A shopping trolley is handy for shopping, parcels and days out, but not every model suits every situation. A lightweight trolley on wheels can be ideal for a quick trip to a small supermarket, while a transport trolley may be needed for heavy boxes or camping gear. In Dutch towns and cities, you’ll also need to consider stairs, cobbled streets, limited storage space and rain-resistant materials.
A capacity of 60 litres sounds generous, but it doesn’t automatically tell you how much weight the frame, bag and wheels can safely carry. Always check the capacity in litres and the maximum load in kilograms separately. A trolley with a large capacity isn’t necessarily suitable for heavy crates or building materials.
Also consider how the weight is distributed. A tall, unevenly loaded shopping trolley can become unstable, especially on a pavement, kerb or slope.
A shopping trolley with stair-climbing wheels can help you manoeuvre over steps, but you still need to control the weight. Three-wheel mechanisms or six wheels are particularly useful for stairs, kerbs and uneven paving. Check that the wheels are securely attached and that the handle is comfortable and at the right height.
On flat shop floors, standard EVA, PVC or PU wheels may be perfectly adequate. More wheels don’t always mean a tighter turning circle, either.
‘Foldable’ doesn’t tell you much about the trolley’s final dimensions. Measure the space available in your hallway, storage area, car or cupboard first. Even with a folding mechanism, a shopping trolley with a large frame can still take up a lot of room.
Check the bag, too. According to the product description, water-repellent Oxford fabric helps protect against dirt and light rain, but it isn’t necessarily fully waterproof. A cool bag won’t keep food cold indefinitely; its performance depends on the outside temperature, what’s inside and whether you use ice packs.
For everyday shopping, a capacity of 25 to 30 litres is often manageable. A 25-litre bag, for example, is suitable for a trip to the market or a few bags of shopping. 60 litres may be more practical for families or longer days out.
Look at the frame as well as the bag:
A model with a 20 or 25 kg load limit is suitable for light transport tasks. Transport trolleys with much higher capacities are available for more intensive use, but they’re often larger and less suited to narrow shop aisles.
Two large wheels are often enough for smooth floors. If you regularly travel over cobbles, kerbs or stairs, consider a shopping trolley with stair-climbing wheels. According to the product specifications, PU wheels have a wear-resistant tread; PVC and EVA wheels are particularly practical for everyday use on flat or slightly uneven surfaces.
Consider the following:
Use a trolley with stair-climbing wheels carefully and keep a firm hold on the load. Always follow the manufacturer’s warnings, especially on steep or slippery stairs.
An adjustable ergonomic handle can be useful if several members of your household share the trolley. A protective flap helps shield the contents from dust and light rain. A removable bag makes a 2-in-1 model useful as a hand cart.
A trolley with a cool bag is handy for chilled shopping or a picnic. According to the product description, some models have aluminium insulation and a drinks holder. These are practical storage features, not a guarantee that food will stay at a particular temperature.
Why it suits this shopper: Weighing just 1.15 kg, this model is easy to lift, take in the car and store in a small home.
The specifications list both a 25-litre bag and a 20 kg load limit, so you won’t confuse capacity with weight.
2-in-1 design, water-repellent Oxford bag and quiet EVA wheels.
Why it suits this shopper: This model combines a compact shopping trolley with a hand truck function and six PU wheels, making it suitable for routes with stairs, kerbs and uneven paving.
The product information lists a 25 kg load limit separately from the 25-litre bag capacity. The frame is also designed to fold flat.
Six PU wheels, a 25 kg hand truck function and easy storage in a car or cupboard.
Why it suits this shopper: This foldable trolley is designed for camping, festivals, gardening and larger transport tasks where you need plenty of capacity.
The product details list a capacity of 127 litres and a load limit of up to 200 kg separately. The trolley must be fully unfolded and locked before use.
127 litres of capacity, a folding design and dual brakes according to the product specifications.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
For a small everyday shop, 25 to 30 litres may be enough. A household or a longer shopping trip will often need 40 to 60 litres. Check the maximum permitted load, too, as a large bag shouldn’t automatically be loaded with heavy items.
It can be useful on stairs and kerbs, but stair-climbing wheels don’t take the full weight. Choose a model with an adjustable handle, a stable frame and a clearly stated load limit. Keep the load compact and don’t use the trolley for support or as a seat.
Wipe the frame, wheels and bag with a slightly damp cloth, then let any damp parts dry completely. Regularly check the screw joints, wheel attachments and folding mechanism. Store the trolley in a dry place and don’t exceed the stated load limit.