Electric Buggy advice

[RickN]

I have just started getting back into golf after several back issues and also the kids are now old enough that more frequent weekend golf is now possible, and WFH allows for a sneaky 9 holes after work once a week.

I have just rejoined Carbrook GC, and I can manage pushing a buggy for 9 holes but 18 is a stretch ATM, so normally I would use a cart for 18 holes.
As I play more I hoping things will improve but am looking at an electric buggy to help out.

I have been looking at MGI, Motocaddy, Powakaddy, Kingcaddy and Alphard.

The Alphard V2 looks like it will fit my current buggy and has more features than I need, but it uses a remote only, features like turning won’t be ideal with my flip n go buggy with dual fixed front wheels, and only has a 1 year warranty.

Kingcaddy looks good, good price, 2 year Frame Warranty and a Lifetime Warranty on the controller (include 2 years on battery and motor), Australian company with lots of spare parts, suspension, all accessories are included, good storage, doesn’t look super compact, no brake and will freewheel down a hill.

MGI, Motocaddy and Powakaddy all look fairly similar, similar warranty, all seem to be very compact, don’t come with any accessories, very poor storage, base models don’t have a brake or DHC which add about $350plus

Note - I am not really interested in a remote controlled buggy, and that is even before I started reading all the horror stories and seeing the photos.
- Yes I have read through all the other threads, but they didn’t cover all my questions, or were quite old.

Questions

1 - How important is a brake on an electric buggy, and DHC I guess as they seem to come together. Carbrook is fairly flat but I do use the brake sometimes, and play other courses with my work social club.
2 - Swivel front wheel or not for a non remote buggy
3 - Best brand, most threads talk about MGI, but also mention terrible support and warranty.
4 - What accessories are required/useful, I don’t currently use a seat, but seems almost essential on some of these buggies for storage.

 

[Neilds]

I suspect you mean a trolley - I imagine trying to push a buggy for 18 holes would be well tiring!

 

[bobmac]

Are you asking about a buggy or trolley?
And are you in Australia ?

 

[jim8flog]

I have just started getting back into golf after several back issues and also the kids are now old enough that more frequent weekend golf is now possible, and WFH allows for a sneaky 9 holes after work once a week.

UK - buggy means something you sit on and ride
Trolley means something you put your bag on and push or use electric motors to drive it
Cart is something you sit on but the term is not normally used in the UK

 

[Alan Clifford]

I recently bought a Powerbug trolley with downhill control and brake. I use them both.

 

[Voyager EMH]

Its 4am in Queensland right now - I imagine he'll post again in a few hours time.

 

[seochris]

If you mean trolley…something you push along, then I also have back issues, spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis.
could not walk pushing a manual trolley for 18 but bought myself a motocaddy s5 with a seat so now can sit when I want and can get round 18….a little tender after but it’s been transformative…..
Really depends on what the issue is with your back….good luck with it!

 

[LizAig]

I have a motocaddy. I Used to have Powakaddy and there’s little difference. Both fold down well. Never had a swivel wheel so not missed it if it’s a good thing! I’ve never had a brake so not missed that either. I can see how a brake would be a good thing but I play on a very hilly course and so just turn my trolley so it can’t roll down and I think I would do that even with a brake! I sold my Powakaddy after 8 yrs and it’s still working for the friend that bought it, my motocaddy is around 8 years and no issues. The only accessory I’ve bought is brolly holder….oh, and winter wheels.