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.