A Caroline Cart is a specialized shopping cart designed to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges, particularly older children and adults who require seated support during shopping. Originally invented by DrewAnn Long, this cart features an integrated plastic seat capable of holding up to 250 lbs (113 kg), eliminating leg holes for universal accessibility. While not explicitly named in Walmart’s current product listings, the retailer offers similar foldable carts with universal wheels and ergonomic designs, which align with the Caroline Cart’s purpose of enhancing inclusivity for shoppers with disabilities.
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How does the Caroline Cart differ from standard Walmart shopping carts?
The Caroline Cart prioritizes accessibility and weight capacity, unlike conventional carts focused on storage. Its seat design supports users who cannot stand independently, while standard carts prioritize child seating and item capacity.
Traditional Walmart carts typically feature dual child seats and basket space for 100–150 lbs of goods. In contrast, the Caroline Cart’s reinforced frame redistributes weight to prevent tipping, crucial when transporting seated individuals. Pro Tip: Always check weight limits—overloading standard carts risks wheel failures, especially on inclines. For example, a Caroline Cart’s 360-degree wheels provide smoother maneuverability in tight aisles compared to fixed-wheel designs.
What features make the Caroline Cart inclusive?
Key innovations include a no-leg-hole seat and low-profile entry, accommodating various body types and mobility aids like walkers.
The seat’s 18-inch height allows easy transfers from wheelchairs, while grab bars provide stability during transitions. Unlike child seats that face forward, the Caroline Cart’s sideways orientation lets caregivers maintain visual contact. Practically speaking, this design mirrors airport assistance vehicles but scales down for retail environments. Retailers like Walmart often partner with accessibility advocates to implement such solutions district-by-district rather than chain-wide.
| Feature | Standard Cart | Caroline Cart |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Type | Child-facing | Adult-oriented |
| Weight Limit | 150 lbs | 250 lbs |
| Wheel Type | Fixed | 360° Swivel |
Are there Walmart alternatives to Caroline Carts?
Walmart’s HOARBOEG foldable cart offers partial accessibility features like all-terrain wheels and collapsible frames, though lacking dedicated seating.
These $80–$100 units provide 120–150 lb capacities suitable for light mobility assistance. However, they require users to balance items while seated—a risk factor the Caroline Cart mitigates through its wraparound guardrails. For occasional needs, some Walmart locations provide complimentary wheelchairs, but these don’t enable simultaneous shopping and seated transport.
What safety standards apply to accessibility carts?
ADA compliance mandates anti-tip mechanisms and ergonomic handle heights (34–38 inches) for public-use mobility carts.
Manufacturers must meet ASTM F2640 brake requirements and UL 2272 electrical safety certifications for motorized variants. Beyond physical specs, proper cart maintenance is crucial—Walmart’s in-house models undergo weekly inspections for loose bolts and worn tires. Consider this: A retail cart’s duty cycle resembles urban scooters, needing component replacements every 1,500–2,000 uses.
| Standard | Requirement | Caroline Cart |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM F2640 | Brake hold on 10° slopes | Exceeds by 15% |
| ADA | 32-inch aisle clearance | 28-inch (modified) |
How to request accessibility carts at Walmart?
Contact store managers 48 hours pre-visit—most locations keep 1–2 specialty carts in storage rather than floor displays.
Provide medical documentation if requiring cart modifications under the ADA’s reasonable accommodation clause. Pro Tip: Early morning weekdays offer higher cart availability, as weekend shoppers often deplete accessibility resources. Surprisingly, only 23% of Walmarts nationwide stock Caroline-style carts, primarily in states with stringent disability access laws like California and Massachusetts.
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FAQs
No—they’re free like standard carts, but availability varies by location. Call ahead to confirm inventory.
Can Caroline Carts hold shopping items and a person simultaneously?
Yes, with partitioned baskets allowing 50–70 lbs of goods beside the seated area. Exceeding limits strains axle joints.
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