For those that navigate life with the assistance of a wheelchair, shopping can be a tedious and difficult chore. Narrow aisles, items placed high on the shelf, and limited space in wheelchair carts all make shopping frustrating.

About 2.7 million people use wheelchairs in the U.S. Wheelchair technology allows for more independence and mobility, but it’s still not easy to shop by yourself.

However, you can make the job easier, whether you use a power chair or manual wheelchair. With our shopping tips for wheelchair users, you can overcome those barriers that you usually face at the store. It can shorten your trip and reduce your stress.

Choose an Accessible Store

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires stores, and other businesses open to the public, to make their facilities accessible. In older buildings, they must remove barriers that prevent their stores from being compliant. New buildings must meet accessibility requirements as well.

Just because a store meets those ADA requirements, however, doesn’t mean it’ll be the easiest place to navigate. Narrow aisles and doors can make it difficult to maneuver your wheelchair through the facility, for example.

Scope out the stores in your area to find the ones that offer the easiest access to you while in your wheelchair. Wide doors with flat entries are easiest to enter. Wide aisles and checkout lanes also let you more easily handle your shopping.

Look at the handicapped parking spots to make sure they’re close to the store. Check out how much space the handicapped spots have around them to see how easy it’ll be to get your wheelchair in and out of your vehicle.

Another factor in choosing your store is the staff. Do they seem friendly and eager to help? Are they sensitive to your needs and challenges as a shopper in a wheelchair?

Time Your Trip Right

Shopping during busy times is stressful for anyone but trying to navigate crowded aisles in a wheelchair is even more difficult and stressful. Lots of people shop on weekends, so it’s best to shop during the week if possible.

Weekday mornings tend to be the least busy, giving you more room to move around and fewer people to slow you down. The staff members might also be less busy and better able to help you if you need assistance.

For grocery shopping, ask your favorite stores when they get deliveries. You’ll be more likely to find everything you need without worrying about things being out of stock if you shop shortly after the trucks get delivered and the shelves get stocked.

Shop with a List

If you don’t really know what you need, your shopping trip takes a lot longer. You might find yourself going back and forth around the store as you remember other things you want or need. It adds more of a challenge to an already difficult process.

When grocery shopping, plan out your meals and write down all of the ingredients you’ll need. Group similar items together to make it easier to find everything at once without going back to aisles you’ve already visited.

If you’re going to the mall, think about the places you want to visit. Refer to the mall directory on the website to see where the stores are located so you can visit them in a logical order to minimize your time there.

Bring Aids

Some tools can make the task of shopping easier. An extendable grasping tool makes it easier to reach items that are on high shelves, although they’re not ideal for glass containers in case they slip. Take along a mirror on a handle so you can see on upper shelves or inside bins to find what you need.

Decide Where to Put Your Items

Check with your favorite stores to see if they have special wheelchair carts. The cart attaches to your wheelchair to make it easier to push as you grab the things you need.

You can also use a regular cart with your wheelchair, although it’s more difficult to handle. It’s often easier to park the cart at the end of the aisle. Then you can grab the items you need in the aisle and take them back to the cart.

Ask for Help

You don’t have to do your shopping completely on your own. If possible, time your trip when someone else can come along with you. Your shopping partner can help push the cart and reach items on high shelves.

If you have to shop by yourself, don’t hesitate to ask the store staff for help. Store associates are there to help customers in any way necessary, including grabbing items for you. Some stores might even provide a staff member to help you throughout your shopping trip rather than just grabbing an item here or there.

Go Slowly

Taking your time while shopping makes it easier to move through the store without running into objects. It’s also safer for everyone in the store since you’re better able to stop or avoid bumping into your fellow shoppers. Don’t feel like you need to hurry to get out of the way.

Skip the Store Completely

With so many online shopping and grocery delivery services, you don’t have to navigate the store yourself if you don’t want to. You can simply make your selections online and arrange a delivery time.

Most grocery stores offer grocery pickup, grocery delivery, or both. Some retailers offer these services for free if you spend a minimum amount of money. Others charge a small fee for the service, but it’s often worth it to avoid the hassle of navigating a wheelchair through the aisles.

If you’re looking for items in the mall, head to the websites of your favorite retailers. Clothing, electronics, book, and other specialty stores often let you order items online and have them shipped to your house.

You might also have the option for in-store pickup when you order online. You might still have to go inside the store, but everything is ready for you without selecting the items from the shelf yourself.

Follow Shopping Tips for Wheelchair Users

With these shopping tips for wheelchair users, you can navigate grocery stores, malls, and other shopping spaces easier. Simplifying the process, bringing tools, and getting the help you need can reduce your stress.

If you need a wheelchair that makes shopping easier, check out our available products.