Electric Golf Trolley

Michael Slevin

Hey guys, i am in the market for an electric golf trolley. I have looked at the Hillman cruiser trolley - does anyone have one of these or know anything about them they seem good value. If not could anyone recommend something to me.

thanks

Adiaga 2

I don't use one and I've never heard of that model. The most popular brand is probably powacaddy but they're also expensive. Golf Glider is also popular an Irish owned company - they are a bit cheaper I believe but by all accounts very reliable. GoKart is cheaper again and seems to have a lot of satisfied customers. If you google any of the brands you should be able to read plenty of customer reviews which might help.

SeanElec1

3 problems so far with my recently delivered gokart
1) too noisy
2) score card holder does not fit the score cards at any course I have played. The cover will fall off when I attempt to close with a card in position
3) retainer strap buckle fell apart.

I am seriously considering returning the gokart.

Any opinions ?

Glencarraig

I have had a variety of electric trolleys over the years and in my humble opinion you are wasting your money if you buy anything other than a Powakaddy. Yes they are a bit more expensive than others but you will not get the problems associates with cheaper and IMHO again! inferior products. The main item of wear is the speed regulator, you will know when this is due for replacement when the trolley takes off of its own accord even though you have the speed adjustment wheel turned right off, however, a genuine replacement is available on Ebay for around €20 and takes about 5 minutes to fit, just connect 4 wires and away you go. Take care of your battery, leave it on charge at all times, do not leave it in the boot of the car uncharged for any period of time and you will have years of service from your Powakaddy.

Dtoffee

I have had a golf glider for over 10 years and it owes me nothing, still going strong and just bought my fourth battery. I play twice a week in summer and weekends in winter, it is the most reliable piece of kit I ever bought.

SuprSi

SeanElec1 wrote: »

3 problems so far with my recently delivered gokart
1) too noisy
2) score card holder does not fit the score cards at any course I have played. The cover will fall off when I attempt to close with a card in position
3) retainer strap buckle fell apart.

I am seriously considering returning the gokart.

Any opinions ?

Have you contacted them? Their customer service is excellent and I'm sure many on here will testify. I love mine. I don't think it's particularly noisy and although I don't think the scorecard holder is well designed, I don't use it so it doesn't bother me.

You're the first person on here I've come across with negative things to say about it though.

coxy123

The freeway is being promoted at the moment - plenty of online resellers have it on offer - http://www.powakaddy.com/index.php/endofseasonpromo. Don't have an electronic trolley myself but am keen on this.

Anybody have recommendations as to which accessories are best to go with the powakaddy - is the umbrella holder of any use for instance...suggestions welcome?

SeanElec1

SuprSi wrote: »

Have you contacted them? Their customer service is excellent and I'm sure many on here will testify. I love mine. I don't think it's particularly noisy and although I don't think the scorecard holder is well designed, I don't use it so it doesn't bother me.

You're the first person on here I've come across with negative things to say about it though.

Yes, I have contacted them & the customer service is better than average. They have committed to sending a replacement buckle, they suggest that the motor & gearbox will improve with a little run-in time & they admit that the scorecard holder does not work. Still undecided whether I will keep the unit but I am impressed with the customer service.

BenEadir

SeanElec1 wrote: »

Yes, I have contacted them & the customer service is better than average. They have committed to sending a replacement buckle, they suggest that the motor & gearbox will improve with a little run-in time & they admit that the scorecard holder does not work. Still undecided whether I will keep the unit but I am impressed with the customer service.

I got my GoKart just over 2 months ago and I had/have EXACTLY the same issues as you. The belt buckle for securing around the top of the bag snapped but in fairness to them they popped one in the post as soon as I emailed them.

The score card holder is indeed useless. I doubt I'll ever use it.

The motor is noisy or certainly more noisy than any other electric golf trolley I've ever walked a course with. They might be right about it reducing in noise after a few rounds. I don't seem to notice the noise as much any more (after about 10 rounds) but that's possibly because I'm just getting used to it
rather than it actually declining in decibel terms. No one I've played with has mentioned that my trolley is noisy so maybe it's more of an issue in our own heads than anything.

On a completely new issue. Has anyone here tried out the new Automatic speed control handle with larger score card holder??? It sounds like a great innovation and the fact the score card holder becomes actually useable would be an added bonus. See http://www.gokart.ie/automatic

Apparently GoKart will collect your existing model, retro fit an automatic handle and deliver it back to you for +/- €100. I'm a bit annoyed it wasn't an option when I ordered mine just 2 months ago but I have to say if the user reports are positive I'd seriously consider investing another €100 to get rid of the button on -> throttle forward and back as different inclines require different speed etc.

My issue with innovative technology like this is I don't want to be the guinea pig who ends up being a 'beta' customer ironing out 'bugs' in the new system like it stops working half way round a course or goes mental on some fairway and heads off at 20km per hour all on its own :eek:

Thoughts anyone???

Ben

Yos

I bought one with the new automatic controller about a month ago and it works well mostly, a couple of times a round I need to flick the power switch off and back on again to get it going but I haven't gotten around to contacting them about it yet (it's not really a big issue for me) so I don't know if it's specifically the controller or just my cart. I find the card holder on it very useful.

BenEadir

Hi Yos,

"it works well mostly" is not the ringing endorsement I was hoping for :mad:

I've become a technology cynic as I've learned from hard experience that V1 is often no more than a glorified beta and the first set of users end up bug testing the product until V2 comes out with the bugs removed.

Sounds like the new automatic feature is very much a V1 with a few issues to be improved on in V2. Would you agree or would you say it's worth lashing out €100 now to get the auto feature retro fitted?

Anyone else here with hands on expereience of the auto feature?

Ben

Hazard_328

Hey All,

Buying a trolley is an expensive outlay. In general anything cheap (under €300) is not a long term investment. A long term investment is a trolley which is worth fixing 5 years down the road. If you buy a trolley for €249 or €299 just remember it is highly likely that it will need a rewire down the road and this could cost about €120. So ask yourself is it worth spending €120 on a €249 trolley?

Here are some interesting stats that I read about a couple of months ago.

Return Rates on electric trolleys within first year:

Golf Motion 40%
Powakaddy 14.5%
Motocaddy 6.5%
Powerbug 3.5%

So I hope this helps some way in your decision. Personally I use a Big Max iQ Push Trolley.......

Luke

scout353

I have the GoKart and cannot recommend them highly enough!

I did have an issue earlier this year and they collected the trolley and repaired it (speed controller unit went). It was in warranty so all it cost me was the courier fees.

What I like most about it is its size when it is collapsed. It is really neat and compact and I got the bag with it so it is excellent. The scorecard holder is useless so hopefully in the new model it is better.

I am considering the upgrade though my trolley is older than a year so the cost is €169 and for another €130 I'd have a new one!

BenEadir

scout353 wrote: »

I have the GoKart and cannot recommend them highly enough!

I agree - great product and great people behind it.

scout353 wrote: »

What I like most about it is its size when it is collapsed. It is really neat and compact and I got the bag with it so it is excellent. The scorecard holder is useless so hopefully in the new model it is better.

It's folded away size is incredible and it looks great out on the course.

scout353 wrote: »

I am considering the upgrade though my trolley is older than a year so the cost is €169 and for another €130 I'd have a new one!

You'll effectively be getting a new trolley for €169 so why pay an additional €130? As part of the retro-fit they rip out all the old electical controls, fix anything else that looks a bit worn FOC and return the trolley to you with a brand spanking new 2 year warranty on the whole thing, not just the new throttle device.

I've just ordered mine. Despite what I said earlier about not wanting to be a beta tester I can't resist

They do commit in their FAQ's to take the trolley back, re-fit a manual throttle and return it to you FOC if you don't like the automatic throttle and they'll also give you a full refund!! See http://www.gokart.co.uk/the-go-kart/upgrade-to-the-gokart-automatic/#4

Q12. What if, heaven forbid, I don’t like it?
A. Then we’ll change it back. And give a full refund. And we won’t be grumpy.

Ben

Yos

Hi Ben, apologies for the delayed response but for what it's worth here's my thoughts:

It's difficult for me to give a ringing endorsement cos I don't have it that long, I've only been out for a few rounds with it and as I've said not without problems.

I am happy with it and it's my own fault that I haven't contacted them about sorting the cut-outs so it wouldn't be fair to tar them all with that brush but it has happened every time I've played.

I initially planned to buy the regular version from the other endorsements I read on here and it was only when I saw the auto feature on the website that I went for it and I am pleased I did but I don't think I'd be bothered with the retro-fit tbh. I see you've gone for it already anyway so best of luck with, all we need now is the weather!

smirkydee

Rewire costs 60 euro. pm me if you're being ripped off on your trolley repair. I can give you a number and they can tell you if they service your area

scout353

Hi Ben

Just emailed them re retro-fit.

You make sense with the retro v new trolley!

Like the new 2 year guarantee as well!

betting fool

Hi,

Just thought I would add a review if my gokart auto,

I have used it for 4 or 5 rounds now and it's very good, I have the same issue as above re having to click the on/ off switch if it cuts out. But only happens when it comes to a stop after picking up speed going down hill, I think this may be built into the system to ensure it stops. I haven't bothered telling gokart about it as it does not bother me at all,

Having used it now a few times, if I have my money back I would still defo buy one and I would recommend it to anyone, a friend of mine is buying one as his more ecxpensive powercaddy is broke,

Finally I broke the plastic bracket after 1 round when I dropped the battery and I rang them on a Friday morning and a new one was in my house on Monday?? No idea how they got it there so quick but they did.

Thanks

BenEadir

scout353 wrote: »

Hi Ben

Just emailed them re retro-fit.

You make sense with the retro v new trolley!

Like the new 2 year guarantee as well!

Good on ya Scout, I'm glad some of my logic makes sense to someone.

Ben

irish bloke

For anyone thinking of buying a gokart automatic!!!!

I just purchased one earlier today with the 25 euro discount if you buy a trolly and 2 accessories. I bought a brolly and brolly holder. With delivery it was 387 euros.

I had some trouble purchasing from their website (not sure if it was on my side or theirs) but I emailed them letting them know the issue I was having.

Soon after a guy rang and I eventually purchased over the phone.

OK, the interesting bit:

He then went on to tell me that there is an offer they have, that is not on the web site at the moment. It is a free pair or hedgehog wheels worth 74 euros. You get the original wheels too.. Great for winter golfing and some courses wont allow any others.

Anyway, I thought it was decent of him to tell me about the pending offer, so make sure you ring them asking about this offer before buying online..

Golfer2012

Im in the market to get a new trolley myself, I was talking to the pro in my club today and he was telling me that there is a new golf trolley coming out this christmas called the Esport Golf Trolley, he said it was an irish company and that the quality was supposed to be really good, he said it will be selling around €299. Has anyone else heard about this?

razor1

Check out Nevada Bobs in Elverys in Liffey Valley.
I am sure it was a powakaddy starting at € 350 with a free cart bag

scout353

Received my upgraded GoKart back and have used it for two rounds now and I have to say I am impressed!

I haven't had the issue re stopping and having to click it off and back on - In fact after the first round I just disconnect battery and folded it away and only noticed I have not switched it off when I went to play again this Sunday!

neckedit

razor1 wrote: »

Check out Nevada Bobs in Elverys in Liffey Valley.
I am sure it was a powakaddy starting at € 350 with a free cart bag

MotoCaddy S3 Digital Limited Edition Blue, 36hole Battery and a free Pro series Bag....RRP €549, they doing it for €449. and the S1 Limited Edition Red 36 hole battery RRP 449 , now they doing it for €349, you don't get the free bag with the S1.

Golfer2012

I dunno €350 is still pretty steep for a trolley in my opinion, I've gone ahead and ordered that Esport Golf trolley for €299 its an irish company as well so you know there is at least a decent back up service available in Ireland.

I say with ireland in the situation its in, buying irish is the best way to make sure our money stays here.

BenEadir

Golfer2012 wrote: »

I say with ireland in the situation its in, buying irish is the best way to make sure our money stays here.

Really?? I agree with the sentiment but the reality is how much of your €299 is going to stay here in Ireland?

I'd guess Esport import most of the components needed to build the trolley so are sending money out to overseas suppliers. They then pay Google to advertise their products online - more money going overseas and they pay tax on their profits which we all know is now going overseas also to pay our €220 Billion of national debt

I'd say maybe €50 of the €299 you spent goes into the Irish owners of Esports pockets and they probably spend that on petrol, smirnoff and fruit all of which are imported from overseas!!

Ben

limos

im strongly thinking of moving away from the electric trolley and going for the clicgear push cart, nothing but good reviews and no more charging and replacing batteries and parts every so often. a little expensive for a push cart but it has to be very good for that price, i just hope i dont regret it when i start pushing it around the course.

redhill

limos wrote: »

but it has to be very good for that price, .

famous last words... it may be good but its still pricey

BenEadir

limos wrote: »

i just hope i dont regret it when i start pushing it around the course.

I'm sure you won't if you play on sunny flat fairways all the time. If however you are here in Ireland it's likely your course has a few hills and you'll be slogging through wet fairways in which case you might revise your view on how much hassle it is to spend 5 seconds clicking in a battery before every round!!

Ben

Hazard_328

Here are a few reviews for the motocaddy from online golf.co.uk & Todays golfer magazine on Powakaddy

"Date:22 December 2011
Pros: lightweight, manouverable, easy to assemble and disassemble
Fast, reliable, quick to charge, easy to assemble and disassemble, still looks like new. Find this one of the best trolley's I have had. the 18 hole battery works very well with the course I play which is hilly, it is very light and easy to manouvre."

"I recently bought a Motocaddy after an unsuccessful trial period with a different model. I bought the Motocaddy online and awaited its arrival with trepidation. I needn't have worried -- it was light but solid, easy to assemble, simple to use and extremely quiet. The on-off button
is simplicity itself and the speed can be controlled on a range of 1-10, 5/6 being about normal walking speed. The retaining straps for your golf bag are easy to secure, and one unexpected bonus was that the 18-hole battery (not lithium, although these are available) was much lighter than the one on my old trolley.
All in all, a great buy!"

02 July 2007 18:02



Highway

"I had considered buying an alternative to Powakaddy due to their hefty price. However, I decided to go for quality and purchased a Highway. The course I play is extremely hilly to say the least and to be honest I was a little concerned that the 18 hole battery may struggle. I needn't have concerned myself at all. The battery coped superb, and so did the trolley. It collapses quickly and snugly into the boot of my saloon in under 1 minute. I would say the only gripe I have is that ive had to buy a Powakaddy bag to fit the trolley correctly. This stabilises the whole unit very well. I did try my Taylormade bag on it prior to this and although it held quite well, it didn't fit perfectly. The other thing to be wary of is when you are setting it up and putting it away. Don't do what I did and put the battery on the trolley before the bag. It will fall over and will probably cause damage to the battery. Likewise, always remove the battery first when finished. Although the list price is £299, I knocked down a retailer to £245. This trolley looks good with the Powakaddy bag, and it's certainly quiet. Overall I'm very pleased with my purchase and wouldn't see any need to upgrade to a different model. It does exactly what it's designed to do and is in no way gimmicky."

pinseeker

Prob gonna be first to say,but bit unhappy with the gokart at the mo.
Few weeks in my first one just packed in.Now customer care is top notch.They were straight on after i sent email and picked up trolley and gave me new one.

Like others the clasp for strap has broke but worse still the trolley is acting up for last few weeks.Stutters and stops all way round.More than likely gonna email them and just take refund and buy elsewhere as cant risk third trolley.It is cool looking and light and perhaps im just one of the unlucky ones.

staker

pinseeker wrote: »

Prob gonna be first to say,but bit unhappy with the gokart at the mo.
Few weeks in my first one just packed in.Now customer care is top notch.They were straight on after i sent email and picked up trolley and gave me new one.

Like others the clasp for strap has broke but worse still the trolley is acting up for last few weeks.Stutters and stops all way round.More than likely gonna email them and just take refund and buy elsewhere as cant risk third trolley.It is cool looking and light and perhaps im just one of the unlucky ones.

That's a shame!Interesting to see they gave you a complete new replacement,wonder how the refund'll go?
My own went back in on Friday so awaiting to see what happens regarding a loud motor whine.
How long before they got back it back to you? I'm a tightarse when it comes to paying €3 for a push trolley:pac:

pinseeker

They picked it up and had replacement in about 3 days i think Staker.I mean its great service but still unhappy with trolley at moment.Just way that battery goes in its damaging the connector slot on trolley and not sure if its causing bad connection.

How looking for refund will go i dont know,but feel its in my rights to get it.

Push trolley bit of a dose alright when used to electric ha.

Hazard_328

pinseeker wrote: »

They picked it up and had replacement in about 3 days i think Staker.I mean its great service but still unhappy with trolley at moment.Just way that battery goes in its damaging the connector slot on trolley and not sure if its causing bad connection.

How looking for refund will go i don't know,but feel its in my rights to get it.

Push trolley bit of a dose alright when used to electric ha.

I have a Big Max iQ push trolley. Well balanced and easy to push. Incredibly light and folds to nothing. look up youtube "golf nation carlow OMG" 5 year guarantee.

staker

So I got the trolley back within ten working days, apparently a damaged bearing.
They said they replaced it but it still seems noisy and can't see anything new or repaired even though it's well buried in the housings.
Not too sure..No charges incurred.

J6P

Anyone use a GolfGlider Microlite??

Is it possible to get 36 holes out of the battery before recharging?

the lawman

Just ordered an my GoKart this morning and looking forward to it arriving. Great reviews everywhere I've read and the guys are pretty easy to deal with.

I've upgraded to the automatic speed control version. Anyone know how this improves the trolley?

irish bloke

the lawman wrote: »

Just ordered an my GoKart this morning and looking forward to it arriving. Great reviews everywhere I've read and the guys are pretty easy to deal with.

I've upgraded to the automatic speed control version. Anyone know how this improves the trolley?

It wont improve the trolley, its just a different method of controlling the speed of the trolley.

The traditional way is normally a thumb wheel potentiometer that increases and decreases the speed as you move it back and forward.

On the GoKart trolley there are built in micro switches (forward and reverse) into the handle.

When you push the handle forward it increases the speed and when you retract the handle the speed decreases.

To be honest it the same as a thumb wheel only in a different position.
The whole automatic sales pitch thing is a bit of a farce, but I have one of these carts and would recommend it.

DuckSlice

thats an awesome first post!!!!