Best
Best Loading Ramps for Adult Tricycles
A trike has two rear wheel tracks, so a pair of ramps matters more than one wide ramp.
Updated · 3 min read · 3 products evaluated
Jump to
Lifting an adult tricycle into a van or pickup is a bad idea. The frame is long, the rear axle is wide and the whole thing can weigh well over what a person should pick up. Ramps let the trike roll, but a trike rolls on three wheels, so both rear wheels need a track and the front wheel follows a line between them.
Length decides how steep the climb is. A longer ramp gives a gentler angle, which helps because a trike with a low bottom bracket or a rear basket can scrape on a steep lip. The three pairs below were chosen for length, per ramp capacity and surface grip, with a short reminder that none of them are made for trikes in particular.
Short answer
The MAXIVAMN 7.5 ft Aluminum Ramps are the best overall because each ramp is 89 inches long and rated for 750 pounds. The Arejonner 72.5 inch folding ramps are lighter at 17 pounds each. The Stalwart 35.5 inch steel ramps suit only a short rise such as a trailer deck close to the ground. For recumbent trikes see our sibling guide at /accessories/best-loading-ramps-for-recumbent-trikes/.
Quick Picks
Our 3 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Overall
MAXIVAMN 7.5 ft Aluminum Ramps 2 Pack
Loading a trike into a pickup bed or van
Best Lightweight Pair
Arejonner 72.5 inch Folding Ramps
Riders who lift the ramps themselves
Best for Short Rises
Stalwart 35.5 inch Steel Ramps
Low trailer decks and shed thresholds
Quick Answers by Need
Best Tricycle Loading Ramps for Cars
MAXIVAMN 7.5 ft Aluminum Ramps 2 Pack
The MAXIVAMN 7.5 ft ramps are 89 inches long, which keeps the slope gentle for a trike. Measure your rear bumper or trunk height before choosing a length. A longer ramp means a lower incline.
Our Picks
Best Overall1 of 3
MAXIVAMN 7.5 ft Aluminum Ramps 2 Pack
The longest ramps here, so the gentlest climb for a heavy trike.
Best for
Loading a trike into a pickup bed or van
Why we like it
This pair gives two aluminum ramps, each 89 inches long and 12 inches wide with a 750 pound rating per ramp and 1,500 pounds for the pair. The perforated punch plate surface gives the tire several contact points, rubber tipped upper fingers rest on a compatible edge, and two safety straps secure the ramps. Each ramp folds to about 44.5 inches with a carry handle.
Next to the Arejonner pair, its extra length gives a gentler angle. The trade off is that 12 inch wide ramps leave little room if a rear tire is a fat tire, so check your tire width. Set the ramps to match the track of your two rear wheels, and have a helper steady the trike on the way up.
Key specs
| Size | 89 x 12 inch each, folds to 44.5 inch |
|---|---|
| Load limit | 750 lbs each, 1,500 lbs per pair |
| Features | Punch plate surface, rubber tipped fingers, 2 safety straps |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- 89 inch run is gentler
- 750 pounds per ramp
- Folds with a carry handle
- Safety straps included
Limitations
- 12 inch width is tight for fat tires
- Long when extended, needs space
Consider it if
- Heavy trikes into pickups
- Reducing a steep climb angle
Skip it if
- Very wide fat tires
Best Lightweight Pair2 of 3
Arejonner 72.5 inch Folding Ramps
A lighter pair at 17 pounds per ramp that folds and carries easily.
Best for
Riders who lift the ramps themselves
Why we like it
The Arejonner pair has two ramps with a dense perforated surface and a sandblasted finish for added grip. Each supports up to 750 pounds, giving 1,500 pounds in total, and each weighs only 17 pounds with a built in handle. They fold for storage and the joints are welded.
Compared with the MAXIVAMN ramps, they are about 16 inches shorter, so the angle is a little steeper, but they are easier to carry and store. Choose them if you lift the ramps from a garage shelf, and keep the ramp rise modest.
Key specs
| Size | 72.5 inch long, set of 2 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 17 lbs each ramp |
| Load limit | 750 lbs each, 1,500 lbs combined |
| Features | Perforated sandblasted surface, built in handle, folds |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- Light at 17 pounds each
- Sandblasted perforated grip
- Folds with a handle
- 750 pounds per ramp
Limitations
- Shorter than the MAXIVAMN
- Steeper climb for tall tailgates
Consider it if
- Easy carry and storage
- Lower van floors
Skip it if
- Tall pickup tailgates
Best for Short Rises3 of 3
Stalwart 35.5 inch Steel Ramps
Short steel ramps for a low trailer deck or shed step, not a tall truck bed.
Best for
Low trailer decks and shed thresholds
Why we like it
The Stalwart set is two steel ramps, each 35.5 inches long and 8.5 inches wide with a 600 pound capacity per ramp. A skid resistant tread and angled foot plates make the transition at the base smooth. They are made for ATVs, mowers and carts.
Beside the two aluminum pairs, they are much shorter and narrower, so the angle is steep for a heavy trike on anything taller than a few inches. They are the practical pick only for a shed step or a low deck. For a truck bed, choose a longer pair.
Key specs
| Size | 35.5 x 8.5 x 2 inch each |
|---|---|
| Load limit | 600 lbs each, 1,200 lbs per pair |
| Features | Steel, skid resistant tread, angled foot plates |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- 600 pounds per ramp
- Steel build
- Angled foot plates ease the base
- Compact to store
Limitations
- Short run, steep angle
- Only 8.5 inches wide
Consider it if
- Shed thresholds
- Low trailer decks
Skip it if
- Pickup beds and tall vans
Spec Comparison
Key figures side by side. A dash means the brand gives no figure, so ask before you buy if it matters to you.
| Model | Size | Load limit | Features | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAXIVAMN 7.5 ft Aluminum Ramps 2 Pack Best Overall | 89 x 12 inch each, folds to 44.5 inch | 750 lbs each, 1,500 lbs per pair | Punch plate surface, rubber tipped fingers, 2 safety straps | Check price |
| Arejonner 72.5 inch Folding Ramps Best Lightweight Pair | 72.5 inch long, set of 2 | 750 lbs each, 1,500 lbs combined | Perforated sandblasted surface, built in handle, folds | Check price |
| Stalwart 35.5 inch Steel Ramps Best for Short Rises | 35.5 x 8.5 x 2 inch each | 600 lbs each, 1,200 lbs per pair | Steel, skid resistant tread, angled foot plates | Check price |
How We Chose These Loading Ramps for Trikes
- Ramp length
- Longer ramps give a gentler angle, so we ranked by the length of each pair first.
- Capacity per ramp
- We compared the per ramp capacity against a heavy trike, not just the combined pair rating.
- Surface and width
- Perforated or tread surfaces and track width were checked for rear wheel grip on a trike.
- Carry and storage
- Weight per ramp and folded length were weighed for riders who handle ramps alone.
What to Look for in a Loading Ramp
Two ramps, not one
A trike has two rear wheels, and the front wheel follows between them, so a pair of ramps is the sensible setup.
Check the spacing between your rear wheels and set the ramps to match. A single ramp only works if its width can hold both wheels.
Length and angle
A longer ramp reduces the climb angle, which protects a low bottom bracket and a rear basket from scraping.
Measure the height of your truck bed or van floor. A rise of around 30 inches with an 89 inch ramp is far gentler than a 35 inch ramp.
Per ramp capacity
The combined rating can be misleading, since each ramp carries half of each axle at a time. Look at per ramp capacity.
Add your trike's weight, battery and cargo, and keep it well under the single ramp rating.
Securing the top
Ramps that slide are dangerous. Rubber tipped fingers and safety straps keep the top in place.
Attach the strap to a solid point on the truck or trailer, and check it before every load.
How to Choose
By Loading Height
| Situation | Our pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup bed or tall van floor | MAXIVAMN 7.5 ft Aluminum Ramps 2 Pack | 89 inch run gives the gentlest angle |
| Mid height van and carrying them yourself | Arejonner 72.5 inch Folding Ramps | 17 pounds each and folds |
| Low trailer deck or shed step | Stalwart 35.5 inch Steel Ramps | Short and steady for a low rise |
Aluminum vs Steel
- Aluminum
- The MAXIVAMN and Arejonner pairs are light and fold, making them easy to store and carry.
- Steel
- The Stalwart set is heavier and short but has a lower price class and 600 pound ratings.
Choose aluminum for most trike owners unless the rise is only a few inches.
For Heavy Trikes Specifically
- Look for
- Per ramp capacity well above your trike's weight, plus a long run so the angle stays gentle.
- In this comparison
- The MAXIVAMN 7.5 ft pair offers 750 pounds per ramp and an 89 inch run, the best fit here.
When to Spend More
- Spend more if
- You load into a tall pickup every week. The MAXIVAMN pair's length is worth it.
- Save if
- The step is only a few inches. The Stalwart steel ramps are enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use motorcycle ramps for a tricycle?
You can use ramps made for ATVs or motorcycles if the width fits your tires and the capacity is above your trike. A trike needs two tracks, so use a pair.
How long should a ramp be?
Longer is better. An 89 inch ramp is far gentler than a 35 inch one on a truck bed. Measure the height and choose the longest that fits.
Will fat tires fit on a 12 inch ramp?
It may be tight. Measure your tire width and leave room on each side so the tire does not slip off the edge.
Do I need a helper?
Yes, for a heavy trike. A second person can steady the trike while you walk it up. Never ride up a ramp.
How should I store a trike in the vehicle?
Strap it down on all three wheels. Our guide at /how-to-store-and-transport-an-adult-tricycle/ covers it.
Bottom Line
The MAXIVAMN 7.5 ft pair is our pick for pickups and tall vans. The Arejonner pair is the lighter choice for carrying alone, and the Stalwart steel ramps fit only low rises. Always measure your trike's weight and wheel spacing first.