Electric Trolley/ Cart - Are they worth it?

[chizzler89]

I'm 30 years old and based in Ireland and traditionally in my club most people using electric trolleys (motocaddy or powacaddy) have been senior members. However, in recent times I've started to see younger players invest in these pieces of kit.

 

I played a lot of soccer growing up and dislocated my shoulder at one stage. The course I play is very hilly (on average according to my fitbit it's between 90 & 100 stories) climbed over 18 holes so it's physically taxing.

I'm wondering what benefits people have seen from buying an electric trolley and are they worth the cost? Recommendations also welcome for models. Current leaders are Motocaddy M3 & M5. Thanks

Edited June 23, 2021 by chizzler89

[sailfishchris]

Can't speak for the Motocaddy's. But, (a separated shoulder from my rugby playing and a neck from wrestling) I love my Alphard E-wheels and from not paying cart fees it has already paid for itself. As far as walking without the bag strapped to my back. I can still walk 36 a day and not need a bottle of tylenol.

 

[596]

I'm 66. Crashed my bicycle way too many times in my life. I have 2 titanium hips and a bad back.  18 months ago I purchased a Stewart X9 Follow and it was a game changer for me.  I walk 18 holes twice a week and 9 holes once a week.  I also ride my bike 30 to 50 miles each week.  I love walking the course with my "caddie" following me.  The Stewart is expensive but, as far as I'm concerned, worth every penny.  

[lefty1978]

I recently purchased the Motocaddy M5 GPS. I regret nothing, my course is hilly and makes walking 18 a breeze. I'm 43 (not old), in good shape, I had no hesitation about using an electric cart. If you can afford one, why not. 

[jas904]

I have had three shoulder surgeries.  I pushed a Clic Gear for the last 9 years at my club, which is a flat, easy walk.  I got a great deal on a almost new Alphard and am absolutely amazed about how much better my shoulders feel after not pushing.  I would have never thought that pushing a cart (which seems relatively benign) was detrimental to to my shoulders.  Needless to say, I highly recommend it.

[Maroon_19]

Another vote for the EWheels V2 and a Rovic RV1S.  Outside of clubs, this is the best money I've ever spent on golf.  Paid for itself last year in saved cart fees.

[caniac6]

I played and walked 5 days a week. Ate a very good diet. Had no family history, and had a heart attack. I got a Kangaroo Z Series, and it could have been any brand, and It has kept me walking. The best players in the world don't carry their bag, so why should anyone else?

[KARL M]

I play a hilly course where a couple of the holes could be used for downhill sking.

Most people at my home course, regardless of age, use riding carts.  

 

I use an electric trolley, because pushing a 20 lb. pushcart with a loaded bag of 25 lbs uphill is exhausting.  Holding back a loaded pushcart on downhills is no picnic when on a slippery surface.

 

If i usually played on a flat course, I would probably only use a pushcart. 

 

[ndlutz]

I'll let you know and report back. I just bought a Motocaddy M7 yesterday. 

 

I've been watching these carts for years. I really wanted the Stewart X9 Follow but couldn't justify the price. I don't play enough to argue that it would pay for itself in a reasonable amount of time and so I kind of expected something with such fancy features would break before it had a chance to do so. 

 

I recently started getting the itch to walk again and figured a remote cart would probably be almost as good of a solution as the follow feature as I can walk along side it or behind it and be hands free. After some soul searching, it seems being hands free is really the goal for me, not the follow feature. We'll see.

 

I joined a second club this year that is very walkable. My first club is walkable too but has some steep hills that actually make it easier to carry a bag vs. use a manual pushcart. I'm hoping the electric cart solves that issue for me. Then I wouldn't have any excuse not to walk.

Edited October 8, 2021 by ndlutz

[CSURam_06]

I call my MGI the best golf purchase I have ever made.  I'm 38 and beyond some of the ball busting from the guys at the club at first, everyone is actually really jealous.

[ndlutz]

9 hours ago, CSURam_06 said:

I call my MGI the best golf purchase I have ever made.  I'm 38 and beyond some of the ball busting from the guys at the club at first, everyone is actually really jealous.

 

I expect to hear some of the same from my friends but for different reasons. I'm 35 and most of my friends ride during the regular season. They walk in the spring/fall/winter. I expect to hear some ball busting about not riding and drinking, lol.

 

Does anybody find they miss out on the social aspect when their playing partners ride and you walk? That's the only reservation I really have about this. 

[RSinSG]

I had a Clicgear for years before getting a MGI Zip Navigator AT. Not having to push a cart is a game changer. Like walking with a caddie who doesn’t talk.

[caniac6]

When I used a push cart, I'd get low, and extend my arms when pushing up a big hill. The electric cart helps maintain better posture walking up hills, and is much easier on my back.

[KARL M]

Yes  they are worth it.

 

I started with a Kangaroo, Built like a tank Heavy stable long lasting, but a little on the noisy side.

Just got a motocaddy M1 DHC that is quieter. Weighs about a third of the kangaroo.

On my hilly irregular course remote control didn't work out well. Hence I went without remote on the motocaddy.

[Ripper212]

On 10/8/2021 at 7:40 AM, ndlutz said:

 

I expect to hear some of the same from my friends but for different reasons. I'm 35 and most of my friends ride during the regular season. They walk in the spring/fall/winter. I expect to hear some ball busting about not riding and drinking, lol.

 

Does anybody find they miss out on the social aspect when their playing partners ride and you walk? That's the only reservation I really have about this. 

Not in the least. Plenty of time to socialize an I'm often at the ball and ready to hit before they are!

[rrordona]

Like others it's been a game changer for me as well. I've come full circle with my golfing. I was a dedicated carrier. Went to a clicgear, then went Minimal (carry), back to full bag (carry), then to motorized cart. I got a great deal on a CaddyTrek, and now a MGI Navigator. Helped tremendously when I was injured. My regular foursome all have motorized carts.

Edited October 10, 2021 by rrordona

[therev]

I’ve had my Lectronic Kaddy for 20 years now and all I’ve had to do was buy a new battery and it’s still working Great!!!  Sad they don’t make these anymore but I’ve got my eye on the one Costco sells if I ever need a new one, which I doubt very much!  Loved it and enjoy the walk!

 

[tmoney47]

YES (MGI Zip Navigator AT since Dec 2020).  

[thezinfan]

Two of my friends have them, and they are huge fans of them.

[596]

On 10/10/2021 at 2:22 PM, therev said:

I’ve had my Lectronic Kaddy for 20 years now and all I’ve had to do was buy a new battery and it’s still working Great!!!  Sad they don’t make these anymore but I’ve got my eye on the one Costco sells if I ever need a new one, which I doubt very much!  Loved it and enjoy the walk!

 

I sold my lectronic caddy to a friend of mine. I bought the Stewart X9.  First round we played together he walked away from his trolley to the green. After putting out we turn around and it's gone. No where to be seen.  We found it just before the next tee box in a pond.  It lasted a few more months and then died.  He bought a new caddytek.  I had used the lectronic caddy for years without a problem.  Great carts!

[ndlutz]

I've got my M7 and have currently put about 3-4 rounds on it. I'm really impressed with it. The only thing that I would improve is for it to have the follow feature. I think that would really make it the ultimate experience for me. I've yet to get to the point where controlling it with the remote is natural. 

[teedub21]

I have the Alphard Ewheels V2 on a Rovic cart and love it. One of my playing partners bought the MGI Navigator first and we all laughed at him. After watching him for two rounds I decided I had to have one and got on the early pre order they had for the Alphard.