Convenience and accessibility are essential in today’s bustling society. Without a doubt, motorized shopping carts can be a lifesaver for those with mobility issues or for time-pressed customers with much on their plate.
But does Target, one of the most well-known American department stores, provide its customers or disability community with electric shopping carts or motorized scooters?
Our article will discuss Target’s electric motorized shopping carts and how their use may benefit a variety of shoppers.
Does Target Have Motorized Carts?
Target is committed to serving all customers, including those with special needs, and has taken all necessary steps to ensure that its facilities are accessible to all for grocery shopping.
Target provides motorized carts, often electric or mobility scooters, to assist customers with mobility challenges. They are designed for those with trouble walking or standing for long periods or who require mobility support.
A standard number of wheelchair carts and motorized scooters available at most stores is 1 and 2 or more motorized carts.
One can fit all the groceries or other belongings onto one of these electric scooters or wheelchairs because they are often relatively large, with storage in the front and underneath.
Who Can Use Target’s Mobility Devices?
Target’s motorized vehicles are not restricted to disabled customers, but they are also accessible to anyone in need of mobility assistance.
Teens and adults can utilize the larger wheelchair carts suitable to their needs, while parents of younger children can use the smaller seated carts designed for children.
Customers do not need to provide documentation of their impairment, such as a badge or alternative proof.
Finding Motorized Shopping Carts at Target
Here’s what you need to do if you’re looking for Target’s electric shopping carts:
Ask the Store Staff Or Customer Service Desk
Once inside the store, find a staff member and inquire about the availability of an electric cart.
Find it Near the Store Entrance.
These assistance devices are available at the store entrances and can be used by anybody who needs them.
The best is to check the area around the store entrance to see if they are parked there. If you require further assistance, you can contact customer service representatives or use the red phone available at various places in the store.
Prerequisites for Utilizing Motorized Carts
There are no limitations or regulations on using motorized carts. They are provided free of charge.
Can I Reserve a Motorized Shopping Cart in Advance?
A motorized shopping cart cannot be reserved in advance, but one may check their availability by calling your local Target store. Once you arrive, the staff will try their best to have one set aside for you.
Using Your Mobility Devices at Target
Yes, the store has been constructed to accommodate customers using wheelchairs. Customers can also bring their wheelchairs, either manual or electric wheelchairs, scooters, or other mobility aids into the Target store.
How To Use Motorized Cart?
At Target, the electric carts are well-designed and easy to operate. Here is a quick guideline,
- Approach the carriage and ensure that it is completely charged.
- Sit comfortably into the seat.
- Learn and understand how to use the various controls, such as the accelerator, brake, and steering wheel.
- Slowly pick up speed and find your way through the store.
If anyone is found to be mishandling these amenities, they will be asked to leave immediately or return the items in question.
Other Types of Accessibility Options Offered at Target Stores
The Target stores typically provide all the accessibility features required. However, there are some remarkable accessibility features that Target provides to its customers.
The Caroline Cart
In 2016, a new shopping cart at Target, Caroline’s Cart, was introduced to make shopping trips to the store easier for people shopping with kids and adults with disabilities.
The Target’s Caroline’s Carts appear like the traditional red carts; only the seat is bigger, a harness-equipped seat, and has high foam-covered handles and a spacious basket.
ADA-Based Accessibility
To ensure that all of its stores are ADA-compliant, Target has installed the following amenities:
- Specially reserved seats for the disability community
- Wheelchair-friendly features, including ramps and spacious aisles
- Elevators on each floor
- Accessible Restrooms
- Drop-off and pick-up areas
- Accessible parking
- Assistive Listening Devices
- Guest Services
- Specific Target locations may include braille signs to aid customers with visual impairments in effectively traversing the physical sites of the store.
Online Accessibility
Target.com‘s site structure is regularly tested to ensure all headers, lists, paragraphs, and other formatting features are accessible to visitors using assistive tech.
Also, people with disabilities who have difficulty buying in-store may appreciate the convenience of Target’s online store, which allows for home delivery or curbside pickup.
If my Target doesn’t have motorized carts, what should I do?
Keep in mind that not all Target locations will have motorized carts available.
Ensure you can use one by inquiring about accessible services or potential alternatives if a motorized cart is unavailable in advance by phoning your local Target or visiting their website.
Other Retailers With Accessible Facilities
In addition to Target, several other supermarkets have electric shopping carts, scooters, and wheelchairs available for customers, such as Costco, Home Depot, Lowe’s, JCPenny, and Publix, to name a few.
Everyone must have access to essentials, and enhancing social accessibility may start with little changes that have a significant impact. Learn more about empowering accessibility in our article.
What People Have to Say About Motorized Scooters at Target
Adam Standiford described how helpful Target’s wheelchairs had been for him and his family when they went shopping with their 6-year-old daughter Savannah, who has special needs.
“This simple cart will change how we can shop, not having to worry about how we are going to get her into a store,” Standiford said on Target’s Facebook page. “It’s an example that every store in America should adopt!
A video showing how to use a motorized shopping cart.
Sophie, who has paraplegia, shared her experience using a Target store mobility electric scooter and seemed to enjoy its ease.
In this video, Sergio, a person with post-knee surgery rehab, uses a Pride Mobility Victory mobility electric scooter inside the Target store. The store tour begins at 5:00 in the video.
Conclusion
The fact that Target provides electric shopping carts demonstrates the company’s dedication to ensuring equal access to its stores.
Mobility aids, including motorized wheelchairs, electric scooters, and walkers for customers with a wide range of impairments, are provided at Target.
They may significantly improve the shopping experience for anybody unable to push or pull a standard cart due to an injury, illness, or other medical condition or require assistance. Get in touch with the Guest Services department in advance to check on the availability of these amenities.
