Carrying groceries is not as simple as you might think. As you grow older, mobility limitations and joint pain will prevent you from gripping bags properly, and you'll already have trouble bringing your groceries to the parking lot. If you find yourself approaching a similar situation, consider investing in a folding shopping cart.
Having a lightweight and durable folding cart simplifies grocery trips. These mobility devices have a compact storage basket that accommodates everything, from heavy items like cold cuts to random small purchases. Load your personal items inside it instead of carrying them with your bare hands. With these, you don't have to strain yourself when running errands anymore.
With the rise of mobile, convenient storage solutions, more and more manufacturers have started selling lightweight folding shopping carts. Choosing between multiple options feels exciting. However, older adults in search of their first personal shopping cart might find the multiple available pieces overwhelming.
Fortunately, we can help. We made a comprehensive roundup of the best shopping carts so that you'll know where to start searching for quality finds.
Seniors looking for a straightforward, user-friendly personal cart should try the Pipishell Shopping Cart. You'll get a sturdy black metal frame, adjustable cart height, and a durable set of double front swivel wheels.
It doesn't have the bells and whistles modern options offer. However, its simplicity makes it one of the most convenient and unchallenging carts designed for mobility-impaired adults.
The VersaCart Transit Utility Cart is a waterproof soft-fabric cart with sturdy dual, ergonomically positioned handles. It has a relatively high carrying capacity for its weight.
Apart from its functionality, users like how these utility carts require minimal to no assembly. You can start using it after snapping the front wheels in place.
For older adults who live in apartment buildings or climb up several flights of stairs regularly, check out the Folding Stair Climber Shopping Cart by Amazon Basics. As the name suggests, it's a cart designed to roll up and down the stairs.
What sets it apart is its tri-wheel fixture. The two tri-wheels seamlessly roll as you drag them up any staircase, making the cart much easier to pull.
If you need an ergonomic, heavy-duty cart designed to carry heavy luggage, try the GoPlus Jumbo Shopping Cart. It has a massive double basket capable of carrying up to 200 lbs. Whether you need to transport a week's worth of groceries or an old pile of books, this mobility device will make moving easier.
The DBest Trolley Dolly suits older adults who need a multi-functional cart. You bring it anywhere without looking out of place. Unlike most generic carts, it has a functional waterproof fitted cover, secure door sills, and stylish mesh bottom.
If you still find yourself on the fence about the best shopping cart to get, compare their features side by side. Narrow down your options, then assess their:
Getting a tall double-basket cart isn't always the right choice. Unless you'd need to carry around tall, bulky items, your cart's storage bag should be around one foot high. That way, you can roll it into tight spaces with ease.
An extra-large basket suited for carrying heavy, bulky items isn't a great option if you can't even turn it properly. For easy maneuverability and portability, get a lightweight folding shopping cart. Trust us — you'll find yourself in several situations where you'll need to lift your cart (i.e., going up flights of stairs, hopping in the car, getting on a bus).
Although you don't automatically need a heavy-duty folding cart when running errands, you should know your cart's carrying capacity. Otherwise, you might run the risk of overloading it. In the worst case, loading your basket beyond its threshold might cause the wheels and reinforcing bar beneath it to snap.
The wheels on your shopping cart directly affect the load it can accommodate. A good grocery cart with plastic tri-wheels suits quick errands where you'll only carry around a few personal items. However, you can't use them for full-on grocery runs.
The best folding shopping cart for carrying heavy loads like groceries or dirty laundry should have metal front and rear wheels. They'll support your items for several miles without buckling.
Dragging a personal shopping cart requires less effort than carrying bags. However, older adults with rheumatoid arthritis or joint inflammation might have trouble gripping the handle for a long time.
To address this issue, opt for a cart with a padded handle. That way, you can grasp and drag the basket for hours without worrying about your wrists or fingers.
Take into account your typical chores when selecting the size of your personal shopping cart. Tall double-basket carts work well with light, bulky items like dirty laundry, while low, wide baskets best suit heavy loads like groceries.
Also, make sure to choose carts that easily fit in your home and vehicle. You wouldn't benefit from a high-quality, heavy-duty cart if you'd struggle to use it in tight, narrow spaces.
Nobody uses their shopping carts every day. On the contrary, you might find your cart stowed away in your closet most days of the week.
For easy storage, get a foldable cart. Make sure it's lightweight and compact so that you wouldn't spend more than one or two minutes disassembling the entire device.
Is this your first time using a folding shopping cart? Don't worry — you're not alone! To gain more insights into personal shopping carts, check out the queries older adults typically ask about mobility and grocery shopping.
Yes, most retail and grocery stores will allow you to use your own shopping cart. However, ensure they have the necessary weight capacity and front swivel wheels to accommodate all your groceries.
Whether driving or walking to the grocery store, you'd have a relatively easier time carrying your groceries if you had a foldable shopping cart. That way, you'll only have to lift the bags for short periods.
Easily carry your groceries up to your apartment with a foldable cart. Carefully stuff your groceries in the cart, check for stability, then wheel it to your elevator.
If your mobility issues prevent you from carrying or transporting too many bags of groceries simultaneously, we encourage you to explore the best shopping carts even further. See which option suits your lifestyle.
Also, don't feel ashamed about your dedicated grocery cart. You might turn a few heads on the way to the store — especially if you don't look old yet. However, the convenience and safety they provide outweigh any worries you might have.
Do you find yourself struggling even with folding shopping carts? Senior Strong can help! Check out our comprehensive comparison review of the best mobility scooters for easy, hassle-free shopping.
