Within an accessible route of travel for required exits, the ramp slope shall not be steeper than which?

Within an accessible route of travel for required exits, the ramp slope shall not be steeper than which?

• A. 1 in 10
• B. 1 in 12
• C. 1 in 8
• D. 1 in 15

Answer: (B)

Accessible routes to required exits must use ramps that are gentle enough for people using wheelchairs or mobility devices. A slope of 1:12 (one inch of vertical rise for every twelve inches of horizontal run) is the practical upper limit that balances safety, usability, and space. It makes ascending and descending manageable and reduces the risk of tipping or losing balance during evacuation. Slopes steeper than this would be too difficult to negotiate, while a gentler slope (like 1:15) is acceptable but would require a longer ramp. So the ramp should not be steeper than 1:12.

Accessible routes to required exits must use ramps that are gentle enough for people using wheelchairs or mobility devices. A slope of 1:12 (one inch of vertical rise for every twelve inches of horizontal run) is the practical upper limit that balances safety, usability, and space. It makes ascending and descending manageable and reduces the risk of tipping or losing balance during evacuation. Slopes steeper than this would be too difficult to negotiate, while a gentler slope (like 1:15) is acceptable but would require a longer ramp. So the ramp should not be steeper than 1:12.