If you’re a business owner with a physical storefront or office space, it’s important that you understand and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This civil rights law, which was launched in 1990, is a cornerstone of accessibility requirements for individuals with disabilities. Under Title III of the ADA, all businesses that are classified as “public accommodations”— a term that refers to businesses that are open to and serve the public—  must comply with the ADA. 

For business owners with physical spaces, ADA compliance includes ensuring that visitors with a mobility device or mobility limitations can safely navigate your building. In practice, this can mean things like offering accessible parking spaces, installing wheelchair ramps to create accessible routes adding handrail extensions to stairs, and more (also see Med Mart's portable ramps). 

This guide will offer information for business owners about ADA wheelchair ramp requirements

Businesses found in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can be fined up to $75,000 for a first offense, and $150,000 for additional violations.

Separate from fines, private parties can file lawsuits against your business which lead to costly litigation fees and settlements. 

Beyond avoiding fines and legal consequences, prioritizing ADA compliance will ensure that you create a welcoming, inclusive environment for your customer base. When you make sure that visitors with mobility impairments can safely access your business, you’re improving their experience and broadening your pool of potential customers. 

No matter the size of your business, it’s important that you take ADA compliance seriously. 

When Do I Need to Install a Ramp? 

A wheelchair ramp is a solution to help customers who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids safely access your business. They can also be beneficial for individuals with strollers, rolling suitcases, or vision impairments.

According to ADA standards , businesses must install a mobility ramp if their entryway includes a vertical rise greater than 1/2 inch. Ramp installation is necessarily it is “readily achievable” or reasonable for the business owner to install them. 

Wheelchair Ramp ADA Standards 

An ADA compliant ramp must meet the following specified requirements:

• Ramp Surface: A stable and slip-resistant surface for maximum safety.
• Width: A minimum width of 36 inches to accommodate wheelchair users.
• Ramp Slope: The slope is the vertical rise of the ramp. Ramps must have a maximum slope of 1:12 to ensure easy navigation; for every 12 inches of length, the height should rise no more than 1 inch.
• Handrails: Handrails are required on both sides if the ramp's rise exceeds 6 inches.
• Edge Safety: Curbs or railings should be implemented to prevent accidental falls or slips off the ramp's edge.
• Landings: Level landings at both ends of the wheelchair ramp and every 30 feet for resting purpose
• Cross Slope: The perpendicular cross slope of the wheelchair ramp must be a maximum rise ratio of 1:48

There are multiple different types of wheelchair ramps, depending on specific use cases. 

#1 Entryway Ramp

These wheelchair ramps are installed to help customers access the entryway of your building, usually as an accessible alternative to stairs.

These ramps are either one solid piece  or can be purchased as a modular ramp to be perfectly customized to fit the unique architecture of your building.

With modular ramps, you can customize:

• ramp length
• ramp handrails
• ramp landings
• horizontal length
• and more.

#2 Threshold Ramp

Indoor threshold ramps help customers navigate small steps or uneven floors.  Made of durable materials like rubber, aluminum, or composite, they provide a safe and seamless transition between heights. 

#3 Curb Ramp

Curb ramps facilitate smooth transitions from sidewalks to roadways. These ramps are essential for wheelchair users, but can also be helpful for people pushing strollers or carts. Built up curb ramps allow businesses to install a compliant ramp without altering the sidewalk.

ADA compliance isn't just good practice—it's essential for business owners. By meeting ADA ramp requirements, you're avoiding costly fines and legal ramifications, as well as sending a message of inclusion and respect to all your customers.

A wheelchair ramp can be necessary for some businesses to create an accessible route, but installing one doesn’t have to break the bank. At Med Mart, we offer a full catalog of semi-permanent solutions designed to meet ADA ramp requirements. These sturdy ramps are affordable, can be installed in a single afternoon (no costly construction required), and can be disassembled and moved should your business change locations. 

If you’d like to take the next step toward inclusivity for your business by purchasing an ADA compliant ramp, feel free to browse our selection of wheelchair ramps or get in touch with a Med Mart project expert today. We’d love to help. 

More Helpful Guides:

• Recognizing the Signs: When to Replace Power Wheelchairs
• The Comprehensive Guide to the Best Wheelchair Ramp Materials   
• How to Build a Wheelchair Ramp and Is It Worth It?
• Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Wheelchair Ramps?
• Vehicle Wheelchair Lift or Ramp: Which is Best for You?