Ramp Rental vs. Purchase: What’s Best for Your Accessibility Needs?

When it comes to improving mobility and safety at home, ramps are one of the most effective and immediate solutions. Whether you're recovering from surgery, accommodating a wheelchair user, or supporting an aging loved one who wants to remain in their home, installing a ramp is often a necessary step. But the big question is: should you rent or buy?

Weighing whether to rent or purchase a ramp depends on your needs, timeline, and budget. Here’s what you should consider if you're looking for accessibility solutions in Knoxville, TN, or nearby areas.

Why Accessibility Ramps Matter

According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults. One of the best ways to prevent falls at home is by improving entry and exit points with safe, ADA-compliant solutions. Ramps provide vital support for wheelchairs, walkers, and individuals with limited mobility, allowing them to move freely and confidently.

Whether it’s a temporary need due to an injury or a long-term solution for aging in place, the right ramp can drastically improve quality of life.

Learn more about our Entry & Exit Solutions.

Ramp Rental: A Flexible Solution for Short-Term Needs

Renting a ramp is ideal if:

• You have a temporary medical condition or recovery period

• You're expecting visiting relatives who need mobility support

• You're working with a Department of Labor grant or program that covers short-term accessibility needs

• You want to try out a ramp before committing to a permanent installation

Benefits of renting a ramp include:

• Lower upfront cost compared to buying

• Fast installation and removal

• Professional assessment included

• Perfect for events or short-term home stays

At Knoxville Aging in Place, our Ramp Rental Program includes a full Ramp Rental Assessment. During this process, our experts evaluate your home, measure for safe and effective placement, and recommend the ideal ramp configuration based on your specific needs.

Purchasing a Ramp: A Smart Investment for Long-Term Accessibility

If you or a loved one will need mobility support for the foreseeable future, buying a ramp might be the more cost-effective and practical choice. Consider purchasing if:

• You or a family member is aging in place

• There is a permanent disability requiring accessibility accommodations

• You want the flexibility of a custom-built or modular ramp

Benefits of purchasing a ramp include:

• Long-term value

• Customization options to fit your home's design

• May increase property accessibility value

• Ownership peace of mind with no ongoing rental fees

If you’re working through the Department of Labor (DOL), a purchased ramp may be part of your approved home modifications package. We can assist with DOL documentation, scope of work, and ADA compliance.

Cost Comparison: Renting vs. Buying a Ramp

Costs vary depending on the size, type, and material of the ramp (aluminum, wood, modular systems). Here's a general breakdown:

Factor	Rental	Purchase
Initial Cost	Lower upfront	Higher upfront
Long-Term Cost	Can add up over time	One-time investment
Maintenance	Included in rental	Owner responsibility
Customization	Limited	Fully customizable
Installation Speed	Fast, usually within days	Fast, with more design planning

Our team will help you weigh both options based on your timeline, budget, and physical space.

Local Considerations: Knoxville & Surrounding Areas

In Knoxville and East Tennessee, weather, property layout, and building codes can impact the type of ramp that’s right for you. That’s why we offer on-site assessments as part of our ramp services. We serve clients across Knoxville, Alcoa, Clinton, Harriman, Kingston, Lenoir City, Maryville, Oak Ridge, LaFollette, Loudon and more.

If you’re applying for funding through the Department of Labor or a similar organization, we understand the process and can provide the necessary quotes and project details.

Book a Ramp Rental Program Assessment Today

Not sure whether renting or buying is right for you? Our Ramp Rental Assessment is the first step. We evaluate your home to determine the best ramp solution for your needs. Our team will assess accessibility, placement, and safety to provide a customized rental plan that ensures ease of use and compliance with safety standards.

This assessment helps identify the ideal ramp size and configuration to support mobility and independence in your home.

SCHEDULE AN ASSESSMENT