Temporary vs. Portable Wheelchair Ramps
Temporary vs. Portable Wheelchair Ramps: What’s the Difference?
Confused about temporary vs. portable wheelchair ramps? Learn the differences between modular wheelchair ramp rentals and portable wheelchair ramps for sale to find the right ADA-compliant accessibility solution.
Why the Confusion?
When people search for temporary wheelchair ramps, they often see results for portable wheelchair ramps - the small, foldable styles sold online for a few hundred dollars. This can cause confusion, because sometimes what’s really needed is a temporary modular wheelchair ramp that provides safe, everyday accessibility, but that is not at all portable.
At Amramp, we provide portable wheelchair ramps for purchase as well as modular wheelchair ramps for rental or purchase. Portable ramps are a great fit for small barriers, traveling, and occasional use, while modular steel ramps provide ADA-compliant, long-term safety, even if only needed temporarily.
This guide explains the differences between portable wheelchair ramps and temporary modular wheelchair ramps, so you can make the best choice for your situation.
What Is a Portable Wheelchair Ramp?
Key Features of Portable Ramps
Materials: Usually aluminum.
Size: Short lengths (2–10 feet; ramps over 6 feet require handrails to be ADA-compliant)
Weight Capacity: Around 600–800 lbs.
- Best Uses:
- Getting over one or two steps.
- Loading equipment into trunk.
- Traveling or visiting friends/family.
- Occasional accessibility needs.
- Limitations:
- Not ADA-compliant for most entryways.
- Too short for multiple steps or higher rises.
- Most models not sold with handrails or permanent safety features.
Portable Wheelchair Ramps
A portable wheelchair ramp is a lightweight, compact ramp designed for short-term or occasional use.
At Amramp, portable wheelchair ramps are available for purchase. They’re a great solution when you want an affordable ramp to handle small barriers at home or on the go.
What Is a Temporary Modular Wheelchair Ramp?
Temporary Modular Wheelchair Ramps
A temporary modular wheelchair ramp looks like a permanent ramp but is designed to be rented, moved, or removed when no longer needed.
Key Features of Modular Ramps
Materials: Heavy-duty steel (Amramp's signature system) or aluminum.
Size: Custom-built to any length, meeting ADA-compliant wheelchair ramp standards.
Weight Capacity: Supports power chairs, scooters, and medical equipment.
- Best Uses:
- Homes with multiple steps.
- Short-term recovery (surgery, rehab, hospice care).
- Events, schools, businesses, or rentals needing ADA compliance.
- Occasional accessibility needs.
- Advantages:
- Meets ADA slope and safety standards.
- Can include handrails and landings.
- Sturdy, slip-resistant, and weather-safe.
- Available for short-term wheelchair ramp rentals or purchase.
Safety Considerations:
Portable vs. Modular Ramps
Safety is often the deciding factor between the two ramp types.
- Slope: ADA requires a 1:12 slope (1 foot of ramp for each inch of rise). Portable ramps are usually too short to comply. Modular ramps can be built to meet ADA-compliant wheelchair ramp guidelines.
- Traction: Portable ramps may become slippery. Modular steel ramps feature non-slip surfaces for year-round use.
- Handrails: Portable ramps lack rails; modular ramps can include them for extra stability.
Durability & Longevity
Portable ramps: Built for light, occasional use. Can bend or wear down with heavy traffic.
Modular ramps: Built for daily use, durable enough to last years in all weather conditions.
This makes steel modular wheelchair ramps the better choice for anyone needing reliable, everyday accessibility.
Customization & Flexibility
Portable wheelchair ramps: Limited to fixed lengths and designs.
Temporary modular ramps: Custom-designed for your property, including landings, turns, and uneven ground.
This flexibility ensures modular systems fit safely and meet ADA code.
Cost Considerations:
Buying vs. Renting a Ramp
Portable wheelchair ramps: $200–$1,000 upfront cost. At Amramp, these ramps are sold (not typically rented), making them a practical long-term purchase for smaller barriers.
Temporary modular ramps: Higher cost, but available for rental or purchase, making them cost-effective when you only need safe access for a limited time.
Renting a modular ramp for a few days, weeks, or months of an event or recovery often costs less than buying a portable ramp that doesn’t work for your space or needs.
Real-Life Examples of Ramp Use
Portable ramp example: A 6-foot aluminum ramp purchased from Amramp lets a caregiver wheel someone over a single step. Portable, foldable, and stored away when not needed.
Temporary modular ramp example: A family installs a modular wheelchair ramp rental for three months during a loved one’s knee surgery recovery. It provides ADA-compliant safety for daily use and is removed after recovery.
Ease of Use & Maintenance
Portable ramps: User sets up and removes. Minimal maintenance, but less stability.
Modular ramps: Professionally installed and removed. No upkeep required by the homeowner.
Portable vs. Modular Wheelchair Ramps:
Side-by-Side Comparison
| FEATURE | Portable Wheelchair Ramp (For Sale) | Temporary Modular Wheelchair Ramp (Rent or Buy) |
|---|---|---|
| Best Use | Occasional, small steps | Daily, safe access over multiple steps |
| Length Options | 2–10 ft | Custom, as long as needed |
| Stability | Lightweight, movable | Anchored, heavy-duty |
| ADA Compliant | Rarely | Yes |
| Handrails | Not available | Available |
| Weather Safety | Limited traction | Slip-resistant, outdoor-safe |
| Cost | $200–$1,000 purchase | Higher, but available for ramp rental or sale |
Decision Checklist: Which Wheelchair Ramp Is Right for You?
Choose a Portable Wheelchair Ramp if…
- You only need to get over 1–2 steps.
- You want a lightweight ramp for travel or occasional use.
- You’re looking to purchase a ramp for long-term convenience.
Choose a Temporary Modular Wheelchair Ramp if…
- You need daily, safe access to your home with multiple steps.
- You need ADA-compliant slope and handrails.
- You want a wheelchair ramp rental option for temporary use.
- You use heavy mobility equipment like scooters or power chairs.
Final Takeaway
Both portable wheelchair ramps and modular ramps have a place. Portable ramps are affordable and useful for small, occasional barriers, and Amramp sells a variety of portable ramps to meet those needs. Modular ramps are the safe, flexible choice for temporary but daily accessibility, available for rent or purchase.
Amramp can help you choose the right solution, whether that’s a portable ramp for sale or a modular ramp rental system, so you stay safe, independent, and mobile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wheelchair Ramps
Can you rent a portable wheelchair ramp?
At Amramp, portable wheelchair ramps are available for purchase, not typically for rent. They’re designed for long-term personal use and are affordable enough to own. If you need a ramp for a short time, an Amramp modular ramp rental is usually the best option- it provides safe, ADA-compliant access and can be removed when no longer needed.
What is the difference between a portable ramp and a temporary ramp?
A portable ramp is a small, lightweight ramp that can be carried and set up as needed, ideal for one or two steps. A temporary ramp usually refers to a modular wheelchair ramp that’s professionally installed for a short-term period (such as after surgery or for rehab). Modular ramps provide greater stability, length, and ADA compliance.
Are modular wheelchair ramps ADA-compliant?
Yes. Amramp modular wheelchair ramps are designed to meet ADA slope and safety standards, including non-slip surfaces and handrails. Portable ramps are typically too short to meet ADA slope requirements for most home entrances.
How long should a wheelchair ramp be?
ADA guidelines recommend a 1:12 slope ratio—that’s 1 foot of ramp for every inch of rise. For example, a 24-inch rise would require a 24-foot ramp to be fully ADA-compliant. Portable ramps are great for small rises, but modular ramps are better suited for higher entryways.
Do modular wheelchair ramps work for short-term needs?
Absolutely. Amramp modular wheelchair ramps can be rented for days, weeks, or months, providing a safe temporary solution. When you no longer need the ramp, it’s removed without damage to your property.
Are portable wheelchair ramps safe to use outdoors?
Yes, but only in certain conditions. Portable aluminum ramps can be used outdoors temporarily, but they may become slippery in rain or snow. For consistent outdoor use, an Amramp steel modular ramp with a textured, slip-resistant surface is the safer, more stable choice.
What materials are wheelchair ramps made from?
Most portable ramps are made from lightweight aluminum for easy transport. Amramp modular ramps are made from galvanized steel, offering superior traction, strength, and weather resistance for year-round outdoor use.
How do I know which ramp is right for me?
If you need quick access over a single step, a portable wheelchair ramp for sale might be all you need. If you need regular, daily access over multiple steps or an ADA-compliant solution, a temporary modular ramp rental or purchase is the better fit.
How quickly can an Amramp modular ramp be installed?
In many cases, Amramp ramps can be installed within days of your order, often in just one day. Because they’re modular, installation is quick, clean, and requires no permanent modifications to your home.