If you’ve spent any time navigating the UK in a powerchair, you’ve likely encountered “The Hill.” Maybe it’s a particularly steep access ramp at a local library or a sudden, sharp incline on a seaside promenade. Even for experienced users, looking up at a steep slope can cause a bit of a stomach drop.
In 2026, electric wheelchairs are more capable than ever, with better torque and smarter sensors. However, gravity hasn’t changed. Navigating ramps safely is less about the “power” of your chair and more about your technique and understanding the physics of your mobility aid.
Here is the “no-stress” guide to handling ramps and inclines with confidence.
1. Understanding the “1:12” Rule
In the UK, building regulations (Approved Document M) generally state that a permanent ramp should have a maximum gradient of 1:12. This means for every 12 inches of length, the ramp rises by 1 inch.
While 1:12 is the “gold standard” for comfort, you will often find older buildings or portable ramps that are much steeper—sometimes hititing 1:10 or even 1:8.
- The 6-Degree Limit: Most standard folding powerchairs are rated for a maximum safe incline of 6 degrees (roughly a 1:10 gradient).
- Know Your Chair: Before you attempt a hill that looks like a mountain, check your manual. If you try to climb a 12-degree slope in a chair rated for 6, the motor might “cut out” as a safety precaution, leaving you stranded mid-slope.
2. The Pre-Climb Checklist
Safety begins before you move the joystick.
- Anti-Tip Wheels: These are the small, usually plastic wheels at the very back of your frame. Always ensure they are extended and not blocked by a bag. They are your “insurance policy” against the chair tipping backwards.
- The Seatbelt: It might feel unnecessary for a quick trip, but on a steep incline, your body naturally wants to slide back in the seat. A snug seatbelt keeps your center of gravity exactly where the engineers intended it to be.
- Speed Settings: Turn your speed dial up to Medium-High. You don’t want to fly up the ramp, but you do need the full torque of the motors. Most chairs use the speed setting to limit how much “oomph” the motors can provide.
3. Going Up: The Technique
The biggest mistake beginners make is “hesitating.”
- Approach Head-On: Never approach a ramp at an angle. If one front wheel hits the ramp before the other, the chair can “veer” or, in extreme cases, tip sideways.
- The Posture Shift: As you start the climb, lean your torso slightly forward. This shifts your weight toward the front castors and helps keep the drive wheels planted firmly on the ground.
- Steady Momentum: Push the joystick forward and keep it there. If you stop halfway, you have to overcome “static friction” to get moving again, which puts a massive strain on the battery and motors.
4. Coming Down: Controlled Descent
Going down can actually be more nerve-wracking than going up because of the fear of “running away.”
- Don’t Turn Off the Power: Some people think turning the chair off will “lock” it. In reality, modern electromagnetic brakes only engage when the power is on and the joystick is in the neutral position.
- Use the Joystick as a Brake: To slow down, simply pull the joystick back toward the center slightly. You shouldn’t need to pull it into “reverse”—just ease off the forward pressure.
- Low Speed Mode: Switch your speed dial to the lowest setting before you start the descent. This limits the maximum speed the motors will allow the wheels to turn, effectively acting as an “engine brake.”
5. The “UK Factor”: Wet Ramps and Leaves
We all know the British weather. A dry aluminium ramp is grippy; a wet aluminium ramp covered in autumn leaves is essentially a slide.
- Traction Check: If the ramp looks slick, test it with a tiny bit of power first. If your wheels spin, do not proceed. * Camber Awareness: Many UK pavements slope toward the road (the “camber”) to help with drainage. If you are on a steep hill that also has a side-slope, your chair will naturally want to “drift” toward the gutter. You’ll need to “cross-steer” (point the joystick slightly “up-hill”) to maintain a straight line.
When to Ask for Help
There is no shame in asking a passerby for a “steadying hand” if a ramp looks too steep or the ground is uneven. Most people are happy to walk behind you just in case. If you find yourself frequently struggling with the hills in your area, it might be worth looking into a chair with larger rear wheels or higher torque motors.
Planning your next trip out? Make sure you’re prepared for the terrain by reading our guide on Electric Wheelchair Safety: Navigating UK Pavements and Hills.
If you’re often loading your chair into a vehicle to reach more accessible parks, don’t miss our step-by-step on How to Load a Powerchair into a Small Car Boot.