Don't go for the cheaper motorized golf carts!
I'm sure that most of us golfers have popped down to our local DIY store in recent months to find a nice looking electric golf trolley sitting in the foyer, with a very attractive price tag. £99? £89? Even £79! But do not, under any circumstances, be suckered in by the sturdy looking wheels, the 'robust' handle or the claim that the motorised trolley will fold up to the size of a small furry animal. They're not, it's not ...and it won't. Oh, and it's likely to either break of its own accord within 6 months or you'd have hit it with a hammer out of frustration by then. It'll also be an embarrassment on the course.
Don't buy one of these cheap trolleys, please. Just don't. Here are some key reasons why a decent make, like Powakaddy, is worth the investment.
» The battery does actually last a full 36 holes without having to be re-charged. Too many alternative trolleys claim this, and then last about three and a half holes. By that time, you are at the furthest possible point from the clubhouse and you're left with a huge weight to haul around for the next 14 holes.
» It doesn't fold up to the size of a postage stamp ...but it doesn't claim to. However, it does fold up small enough that you can fit the trolley, a full set of clubs, your golf shoes and your bag of wet clothes into the boot of an average sized family saloon.
» All the proper accessories, i.e. the Powakaddy umbrella holder, the drinks bottle holder and the scorecard holder DO actually fit this trolley, because the manufacturer has made sure that it offers all these bits and bobs with the proper fittings.
» The battery does not need a wheelbarrow to cart it around. It's light enough to lift in and out of the boot without breaking your back. Yeh, sure, it's still a bit heavy ...but it's a battery, so it's bound to be. However, compared to other manufacturers' power-packs, it's perfectly manageable, whatever your age.
» Putting it together has been made as simple as it can be. The bits that are supposed to come off, do. And with easy to operate key locks, it's not likely to jam or nip your fingers when you're putting it together or taking it apart.
» The straps are nice and strong, and again unclip easily. I think you'd be hard pushed to accidentally 'lose' the bag because one of the straps had come undone.
» Powakaddy have made their cables very, very strong. The downfall of a lot of motorized golf trolleys is the power fitting and where this pushes into the battery. Far too many fall apart after a couple of seasons, meaning you have to try and source a new cable, which is never easy.
In Conclusion
I'm sure that there will be some people that will sing the praises of smaller, cheaper electric trolleys, mainly because they bought one and don't want to look foolish. But if you want something that is a manageable weight, has a battery that does last the 36 holes that they claim, fits in a boot of a car owned by the average golfer, is easy to operate and doesn't run away from you down the fairway, buy a decent model. I've selected a few below.
I know it's tempting to say to yourself: "I don't mind the battery only lasting 18 holes if it saves me £100 or so". But it will bug you. Very quickly. And of course, cheaper trolleys and batteries don't last exactly 18 holes either. More often sixteen. Or fourteen and a half. And that's just when you need the trolley the most.
Buying Guide
Your local Pro Shop may have a limited range, but for sheer convenience (and a competitive price, by the looks of things) it's probably easier to order one for home delivery. Amazon UK seems to have a decent set of offerings, and I've picked out a few. Clicking on them will take you through to the product information page at Amazon. Good luck.