Critical Factors in Choosing an Electric Golf Trolley

With so many models and prices available, choosing an Electric Golf Trolley can be a daunting task. Focusing on the vital few Critical Factors can speed up the process and help you make a choice that is better suited to your needs.

The Critical Factors for Choosing Electric Golf Trolleys are:

Critical Factor #1: Control Type -- Manual or Remote-Control

Critical Factor #2: Performance Characteristics

Critical Factor #3: Control Features

Critical Factor #1 -- Control Type:

The two major golf trolley control types are Manual and Remote Control golf. To make your selection process easier and to help make a good decision for your situation, start by narrowing-down your options to one of the two control types.

Remote-Control:

Operation: The Trolley is controlled with a hand-held wireless device similar to a small TV remote. Advantages: Convenience - - To operate the trolley, the Golfer does not have to be near the trolley and can walk "arms-free." Disadvantages: Complexity and Price (from $600 to $1299)

Manual-Control:

Operation: The trolley is controlled from a panel on the cart handle. Advantages: Simplicity and Price (from $350 to $599) Disadvantages: You must be near the trolley to control its direction and speed.

Look over the characteristics of both control types - Manual and Remote. Browse the web for a general idea of capabilities and price ranges of each type. Consider your needs vs. your budget and decide which control-type on which to focus further research.

Critical Factor #2 -- Performance Specifications

The basic function of an Electric Golf Trolley is to carry your clubs -- but for how many holes at a time, on what type course terrain, and for how much weight? Researching the performance specifications of available golf trolleys can help you to better match the trolley's performance with your needs.

The factors that most affect a Golf Trolley's Performance are: 1) Drive System, 2) Operating Range, 3) Climb Capability, and 4) Weight-Carrying Capacity.

1) Drive System: The drive system affects the cart's ability to handle the course terrain -- Rear-wheel drive with independently-controlled dual motors usually performs better on hills. Tread on the tires can reduce slipping on wet grass.

2) Operating Range: This is expressed in number of holes the golf trolley can go on a single battery charge. When two numbers are given (e.g. 18-27), this first number usually refers to the range on more hilly courses. For hilly courses look for trolleys rated for at least 27 holes.

The characteristic that most influences range is Battery Capacity - the more capacity in Amp-hrs, the greater the operating range. A battery capacity of 20 Amp-hrs is usually adequate for flatter courses. For hilly courses, look for battery capacities of 30 Amp-hrs or greater.

3) Climb-Capability: If your course is hilly, look for 20 or 30 degrees of climb capability. Climb capability is affected by motor size and total weight carried. Higher wattage motors have more power to climb steeper slopes. For hilly courses, look for motor size of at least 180 Watts. Independently controlled dual motors usually perform better on hills.

4) Carrying Capacity: This describes how much weight the frame can handle and the drive train can move. Look for carts rated 10 lbs. more than the weight of your bag and clubs -- this should provide an ample safety factor.

You can now use the information in this section to look for trolleys whose performance most closely matches the characteristics of the courses where you will be using your trolley.

Critical Factor #3 -- Control Features

As with most items that we buy, the more features on your golf trolley, the higher the price; so taking a close look at the features offered helps to better assure a good-value buying decision.

Look over available features and separate them into categories -- 1) "got-to-have", 2) "nice-to- have" and 3) "don't need;" then make your buying decision accordingly.

Here are some of the more important features to look for:

A. Tracking Adjustment: This is a "must feature" for all trolleys. Some remote control golf trolleys offer Electronic Tracking Adjustment - a nice convenience that allows you to adjust tracking with the hand-held remote rather than stopping to make adjustments with a wrench.

B. Free-wheel Capability: This is a "must feature" for all electric golf caddys in the event of a power failure. Some trolleys are easier to put in a free-wheel mode than others, but it takes a bit of research to find out which.

C. Distance Advance: This is an important convenience feature for Manual-control golf trolleys. It allows the golfer to send the trolley a short pre-set distance ahead and then stop without needing to walk beside the trolley. This is especially helpful around the green where you can save time by sending the trolley closer to the next tee while you are surveying the green for you putt.

D. "No-signal Automatic Shut-off:" With this feature a moving electric golf caddy that does not receive a control signal (e.g. "stop" or "turn") within a specified time, automatically stops This is a good safety feature to prevent "runaway carts."

E. Speed Memory or Programmable Speed Control: This is an important feature particularly for Manual-Control carts. Since the trolley’s speed can be matched to your walking speed, you don’t have to keep your hand on the controls all the time.

Now you can now use the information about control features to help finalize your choice!

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