Shopping Trolley for Stairs: What to Look For

Many people live in buildings without a lift, so the trolley that makes the walk to the supermarket easy also has to cope with the stairs at home. The good news: with the right trolley and a simple technique, a full weekly shop goes up and down the stairs without much effort.

What makes a trolley good on stairs?

Large, robust wheels. Bigger wheels roll over the edge of each step more easily than small ones and run more smoothly on pavement too. Quiet wheels are a bonus in a shared stairwell.

A sturdy frame. On stairs the trolley takes more strain than on a flat street, because the weight shifts with every step. A solid frame that carries up to 50 kg stays stable, even with bottles and tins inside.

A comfortable handle. You pull the trolley behind you on the way up and guide it in front of you on the way down, so a firm handle at a comfortable height makes a big difference.

Waterproof fabric. The bottom of the bag regularly touches wet steps and pavements. A waterproof, UV-resistant 600D fabric keeps your groceries dry.

How to take a trolley up the stairs

1. Stand on the step above the trolley and hold the handle firmly.
2. Tilt the trolley slightly towards you so the weight rests on the wheels.
3. Pull it up one step at a time, letting the wheels roll over the edge.
4. Keep your back straight and use your legs, not your arms.

How to take a trolley down the stairs

1. Walk in front of or beside the trolley and keep it close to you.
2. Let the wheels roll down one step at a time while you hold the weight with the handle.
3. Never let the trolley go down on its own.

Pack smart before you go

Put heavy items such as bottles and tins at the bottom, close to the wheels, and lighter items on top. This keeps the centre of gravity low, so the trolley feels more stable on every step. Chilled and frozen products go in the insulated cooling compartment.

Eskey trolleys on stairs

You can pull Eskey trolleys up and down stairs. Both the S1 (50 L) and the S2 XL (60 L) carry up to 50 kg, roll on silent wheels and have waterproof 600D fabric and an insulated cooling compartment. When you are home, the frame folds flat so it does not take up space in the hallway.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take a shopping trolley up the stairs with a full load? Yes, as long as the trolley is built for the weight. Pack heavy items at the bottom and take one step at a time.

Are bigger wheels better for stairs? In general, yes. Larger wheels roll over step edges more easily and run more smoothly on uneven pavements.

View the S1 (50 L) · View the S2 XL (60 L) · How to choose a shopping trolley