Published 10 July 2026
Quick answer: A wheelchair ramp costs anywhere from £20 for a simple threshold ramp to £2,500+ for a permanent installation. Portable folding ramps, the most common purchase, cost £60 to £200. Modular semi-permanent ramps run £500 to £1,500 fitted, and custom concrete or timber ramps £1,000 to £2,500+. Most disabled buyers pay 0% VAT, and the Disabled Facilities Grant can fund permanent ramps. Use our ramp length calculator to work out the size you need before pricing anything.
Wheelchair ramp costs by type
| Ramp type | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Threshold ramp (rubber/aluminium) | £20 to £80 | Door thresholds and single small steps up to ~10 cm |
| Folding suitcase ramp | £60 to £200 | Single steps, car boots, taking out and about |
| Telescopic channel ramps (pair) | £80 to £300 | Vehicle access and steps, compact storage |
| Modular/semi-permanent ramp | £500 to £1,500 fitted | Rented homes, longer rises, reusable if you move |
| Permanent concrete or timber ramp | £1,000 to £2,500+ | Owned homes, long-term wheelchair access |
Installation is the swing factor: a portable ramp needs none, while permanent ramps involve groundwork, landings and often handrails. Longer rises need much longer ramps than people expect, which is where costs climb.
How long does your ramp need to be?
Work on a 1:12 gradient: at least 12 cm of ramp length for every 1 cm of rise. A typical 15 cm doorstep needs about 1.8 m of ramp; three steps totalling 45 cm need around 5.4 m, usually with a landing. Steeper than 1:12 is hard to self-propel and risky with an attendant. Our free wheelchair ramp length calculator does the maths for you, and our best wheelchair ramps guide ranks the portable models worth buying.
Permanent ramps: Building Regulations and planning
Permanent ramps should follow Approved Document M: a gradient between 1:20 and 1:12, surface width of at least 900 mm, level landings top and bottom, and handrails on longer ramps. Planning permission is rarely needed for a ramp serving a dwelling, but listed buildings and ramps onto public footways are exceptions worth checking with your council. A builder or specialist access installer will price the job after measuring the rise, expect £1,000 to £2,500 for most domestic installations, more where retaining walls or long switchback runs are involved.
Grants and VAT relief
Two things cut ramp costs substantially. First, the Disabled Facilities Grant covers permanent access works including ramps, up to £30,000 in England (£36,000 in Wales, £25,000 in Northern Ireland), means tested and applied for via your council. Second, VAT relief: if the ramp is for someone chronically sick or disabled, you pay 0% VAT rather than 20%, on both the product and installation, by signing a simple self-declaration with the supplier.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a wheelchair ramp cost in the UK?
Portable ramps cost £20 to £300 depending on type and length. Fitted modular ramps run £500 to £1,500, and permanent concrete or timber ramps £1,000 to £2,500 or more.
What gradient should a wheelchair ramp be?
1:12 is the accepted maximum, 12 cm of ramp per 1 cm of rise. Gentler (1:15 to 1:20) is better for self-propelling, and Building Regulations prefer shallower gradients for longer rises.
Can I get a free wheelchair ramp?
Possibly. The Disabled Facilities Grant can fully fund a permanent ramp if you qualify, and some councils install temporary ramps after an occupational therapist assessment. Charities such as local trusts found via Turn2Us can help with portable ramp costs.
Do I pay VAT on a wheelchair ramp?
Not usually. Ramps bought for a chronically sick or disabled person qualify for 0% VAT, sign the supplier’s self-declaration form at purchase.
Do I need planning permission for a ramp?
Rarely for a private home, but check with your council if the property is listed or the ramp would extend onto a public footway. Building Regulations guidance (Part M) still applies to how it is built.
Published 10 July 2026
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