Which statement about ADA-compliant ramps is accurate?

• A. Ramp grade no more than 8.3%, width at least 36 inches, handrails on both sides, 10:1 run:rise ratio.
• B. Ramp grade no more than 8.3%, width at least 36 inches, handrails on both sides, 12:1 run:rise ratio, and handrails required for a rise of 6 inches or a horizontal run of 72 inches.
• C. Ramp grade no more than 9%, width at least 40 inches, single handrail on one side, 12:1 run:rise ratio.
• D. Ramp grade no more than 7%, width at least 34 inches, no handrails required.

Answer: (B)

Ramps used for accessibility must meet clear standards for slope, width, and handrails to be usable by people with mobility devices. The key rule is the maximum slope: a ramp should not be steeper than 1:12, which is about an 8.33% grade. This gentle incline makes it feasible to push a wheelchair or scooter up and down safely. The width needs to be wide enough for a wheelchair to pass, commonly at least 36 inches of clear width. Handrails are required on both sides for ramps that rise more than 6 inches or extend more than 72 inches in length, providing support and stability.

The described statement that fits these guidelines specifies a ramp grade of no more than 8.3% (1:12), a width of at least 36 inches, handrails on both sides, a 12:1 run:rise ratio (which corresponds to the 1:12 slope), and the rule that handrails are required when there is a rise of 6 inches or a horizontal run of 72 inches. This combination aligns with ADA requirements for standard accessible ramps.

The other descriptions fail because they use a steeper slope in some cases (which would exceed the 1:12 standard) or have a width too narrow or lack required handrails when the ramp length or rise warrants them.