You maneuver a two-handled cart much like a stroller. Two handles aren’t necessarily better than one. The extra maneuverability is useful for those who may find themselves having trouble steering their carts, but for the majority of users, wheels that roll from front to back are suitable for most situations. Wheel maneuverability: Though 360º swivel wheels may seem like the best option, they’re not always entirely necessary.Two-wheel designs function smoothly in most cases, and when it’s time to stop to browse store aisles, a rest bar allows you to prop the cart without having to worry about it rolling away. If you opt for a four-wheel design, choose a model with a brake feature to prevent the unit from moving as you set it aside to grab items at the store. A greater number of wheels usually translates to easier movement, but sometimes extra wheels can get in the way. Wheel configuration: How many wheels are ideal for a shopping cart? Your standard grocery store cart typically has four wheels, but personal carts may have either two or four wheels. Rubber wheels roll quietly for the most part and do well on varied terrain and in different types of weather conditions. While metal is long-lasting, it’s likely to be noisy on concrete, especially if the sidewalks are full of cracks and bumps. Plastic is likely to show more wear and tear over time compared to metal or rubber.

Plastic wheels are fine, but the material should be thick and not flimsy. The wrong wheels can ruin an otherwise pleasant shopping trip. Nothing is more critical than the quality and construction of a cart’s wheels. You’ll want them for products that may potentially puncture or leak (e.g., shampoos or dish soap). Even if you’re shopping with a bag-style cart, don’t forget your reusable bags at home.

Amazon cart