The popularity of an Electric Golf Push Cart has grown several folds over in this pandemic era. This is owing to the emotional as well as physical trauma we all have undergone while trying to deal with this unnatural situation (Covid 19).
Basically, a golf push cart is meant to carry your golf kit. In simpler words, when you are at the golf course, you cannot hope to carry all your sporting goods on your back. So, a trolley is used (which is termed as a golf push cart) for the same purpose.
This special trolley carries your golf clubs, your golf bags, your clubs and other accessories. This allows you to play the game with ease and complete peace of mind.
I have compiled this article keeping in mind the queries that you may have regarding golf trolleys. Hopefully, this write-up would help resolve your queries. Here are the contents of this write-up:
Contents of Electric Golf Push Cart Write-Up
1) What is an Electric Golf Push Cart?
2) What are the Uses of an Electronic Golf Push Cart?
3) What is an Electric Golf Push Cart Conversion Kit?
4) What is an Electric Golf Push Cart with Remote Control?
5) What is an Electric Golf Push Cart Lithium Battery?
6) Top 3 Electric Golf Push Carts for the Year 2022
7) What is an Electric Golf Push Cart Scooter?
8) What is an Electric Golf Push Cart that Follows You?
9) How to Find the Best Used Electric Golf Push Carts for Sale?
10) Electric Golf Cart Maintenance Checklist
11) Conclusion
What is an Electric Golf Push Cart?
An electric golf push cart is a devise that is propelled by an electric motor. It has either three or four wheels with a place to keep your golf bag, the clubs and necessary accessories (caps, gloves etc).
Modern day golf carts operate via battery and are capable of seating two to four people. This is apart from carrying the luggage. Manually operated golf carts used to dominate the market before the introduction of electric vehicles.
While the manual carts helped push the golf kits and ease the burden on the golfer, the electric versions are no less than a blessing in disguise.
What is the J. K Wadley Story?
The story of golf cart being introduced in a golf course goes like this. J.K Wadley was a resident of Texarkana. He witnessed a three wheel electric cart ferrying the elderly to grocery stores. This happened in Los Angeles.
The idea hit him instantly. Being an avid golfer, J. K. Wadely decided to utilize these carts in the golf course. This is how USA got its first taste of golf carts.
In the year 1983, Joe Catford created the first golf cart for England. He named his company Powakaddy. In the 90s era, Joe partnered with HillBilly to introduce golf carts using an electric motor.
What are the Uses of an Electronic Golf Push Cart?
If you thought that battery operated golf carts were meant exclusively for the purpose of carrying your golf accessories then, you need to think twice. It has more use than just ferry your sporting goods to and fro the golf course.
What to Do with a Golf Cart?
@ To start with, you can help relieve the burden at the golf course. Place your golf bags and accessories and reduce the burden from your shoulders.
@ You can also use your golf cart to travel through an 18 hole golf course. Sit and drive the golf cart while placing your luggage at the back.
@ Your golf cart can help make some money for you as well. Charge a fee to ferry golf players at the course on a daily basis.
@ You can also ferry your kids to school, pick up groceries from the local store and even grab a cup of coffee at the local coffee shop. Just ensure that your golf cart is permissible to be driven on road.
@ If your golf cart is roadworthy (as per your town policy) then, you can save thousands of dollars on monthly gas bills.
@ In case you have a large yard then, golf carts can come in handy. You can travel across your yard and complete all your pending work without breaking a sweat.
@ Did you know that a golf cart can ferry two to eight passengers. It all depends on the size of your cart. So, this implies that carrying your family is easy.
@ You can use your electric golf cart for ferrying people to events, marriages, photo shoots and much more. This becomes a side income generating medium for you.
@ The lithium ion batteries in electric golf carts are easy to maintain and last a very long time (5 years or more). As compared to gasoline, it is way cheaper to run errands on an electric golf cart.
How Has Covid 19 Affected Electric Golf Cart Uses?
After the Covid 19 outbreak, life has come to a complete standstill. This has changed the mind-set of men and women alike. Now, energy saving and cost effective means of transportation have become prominent.
As compared to getting an SUV to the local grocery store or the beach, people prefer taking their golf cart. The status symbol associated with SUVs is slowly being replaced by the practical user-worthiness of an electronic golf cart.
Owing to this very reason, it is being claimed by most leading golf cart manufacturers across the globe that half their carts are never going to see the greens. They shall be used to run day to day errands.
What is an Electric Golf Push Cart Conversion Kit?
In order to ease the burden from your shoulder and enhance your focus on the game, it is vital to convert a normal push cart into a motorized one. This not only saves cost (as purchasing a motorized push cart is an expensive ordeal) but is also convenient.
The First Step is to detach the original wheels and install eWheels. These wheels are easy to buy and are compatible with most manual push golf carts.
To adjust the breaking mechanism, simply expand your existing eWheel. Affix your wheel mount and expand the eWheel. Make sure that the holes in the frame are clipped onto the eWheels.
This is all you need to do and your cart is changed. It is also termed DIY push golf cart conversion.
What all to Look into While Choosing a Golf Cart Conversion Kit?
@ While choosing the wheels, you need to ensure that they are aluminum grade. These last long and are worthy of rough usage.
@ Check the power delivering capacity of the motor before installing it onto your manual golf cart.
@ Pick a golf cart conversion kit that offers long lasting batteries.
@ While choosing the material for your electric push cart, opt for either aluminum or titanium. Aluminum is light but I prefer titanium. This is lighter than aluminum and much stronger.
@ The batteries too should be long lasting. I would opt for Lithium ion batteries to lead acid.
@ Features to consider in a golf cart conversion kit are electronic cruise control, forward and reverse controls.
@ Your golf cart conversion kit should offer performance. It should have the ability to carry heavy loads easily.
@ While opting for the wheels, always consider whether you need dual or single. Single wheel carts are easy to navigate and the dual ones have an independent drive mechanism.
@ Your golf cart body conversion kits should be light in weight. Aluminum and titanium (I have mentioned this above) are two good options to consider.
@ Push golf cart conversion kits should be foldable in nature. This makes it easier to store them.
What is an Electric Golf Push Cart with Remote Control?
When your motorized push cart works automatically, it is termed as an automated version. This does not necessarily imply that it shall work without a command.
You need to push a few buttons, which shall then lead to the desired result. The good part here is that you need not to include any manual input while shifting the push cart.
So, without you having to make any effort, a simple push of a button allows the cart to do everything you want it to. These carts are best suited for elderly golf players or those that are suffering from nagging injuries.
How Does a Remote Control Golf Cart Function?
An electric golf cart caddy functions using a remote control feature. You can either maneuver the golf cart using a small remote or by pushing a few buttons located on its console.
The cart goes forward, backward, sideways and even follows you. Simply remember that the motorized golf caddy has the ability to ease your workload.
Inclusion of gyroscope ensures that you can move around your golf cart as per your personal convenience. The batteries are usually long lasting and have minimal maintenance cost attached. A joystick is all you need to make the cart listen to you.
What is an Electric Golf Push Cart Lithium Battery?
While using an electronic golf cart, you need to install batteries. You have the option of lithium-ion batteries and lead-acid batteries. The former can be recharged for 510 cycles while the latter runs not more than 110 cycles.
So, while the cost of lithium-ion batteries is higher, their running cost is way cheaper than the older lead-acid versions. Lead acid batteries are 28 pounds in weight and last not more than a single day. I (LeanAndFit reviewer) mean, mine usually dies down before I reach even the 10th hole. So, if I were you, I would opt for a lithium ion battery.
Just remember that the speed at which your cart travels and the incline your golf course contains, does affect a single charge. The amp hours, the voltage as well as the weight that you load onto your electronically operated golf cart also affects the charge.
How to Prolong a Single Charge of Your Golf Cart Battery?
You need to make sure that your batteries are optimally charged and cared for. If you want them to last longer and save your hard earned money in the act, maintain your battery. Here are a few tips:
>>> It is advisable to charge your battery only till its optimal level. In case you overcharge your battery, the damage to the devise is inevitable.
>>> Choose a lithium-ion battery that does not overcharge. It should have an automatic cut-off mechanism when fully charged.
>>> Ensure that you recharge your golf cart battery after every use. Doing so shall prolong its life span. If you wait to recharge when the battery has fully died down then, chances are that your battery’s life span shall be compromised.
>>> Make use of a Dual Pro Charger for recharging the drained battery of your golf cart optimally. This prolongs the life-span of your battery.
>>> Maintain optimal water level in your battery to avoid damaging them. Check for the water level every week.
>>> Clean the battery terminals to ensure that they do not develop any rust on them.
>>> Use a battery watering system to maintain optimal water levels in your golf cart batteries.
>>> Switch off light, radio and any other electric devise located on the golf cart when not in use.
>>> Avoid driving your golf cart over steep incline surfaces.
>>> Always maintain optimal weight levels in your golf cart. Do not increase the recommended weight.
>>> If you need to cover a lot of distance then, avoid traveling using your golf cart.
>>> Opt for a high AMP battery as that shall last 5 years or even more.
Top 3 Electric Golf Push Carts for the Year 2024
Here is a quick overview of the best sellers:
MotoCaddy M7 Remote:
This is by far the most promising electronically operated golf cart. It is completely mechanized and is user friendly. In order to operate this machine, all you need to do is push a joystick controlled keypad.
MotoCaddy M7 Remote is a tough machine. It is fortified with an extra wheel at the rear. This in turn enables you to have it turn in really tight corners. It is super stable and can climb steep hills without tipping over.
It comes with multiple speed adjustments. You can also add a ton of accessories to MotoCaddy M7 Remote golf cart. It also has a USB port for recharging your phone with. The only issue is that you cannot have it follow you.
MGI Zip Navigator:
This is my # 2 choice. This electric golf cart operates with the aid of a remote control mechanism. It can climb steep inclines owing to a sturdy back wheel.
The MGI zip navigator is capable of traversing through rough terrain, thanks to its all-wheel drive mechanism. It is slim and compact yet capable of carrying heavy loads easily.
The brownie point of MGi Zip Navigator golf cart is its ability to track your fitness level. It helps you count your calories burnt and the steps taken to achieve this goal. You cannot have this cart follow you.
eWheels Club Booster V2:
This is my third and final choice of motorized golf cart. While this is not in the shape of a cart but a scooter, it can be converted into a cart.
eWheels Club Booster V2 operates using a Gyro mode. This helps keep it in a straight line. You can affix a special clip onto this motor to keep it following you.
What is an Electric Golf Push Cart Scooter?
While a motor operated golf cart is a practical solution to ease your shoulders while on the course, these carts are expensive. In order to reduce this expenditure, you can opt for an electric scooter instead.
You have the option of opting for a two or even a three wheel scooter. Good companies have a dual battery and a spacious rear seat. You can place your golf cart in the rear seat.
Electric Golf Push Cart Buying Guide
Here is what all you need to keep in mind before buying your golf cart:
The Stability Factor:
If you have ridden bikes before then, opting for a two tire version is best suited. In case you are not comfortable with the balance then, go in for a three wheel scooter instead.
While two wheeled electric scooters for golfing are light in weight and easy to steer, they are harder to balance. This is especially true when you are riding downhill. The three wheel ones are more stable but heavier and definitely more expensive as well.
The Battery Type:
If you wish to go long distance and without losing charge then, opt for a dual setup instead of a single one. The charging time should be within the 7 hour mark and the voltage/ amp ratings favorable to your needs.
Do consider the number of times the battery can be charged before needing a replacement. Also, the protective cover offered by your chosen scooter to cover the battery with is also important. Rain, wind and rocks can otherwise damage your battery.
The Comfort Factor:
The manner in which you can grip the handlebars and how you sit also matters. Basically, your electric scooter should be good to sit and ride. It should also have effective and efficient breaking.
Ideally, your chosen scooter should have a good center of gravity. It should also be capable of taking on the added weight of your bag without losing stability.
Your Budget Matters:
You also need to watch out for your budget as well. Most scooters used in the golf course ranges in between $3000 to $5000. The two wheel varieties are cheaper than the three wheel scooters.
Golf scooters that offer more features (range, stability, battery, build quality etc.) are more expensive and vice versa. The brand value also determines the price of the scooter.
How Fast Can it Go?
Usually, golf scooters can travel 12 mph to 15 mph. This is good enough as you do not need to rush in the golf course. There are some variants that enable the scooter to travel up to 30 + miles per hour as well.
Customization Options:
There are a lot of customization features that are available. You can opt for special holders to place your bag and golf accessories in. Some scooters also allow their suspension setting to be adjusted as per the terrain.
You have the ability to opt for ‘push start’, ‘swapping the battery mechanism’ and also ‘push button throttles’. Some companies also create special apps to help you operate the scooter.
What is an Electric Golf Push Cart that Follows You?
An electric golf push cart that follows you is a machine that stays right behind you while you are at the golf course. It is like a dog on leash (pun intended).
These carts have features that can be compared to artificial intelligence. You have a remote control device that instructs the cart to move, stop and even check the battery charging level.
Here is my top pick:
The Stewart X9:
This is a compact yet capable golf cart that is backed by super cool looks. I can easily fold it and tuck it inside the trunk of my SUV. I also like the manner in which it obeys my commands – especially the ‘follow me’ one.
Some users have complained that it does not connect to your remote devise. Well, this can be easily fixed with the help of a simple reset button.
The Stewart X9 follows you home, is managed via remote control devise and has a strong battery. It is very stable and you can load almost any bag into the cart.
I like the chassis of Stewart X9. Also, I can always place my golf balls, gloves and cap in the extra storage compartment. So, in my opinion, this is indeed a great cart to keep.
How to Find the Best Used Electric Golf Push Carts for Sale?
Purchasing a used electric golf push cart is not at all an easy task. The chances of a fraudulent seller are high. At the same time, your chosen golf cart may be shining from the outside but rusted from within.
Here are a few tips to avoid getting conned while buying a used electric golf push cart:
@ Always check the serial number and model number of your chosen golf cart. The older the golf cart, the higher are its chances of being in a bad condition.
@ You need to seek information about the cart’s functioning by accessing the controller. By doing so, you shall get to known the total number of cycles and the total number of hours the cart has been used.
@ Check the batteries for any corrosion, dirt or bulge. If it is evenly shaped and clean, all is good. Replacing a damaged battery is high in cost and should be best avoided. Do check if the battery is under warranty or not.
@ Your chose used golf cart should complement your requirements. Simply tally the features of the cart with your wish list. If everything matches then, all is good with the purchase.
@ Some areas in USA require your golf cart to have a license. Ensure that your seller has done the needful before selling it to you.
@ If you wish to buy a golf cart for golfing purposes then, opt for a ‘refurbished’ one. In case you use it for short trips to the local grocery store or for yard work then, you can opt for ‘used’ ones.
@ Always check the brake pads. If they are worn out then, ask the seller to replace them. If the breaks are rusted then, they need maintenance work.
@ You should always negotiate the price. Check all the features and condition of your chosen electric golf cart. Thereafter, bargain with the seller and get the best possible price.
@ Check the tires of your chosen golf cart. If they are worn and need replacement, look for another golf cart. Also check the alignment of the vehicle before finalizing the deal.
@ Always check for the bushes, rack, pinion of the steering compartment. If they are not in a good condition then, ask the seller to fix them.
@ Conduct checks on the condition of the frame and the wiring. Everything should be flawless and rust free. Opt for frames that are made from aluminum and avoid steel frames.
Electric Golf Cart Maintenance Checklist
While getting home an electric golf cart seems simple, maintaining it is a completely different ballgame. If you forget to take care of your golf cart, the expense and inconvenience caused can be rather nagging.
Here are a few DIY tips to maintain your electric golf cart:
Lead Plates in the Battery
The first thing to check is whether the lead plates of your battery are covered in water or not. If the water level is above the plates then, your battery is going to get damaged and vice versa. Check the water level every 25 days.
You need to use distilled water and not normal water. Make sure that the lead plates of your battery are submerged 2/4th of an inch below the distilled water.
Never Ignore Mechanical Issues
In case you feel that your golf cart is not breaking properly or making noises while driving then, take it straight to the nearest garage. If you continue driving the cart, chances are that it may get seriously damaged thereby incurring unnecessary expenditure.
Keep Your Batteries Well Fed
Regardless of whether you use your electric golf cart one a week, or everyday, it needs to be charged regularly. Never wait for the battery to die out completely.
Keep it charged even if you are heading out for a month long holiday with the golf cart placed in a garage. When the battery is charged, it tends to retain its shelf life and vice versa.
Opt for a Certified Garage
Rather than stalling your cart’s monthly maintenance, get it checked periodically. Go to a garage that is certified to run maintenance checks.
Never skip a service and always have your cart sent to a certified service station. Always ensure that the service jobs on your cart are done annually.
The Baking Soda Cleaning
The terminals of your golf cart battery need to be clean and free from rust/corrosion. If you find the connections to be dirty or rusty then, make a solution using baking soda and water. Dip a clean cotton cloth and clean your batteries with it.
Your Cart is Not a Mule
Avoid overloading your golf cart. Check the maximum payload capacity that your motorized golf cart is permitted to carry. Never exceed that mark. Carrying extra load shall cause damage to the motor and place extra pressure on the battery.
Take Care of the Tires
To prolong the life of your golf cart, maintain the overall health of your tires. Check the air every few days and top-up if it is less. Make sure that your tires are not worn out. If they are, replace them regularly.
Rear Differential
To ensure that the rear differential of your cart is working perfectly, inspect the machine regularly. If you see signs of any oil leaks then, have these checked by a trained mechanic.
Frayed wires need to be fixed. If you find the drive belt to have sustained damage then, have it fixed via a trained mechanic. Use a 15 amp power cord to keep your battery in a fully charged status.
Engine Compressor & Spark Plugs
If you have a DIY engine compressor checking kit then, use it regularly. You also need to replace spark plugs of your machine if they are worn out. Change your golf cart’s engine oil on time.
The fuel filter as well as the golf cart’s air filter needs to be checked and cleaned. The brushes of your generator also need to be checked for wear and tear.
Conclusion
The best electric golf carts are an ideal way to transport your golf kit across the course. They are environment friendly, emit zero toxic gasses and are easier to maintain. You can use these carts for a myriad of purposes.
From ferrying your golf kits and your buddies across the golf course to running errands – these golf carts are super-handy devises. With numerous designs, makes and customization’s possible, golf carts are indeed worthy of respect.
If you have made up your mind to buy a golf cart then, definitely go ahead with your decision. You can read the above article and gain an edge by amassing more knowledge on golf carts. This would enable you to make a wise judgement while getting one home.