Does Target provide wheelchairs and scooters to customers? (guide)
Retailers across the country are taking increasing care to create an inclusive space that makes shopping easy and enjoyable for customers with disabilities.
Since Target is the eighth largest department store chain in the US, you might be wondering – does Target provide its customers with wheelchairs, motorized carts and scooters? Here’s what I found!
Does Target provide wheelchairs and scooters to customers?
Customers who require mobility assistance are welcome to use an electric shopping scooter or manual wheelchair cart from Target. Shops are fully wheelchair accessible and usually contain 1-2 scooters and 1+ wheelchair trolleys. These amenities are usually located near the front of the entrance.
If you’d like to know more about Target’s wheelchair and scooter facilities, what other retailers offer and who can use wheelchairs and scooters from Target, keep reading!
How do you request a wheelchair or scooter at Target?
For the safety and security of the facility, Target places wheelchairs and scooters in-store near the main entrance (where you can find regular shopping carts).
Customers can usually start them independently, as there are no restrictions on customers’ wheelchairs and scooters.
Alternatively, if you need help obtaining a wheelchair or scooter or have any questions, you can visit Customer Service.
Most locations have a red phone near the front of the store with a prominent question mark that reads “Pick up the phone for help.” Use it to call ahead of your visit and make sure the facility is ready.
What types of wheelchairs and scooters does Target offer?
Target makes extensive use of mobility scooters, the wheels of which are navigated by a control panel in front of the seat, stated above the footwell.
These scooters feature a roomy basket in the foreground, with shelf space underneath for extra items.
Additionally, after identifying the challenges of maneuvering shopping carts and motorized compartments, Target designed an inclusive cart with sizable rear-facing seats for teens and adults.
This manual wheelchair stroller is equipped with a seat belt and a foam-covered handle for improved steering control for the stroller’s parent or caregiver.
Who can use Target’s wheelchairs and scooters?
Visitors are encouraged to bring their own wheelchair or mobility scooter which best suits their individual needs.
However, we welcome anyone with reduced mobility to use Target’s wheelchairs and scooters at any time. Customers are not required to show a disability badge or other proof of disability.
Target usually only offers these amenities for adults, however, those with young children are welcome to use a cart with a child seat.
Anyone caught abusing the facility will need to return the wheelchair or scooter or will be asked to leave.
Does Target have good accessibility?
Target is fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring each store is equipped with the following:
- There are many drop-off lanes in front of the store
- Elevator to all floors
- Designated Disabled Seating Locations
- Facilities to improve wheelchair accessibility, such as ramps and wide aisles
Additionally, Target’s stores and online platforms place a strong emphasis on the value of accessibility.
Target.com’s site structure is constantly analyzed to ensure proper headings, lists, paragraphs, and other formatting features are compatible with assistive technologies.
Target aims to attach sound and text descriptions to all images on the site, ensuring everything is keyboard accessible.
Beyond that, its physical site is consistent, and formative changes are rare to ensure that functions remain in the same place.
What other retailers offer wheelchairs and scooters to customers?
In addition to Target, many other grocery, home improvement and department stores are supporting inclusivity by offering electric shopping carts, scooters and wheelchairs.
Here are some retailers that offer these amenities:
- penny
- Kroger
- the public
- Exit
- trader joe’s
- Whole Foods
- The Home Depot
- Walmart and Sam’s Club
- costco
To learn more, you can check out our related posts on whether Target is dog-friendly, whether Target has a bottle recycling, and whether Target accepts EBT.
in conclusion
Target offers motorized scooters and wheelchair strollers for teens and adults, and parents can use smaller sit-on strollers for younger children. Stores usually have at least 1 more wheelchair carts and 1-2 electric scooters. These amenities are available at the store entrance for anyone requiring mobility support. Contact customer service prior to your visit to ensure facilities are available.
