The design standards for wheelchair ramps vary around the world, but they are all designed to ensure the safety and convenience of people with limited mobility. This article will compare the wheelchair ramp design standards in China, the United States, and Europe to better understand and apply these standards.
1. Wheelchair ramp design standards in China
According to the General Code for Accessibility of Buildings and Municipal Engineering GB55019-2021, China's wheelchair ramp design standards mainly include the following points:
- Slope: The transverse slope should not be greater than 1:50, and the longitudinal slope should not be greater than 1:12. When conditions are limited and the height difference between the starting and ending points of the slope section is not greater than 150 mm, the longitudinal slope should not be greater than 1:10.
- Width: The clear width of the wheelchair ramp should not be less than 1.20 meters.
- Platform: The clear width of the starting point, end point, and rest platform of the wheelchair ramp should not be less than the clear width of the ramp, and the horizontal length should not be less than 1.50 meters.
- Handrails: When the height of the wheelchair ramp is greater than 300 mm and the longitudinal slope is greater than 1:20, handrails should be installed on both sides, and the handrails of the ramp and the rest platform should be continuous.
2. Wheelchair ramp design standards in the United States
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the wheelchair ramp design standards in the United States are as follows:
- Slope: The maximum slope of the ramp is 1:12, that is, for every 1 inch of rise, the horizontal length should be 12 inches. When the slope is greater than 1:20, handrails must be installed.
- Width: The minimum width of the wheelchair ramp is 36 inches (about 0.91 meters). At the barrier-free entrance and exit, the width should not be less than 48 inches (about 1.22 meters).
- Platform: The minimum horizontal length of the starting point, end point and rest platform of the ramp is 60 inches (about 1.52 meters).
- Handrails: When the height of the ramp exceeds 300 mm (about 1 foot) or the slope is greater than 1:20, handrails must be installed on both sides. The height of the handrail should be between 34 inches and 38 inches (about 0.86 meters to 0.97 meters).
3. European wheelchair ramp design standards
According to the European standard EN 1176, the European wheelchair ramp design standards are as follows:
- Slope: The maximum slope of the ramp is 1:12. When conditions are limited, the slope can be relaxed to 1:10, but not more than 1:8.
- Width: The minimum width of the wheelchair ramp is 1.20 meters. At barrier-free entrances and exits, the width should not be less than 1.50 meters.
- Platform: The minimum horizontal length of the starting point, end point and rest platform of the ramp is 1.50 meters.
- Handrail: When the height of the ramp exceeds 300 mm or the slope is greater than 1:20, handrails must be installed on both sides. The height of the handrail should be between 0.85 meters and 0.95 meters.
4. Summary of standard comparison
| Standard | Slope | Width | Platform | Handrail |
| China | 1:12 (1:10) | 1.20m | 1.50m | >300mm and >1:20 |
| USA | 1:12 | 0.91m (1.22m) | 1.52m | >1ft and >1:20 |
| Europe | 1:12 (1:10, 1:8) | 1.20m (1.50m) | 1.50m | >300mm and >1:20 |
5. Conclusion
By comparing the design standards of wheelchair ramps in China, the United States and Europe, we can find that although the specific values of each country are different, the overall goal is to ensure the safety and convenience of wheelchair users. In actual applications, designers should flexibly apply these standards according to local regulations and standards, combined with specific environments and needs, to achieve the best design effect.
I hope the content of this article can provide you with valuable reference and help you better understand and apply the design standards of wheelchair ramps.