Most golfers come to electric golf trolleys the same way… a bad back, a mate’s recommendation, or a particularly punishing round on a hilly course that makes carrying clubs feel more like hard labour!
But the harder part is choosing between the models on offer, because the market has expanded significantly and the feature differences between a £400 trolley and a £900 trolley aren’t always obvious from the description alone.
This guide from Clarkes Golf covers what actually matters when comparing models, which features are worth paying for, and our picks across a range of budgets, informed by our expertise as approved UK stockists of both Motocaddy and PowaKaddy – the most popular electric golf trolley brands.
Browse our full range of electric golf trolleys at the link above, or keep reading to learn more.
Is an electric trolley actually worth it?
If you’re coming from a push trolley, the answer is almost certainly yes, and you’ll likely wonder why you waited so long! The physical difference over 18 holes is significant – particularly on courses with uneven, up-and-down terrain. Why? Push trolleys, by nature, take effort to manoeuvre, and that energy expenditure builds up over 18 holes, to the point where your performance could start to slip.
An electric trolley moves independently. You set the speed, point it in the right direction, and walk. Your hands are free, and your attention is on the game rather than the equipment. In other words, they help maintain energy levels throughout 18 holes. As a result, they also improve your focus and concentration for better scores. Not to mention the fact that they can help reduce the risk of back and knee strain.
Speaking of uneven terrain, some models include downhill control features for improved stability on hilly courses.
For regular golfers, it quickly stops feeling like an accessory and starts feeling like a necessity, particularly once you factor in GPS, scoring, and USB charging that come standard on many mid-range models.
The features that actually matter
Ignore the marketing lingo and focus on these…
Battery: 18-hole vs 36-hole, and why it matters more than range figures suggest
Trolley batteries are rated by holes rather than hours or kilometres, which is a more useful measure for golfers. An 18-hole lithium battery will comfortably cover one standard round; a 36-hole battery gives you two. On paper, 18 holes sounds like enough – and for most weekend golfers, it is. But battery performance degrades slightly in cold weather, and a hilly course draws more power than a flat one. A 36-hole battery gives you meaningful headroom that an 18-hole unit does not.
The practical rule: if you play once or twice a week and charge after every outing, an 18-hole battery is fine. If you play more frequently, compete in longer formats, or your course has significant elevation changes, the 36-hole option is worth the additional cost.
Worth knowing:
Most electric golf trolleys nowadays use lithium batteries. Lithium charges faster, weighs less, and handles partial charging without affecting long-term capacity, conserving energy – a straightforward improvement on older lead-acid batteries in every practical respect.
GPS electric trolleys: when it's worth having, and when it isn't
Integrated GPS on an electric trolley displays yardages to the green, hazard distances, and hole layouts directly on a screen mounted to the handle. The better systems – like those on Motocaddy's current flagship range – come preloaded with data for over 40,000 courses globally and update automatically, so you're covered whether you're playing your home club or visiting somewhere new.
Whether it's worth the premium depends on your existing setup. If you already own a GPS watch, you may not need it on the trolley as well. If you don't use GPS at all, having it built in is genuinely convenient – always at eye level, updating automatically between holes, and one fewer thing to charge and remember.
Other features worth considering
Electronic Braking System (EBS) and Downhill Speed Control. Automatically applies resistance on downhill slopes to stop the trolley from accelerating away from you. Non-negotiable if your course has steep descents – a mild convenience if it doesn't.
Remote control functionality. A very common feature on modern electric trolleys, remote trolleys allow you to direct the trolley from a distance without touching the handle or your golf bag. Useful for golfers who like to walk ahead to read the fairway or green before the trolley arrives. Less essential for everyone else.
Folding mechanism and packed size. How quickly it folds, and how small it gets, matters more in practice than it seems on paper. Measure your car boot before buying, and look for models that fold with the battery attached rather than requiring it to be removed first.
Weight. Electric trolleys typically weigh between 9 and 13 kilograms with the battery fitted. The difference matters most when you're lifting it in and out of the boot several times a week.
Motocaddy vs PowaKaddy: how to choose between them
Both brands dominate the UK electric trolley market and have done for decades – either is a sound investment. The meaningful differences are in emphasis: Motocaddy tends to lead on software, with GPS interfaces, companion apps, and touchscreen design generally considered best-in-class. PowaKaddy's reputation is built on mechanical reliability and practical engineering – quieter motors, robust construction, and compact folding, particularly on the CT8 GPS, which consistently punches above its price point. For most golfers, the better question is which specific model within your budget suits your needs, rather than which brand.
Our picks by budget
Best overall: Motocaddy M-TECH GPS
For golfers who want the full package, the M-TECH GPS is where we'd start. GPS covers over 40,000 courses on a large weatherproof touchscreen, battery life is rated at 36 holes, and the fold is one of the quickest on the market. If you play several times a week and want a trolley you won't need to replace, this is it. Best for: regular golfers who want GPS, battery range, and lasting build quality.
View the Motocaddy M-TECH GPS at Clarkes Golf.
Best entry-level: PowaKaddy FX1
No GPS, no frills - a reliable motor, a practical one-click fold, and a BAG-LOK base that keeps compatible bags firmly in place. PowaKaddy has been refining this formula for decades, and it shows. Best for: first-time buyers or golfers who want a dependable electric without the flagship price.
View the PowaKaddy FX1 at Clarkes Golf
Best mid-range GPS: PowaKaddy CT8 GPS
The model we'd point most mid-budget golfers towards. Full-colour GPS with Active Green View, stroke index, and Drop Flag technology – plus a fold that's noticeably more compact than comparable GPS trolleys. Available with an 18 or 36-hole battery. Best for: golfers who want integrated GPS and a practical design without paying flagship prices.
View the PowaKaddy CT8 GPS at Clarkes Golf.
Pairing your trolley with the right bag
A stand bag will clip onto most electric trolleys, but cart bags – also called trolley bags – are the better long-term pairing. They're designed specifically for this use: flat-bottomed bases that lock into the trolley frame, more pockets, more club dividers, and a layout that assumes the bag won't be carried on your back. Manufacturer-specific systems like Motocaddy's EASILOCK provide additional security, preventing rotation or shifting during the round.
Our current picks: the Motocaddy Pro Series (nine pockets, EASILOCK-compatible base), or the TaylorMade Deluxe (fourteen-way top divider, dedicated putter well).
Best Electric Golf Trolley: Things to note
How long does the battery actually last in real conditions?
Ratings assume flat terrain and moderate speed – though real-world performance varies. A hilly course, faster speed setting, or cold morning all draw more power than the spec suggests. If you regularly play a demanding course, size up to a 36-hole battery. The peace of mind is worth the extra cost!
What is the best electric trolley for around £500?
The PowaKaddy FX1 is the most sensible starting point at this price at the moment. It does the fundamentals well and is built to last. If GPS is a firm requirement rather than a nice-to-have, the honest advice is to stretch the budget slightly – the step up to a mid-range GPS model is a meaningful improvement in functionality for a relatively small additional outlay.
Can I use my existing bag with an electric trolley?
Yes - strap clips mean most bags will attach. But carry bags sit awkwardly on a trolley frame, the leg stand protrudes, and you lose the practical benefits of a properly fitted base. A dedicated cart bag makes a meaningful difference if you're using the trolley regularly.
Do electric trolleys need much maintenance?
Very little! Charge after every round, store it dry, and clean the wheels after muddy rounds. If you notice grinding or unusual resistance from the wheels, get it looked at promptly – minor issues caught early are usually cheap to fix.
One other thing worth knowing: most electric trolleys can be pushed manually if the battery runs out on the course. Check out more details in our guide: Can you push an electric golf trolley?
Find the right trolley at Clarkes Golf
We stock Motocaddy and PowaKaddy electric trolleys across all price points. Every order over £100 gets free next-day delivery, and our price match guarantee means you won't find the same model cheaper elsewhere.
Browse electric golf trolleys at Clarkes Golf.
If you'd rather talk it through first, our team is available seven days a week from 9 am. Call 01744 885 294 or email admin@clarkesgolf.co.uk. We're happy to help narrow it down based on your course, your game, and your budget!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are electric golf trolleys allowed on all courses?
Most UK golf courses permit electric trolleys, including remote models, but it’s always worth checking before you play. Particularly at links and heathland courses, where soft or sandy terrain can make certain routes restricted during winter months. Some clubs also require trolleys to stay on paths around tees and greens regardless of conditions. A quick call ahead to any unfamiliar course will save any awkwardness on the day!
How do I know when my electric golf trolley battery needs replacing?
Lithium batteries lose capacity over time, instead of suddenly dying. The first sign is usually a trolley that previously completed 18 holes without issue starts running low before the round is even finished, even on a full charge. Most quality lithium batteries are rated for several hundred charge cycles before meaningful degradation sets in – for a golfer playing twice a week, that typically means several years of use before a replacement is needed. Replacement batteries are available directly from both Motocaddy and PowaKaddy and are easy to fit.
Can I take my electric golf trolley abroad?
Yes! But it requires some planning. Lithium batteries are subject to airline restrictions and can’t typically be checked in as hold luggage. Most airlines require them to be carried in the cabin, and some will not allow them at all above a certain watt-hour rating. It’s worth checking the specific airline’s policy before booking, and contacting your trolley manufacturer if you are unsure of your battery’s watt-hour rating. Many golfers travelling abroad choose to hire a trolley at the destination rather than navigate the logistics.
What warrant should I expect on my electric golf trolley?
Most Motocaddy and PowaKaddy electric trolleys come with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty as standard, covering defects in materials and workmanship. The battery is sometimes covered separately under a shorter warranty period – typically one year. Registering your product with the manufacturer after purchase is often required after the trolley arrives, so it’s well worth checking if you need to do this for your specific model.