Temporary Wheelchair Ramp Setup Guide for Events

How To Set Up Temporary Ramps For Special Events

At Canada Mobility Rentals, we set up safe temporary access for events of all sizes. This step-by-step guide shows you how to plan, measure, install, and check ramps so guests move easily and safely. We keep the language simple and the actions clear.

Short trials help you test your venue before the big day. We can place units, walk the routes, and adjust layouts quickly. For most events, the core solution is ramps for wheelchairs sized to your entries and paths.

Step 1: Confirm Guest Needs And Event Routes

Start by listing who will need step-free access and where they will go. Include arrivals, registration, seating, washrooms, stage, and exits. Walk those paths and note every step, threshold, and tight corner.

Choose one primary accessible route and at least one backup. Plan flat pause areas at registration and near seating blocks. Clear, simple routes reduce delays and crowding around entries. For this planning phase, we often sketch how the ramp for wheelchair access connects all key areas.

Step 2: Measure Risers and Calculate Ramp Lengths

Use a tape measure to record the total rise at each step or threshold. For easy math, a maximum of 1 to 12 means every 1 inch of rise needs 12 inches of ramp. Gentler slopes are better if you have space.

Draw a quick map for each location. Mark the rise, the required ramp length, and where level landings will go at the top and bottom. Accurate numbers save time on event day and help us deliver exactly what you need. Your sizing should also include the landing area for a wheelchair width ramp that fits the devices on site.

Step 3: Select The Right Temporary Ramp Types

Pick the ramp style that fits each spot. Long runs with turns usually need modular platforms with built-in landings. Short thresholds can use slim wedges. Side doors with two or three steps may work best with portable sections that link together.

Think about how guests will approach. If you expect scooters and power chairs, choose wider runs with sturdy handrails. For quick deployment and easy re-leveling, many venues use wheelchair ramps for home-style modular sections adapted to event use.

• Modular platforms for bigger rises and turns

• Threshold wedges for small interior lips

• Linked portable sections for short exterior steps

Step 4: Verify Doorways And Turning Space

Measure the narrowest door on each route. Aim for at least 32 inches of clear door width and 36 inches along the path. Measure the tightest corner and check that a chair can turn without scraping walls or posts.

If door closers fight you, assign staff to hold doors open during peak times. Move stanchions and furniture until the turning arc is smooth. Good clearances prevent jams and help maintain a steady flow. We size clear widths to match typical devices that use metal ramps for wheelchairs at events.

Step 5: Plan Landings And Level Areas

Every slope needs a level landing at the top and bottom. Landings let users stop, align, and open doors without rolling back. Size door landings so the whole device sits flat while the door swings freely.

Add landings at each change of direction and in places where lines form. If the venue is tight, consider a small platform to keep doors and ramps from fighting each other. For compact spaces, we use components similar to wheelchair ramps that create stable pause zones.

Step 6: Choose Safe Surfaces And Traction

Wet or glossy decks get slippery. Open mesh aluminum or galvanized surfaces shed water and give a reliable grip. Use visible edge markings so the start and end of each slope are easy to see at dusk.

Keep the cross slope gentle so chairs do not drift. Where floors are polished, add non-slip mats on landings and inside doorways. We specify textures that work well with portable ramps for steps in busy public areas.

Step 7: Secure Edges And Handrails

Add curbs along open sides to keep small wheels from rolling off. Install handrails on both sides and extend them a little beyond the slope so users can steady themselves before starting and after stopping.

Check rail height with a real chair on site. Make sure hands can grip comfortably without reaching too high or too low. These details lift confidence and reduce near misses. We follow the same safety approach used on the wheelchair ramp in Canada temporary installs.

Step 8: Set And Anchor Portable Units

Place portable sections on firm, level ground. Seat the top lip fully on the upper surface. If the venue allows, use straps or pins to stop movement. Mark edges with bright tape so they stand out in crowds.

Approach straight on at low speed. Assign a trained attendant at the busiest ramps to guide guests and keep pathways clear. For pop-up entries or backstage access, we often deploy a portable wheelchair ramp for fast, safe use.

• Level the base and seat the top lip fully

• Secure the unit and mark edges clearly

• Assign an attendant during peak flow

Step 9: Prepare For Weather And Lighting

Plan drainage so water does not pool on landings. Add fixed or motion lights at entries, turns, and exits. Store salt, absorbent mats, or extra non-slip runners nearby for quick response.

Choose where wet umbrellas and mats will sit so the main path stays dry. Keep a small tool kit on hand for quick tightening or tape replacement. These simple steps keep temporarily disabled ramp routes safe as conditions change.

Step 10: Train Staff And Run A Full Dress Rehearsal

Before guests arrive, train staff on safe approaches, turning on landings, and helping at doors. Walk the full route with a chair to confirm rail comfort, curb placement, and door swing behavior.

Explain how to slow devices before slopes and how to avoid cross slopes that pull to one side. Remind staff to watch for water on floors and to report any wobbles or movements. We include quick training whenever we deliver access ramps for the disabled to event sites.

Step 11: Use A Simple Pre-Event Safety Checklist

• Surfaces are dry and free of debris

• Rails tight, curbs secure, and edges marked

• Landings clear of furniture and signs

• Lights on and bright at slopes and turns

• Attendants are posted at the busiest ramps

Run this check before doors open and again mid-event. For fast fixes, we keep a spare portable handicap ramp on standby.

Step 12: Monitor During The Event And Adjust

Assign someone to walk the accessible route every hour. Look for crowding at turns, mats that have shifted, or lights that need attention. Move stanchions if lines block landings.

If a ramp feels steep for some guests, lower the speed settings on rental scooters or add another attendant to guide. Small adjustments keep the flow smooth all day. When needed, we can re-level or add components; the benefit of using ramps for disabled people designed for quick changes.

Book Your Event Ramp Setup Today

We measure your rises, plan landings, deliver the right components, and train staff so guests move safely. We also stay on call for swaps and quick fixes during the event. When you are ready, we can convert the best layout to a long-term plan for regular use.

Start now with Canada Mobility Rentals and get a custom setup using portable handicap ramps and modular platforms with clear pricing and quick installation. Your event can be safe, smooth, and welcoming this week.