Outdoor Half Steps With Handrails​: Enhancing Safety and Independence

Mobility challenges can affect anyone, whether due to age, injury, difficulties balancing or disability. Everyday tasks such as overcoming steps and doorways can become a challenge and even dangerous. Higher steps in the workplace can also be seen as a health and safety hazard.

At The Ramp Factory we have recently expanded our range of half steps to include slip-resistant Mobility Steps with Handrails to improve accessibility and provide optimum stability for those entering homes, offices and buildings. Available in two sizes, the range is perfect for those with limited mobility and those using walking aids, including walking sticks and walking frames. 

Mobility steps, or half steps, are designed to reduce the distance between the ground and step or doorway. This makes it easier for those with limited mobility to safely overcome heights as it makes the height difference more manageable. For instance, most steps are around 15 - 22cm height. We offer a range of half steps which can be used at heights from around 8cm meaning you can reduce the height difference by half. Our range of mobility steps are available with single and double handrails. This is perfect for providing users with additional support, security and confidence when using the step.  

Half steps are used in various locations including at the front and back door of homes to provide access and around the home to reduce the height difference between rooms. They are also used in the workplace, whether to provide a safer access route into buildings or used around the workplace and warehouse to reduce the risk of trips or the need for users having to stretch to locate hard to reach items. 

Mobility steps are available in a range of sizes. The standard safety steps are generally designed for those walking onto the step whilst the large steps are preferable for those using walkers and walking sticks. For those using a rollator, extra-large half steps are normally recommended. 

Half steps are specifically beneficial for those with limited mobility and the elderly. They are commonly used by those who have difficulty lifting their legs, whether due to an injury or conditions such as arthritis. They are also used for those who often have trips and falls. Half steps are also used in the workplace to reduce trip hazards caused by steps. 

Yes, all of our half steps are weather-resistant and suitable for use indoors and outdoors. Many of the solutions include a self-draining surface to ensure water quickly drains off the step in turn ensuring the surface is safe for users. 

Yes, there are half steps which are large and strong enough to accommodate users with walkers, rollators, walking sticks and canes. For those using walking sticks and canes, a standard or large half step is usually recommended. For those using walking frames and rollators, we recommend measuring the size of your walking frame or rollator prior to purchase. In general, for walking frames, the half step would need t o be at least 600mm x 750mm or larger. For rollators, normally our extra large half step which is 900mm x 750mm, is recommended. 

There is an extensive range of half steps on the market including plastic steps, aluminium steps and PGR solutions. The options include a variety of sizes and designs. There are various factors to consider when choosing a half step including: 

• Do you wish to use the half step indoors or outdoors? All of our half steps are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use 
• The height you wish to set the half step to. For higher heights, we do have an option of two half steps 
• Do you require handrails? Please note, if your door opens outwards, a single handrail is likely to be preferable to ensure the door can still open and close 
• Do you wish to fix the step in place? 
• Do you wish to move the half step regularly, if so we would suggest a lightweight half step such as our adjustable half step with a PGR surface
• Who will be using the half step? For walking the standard size is generally suitable. For those using a walking stick we would suggest a standard or large size. For walkers a large step is recommended whilst for rollators the extra large half step should be used 

Handrails can make a difference to many users for:

• Increased Stability: Provide additional support whilst going up or down the step
• Improved Confidence: Users generally feel more secure when holding onto a handrail 
• Reduction of falls: Reduce the risk of trips and falls 
• Enhanced Health & Safety: For businesses, handrails are a popular choice to comply with health and safety requirements 

• Slip-resistant surface with integrated drainage, suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments
• Anti-trip bar positioned at the front edge of the step for added safety 
• Available with optional handrail configurations including a single handrail, double handrails or no handrails 
• Includes pre-drilled fixing points for secure ground installation and to prevent theft 
• Built for durability with a maximum capacity of 460kg 
• Manufactured in Britain to premium quality standards 

At The Ramp Factory we offer a wide selection of half steps including portable half steps with a PGR mesh surface and extra large half steps. Our half steps are available throughout the UK. With in stock solutions, we offer fast, free and tracked delivery. We also offer ramps with handrails. 

For additional support, explore our range of walking aids, including walking sticks and rollators. 

To discuss solutions based on your home or workplace, contact our team on 01372 648587 or email hello@therampfactory.co.uk