As a retail industry expert and consumer advocate, I know how important it is for stores to accommodate shoppers of all abilities. With over 61 million American adults (26% of the population) living with a disability, major retailers like Target have a responsibility to ensure their shopping experience is accessible and inclusive. One key way they do this is by providing free wheelchairs, motorized carts, and other mobility devices for customer use.
If you or someone you shop with has limited mobility, you may be wondering exactly what assistance Target offers and how to take advantage of it. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll cover everything you need to know about Target‘s wheelchair and scooter offerings, from where to find them to who can use them. I‘ll also share some insider tips based on my years of retail experience to help you navigate Target stores as easily as possible with a mobility aid.
Target‘s Commitment to Accessibility
Before we dive into the specifics of Target‘s mobility devices, it‘s important to understand the company‘s overall commitment to accessibility and inclusion. According to Target‘s Accessibility page, they strive to "make our stores, products, websites, mobile apps, marketing and more accessible to all of our guests, including those with disabilities."
This commitment is more than just lip service – it‘s backed up by concrete policies and actions. "We have a team of accessibility experts who make sure we‘re designing products and experiences that work for everyone," the company states. "We also partner with advocacy groups to get their input and insights."
Some key accessibility features you‘ll find in Target stores include:
- Wide, clear aisles that meet or exceed ADA standards
- Automatic doors and ramps at all entrances
- Braille signage and audio descriptions in some stores
- Accessible restrooms and fitting rooms
- Curbside pickup and drive-up options for customers who have difficulty leaving their vehicles
Target also provides extensive accessibility training for its staff. "All of our team members complete accessibility training, so they can better assist guests with disabilities," the company notes. This means that if you need help finding or using a mobility device at Target, any employee should be able to confidently assist you.
Types of Mobility Devices Available at Target
Now, let‘s get into the details on the specific types of wheelchairs and scooters Target provides for customers free of charge. Note that the exact models and features may vary slightly by store, but in general, you can expect to find:
Manual Wheelchair Carts
These devices consist of a standard Target shopping cart with a large, padded seat built into the front. The seat includes a seatbelt for safety and can support up to 400 pounds. The cart handle is extra long to make it easier to push from behind.
Manual wheelchair carts are ideal for customers who:
- Can sit upright and don‘t require back support
- Need to carry a large number of items
- Have a companion available to push the cart
Motorized Scooters
Target‘s motorized scooters are specifically designed for use in stores, with a tight turning radius and compact size. Most models can support up to 300-350 pounds and travel at speeds up to 3 mph. Key features include:
- Adjustable seats and armrests
- Ergonomic steering column
- Front basket and lower shelf for storage
- Simple, intuitive controls
- Long-lasting rechargeable battery
Motorized scooters are a good choice for customers who:
- Can safely operate the controls independently
- Need to navigate the store quickly and easily
- Don‘t have a caregiver to assist them
Here is a comparison of the key specs for Target‘s manual wheelchair carts vs. motorized scooters:
| Feature | Manual Wheelchair Cart | Motorized Scooter |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Capacity | 400 lbs | 300-350 lbs |
| Basket Size | Extra large | Medium |
| Seating | Padded bench seat with belt | Adjustable padded chair |
| Controls | None (caregiver pushes) | Adjustable speed and direction |
| Maneuverability | Depends on pusher | Tight turn radius |
| Best For | Carrying many items, can‘t self-propel | Independent use, navigating store quickly |
How to Get a Mobility Device at Target
So how do you actually go about getting a wheelchair cart or scooter to use at your local Target store? The process is easy and no different than picking up a standard shopping cart.
When you enter the store, head to the front where the regular carts are lined up (usually near the doors, close to the checkout stands). There, you should see any available mobility aids parked and ready for use on a first-come, first-served basis. Simply approach the device you need, make sure it‘s in good working order, and start shopping!
If you don‘t see the type of device you need up front, your next stop should be Guest Services. A Target associate can check whether there are any additional carts or scooters available in the back room. If none are in the store at all, they can call nearby Target locations to see if a device can be sent over or reserved for you at the other store.
Some Target stores also have a special "Mobility Assistance" phone located near the entrance. This phone connects you directly to Guest Services so you can request a wheelchair or scooter be brought to you before you even enter the store. Not all Target locations have this phone option, but it‘s worth looking out for.
Who Can Use Target‘s Mobility Devices
You may be wondering whether you need to provide some kind of proof of disability to use one of Target‘s wheelchairs or scooters. The answer is no – Target allows any customer who needs mobility assistance to borrow their devices free of charge, no questions asked. You don‘t need a doctor‘s note, handicapped parking permit, or any other kind of documentation.
This open policy is great for customers with invisible disabilities or temporary mobility challenges. However, it does mean that on very rare occasions, the devices may be in use by people who don‘t truly need them. Target employees do their best to monitor usage and ensure the carts and scooters are available for legitimate needs. If you see someone misusing a device, you can always alert a staff member.
One group that Target does prohibit from using motorized scooters is young children. These devices are only for teen and adult customers with mobility needs. Target offers other options for parents shopping with infants and toddlers, like carts with built-in baby seats.
Accessibility at Other Major Retailers
Of course, Target isn‘t the only major retailer providing free mobility aids for shoppers. To see how they stack up against the competition, I researched the wheelchair and scooter offerings at several other national chains. Here‘s a quick summary:
| Store | Manual Wheelchairs | Motorized Scooters | How to Request |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart | Yes | Yes | Ask associate |
| Costco | Yes | Yes | Member Services |
| Walgreens | No | Yes | Front of store or ask associate |
| Kroger | Yes | Some stores | Customer Service |
| Best Buy | No | Yes | Ask associate |
| Home Depot | No | Yes | Service Desk |
| Kohl‘s | No | Some stores | Customer Service |
As you can see, motorized scooters are more widely available than manual wheelchair carts. This is likely because scooters are easier for customers to use independently and don‘t require an extra person to push.
The Growing Need for Accessible Shopping
With the U.S. population rapidly aging, the need for mobility devices in stores will only continue to grow. Today, over 46 million Americans are over 65, and that number is projected to nearly double by 2060. As more and more shoppers begin to experience mobility challenges, retailers like Target will need to step up their accessibility efforts even further.
Some ideas for how Target and other chains could expand their mobility offerings in the future include:
- Allowing customers to reserve wheelchair carts and scooters in advance online or by phone
- Offering a delivery service where associates bring a mobility aid directly to a customer‘s car in the parking lot
- Providing charging ports and outlets around stores for customers to plug in their own powered devices
- Expanding the size, variety, and features of store-owned mobility aid fleets
Personally, I would love to see Target start a reservation system for its wheelchair carts and scooters. This would provide great peace of mind for customers who know they will absolutely need a device for their shopping trip and don‘t want to risk the store being out of stock. With Target‘s high-tech infrastructure, it seems like something they could implement relatively easily.
Tips for Using Target‘s Mobility Devices
Before I wrap up this guide, I want to share a few quick tips based on my experience as a retail accessibility expert:
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Start with a fully charged device. If you‘re using a Target motorized scooter, make sure the battery indicator shows a full or nearly-full charge before heading out into the store. You don‘t want to get stuck with a dead scooter halfway through your trip!
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Do a test drive. Before you start loading up your wheelchair cart or scooter with merchandise, take a quick loop around an open area of the store to get a feel for the controls and handling. This is especially important if you‘ve never used that particular model before.
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Ask for help when needed. If you‘re having trouble reaching an item, finding a particular product, or maneuvering your device through a crowded area, don‘t hesitate to flag down a Target associate for assistance. They are there to help!
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Be mindful of other shoppers. Just like when driving a car, it‘s important to be aware of your surroundings and yield to pedestrians when operating a motorized scooter. Go slowly in busy aisles and try not to block high-traffic areas if you need to stop.
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Report any issues. If you encounter a problem with a Target mobility device, such as a wobbly wheel or malfunctioning brake, notify Guest Services right away. They will take the device out of service for maintenance and find you a replacement if needed.
The Bottom Line
Target is a leader when it comes to providing accessibility and mobility solutions for shoppers with disabilities. With a wide selection of manual wheelchair carts and motorized scooters available at all stores nationwide, they make it easy for customers of all abilities to enjoy a comfortable, efficient shopping experience.
If you‘re a Target shopper who could benefit from a mobility aid, don‘t hesitate to take advantage of these free resources. And if you‘re a caregiver or companion to someone with limited mobility, familiarize yourself with Target‘s offerings so you can better assist your loved one on your next Target run.
Accessibility is an ongoing journey, not a destination. While Target is doing a great job overall, there will always be room for improvement as customer needs evolve. The best thing we as consumers can do is provide honest feedback to the company about what‘s working well and what could be better. Together, we can help make Target and all retail stores welcoming places for everyone.
