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A MOTHER’S struggle to get into a shopping mall lift with her twin stroller has sparked a conversation about consideration for parents with young children and others who depend on lifts to move around public spaces.
The woman, who uses the Threads handle @thahirahsugarbabe, said she had waited almost 30 minutes as successive lifts arrived full, leaving no room for her stroller.
In a post that has since drawn attention to the issue, she appealed to able-bodied shoppers to use escalators where possible instead of occupying lifts needed by those with fewer options.
“Some people actually need the lift,” she wrote, describing her frustration at being left waiting while passengers without strollers or wheelchairs continued to board.
She said the ordeal was particularly difficult as she was also accompanied by her five-year-old daughter.
She claimed nobody offered to make space for them, despite the repeated difficulty of getting into the crowded lifts.
“I understand that everyone has somewhere to go, but waiting almost 30 minutes while lift after lift arrived full of people without strollers or wheelchairs was incredibly frustrating,” she said.
The experience has brought attention to an everyday accessibility issue in shopping centres, where parents pushing strollers, wheelchair users and elderly visitors can find themselves waiting through several lift cycles before getting a chance to board.
While lifts are available to all shoppers, those who can comfortably use escalators have an alternative that may not be available to others.
The mother said shopping mall operators should also take a more active role in addressing the problem, suggesting clearer priority signage and designated lifts for visitors with mobility needs.
She stressed that her concern was not about preventing anyone from using the lifts, but encouraging shoppers to consider whether they actually needed them.
“I don’t think anyone should be denied access to a lift, but those who can comfortably use the escalator should consider leaving the lift for people who genuinely depend on it.
“At the end of the day, it’s about being considerate and looking out for one another. A little kindness and awareness can make a huge difference in someone’s day,” she said. – November 5, 2026
