custom ramp and stair tower
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Switchback Ramps

Pre-engineered access ramps
Always code-compliant and easy to install

Prefabricated Switchback Wheelchair Ramps for Mobility Devices

To make buildings more accessible to all people, organizations need to ensure proper entry for individuals with disabilities. This isn’t just a matter of choice but a legal obligation. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) develops laws and regulations for protecting people with disabilities, including Standards for Accessible Design.

A key aspect of an ADA-compliant structure is accessible ramps for individuals in wheelchairs and using other mobility devices to enter and exit the building safely. There are several different configurations for wheelchair ramps, with switchback ramps being one of the most common. 

Upside Innovations offers wheelchair ramps as part of the APEX System, a modular, prefabricated line of ADA, OSHA, and IBC-compliant access systems that increase the accessibility of your site. These durable switchback ramps are constructed of weather-resistant aluminum for extended service life and are easy to reconfigure for flexibility with changing applications. By partnering with Upside Innovations, you can avoid tedious, customized fabrication and code compliance issues to save time and money.

The stairs worked out great.

The stairs worked out great, and they love them!

Paul R.

So easy to work with!

Upside was so easy to work with! From estimating, to product selection, and all the way to delivery, they were very responsive and easy to work with. When we need another set of stairs, we will be buying them from Upside Innovations.

Matt S.

Fit perfect and was easily assembled.

The platform and stairs are now up and installed and are fantastic. It fit perfect and was easily assembled just as you said it would. Thank you for a wonderful product.

Ken W.

Couldn’t be happier with the whole experience.

The quality was fantastic, and they showed up quickly. From the time they were pulled off the delivery truck, the stairs were assembled, stood up, and lag bolted into the floor in under 1 hour. We really couldn’t be happier with the whole experience we have had with Upside Innovations. Plus, the stairs are much sturdier than I had even hoped for. Below is a picture of the steps installed on the side of our gun range. Thanks again for the great job.

Derek P.

I am very impressed.

It went together well, I am very impressed that your fit and finish was as tight as it is. Thanks again to everyone involved in the project.

Vince B.

The steps are well built.

The steps are well built and sturdy enough to handle our needs safely but yet light enough for two men to move without the use of equipment.

Matthew P.

Love the quality.

What a great product to work with. Love the quality and ease of assembly!

Denny R.

Upside innovations was a pleasure.

Upside Innovations was a pleasure to work with from design to delivery. Nick Bishop was responsive and quick to get a quote started, and Tish Carroll did an excellent job shepherding the job through the engineering design, fabrication, and shipping stages, expediting the process when the deadlines got tighter on my end. The product arrived early and was a pleasure to install – all of the hardware clearly marked and bagged, and the pallet strapped and wrapped securely. These stairs are being used for robotics research/testing and are working flawlessly. I would recommend Upside to anyone looking for professional crossover stairs for their project or building.

Bryan H.

Worked out great.

Everything worked out great. Thanks to your team for taking care of the details.

Leo D.

Thank you for the quality work.

Thank you for the quality work. The stairs definitely enhance the look at Lakeside [Garden Apartments]. We appreciate your service to us, and we look forward to working with you again in the future.

Tanya P.

Upside Innovations was a pleasure to work with from design to delivery.

Nick Bishop was responsive and quick to get a quote started, and Tish Carroll did an excellent job shepherding the job through the engineering design, fabrication, and shipping stages, expediting the process when the deadlines got tighter on my end. The product arrived early and was a pleasure to install – all of the hardware clearly marked and bagged, and the pallet strapped and wrapped securely. These stairs are being used for robotics research/testing and are working flawlessly. I would recommend Upside to anyone looking for professional crossover stairs for their project or building.

Bryan H.

Why Choose Switchback Ramps from Upside Innovations?

From schools to hospitals to churches, organizations across many sectors rely on Upside Innovations for prefabricated access solutions.
Our full line of ramps, stairs, and canopies prevent businesses from needing to invest in expensive, time-consuming custom fabrication projects while still complying with accessibility guidelines. 

What’s more, our dedicated team works closely with our customers throughout the entire commercial project lifecycle to ensure the installation is fully compliant and meets your specific design needs.

Some of the reasons to choose Upside Innovations for ramp systems include:

Durable, Long Lifecycle

100% industrial-grade aluminum that
won’t rust, warp, or rot.

Customized layouts

Our experienced engineers design ramps for the most difficult projects.

Always compliant

Fully compliant with ADA, IBC, and local building codes.

We install

Our professional installation crew ensures that your project goes smoothly.

Fast Installation

Prefabricated and bolts together on-site with no welding required.

Slip-resistant decking

ADA wheelchair ramps feature slip-resistant raised ridges.

You can learn more about switchback ramps and other access solutions with resources from Upside Innovations.

To order your prefabricated switchback ramps, contact us today. 

Schools

Universities

Hospitals

Modular Buildings

Churches

Switchback Wheelchair Ramp Features 

long lasting 100% aluminum

100% Aluminum – Long Lasting

Our aluminum wheelchair ramps will never rust, warp, or rot.

Easy Installation

Easy Installation

Simply hook the prefabricated ramp sections together for quick and easy installation.

traction extruded deck

Slip-Resistant Decking

We use an aluminum decking material that has raised ridges, making the wheelchair ramps slip-resistant.

Reconfigurable

Reconfigurable

Since the system is modular and bolts together, our ramps can be reused or reconfigured to meet changing requirements.

ADA compliant

ADA & IBC Compliant

Our commercial wheelchair ramps comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and International Building Code (IBC) for public access. We design to meet local building codes.

HPD/LEED/ESG

Prefabricated systems are typically made with 6061 and 6063 aluminum alloys containing ≥99% and ≥50% recycled content.  Some prefabricated systems can help contribute to several LEED v4.1 credits and other green building rating systems.

custom layouts

Custom Layouts

Our team of engineers will design a commercial ramp layout just for you. Professional engineer stamps are available.

ADA Wheelchair Ramp Specifications

Ramp Sections8′, 10′ sections
Platform Sizes64″ x 64″ Platform
64″ x 96″ Platform
72″ x 72″ Platform
Other sizes available
DeckingWheelchair ramps feature
slip-resistant raised ridges
Material100% industrial-grade aluminum.
Elevation/Plan ViewsL-Ramp, Switchback, Straight

Modular Commercial Switchback Ramps

Upside’s APEX ramps are engineered to integrate with our stairs and canopies to offer seamless integration and make a great solution for modular buildings and loading docks.

Because the APEX System is modular, ramps, stairs, and railings can be reused, added to, and reconfigured as your needs change.

APEX-stair-ramp-canopy-components-rendering

Customized Switchback Ramp Designs

Our internal engineering team designs ramp, step, and canopy systems. We collect important information like threshold height, compliance requirements, space constraints, and note any existing obstacles. We will then design a layout that will fit within your footprint.

Commercial Switchback Ramp FAQs

What is a switchback ramp? 

Switchback ramps are one of several configurations that organizations can choose to meet ADA standards. Instead of ascending in one direction from the ground to the building’s entryway, switchback ramps make 180-degree turns once they rise to a certain point.

Why consider a switchback ramp configuration? 

To comply with ADA guidelines, organizations need to ensure a maximum ramp run of 30 feet and a maximum slope of 4.8 degrees before placing a rest platform. For larger buildings with ample exterior space, installing such a wheelchair ramp is easier. For businesses with limited space, accommodating a long ramp is harder. 

Switchback ramps provide an ideal solution when space is limited. They break up long ramp runs into smaller pieces, making it easier for organizations to accommodate them and ensure the safety of elderly people and individuals with disabilities.

How do switchback ramps assist with mobility devices? 

Ramps in general are necessary for wheelchair users, as getting wheelchairs up steps — even just a handful of stairs — is challenging and can be dangerous. People who use walkers and other elderly people may also prefer ramps because decreased mobility, strength, and balance can make climbing stairs difficult. These physical limitations can increase the risk of falling when walking or climbing stairs, as well. The slope of the ramp provides a gradual elevation for a safer ascent to building entryways.

Switchback ramps offer benefits over other types of ramps for some applications. As mentioned, they may be the only option for buildings with space limitations. However, since switchback ramps separate long runs into smaller ramp sections, they make a great alternative to a ramp with a long slope. Such a ramp can be intimidating for a wheelchair user or older person, whereas traversing a condensed ramp broken into pieces is more manageable. 

What’s more, rest platforms are naturally embedded into the design of switchback ramps. Turn platforms between each ramp become a place for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers to stop for a moment before ascending the next portion of the ramp. Switchback ramps can be fitted with the same accessories as other ramps, like handrails and grip surfaces, for maximum safety.

What are ADA guidelines for accessible ramps?

Ramp handrails: Handrails are required on both sides of a ramp with a rise of 6 inches or more. The maximum recommended height is 28 inches, and the minimum separation is 9 inches to reduce the possibility of entrapment. 
Handrail extensions: Extension guard rails measuring 12 inches are required at the tops and bottoms of ramp runs. The exception to this rule is inside rails of switchback ramps. 
Maximum rise: Run height is limited to 30 inches maximum, but there is no limit on the number of runs a single ramp may have.
Ramp landings: Level landings must occur at the top and bottom of each run. With ramps that change direction, intermediate landings are required and must be at least 60 inches wide and 60 inches long. Handrails and other components cannot block this minimum clearance.
Slope requirements: Slope is expressed as a ratio of the vertical rise value to horizontal length. The maximum proportion for running slopes is 1:12 and 1:48 for cross slopes. Running slopes must be uniform along the ramp run to avoid variations that can impede safe wheelchair travel.
Minimum clear width: Clear width is a measurement of the space between handrails. In general, the minimum clear width of ramp runs is 36 inches, but certain ramps, like those a part of a means of egress, may require larger widths. 

You can explore more ADA ramp specifications with ADA drawings from Upside Innovations. For more information about ADA accessibility standards, visit https://www.access-board.gov/ada/.

Are switchback ramps ADA-compliant? 

Working with a company like Upside Solutions will ensure your switchback ramp meets all guidelines for ADA compliance. In addition to ADA requirements, all our access solutions meet IBC (International Building Code) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards for your peace of mind. Learn more about ADA ramp requirements here.

Our Services

Our team designs, manufactures, ships, and installs ADA & IBC-compliant stairs, ramps, and canopies to fit YOUR custom project. Our experts will work with you throughout the project to ensure your installation is correct to your specifications and code-compliant.

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