The motorized shopping cart is a blessing for those with difficulties walking, and sometimes a curse for the more nimble trying to shop around them. Some would never be caught dead in one while others view them as necessary and a joy.
I have graduated to the latter.
My COPD has progressed to the point where walking and breathing are not always compatible. I now have a handicapped sticker so I can park close to the stores. With a little luck, a recent user of a cart will have left one in the handicapped parking area. Then I can hop on and ride into the store. Perfect day.
I have no reservations using the carts, only gratitude for it makes my shopping so much easier. While I do most of my shopping with the pick up service (which I would use were there no pandemic) the scooter lets me get the things that I like to pick out myself. Don't want anyone picking out my bananas, produce or some meats. I once added organic broccoli to my pick up list and it actually had mold on it. Thus these carts are perfect for me. I can shop for what I want and quickly. Don't think I am ever in the store over 5 minutes.
I was shopping this week in my handy dandy cart when I pulled down the vegetable aisle heading for the meat counter. Ahead of me off to the side was another cart with a middle aged gentleman on board and a lady somewhat behind him. Otherwise, the aisle was vacant.
Not sure what came over me but I pulled up beside him and said softly in his ear, "I'll race you to the beans." Then I floored my beast and took off at the blinding speed of about 2 miles per hour. Pretty sure that was its top speed. I certainly felt no need to straighten any wind blown hair at the finish line.
I heard him laughing loudly behind me but he hadn't put his pedal to the medal. He just watched and laughed. I too laughed as I raised my arms in the air when I got to the beans and hissed, "And the crowd went wild."
He tipped his ballcap to me and said, "Next time." Pretty sure he was grinning under his mask.
I continued on with my shopping, smiling behind my mask. Then I felt a tap on my shoulder. A woman stopped me and said,"Thank you. Frank has always felt embarrassed to be in the cart and today was the first time I heard him laugh about it." She again thanked me and went back to collect her husband. I'm sure if we run into eachother again, the race is on.
Have you ever used the carts? Once years ago I broke my leg and had to use one then. Would you use one today if you had to? Would you feel embarrassment or gratitude.
I'm definitely on the grateful side to who ever was prompted to incorporate them into shopping. It was a great day for those of us with mobility issues. No more moldy broccoli for me.
Haven't used the cart, but definitely relate to someone else choosing my produce. Are the self checkouts able to be used while using the carts? The last shop at our local walmart, not one assistance check out was available, I was going to leave the cart and walk out, an employee told me to take the cart to customer service and leave it. I did take it to customer service and the worker there checked me out. Just wondering if not having assisted check out available would violate Americans with Disabilities Act?
ReplyDeleteming,
DeleteAs far as I know you can use the self check out with a cart, There is plenty of room. That was nice of customer service to check you out.
Haha! Patti, I wish I could've been there to see you in action, I bet you made that man's day! I'm very sorry you have to deal with stuff like COPD, I sometimes forget you're dealing with such issues as you're kind of "ageless" online. I'm just happy to read that you're able to be independent, I know you don't like relying on others. I honestly wish you lived closer, you'd get along very well with some of the characters in my apt building :^)
ReplyDeleteDoug,
DeleteHa ha, guess I do type able bodies:) Your building sounds fun--sometimes. You do have a few crank cases living there but being your neighbor would be fun.
I too forget that you are dealing with such issues as COPD, because you are so active online. I haven't had to use one but would not hesitate if I needed to. A fun post! :-)
ReplyDeleteDjan,
DeleteOne thing good about them is that they are zero turn if not very swift. I can see why they have them speed controlled though with folks like me in there:)
Proving yet again that a sense of humor is a blessing indeed.
ReplyDeleteMarty,
DeleteWhere would we be without humor? Pretty boring I'd guess.
Life can get bumpy, Patti, and all the more reason to sit back and enjoy the ride. So glad you helped another enjoy his ride as well. Inspiring post!
ReplyDeleteFlorence,
DeleteI have a feeling that if I see him again, he will be ready and the race will be on.
My dear husband complained about all the people in mobile carts because they got in his way, or they went too fast, or they were careless. Then he needed a mobile cart and was a terror in the aisles. He got in everyone's way, he went too fast and was careless. He definitely would have raced you to the beans.
ReplyDeleteAnnie,
DeleteI'm sure if you are in a hurry they would get in your way and they do take up more room than the average cart and person. You do have to be careful on the turns.
Reading that was absolutely the funniest brightest part of my morning. Thank you for that. Thank you for racing your cart and challenging another cart rider. I will remember that if I ever need one.
ReplyDeleterobin,
DeleteDelighted I gave you something to smile about this morning. It made me smile.
When you need a cart, you should use it. That was a fun thing you did. I had a hard time parking in the handicapped spots so that I can get my mother and sister off carts and into the car. But I have watched so many non-handicapped back into these spots, I feel more ashamed of them. When it is just me, I park in the back of the lot and walk. I do understand when you need those spaces.
ReplyDeleteMy white hair makes people want to help me. I would accept their help but -- I like to place my groceries so I can get those that need to be refrigerated can be gotten out first, or separating items I have gotten for someone outside our household, etc. But it makes me feel good that people still look out for others.
Ann,
DeleteMy white hair gets me lots of perks too. Agree with people parking in handicapped spots. Somehow I feel that the day will come when they will need such a spot and it will be gone.
Oh my God I love you. My husband would have raced you. A few weeks ago a woman in a scooter like this you pictured, asked Rick for some help reaching something high. (hey it's why I bring him) He did and asked if he could hop on and get a ride. She had no humor and just stared at him. That of course made me laugh out loud. I guess she thought we were nuts. She got her top shelf item from Rick and scurried off. He said, "think I scared her?" Yep I do. I love that you don't mind being in one - that is what they are for darn it. It took my mom years to try it. I just bought her an awesome walking stick. She is finally using it. I hope next step she will use a scooter.
ReplyDeleteMargaret,
DeleteLucky you to bring your portable ladder with you. I always look for a tall guy when I have to reach. I'm a runt like you.
That was funny what Rick said and had it been me, we would have figured out a way:)
Somehow I knew that Patti. :-)
DeleteWell done, one never knows what impact we can have on others. It was nice of his wife to let you know.
ReplyDeleteI've not used one of the carts, thankfully I haven't need to, but my Dad had a mobility scooter for the last couple of years he was in his home. I understand he was a bit dangerous on it as he didn't seem to realize his proximity to people. But it was game changer for him and one of the reasons he was able to live on his own after mom died. I'll definitely feel no shame to use one when or if the time comes.
I agree with other posters, you do seem ageless on this blog. I look forward to your posts - there is always something that makes me smile and think.
Eileen,
DeleteI can see where one in a house or sidewalk could cause problems. They don't have breaks, just stop when you let off the throttle.
Thank you so much for the kind words and I hope I can continue to entertain.
"brakes"?
DeleteRiver,
DeleteHa ha, "hands up don't shoot". Caught by the grammar police once more:)
I have arthritis and would use that cart in a heartbeat. No shame at all. But, hubby does all the shopping these days.
ReplyDeletegigi,
DeleteYour cart has two legs and works for food. You have a deal.
It's so important to keep our spirits high as we get older and older and so on. It's clear that you helped the guy feel better about himself and his cart. And this made me miss going into a store. I've had some wonderful conversations with strangers in the grocery store. Maybe I will go. One thing about the cart, would I be able to drive it around without crashing into somebody? I don't need one yet, but my legs are not what they used to be.
ReplyDeleteInger,
DeleteI too miss the conversations. It seems with the masks that speaking to strangers has almost become obsolete.
If you can drive a car, you can drive one of these. They are really simple and only go 2 miles per hour so you can't get into too much trouble. Though I did almost take out a display of potato chips once:))
Very fun post. I am sure you made his day. One of my life goals is NO broken hips, so I would definitely ride in one.
ReplyDeleteSue,
DeleteSure hope you never need one but know if you do, it is a wonderful tool and also a bit of fun.
Pre-surgery for cancer, I was very weak so I got a motorized cart in the store to make it easier. I wasn't used to them and so help me, if I didn't run right into a woman's cart as she came around the end of an aisle. She wasn't too happy about it. Neither was I !!!
ReplyDeleteLatane,
DeleteI can see how that could have happened but surprised that anyone would get upset about it. It isn't like you were racing--oh my:))
My daughter and her husband were doing our shopping for us when the pandemic first began. I hated it! I like to shop for bargains, and like you, I want to choose my own produce.
ReplyDeleteDonna,
DeleteYes, some things we need to pick out for ourselves.
This is a marvelous story. Many times it's those small things that can brighten others' days. I need to remember that! I will certainly use a cart if I have to, but am hoping that's many years off for me.
ReplyDeleteMargaret,
DeleteMay that day never come though if it does, have fun with it.
I've never used a motorized cart but would use it without embarrassment if I needed it. Like you, I'd be grateful to do my own shopping.
ReplyDeleteMy husband had a manual wheelchair that he used 95% of the the time and motorized one that he used around the neighborhood, but he could not be trusted not to run into stuff inside a store---only tried it once and that was enough.
Jean,
DeleteI think the personal ones would be more dangerous. They do not have governed speed control. One of them would make me nervous.
I haven't used one, but my friend does all the time. You are so darn awesome, Patti! I would clap for you if I saw you at the grocery store.
ReplyDeleteKay,
DeleteAww thank you Kay. You say the sweetest things.
Dear Patti, as Kay said, "You are so darn awesome!" I think that every time I read one of your postings. You just love life and living. And you are a great storyteller.
ReplyDeleteAs to the carts, I no longer drive and so order my groceries from Hy-Vee and the selector and deliverer do fine jobs. However, when I fly now, out to Idaho on Delta, I always click on wheelchair need. And that's a wonderful service. I've met so many lovely men and women, young and middle-aged who have shared so much with me as they zoomed me through the milling/walking crows in the airport. One gate is a whole mile (I was told) from the one that ultimately will take me to my destination. I truly couldn't fly without a wheelchair.
So that's great. My pride though keeps me from using a cane. It's crazy I know but somehow cane just says, "She's 85 and going downhill!" Peace.
Dee,
DeleteThank you too for the sweet words. I took my step mom in one of those airport wheelchairs and I was surprised how easy they were to push. She loved it too.
I kind of tell myself that they are looking at me and saying, "Look at her, still getting it done."
I used a scooter once for grocery shopping after my surgery. It was a jerky, hard to handle cart and I hated it. I didn't go back until I could walk.
ReplyDeleteHowever they are a blessing to those who need them.
Linda,
DeleteSorry you got a jerky one. They do take a little getting use to. They don't accelerate smoothly and they also turn on a dime. The zero turn both surprised me and delighted me.
We don't have those carts out here and I don't need one yet anyway. Hopefully we'll have something similar by the time I do need help. Mostly here, people with "gophers" just use them in the stores if they live close enough to drive themselves there. In the gophers.
ReplyDeleteRiver,
DeleteI have seen a few of the personal "gophers" but it is not often. They are larger and don't manage the aisles as well as the store ones.
I certainly would use them. You do have a wild side!💖
ReplyDeleteSusan,
DeleteYeah, you would think my grey hair would have tamed me:)
Funny story and a bonus you made his day.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what your complaint is, the broccoli mold was organic!
Joeh,
DeleteThanks, it kind of made mine too. Say do you suppose organic broccoli mold is healthy :)
Ha! What an awesome story! Love this! I’m 46 and have been very tempted to use one a few times. I have neuropathy in one foot and have had heart surgery. I use the pick- up service quite often. Some days are better than others and I can manage the walking.
ReplyDeleteMandy,
DeleteThanks for stopping by and commenting. Sorry about that sore foot and hope you don't hesitate to use the carts if you need. Isn't that pick up service wonderful.
Oh, you showoff Patti ... I'll bet he races you next time but I bet the management was not too thrilled. If I needed it I wouldn't hesitate. As it is I often help with getting stuff out of reach, etc. & I've met a lot of nice people that way.
ReplyDeleteGinnie,
DeleteHa ha, I guess the waving of the arms was a bit showoffee. I too have helped people in carts before. The return is just as welcome as we might have thought.
This is a hoot!!!
ReplyDeleteAnni,
DeleteThanks for the hoot, Hootin:)
I go nowhere without one. Costco has the best ones, but Ralphs and Von's are ok. I do have my own, but the basket in front it really to small to be useful. But it's reed tho.
ReplyDeleteMage,
DeleteThey are wonderful additions to shopping aren't they? I know you have your own and can see why you prefer the store ones for their bigger baskets. Also, George doesn't have to load and unload.
What a Fun Story and I'm sure you made that Couple's Day! The Man really needs the Scooters but he's a terrible driver and has Traumatic Brain Injury so he's just a menace behind the wheel of one. I usually give him the Cart to hang onto both for balance and due to his advanced COPD. I think they are a Blessing for anyone that benefits from them... a bit of a curse for other shoppers if someone in one is inconsiderate or reckless while driving one. Sometimes the Scooter Crowd forgets that Pedestrians should have the right of way when you're driving anything and not run into or over people walking! *LOL*
ReplyDeleteBohemian,
DeleteSorry your guy can't use them but glad the regular cart works kind of like a walker for him. I think some who use them just aren't use to them. I was surprised how sharp they turn. They are zero turn and that can be a shock first time. I haven't had anyone get ugly with one, just unsure. I think the main problem is they are bulky and take up a lot of space. Still they are wonderful tools.
I love how your hair wafted! Excellent story telling.
ReplyDeleteSusan,
DeleteThanks for the lovely complement. Ha ha, hair wafting is hard to do at 2 miles per hour:))
My husband refused to use a riding cart even in big stores like Lowe's and he really needed it. No problem for me to use one beginning a few years ago when I became concerned one leg would be undependable. Unfortunately, it hasn't gotten better. The local CVS big store had their scooter stollen when it was left in the parking log and said they weren't going to replace it the last time I was there years ago.
ReplyDeleteI recall using a cart at the L.A. Zoo a few years ago when family visited and I knew I couldn't keep up with my young grandson and likely would tire with the distance we'd cover. Recall as we were leaving a new arrival riding in the opposite direction made a point of greeting me, relieved to see someone else like her.
Joared,
DeleteI'm sure men have a harder time with the carts as they don't like to appear weak. I never looked at anyone in a cart like that. Was just glad that the businesses offered them.
There is a comradery shared by riders. It is a little harder so show our smiles of recognition with the masks on. Usually a head nod does the trick here.
I'd definitely use one if I had mobility or breathing issues. I have a dear friend who had a ski accident last winter (she's 84) and needed subsequent surgery and rehab. When she got home, she developed a life-threatening auto-immune issue. She finally applied for a handicapped sticker, but so far hasn't used a cart. On the other hand, I have a friend (a Dr) who has a sticker and really has no debilitating
ReplyDeletehandicap. I often see his (much younger) wife using the sticker to park closer to the store. Trying not to judge here....
It surprised me how they takes care for weak people. I don't see a single store in Indonesia that provides a motorized shopping cart like this.
ReplyDelete