If you‘re planning a trip to your local Lowe‘s home improvement store and have mobility concerns, you likely want to know what accessibility features and services the retailer offers to make your shopping experience as smooth and accommodating as possible. As one of the largest home improvement chains in the U.S. with over 2,200 stores, Lowe‘s aims to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment for all customers. Let‘s take an in-depth look at what you can expect when it comes to motorized carts, wheelchairs, customer assistance, parking, service animals, and more at Lowe‘s.
Does Lowe‘s Provide Motorized Shopping Carts?
One of the most common questions customers with limited mobility have is whether Lowe‘s offers motorized shopping carts, also known as electric scooters or handicap carts, to use while browsing the store. According to Lowe‘s, they do not currently have motorized carts available at any of their retail locations. This differs from some other big box stores like Walmart, Target, and Costco which do provide electric scooters for customer use.
While the lack of motorized carts may be disappointing for some shoppers, Lowe‘s does offer manual wheelchairs as an alternative mobility aid. These standard wheelchairs are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis at the customer service desk of every Lowe‘s store. Simply request a wheelchair from an associate and they will be happy to retrieve one for you to use during your shopping trip. It‘s a good idea to call ahead to your local Lowe‘s to make sure they have a wheelchair available, especially if you plan to visit during peak shopping times.
Getting Assistance from Helpful Lowe‘s Employees
If you need additional assistance beyond a manual wheelchair, Lowe‘s employees are ready and willing to help you navigate the store, locate products, retrieve items from high shelves, and load your purchases into your vehicle. Lowe‘s is well-known for providing excellent customer service, with CEO Marvin Ellison stating that "serving customers is the most important thing we do."
Don‘t hesitate to ask for help from any red vest-wearing Lowe‘s associate you see on the salesfloor. They are trained to proactively offer assistance to any customer who looks like they could use a hand. If you have specific needs, it‘s best to explain them upfront so the employee can best assist you. For example, if you are unable to reach an item or need help maneuvering your wheelchair, simply let an associate know and they will be glad to accommodate you.
For large purchases like appliances or lumber that require loading assistance, head to the customer service desk or PRO desk. Associates there can either help you directly or page someone from the loading team to bring your items to the front of the store or out to your vehicle. Lowe‘s website states that they "strive to provide an accessible shopping experience to all individuals" and their helpful employees put that mission into action every day.
Service Animals Are Welcome at Lowe‘s
If you rely on a service dog for assistance, you‘ll be glad to know that Lowe‘s openly welcomes trained service animals in all of their U.S. stores in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA defines service animals as "dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities." This can include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, or reminding a person to take prescribed medications.
Under federal law, state and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where the public is allowed to go. This means service dogs are permitted not only on the salesfloor at Lowe‘s, but also in restrooms, checkout lines, and other public spaces. The only exceptions are areas where the animal‘s presence would compromise safety or interfere with legitimate business operations, such as food preparation areas.
When visiting Lowe‘s with a service animal, you can expect store associates to follow ADA guidelines. This includes allowing your service dog to accompany you without questioning your disability or requesting proof of certification or special identification for the animal. If it is not apparent that your dog is a trained service animal, associates are only allowed to ask two clarifying questions:
- Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
Associates cannot inquire about your specific disability, request medical documentation, or ask that the dog demonstrate its trained tasks.
Lowe‘s also abides by the ADA requirement that individuals with disabilities be permitted to be accompanied by their service animals in all areas of a facility where the public is normally allowed to go. So whether you are browsing garden supplies or checking out at the register, your service dog can stay right by your side. By welcoming service animals, Lowe‘s aims to create an inclusive shopping environment for customers of all abilities.
Ample Accessible Parking at Every Lowe‘s Location
Accessible parking is another key factor for customers with mobility limitations, and Lowe‘s delivers in this area at all of their stores nationwide. The retailer provides an ample number of clearly marked accessible parking spots in the lots adjacent to each store entrance. These spots are strategically located as close as possible to the store‘s front doors to minimize the distance customers need to traverse.
Lowe‘s accessible parking spots meet or exceed the requirements laid out in the ADA Standards for Accessible Design. This includes stipulations for the number of accessible spaces required based on the total number of spaces in the lot, as well as guidelines for space width, access aisles, ground surface, signage, and connecting accessible routes to the building entrance.
For example, ADA standards require a minimum of one accessible parking space in lots with 1-25 total spaces, and up to 9 accessible spaces in lots with 401-500 total spaces. At least one in every six accessible spaces must be van-accessible, with increased width and vertical clearance to accommodate wheelchair lifts. Accessible spaces must also be located on the shortest accessible route to the main store entrance and have adjoining access aisles to provide adequate space for wheelchair transfers.
The exact number of accessible parking spaces may vary between Lowe‘s locations based on the size of the lot and layout of the store. But you can trust that every Lowe‘s has accessible parking that adheres to ADA guidelines, with highly visible blue markings, proper signage, and convenient proximity to store entrances. This allows customers with mobility challenges, whether they rely on wheelchairs, walkers, canes, or other mobility aids, to safely and easily access the store.
A Wide Selection of Mobility and Accessibility Products
In addition to providing manual wheelchairs and accommodating service animals, Lowe‘s offers a variety of products aimed at serving customers with mobility needs and improving accessibility in homes and businesses. While they do not have motorized carts or scooters to lend out for in-store use, Lowe‘s does sell several models of power mobility devices for purchase.
On the Lowe‘s website, you‘ll find a number of 3-wheel and 4-wheel electric mobility scooters from reputable brands like Drive Medical and Pride Mobility. These battery-powered scooters provide a smooth, stable ride and are ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. Prices range from around $700 for a basic 3-wheel model to over $4,000 for a heavy duty 4-wheel scooter with deluxe features like an extra wide seat, LED headlight, and extended driving range.
Lowe‘s also carries a selection of manual mobility aids including standard wheelchairs, transport chairs, walkers, rollators, and knee scooters. You‘ll find options for both adult and pediatric users, as well as bariatric models with higher weight capacities. Prices start under $100 for a basic folding wheelchair and go up to around $400 for a deluxe aluminum rollator walker with a padded seat and backrest.
Beyond mobility devices, Lowe‘s stocks a range of other products designed to make homes safer and more accessible for people with limited mobility. This includes items like:
- Grab bars and safety rails for bathrooms
- Shower chairs and transfer benches
- Wheelchair ramps and threshold ramps
- Stair lifts and vertical platform lifts
- Handheld reachers and grabber tools
- Bedside commodes and toilet safety frames
- Lift chairs and seat assist devices
Whether you are looking to retrofit your home for aging in place or need to make your business more accessible, Lowe‘s has solutions to fit your needs and budget. And if you don‘t see what you‘re looking for in store, even more options are available for purchase on the Lowe‘s website with convenient shipping directly to your home.
Tips for a Successful Shopping Trip to Lowe‘s
With some advance planning and knowledge of the resources available, customers with disabilities or mobility limitations can have a positive experience shopping at Lowe‘s. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
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Contact your local store ahead of time to ask about wheelchair availability and inquire about the best times to shop to avoid crowds.
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Make a list of the items you need to minimize wandering and keep your trip efficient. Lowe‘s website and app allow you to search available inventory at your preferred store.
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If you use a service animal, come prepared with cleanup supplies and make sure your dog is leashed and under control at all times.
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Don‘t hesitate to ask associates for assistance locating items, reaching high shelves, or loading purchases. They are there to help!
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Take advantage of Lowe‘s online shopping and delivery options if you have difficulty navigating the store in person. Most items are available to order for direct shipment.
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Consider bringing a friend or family member along to help you shop if you need extra support. Having a second set of hands can be valuable.
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Visit the store during off-peak hours like weekday mornings to encounter less traffic and fewer obstacles in the aisles.
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Be aware of your own stamina and take breaks as needed while shopping. Most Lowe‘s locations have a seating area near the front of the store.
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Review the store layout online or consult the large printed store directory near the entrance to plan out an efficient route.
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Remember that Lowe‘s employees receive training in disability etiquette and are happy to accommodate your needs. Speak up and advocate for yourself when necessary.
Lowe‘s Commitment to Continuous Accessibility Improvements
As a major retailer serving a diverse customer base, Lowe‘s recognizes the importance of fostering an accessible and inclusive shopping environment. In recent years, the company has taken steps to enhance its offerings for customers with disabilities and incorporate accessibility into store design and employee training.
Some examples of accessibility improvements Lowe‘s has implemented include:
- Widening aisles and ensuring adequate floor space to navigate with a mobility device
- Lowering shelves and displays to put items within easy reach
- Installing automatic doors and leveling out entryways
- Updating restrooms with accessible stalls, sinks, and fixtures
- Educating employees on disability awareness and proper customer interaction
- Incorporating more diversity and representation of people with disabilities in marketing materials
Lowe‘s has also formed partnerships with advocacy groups like the Disability Equality Index to continually assess and improve its disability inclusion practices. The company actively seeks feedback and suggestions from customers and employees with disabilities to identify areas for growth.
While Lowe‘s still has room for improvement in certain areas of accessibility, like providing motorized carts in stores, the retailer has demonstrated a clear commitment to better serving customers of all abilities. By prioritizing things like exceptional customer service, accessible parking, welcoming service animals, and offering a range of mobility and accessibility products, Lowe‘s is working to make home improvement shopping a more inclusive experience.
With over 18 million people in the U.S. living with mobility challenges according to the CDC, accessibility is a crucial concern for a significant portion of Lowe‘s customer base. Continuing to expand accommodations and accessibility features will allow the retailer to tap into this market and build loyalty, while also promoting equal access for all. As Lowe‘s states on its website, "We are committed to providing an accessible experience for our customers and associates. We believe everyone should be able to easily navigate our stores, offices, facilities, websites and other tools."
The next time you plan a trip to Lowe‘s, remember that the retailer offers various options to make your shopping experience as smooth and accommodating as possible. While motorized carts are not currently available, helpful associates are ready to assist you however they can. With some smart strategizing and a clear understanding of your needs, you can check off your home improvement to-do list with confidence at Lowe‘s.
