I want to give a granny a cart

June 18, 2022 11:57 AM

A granny needs a cart to carry groceries several blocks. She has to walk across a lawn, but mostly will be on sidewalks with curb cuts, the sidewalks can be a bit uneven, and there is a low step at the threshold. I found this older question, but it was asked in 2015. Is the Rolser with 4 wheels, including 2 that swivel, still a good bet?

I think ease of use is more important than being able to carry a large volume. Carts that trip you or have a mind of their own are not good (most of my personal experience has been with these annoying carts). It would be good if the cart can hook onto the store's cart, like the Rolser does. Help me help a granny help herself!

posted by SandiBeech to Shopping (7 answers total)

I personally find a trolley with two large wheels that I pull behind me much easier to move on uneven ground than anything with smaller wheels I‘d have to push. I‘d also be reluctant to give an elderly person anything they might end up using as a walking aid that isn’t intended to be a walking aid.
posted by koahiatamadl at 12:17 PM on June 18, 2022 [4 favorites]

I don’t have a brand to recommend but I see the Rolser has a model with stair-climbing wheels; my dad’s cart (not as nice as the Rolser) has those and they make a big difference getting the cart over our front porch and doorstep.
posted by assenav at 1:35 PM on June 18, 2022

I don't have specific suggestions, but wanted to mention that any cart should be maneuverable to get in her house and around the furniture, so if this is a granny whose house you're familiar with, it might be helpful to measure tight corners.
posted by citygirl at 3:37 PM on June 18, 2022 [1 favorite]

I own the Rolser with stair climbing wheels, and I love it so much. it folds down flat and is pretty easy to maneuver around tight spaces and over uneven terrain. It's expensive (we got ours from a friend for free when she was downsizing, otherwise I probably would have balked) but I've had mine since at least 2013 and it's still going great.

My mom has gotten cheaper carts which have all broken... so I think Rolser is the way to go.
posted by actionpact at 4:24 PM on June 18, 2022 [1 favorite]

My friends are very happy with this one from Lee Valley.
posted by brachiopod at 6:17 PM on June 18, 2022 [1 favorite]

Yep! It's physics. If there's going to be navigating dodgy terrain, make sure the wheels are big enough to handle them. 4" dia. wheels might be my hypothetical minimum, depending on other factors.

Bigger wheels usually mean more weight, but better wheels, like better bearings, axle, etc. could very well more than make up for additional weight.

How often does it rain? I find that wire bodied ones are better in wet climates; you can dry the contents (produce, in plastic bags) once you get home. If the cargo routinely includes cardboard boxes, a water resistant fabric bodied construction would be more appropriate. But make sure you have some place for it to dry quickly once you get home.
posted by porpoise at 12:29 AM on June 19, 2022 [1 favorite]

I have a Rolser and my only fear is that it will get stolen because it is so amazingly useful and easy to use. It is light years better than a cheap wire cart. The bag is washable, it holds a lot, it's lightweight, folds small(ish), and hooks on a cart. If your granny needs a cart and you can spring for it, it is definitely worth it. Mine doesn't have swivel wheels but that surely makes it better.
posted by epanalepsis at 9:56 AM on June 19, 2022