As a person who has to use a mobility scooter, you may be wondering if they are allowed in shops. A lot of shops do enable people to take their mobility scooters inside. It is even familiar for shops to have unique parking spots for shoppers who bring their mobility scooters! These spaces are usually suitable by the store’s front door so that you don’t have to walk far.
The answer to our main question is that it depends on the shop. In most cases, mobility scooters are allowed in shops, but there may be some restrictions. For example, the mobility scooter may not be able to go into the shop’s stockroom.
Be sure to ask the shop staff before you attempt to bring your mobility scooter inside. Also, if the shop has a sign that prohibits scooters, you should probably take your mobility scooter elsewhere.
Why does it depend on the shop?
There are a few reasons why it depends on whether or not mobility scooters are allowed inside. For one, some shops may have tight spaces that a mobility scooter could not navigate.
Secondly, some shops may be concerned about the safety of the mobility scooter user and other shoppers. Finally, shop staff may not know that mobility scooters are allowed inside.
If you encounter any difficulties bringing your mobility scooter into a shop, be sure to speak to a staff member about the situation. They may be able to help you find a workaround.
How to know if you can bring your mobility scooter inside a store?
There is a way to find out if your mobility scooter can be taken into a store, so don’t worry if you aren’t sure whether or not you can bring it. Mobility scooter owners should check the store’s website to bring mobility scooters into the store.
If you would like to ask directly, you can call the store. If you do bring your mobility scooter into a store and the store staff invites you to leave, be sure to comply with their request.
What happens if you do not follow the rules for mobility scooters in shops?
If you do not follow the rules for bringing a mobility scooter into a shop, staff may ask you to leave. Follow their instructions if this happens. Keep in mind that there is always the option of choosing another store.
What if you do not know whether or not you can bring your mobility scooter inside a store?
If you do not know whether or not you can bring your mobility scooter into a particular store, call the store and find out. Often this information will be listed on the store’s website. If you cannot find out over the phone, it is always an option to drive by the store and look for signage that lists their policy.
What are some places where mobility scooters are not allowed?
Mobility scooters are generally allowed inside shops, but there may be some restrictions. For example, mobility scooters are typically not allowed in stockrooms or backrooms of stores.
Also, some stores may ask that you cover or remove any advertising stickers on your mobility scooter before entering the store. Finally, be aware that if a particular shop does not allow mobility scooters inside, they may pose dangers to other shoppers and staff.
Tips for using a mobility scooter in the store
- If you are entering the store with your mobility scooter, make sure to park it in a designated area, near the entrance or the shopping carts.
- Do not go into the stockroom or back room of the store with your mobility scooter.
- Be aware of any obstacles in your path and be cautious when moving around the store.
- If you need to leave your mobility scooter for a short period, be sure to lock it up securely.
- Remember that if you plan to ask a staff member for help, be sure to speak up and let them know!
List of Shops that Offers Motorized Shopping Carts
| Sears | The Sears store offers motorized shopping carts for their customers in most states. |
| The Home Depot | All Home Depot stores were said to have available and old customers. |
| Lowe’s | Every Lowe’s store offers motorized carts with no additional restrictions. |
| Meijer | Available electric shopping carts at Meijer are found at the entrance of their store for easy access. |
| Target | They offer motorized carts for every Target store. |
| Walmart | Walmart provides motorized carts for customers who need them. |
| Costco | Every Costco store offers electric shopping carts with no additional restrictions. |
| Sam’s Club | Apart from motorized carts, Sam’s Club also offers manual wheelchairs. |
| BJ’s Wholesale Club | All stores of BJ’s Wholesale Club have electric carts available. |
| Mall of America | As one of the country’s largest shopping centers, Mall of America has available electric carts for customers. But, these aren’t free because you need to rent them for $35 before you can use them. There’s also a restriction on the availability so it’s best to go as early as you can to reserve one. |
| ALDI | Most ALDI stores provide at least one motorized cart. If you want to make reservations you can directly reach out to one of their corporate customer service department representatives and ask for it. |
| H-E-B | In Texas, some of the H-E-B and H-E-B plus! Stores offer not only electric shopping carts for customers, but they also have shopping assistants to help you with your grocery. |
| Kroger | Every Kroger store offers between four to six electric shopping carts with no restrictions added. |
| Publix | Publix has available motorized shopping carts for customers in their stores located in North and South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Virginia, and Tennessee. |
| Albertsons | Stores of Albertsons in Western U.S. claimed to have motorized shopping carts available for the customers who need them. |
| Safeway | All Safeway shops offer only one motorized cart. |
| Trader’s Joe | Two Trader Joe’s stores in Delaware and Idaho provide one motorized cart for disabled customers. |
| WinCo Foods | As confirmed by the store associate at WinCo Foods in the Western U.S., they offer motorized shopping carts which are located at the entrance or the customer service desk. |
| ShopRite | All ShopRite stores that operate in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and Connecticut provide electric shopping carts for customers. |
| Cabela’s | About 80% of Cabela’s stores offer either wheelchairs or electric carts for their customers. |
| Bass Pro Shops | If you check the Bass Pro Shops, it says that all of their stores have at least two motorized scooters. But, you must present your driver’s license before checking out a cart. In addition, minor customers without a driver’s license can use a wheelchair instead. |
| Ganders Outdoors | For Ganders Outdoors, only a few of their stops offer motorized carts, so it’s better to contact them first to check the availability. |
| Wegmans | All Wegmans stores in Massachusetts, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York provide motorized shopping carts to all customers. |
| Winn-Dixie | Stores of Winn-Dixie in Mississippi, Louisianan, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida all have electric shopping carts available. |
| Vons | Vons’ shops in California and Nevada have at least one electric shopping cart available with no additional restrictions. |
Conclusion
Many stores welcome mobility scooters into their store, but there may be some restrictions. For example, a shop may not allow you to go into the backroom with your mobility scooter. In this case, it’s essential to use an alternate entrance or exit for your mobility scooter.
In general, most shops welcome mobility scooters inside the store. As long as you’re cautious, it should be smooth sailing!
Citations
Are mobility scooters allowed in shops?
Are mobility scooters allowed in shops?
Is it allowed to bring mobility scooters into shops?
