Adding a high-performance motor to just about anything with wheels that’s more often than not push-powered sounds like a good idea in theory, but the challenge sometimes is figuring out how to practically turn that thought into a meaningful reality. That may have been achieved here, and I can honestly say that taking an ordinary store shopping cart and souping it up never entered my mind until today, and I owe it all to Barn Finds tipster Gary for finding this one here on Facebook Marketplace in Port Deposit, Maryland- thanks, Gary! Best of all, this one’s only $400, and it seems like a lot of fun for a child or flexible adult at that price point.
I wasn’t previously familiar with the Jordy Builds company, but after visiting their website, this seems like a great place to find inexpensive parts to improve carts, scooters, or whatever you have in mind, so long as it has wheels. This particular cart features their 36-volt motor, which has more than enough power to get it going fast on pavement, as shown in the included video. My biggest concern is safety, and at a bare minimum, I’d recommend a crash helmet to protect the driver’s noggin in case this apparatus accidentally flipped onto its side.
Fortunately, power isn’t the only mod here: the large factory wheels have been swapped for much smaller rollers, so hopefully the cart’s low profile will help keep the platform firmly planted. It’s also a plus that some round pads from ProTaper have been added to the push bar, which should cushion the back of the driver’s head. The rear section of the cart and the child’s seating area at the top have been removed, and hopefully the added piece that the new seat sits on is made of steel or another strong material.
The seller says the motor runs on dual Ryobi 18-volt batteries, which aren’t included, so you’ll need to source a pair to get this one operational. Another fun feature here is the handle on the right side, which locks a rear wheel when pulled up, causing the cart to spin around. It would be nice if the batteries were included, but even without them, I’m guessing the other parts used here probably cost as much or more than the asking price. Is this Jordy Builds shopping cart one you could envision giving your child as a primo gift this December?
I’d get my jollies just driving this thing into my local Shop Rite, or Costco. Can you imagine the looks you’d get? “Excuse me, could you please hand me that can of Campbells Chicken Noodle soup please?”
It looks like a good quality job on the build too.
Went a whole different tangent in the “cart racing” direction!! Outrageously cool.
Is it for kids only, asking for a friend.
Kids, keep your hands in the cart and quit grabbing stuff off the shelves!
This probably belongs in the same category as lawn Jarts and BB guns for kid’s toys, but for Dad, tons of fun.
Perfect for an early morning rip thru a WalMart or Costco. 🛒 🏁
I could honestly use something like this at my work, if they’d let me in the building with it.
This looks completely idiotic. I want one
I live about 20 minutes away! Should I ???
Yes
Well, did you at least go and take a test drive?
As the Two-time winner of the “Golden Caster Award” racing modified Grocery Carts in the mid 90’s in Alameda CA, my son and have to tip our hats to the producers of this unique vehicle. Nice work! Our innovative carts had to run on the “castor wheels” as a judging requirement that was particularly challenging around pilons. Our Cart was always beat in the straightaways by only a second. We won because the competition blew a fuse in the last race to the finish line. HA! The event was televised on “The Next Step” with Richard Hart. I wish I had a copy of that show. It was a real Hoot with dancing choirs line of girls, and marshmallow machine guns!
Add a lawnmower engine and regenerating brakes, for better aisle-age 😬
Unfortunately, it won’t work on my non-paved property. And My “exuberant driving style” would get me tossed out of Costco for sure. Not alot of room for groceries. Needs a trailer!
As they say in the South –
“Hold my beer & watch this”
I wonder how much liability insurance is on this?
Mental health certificate required before policy could be issued!
It would be great for the swap meet. If only the parking lot was smoother…
And had a trailer!
Gives a whole new meaning to the term
“roll CAGE”!
How is it hooked up to the wheels?
It’s probably safer than it looks…
Look at that CAGE!
How is it hooked up to work?