Planning Safer Access Over Steps and Thresholds for Mobility Equipment
Share
Planning Safer Access Over Steps and Thresholds for Mobility Equipment
Steps and thresholds can make everyday places difficult to enter and leave. A small lip at a doorway may affect a wheelchair, scooter or other mobility equipment. A larger set of steps may require a permanent ramp, platform lift or another access solution.
Planning safer access over steps and thresholds for mobility equipment starts with understanding the space, the equipment and the person using it. The most suitable option depends on more than the height of the step. Width, gradient, surface, turning room and weather exposure all matter.
This guide outlines practical points to consider. It is general information, not a personal assessment. An occupational therapist, access consultant or qualified building professional can help assess a specific home or site.
Why thresholds need careful planning
A threshold is the raised section at the bottom of a door. It may be installed to separate indoor and outdoor areas or to help manage water and weather. Door tracks, uneven paving and small changes in floor height can create similar barriers.
A wheelchair or mobility device may catch on an edge when moving forward. This can make the user lose momentum or control. A steep or narrow ramp can also make turning and braking harder.
Even when a person can cross a threshold, it may not be safe or practical if they need to repeat the movement several times a day. Consider the full journey, not just the barrier itself.
Start with the user and the equipment
Different wheelchairs and mobility devices have different needs. Before choosing an access product, consider:
- The type of wheelchair or mobility equipment used
- The overall width, length and weight of the equipment and user
- Whether the equipment is manual or powered
- The size and position of the front castors or wheels
- The user’s ability to push, steer, brake and transfer
- Whether another person will provide assistance
- The direction of travel over the threshold
- Whether the equipment will be used indoors, outdoors or in both settings
A person who can manage a low threshold in a lightweight manual wheelchair may need a different solution when using a powered chair or scooter. Equipment may also behave differently when travelling forwards, backwards or at an angle.
Ask the user what feels difficult. They may notice problems that are not obvious to someone observing from the side. For example, the issue may be a lack of space to line up rather than the threshold height alone.
Measure the whole route
Take measurements before buying or installing a ramp. Record the following:
- The height of each step or threshold
- The available length for a ramp
- The clear width of the doorway or path
- The width and length of the equipment
- The space needed to approach and leave the ramp
- The location of handrails, walls, gates and furniture
- Any landing or turning areas
- Changes in level beyond the first step
Measure the height at more than one point if the surface is uneven. A threshold may not be the same height across its full width.
Check the door as well. A ramp may fit over the threshold but still leave too little room to open the door, turn or move through the opening. Sliding doors, screen doors and security doors may need separate consideration.
If possible, draw a simple plan of the route. Mark the entrance, ramp position, door swing and nearby obstacles. This can make problems easier to identify before installation.
Choose the right type of access solution
The best option depends on the size of the barrier, how often it is used and whether the solution needs to be temporary or permanent.
Small threshold ramps
A threshold ramp may be suitable for a small change in level. These ramps are often used at doorways and can be placed over a lip or track.
Check that the ramp:
- Is rated for the combined weight of the user and equipment
- Has enough width for the wheels or mobility device
- Sits securely without rocking or sliding
- Has a surface suitable for the expected conditions
- Does not block the door or reduce the clear opening too much
- Has a safe transition at both ends
A ramp that is too short for the height of the threshold may be too steep. A short ramp can also cause the front wheels to lift or the equipment to scrape at the top.
Portable ramps
Portable ramps can help with temporary access or occasional visits. They may be useful when a permanent building change is not possible, but they still need careful setup.
Before each use, check that the ramp is fully supported and correctly aligned. Look for movement, dirt, water and damage. Avoid placing a portable ramp across a surface that is soft, unstable or slippery.
The person using the equipment should know whether they can manage the ramp independently. Some situations require assistance, particularly where the ramp is long, steep or difficult to position.
Permanent ramps
A permanent ramp may be more suitable for a frequently used entrance. It usually needs more space than people first expect. A safe design may include level landings, edge protection, handrails and suitable drainage.
The design should be checked against current Australian requirements and the needs of the person using it. A building professional or access specialist can help with gradients, landings and construction details.
Do not assume that a ramp can be added to any doorway without changing the surrounding area. The approach, landing and door operation are all part of the access route.
Platform lifts and other options
Where there is not enough room for a ramp, a platform lift or another access system may be considered. These options can involve electrical work, structural changes and regular maintenance.
They should be assessed and installed by suitable professionals. The user should also receive clear instructions and know what to do if the system stops working.
Think about surfaces and weather
Outdoor access can change with rain, leaves, sand and other debris. A surface that feels secure when dry may become slippery when wet. Water can also collect at the bottom of a ramp or near a doorway.
Look for:
- A firm and even surface
- Good drainage
- Adequate lighting
- Clear edges that are easy to see
- Protection from clutter and stored items
- Enough space to stop safely
Avoid loose mats at the top or bottom of a ramp. They may bunch, move or catch wheels. Keep hoses, garden tools and cables away from the route.
At night, check whether the entrance is bright enough to show the threshold and ramp edges. Glare can also make changes in level harder to see.
Make the route easy to approach
A ramp is only useful if the user can reach it in a controlled way. Keep the approach clear and provide enough space to line up straight. Crossing a threshold at an angle may be harder for some users and equipment.
Consider where the person will stop after crossing. They may need room to turn, open the door, move away from the entrance or wait for assistance. A narrow landing can create a second problem immediately after the ramp.
For powered equipment, check that there is space to manoeuvre without striking walls, furniture or door frames. For manual wheelchairs, consider whether the user has enough room to build momentum without needing to make a sudden push.
Use equipment according to its instructions
Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the wheelchair, scooter, ramp or other mobility equipment. Check weight limits, surface restrictions and recommended use.
Do not use a ramp beyond its stated capacity. Do not modify a ramp by drilling, cutting or adding untested parts. If a ramp does not fit the space or feels unstable, stop and seek advice.
Inspect access equipment regularly. Look for cracks, bent sections, loose fasteners, worn surfaces and movement during use. Portable products may need to be stored securely when not in use.
Bathroom thresholds and seated bathing
Bathrooms often combine a doorway threshold, wet flooring and limited turning space. Planning should include the entrance, shower area, toilet and basin rather than focusing on one item.
Some people may choose to bathe while seated. The AquaSense Adjustable Bath Seat with Backrest has a height range of 38 to 56 cm, a textured seat with drainage holes and rubber safety tips. It is listed with a maximum user weight of 136 kg. More information is available from Health Wholesale.
A bath seat does not replace safe bathroom access. Check that it fits the available space and that the user can transfer to it safely. A healthcare professional or occupational therapist can help assess transfers, shower layout and the need for additional supports.
Plan for assistance and emergencies
If another person may help with the ramp, agree on how assistance will be provided. The helper should not pull suddenly on the wheelchair or push from an unsafe position. Both people should have enough room to move.
Consider what happens if the user stops part-way. Is there a stable place to rest? Can the door be opened without blocking the route? Is there a safe alternative entrance?
For powered wheelchairs and scooters, include charging and storage in the plan. Equipment should be stored where it does not block exits or create a trip hazard.
Renting or modifying a home
If you rent, speak with the property manager or owner before installing a permanent ramp, handrail or lift. Temporary options may still need approval, particularly if they affect a shared path, doorway or common area.
For owned homes, check whether council approval, building approval or other professional advice is needed. Requirements can vary by project and location.
A home modification assessment can help identify changes beyond the visible step. These may include door hardware, lighting, surface repairs, handrails and furniture placement.
A practical safety checklist
Before using an access route, check:
- The ramp or access device matches the step height
- The equipment and user are within the stated weight limit
- The full width of the equipment can fit
- The ramp is stable and correctly positioned
- The surface is clean, firm and suitable for the weather
- The approach and landing are clear
- The door can open without creating a new obstruction
- There is enough room to stop and turn
- Lighting makes edges and changes in level visible
- The user understands how to cross safely
- Assistance is available if it is needed
Test the route slowly in normal conditions. If the entrance is used in wet weather, assess it when wet as well. Stop if the equipment slips, catches or feels difficult to control.
Getting the right advice
A safer entrance is not always achieved by adding the first ramp that fits the step. The right solution should match the user, the mobility equipment and the building.
An occupational therapist can assess how the person moves through the space and suggest practical changes. An access consultant or qualified building professional can help with design and installation. Suppliers can provide product specifications, but the user’s individual needs and the site conditions should guide the final decision.
With careful measurements, a clear route and appropriate advice, steps and thresholds can be planned more safely. The goal is a usable entrance that supports confidence, control and everyday access.