How to Select the Right Size Trolley Bay for Your Trolley

If you're installing a trolley bay, whether for a supermarket, shopping centre, or multi-use precinct, one of the first questions you'll face is:  "What size trolley bay do I need for my trolleys?" 

It’s a great question and getting it right ensures a tidy, functional space that supports customer convenience and protects your site from trolley damage. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to choose the right size trolley bay for your needs. 

Start With Your Trolley Dimensions 

The first step is to measure the size of the trolleys you'll be storing. You’ll need to consider: 

• The overall length of the trolley 
• The width of the trolley at its widest point 
• How far each trolley nests inside the next one

Trolleys come in all different sizes—from large, bulky goods trolleys typically used in Bunnings and Ikea, to smaller boutique supermarket or mini-mart trolleys.

Trolleys that nest more deeply (often the case with newer designs) require less overall length in the bay. If you're unsure about nesting dimensions, check with your trolley supplier or bring one to the proposed site and test how many comfortably fit in a 3 or 4 metre length. 

How Many Trolleys Will You Store? 

Next, consider how many trolleys you expect to store at any one time. A small store might need a bay that holds 8 to 10 trolleys. A full-line supermarket or busy retail centre may need bays that store 20 or more trolleys, particularly near entrances or car park zones with high turnover. 

Keep in mind peak shopping times, it's better to slightly oversize than to have trolleys overflowing into pedestrian or vehicle areas. 

Consider Your Available Space 

Measure the area where you plan to install the trolley bay. Bays can be surface-mounted or installed in-ground, depending on your long-term needs and the surface material. A standard length trolley bay from Area Safe is 4.47metres long, but half length trolley bays are available to suit your site layout. 

Are you hoping to utilize a single or back-to-back parking space? A typical car parking space measures approximately 5.4m long x 2.4-2.6m wide.

If you’re installing multiple bays side by side, make sure there is adequate clearance for trolley collection and safe pedestrian access. 

Choosing a Modular Trolley Bay 

Modular trolley bays offer a flexible solution, especially if your site needs may change over time. Area Safe’s Back to Back Modular Trolley Bay System allows you to start with a single unit and add extra sections as needed. This is ideal for growing retail sites or temporary expansions during peak periods like Christmas or sale events. 

Modular systems can also make transport and installation simpler, particularly for remote or multi-level car parks where full-length welded bays may be difficult to handle. 

Want to see a real-world example? Take a look at the Quakers Court Shopping Centre project, where our modular system was used to provide a clean, practical trolley collection solution. 

Think About Customer and Staff Access 

The size and placement of your trolley bay should support an easy customer experience and safe trolley return for staff. Avoid locating bays in tight corners or on steep gradients. In sloped areas, you may need to add wheel stops or other safety features to prevent trolleys from rolling away. 

Add-on Features to Enhance Your Bay 

You might also consider accessories like signage panels for visibility, protective bumpers to reduce trolley damage, or roofing for weather protection. Custom powder-coated finishes or branded signage can also help keep your site consistent with your facility’s overall look.

Need help planning or sizing your trolley bay? Contact us via www.areasafe.com.au and our team will help you select the best configuration for your site.