How to Measure Your Vehicle for a Wheelchair Ramp or Lift Installation

If you’re planning to install a wheelchair ramp or lift in your vehicle, taking the right measurements is the first step. Measuring your vehicle properly will help you choose a ramp or lift that fits safely and works well.

Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you measure your vehicle the right way.

What You’ll Need (Tools Required)

• Measuring tape (at least 3 metres)
• Pen and paper or phone to record measurements
• A flat surface to park the vehicle

Step-by-Step Vehicle Measurement Guide

1. Measure the Door Opening Height

• Open the rear or side door where the ramp or lift will go.
• Measure from the ground to the top of the door opening.
• Ideal height for most lifts/ramp use: at least 1400 mm.

Example: Door height = 1450 mm

2. Measure the Door Opening Width

• Measure the clear width of the door when fully open.
• This is from the inside edge of one side to the other.

Minimum width needed:

• Manual wheelchairs: 750 mm
• Power wheelchairs or scooters: 800–1000 mm

Example: Door width = 820 mm

3. Measure the Floor to Ground Height (Vehicle Floor Height)

• Measure from the ground outside the vehicle to the interior floor.
• This helps determine the ramp angle or lift height.

Note:

• If the height is over 600 mm, a powered lift is often better than a ramp.

Example: Floor height = 580 mm

4. Measure Interior Floor Space (Length and Width)

• Measure the flat space inside the van or car, starting from the back of the driver’s seat to the rear wall.
• Also measure the width between the wheel arches.

Ideal space:

• Length: at least 1200 mm
• Width: at least 800 mm for wheelchairs

Example:

• Length = 1300 mm
• Width = 850 mm

5. Check Roof Clearance (Inside Height)

• Measure from the floor inside the vehicle to the roof.
• Make sure there is enough room for the wheelchair user to sit comfortably.

Ideal clearance: 1350–1500 mm minimum for most power chairs.

Example: Interior height = 1400 mm

6. Ramp Angle Check (If Using a Ramp)

• If you plan to use a ramp instead of a lift, keep the slope gentle.
• The rule is 1:6 ratio — for every 60 mm of height, you need 360 mm of ramp length.

Example:

• Floor height = 600 mm
• Ramp length needed = 600 × 6 = 3600 mm

Measurement Checklist Summary

Measurement	Ideal Minimum
Door Opening Height	1400 mm
Door Opening Width	750–1000 mm
Floor to Ground Height	< 600 mm for ramp
Interior Length (Flat Space)	1200 mm
Interior Width	800 mm
Inside Roof Height	1350 mm
Ramp Length (if needed)	Floor height × 6

Final Tips

• Always double-check your measurements.
• Measure with any wheelchair or mobility aid you plan to use.
• If you’re unsure, contact an installer for a site check.