roll-up, used in airports and charter planes.
Standard sizes & price guide
Acc-Red fabricates ramps from aircraft-grade aluminum with a tested 300 kg weight capacity . Each kit ships nationwide with anchor bolts, side rails and a 12-month warranty.
| Length | Typical Vertical Rise Covered* | Standard MRP (approx.) | Net Weight (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 ft (24 in) | 6 in (1:4) / 2 in (1:12) | ₹ 11,500 | 10 kg |
| 4 ft (48 in) | 12 in (1:4) / 4 in (1:12) | ₹ 18,000 | 14 kg |
| 6 ft (72 in) | 18 in (1:4) / 6 in (1:12) | ₹ 30,500 | 22 kg |
| 8 ft (96 in) | 24 in (1:4) / 8 in (1:12) | ₹ 37,500 | 26 kg |
*Rise assumes a straight run. For dog-leg or switch-back layouts the same ramp can clear higher levels.
How to measure your staircase in under 5 minutes
- Count the steps and measure one tread depth (front-to-back) and one riser height (top of one step to top of the next).
- Calculate total rise: multiply riser height by number of steps. Example: four steps × 6 in = 24 in.
- Pick slope: Divide rise by 4 (Indian compact) or 12 (global code) to find minimum ramp length in feet.
- Check landing space: You’ll need landing equal to ramp width (typically 30 in) at top and bottom.
- Note obstructions: door swings, handrails, fire-extinguisher boxes can eat into your clear width.
Why tread depth matters
Short, shallow treads (<12 in) make climbs steeper; deeper treads (>14 in) lengthen the staircase and may allow a shorter ramp. Always measure the actual rise rather than guessing based on number of steps.
Real-world wins with Acc-Red ramps
- Old-Age Home, Mumbai: Two 6-ft modular ramps let residents wheel directly to the dining hall—cutting caregiver lift-and-carry by 40 %.
- IMA CSR Grant, Mumbai: 8-ft portable ramp donated to rural schools enabled 500 students to attend classes upstairs.
DIY vs. professional installation—what’s safer?
Two- and four-foot suitcase ramps arrive ready to use. Anything longer or permanently fixed benefits from Acc-Red’s crew: they’ll anchor the sections, add stainless-steel guardrails and verify the gradient with a digital inclinometer.
Maintenance & lifespan
Aluminum resists rust, but Mumbai’s sea-salt air can dull the surface. Rinse with fresh water every quarter and re-check bolts annually. Non-skid grit tape is replaceable should it wear out—peel, wipe, stick, roll.
Ready to choose? Quick checklist
- ✔ Measure total rise in inches
- ✔ Decide 1:4 (compact) or 1:12 (gentle) slope
- ✔ Confirm your clear ground length
- ✔ Check weight capacity of wheelchair + user + attendant (300 kg rating covers most cases)
- ✔ Select 2-, 4-, 6- or 8-ft kit
- ✔ Order nationwide delivery on shopaccred.com
Frequently asked questions
Is a 2-ft ramp enough for a single doorstep?
Yes—one standard doorstep in India averages 5–7 inches; a 2-ft ramp at 1:4 slope covers 6 in easily.
Can I take it when I relocate?
All portable models fold and fit in the boot of a hatchback. Wall-mounted ramps can be unbolted and re-anchored elsewhere.
How soon can I get it?
Most stock lengths ship within 48 hours from our Mumbai warehouse.
Final word
A ramp is more than metal; it’s dignity engineered. Whether you pick a lightweight suitcase model or a heavy-duty modular kit, you’ll unlock independence for users and peace-of-mind for caregivers. Measure today—freedom is just a few feet away.
