If you want to use an electric cart at Walmart, you are probably wondering: Can anyone use the electric carts at Walmart?
Let’s find out who can use an electric cart at Walmart and everything else there is to know about this service!
Can Anyone Use the Electric Carts at Walmart?
Technically, anyone can use an electric cart at Walmart; however, you should only use one if you have a disability, ailment, injury, or are simply unable to walk around the store unassisted. While Walmart is not legally required to provide electric carts, every store has them available.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Anyone can use the electric carts at Walmart.
- Electric carts can hold up to 350 lbs of weight, including products.
- Walmart cannot ask for proof of disability from customers using electric carts.
In this article, we will discuss who can use electric carts at Walmart, whether or not Walmart is required to provide electric carts, and even how to use them!
So keep reading; you will be an electric cart expert in just a few moments.
Are Walmart Employees Allowed to Ask for Proof of a Disability?
It’s important to understand that Walmart employees are not allowed to ask for proof of disability, even if you opt to use one of their electric carts to shop.
So if you have a disability that is not visible, don’t worry; Walmart cannot and will not ask you why you have chosen to use an electric cart while shopping.
While anyone can use an electric cart at Walmart as they cannot ask you to prove why you need one, you should be conscious of the fact that there are not an unlimited number of carts.
If you use one without really needing it, that means someone who does need it might not have the option.
Can You Use Walmart’s Electric Carts if You Are Obese?
Although obesity is not considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it may still make moving around a large Walmart too challenging to do without an electric cart.
You certainly can use an electric cart at Walmart if you are obese and cannot safely or enjoyable walk around the store to do your shopping.
However, it is important to understand that the electric carts at Walmart have a weight capacity of 300-350 lbs, and that includes products in the cart. So, if you weigh more than 300 lbs, the electric cart is not a safe option for you.
How to Use an Electric Cart at Walmart
Now that you know that anyone who needs an electric cart at Walmart can use them, you probably want to understand how they work.
Electric carts at Walmart are motorized and charged overnight by Walmart employees. There is a screen on the cart that states if the battery is full or low, so it’s first important to select a cart with enough battery to get you around the store.
If there is a sufficient battery, simply press the button on the left side of the screen to turn the electric cart on. Once it’s on, the cart will not start moving until you sit down on the seat, as the motor is only engaged when weighted.
After sitting down, you use the right handle to go forward, the left handle to reverse, and the wheel to steer from side to side.
That’s all there is to it! Make sure that you move slowly and are cautious of other shoppers, especially when heading around corners, and you should be good to go!
Is Walmart Required to Provide Electric Carts?
Walmart is not required by any law to provide electric carts to its customers. So, why does Walmart provide electric carts?
All Walmart stores have electric carts available to customers with a disability or who simply need assistance to navigate the store in order to keep its customers safe and give everyone the ability to shop at Walmart.
What Stores Have Motorized Shopping Carts?
Walmart is not the only store that provides motorized shopping carts. There are several other popular chains that have the same service for those in need.
Here are a few of the most commonly used stores that provide electric carts:
- H-E-B
- Kroger
- Publix
- Ralphs
- Safeway
- Sprouts
- Stop & Shop
- Trader Joe’s
- Target
- Wegmans
- Whole Foods Market
Conclusion
Anyone can use the electric carts at Walmart, whether you have a physical or mental disability, are obese, elderly, or for any reason, cannot safely and comfortably get around Walmart without one.
It’s important to note that Walmart cannot legally ask you why you are using the cart; if you don’t really need it, you are taking a cart away from someone who actually does.
Using an electric cart at Walmart is easy, simply find a cart with a substantial battery, press the ON button next to the screen, sit down, and go!
