Wheelchair ramp research

Cost data. Two independent 2026 sources broadly agree on the per-foot figure — both Angi and HomeGuide report $100–$250 per linear foot installed — while differing on the overall spread. Angi's average is $2,292 within $1,122–$3,594; HomeGuide's range across all ramp types spans $50 to $6,000+ because it includes threshold and portable products. Read the wide range as a reflection of category breadth, not disagreement.

Specification data. The ADA Standards are the citable geometry: 1:12 maximum running slope (§405.2), 1:48 maximum cross slope (§405.3), 36 inches minimum clear width (§405.5), 30 inches maximum rise per run (§405.6), landings including 60 by 60 inches at direction changes (§405.7), handrails both sides above a 6-inch rise (§405.8), and edge protection (§405.9). These numbers do not vary by state — what varies is whether they legally apply, and at a private home the Access Board says they generally don't.

Fall data. CDC reports that more than one in four older adults falls each year, with roughly 3 million emergency department visits and about 1 million hospitalizations annually from older adult falls, and nearly 319,000 older adults hospitalized for hip fractures each year. Around 37% of people who fall sustain an injury requiring medical care or restricting activity for at least a day. This is the data behind treating slope and surfacing as safety specifications rather than preferences.

Funding data. VA's published FY 2026 maximums are $126,526 (SAH), $25,350 (SHA), $50,961 (TRA on the SAH basis) and $9,100 (TRA on the SHA basis). Medicaid HCBS coverage varies by state and Medicare's DME criteria do not list home modifications. Any market analysis of veteran or senior ramp demand should be read against those program parameters.

How to choose

Cite section numbers, not "ADA compliant"

§405.2, §405.5, §405.7 are checkable. The phrase 'ADA compliant' on a quote is not.

Read wide cost ranges as category breadth

A $50–$6,000+ span covers threshold wedges through permanent builds. Narrow to your ramp type before comparing.

Use fall data to justify the surfacing budget

CDC's 3 million annual older adult fall ED visits is the reason non-slip surfacing at $5–$20 per foot is not optional.

Get funding figures from the agency

VA publishes its FY maximums directly. Grant limits change by fiscal year, so always check the current page.

Distrust regional price claims without a method

Regional ramp price benchmarks are only as good as their sample. Anchor against the national $100–$250 per linear foot figure.