How Do Electric Golf Trolleys Work?
Think of an electric golf trolley as a super-smart, motorised luggage cart designed specifically for your golf clubs. It has three main parts that work together to take your clubs where they need to go:
The battery - A rechargeable lithium battery (like the one in your smartphone, but bigger) that carries the charge to help propel your clubs from hole to hole.
The motor - This is why the battery is so important; it sends the power to the electric motor to help turn the trolley’s wheels, so you don’t have to try as hard.
The control system - Usually a small screen with buttons, this is where you get to tell the trolley exactly what to do. Including speed control, distance control, and even remote controls (in more high-tech models).
Why Choose an Electric Golf Trolley?
Easing Stress and Preventing Injury
Don’t get us wrong, electric trolleys are a significant financial investment and, for golfers who enjoy playing a quick 9-holes after a hectic day – or want to get some last-minute practice in – carrying can be ideal.
However, if you’re playing 18 or 36 holes in one round, you’ll easily walk 8km (if not more!), meaning there will be a lot of stress on your upper body if you choose to carry your clubs. In this case, an electric trolley is a no-brainer and will reduce muscle fatigue as you approach the end of the round.
Better still, these trolleys actually help in avoiding more serious injuries. By handing off the heavy lifting to your trusted electric trolley, you can cut the risk of muscle or tendon issues that could keep you away from the game you love for a while.
Golfing Convenience
A push trolley or golf cart could also work, but nothing compares to the convenience and ease of use that an electric trolley provides. These trolleys do all the hard work for you, so you can spend less energy hauling your clubs from A to B and more on lowering your score and improving your shots.
Besides, electric golf trolleys are foldable, making them easy to store and transport. A simple push of a button is all it takes to unfold your trolley on your way to the first tee, and to pack it away just as easily when you’re heading off the golf course again.
Nowadays, these trolleys are so well made that they take up very little space, so you can easily squeeze even top-of-the-line models into cars of all shapes and sizes.
How Long Do Electric Golf Trolleys Last?
Modern golf trolleys are built using sturdy materials, so the frame itself should last a long time! The battery, however, works in a similar way to your smartphone battery. The more you use it and the longer you leave it charging, the more you’ll start to notice a decline in how much power it can carry.
But don’t worry, the average lifespan for these batteries is up to five years, so you’ll have plenty of time to spend on the course without a care in the world. When it finally dies, you can opt for replacement batteries. It’s that simple.
How Long Does it Take to Recharge an Electric Golf Trolley?
Modern lithium-ion batteries (which are considered the standard now) take between 4 and 8 hours to fully charge from 0%. Be sure to place your trolley on to charge the day before your game, so you’ll have a faithful companion to carry your clubs all the way through your round!
Keep in mind, though, that if your battery is on the older side, it may take a little longer, so be patient or swap it out for a brand new one.
Pro tip: The second you get home from a round, plug your trolley in to charge. That way, there’s no risk of you forgetting later down the line, and you’ll have a fully charged golf trolley ready to go at all times.
How to Make Electric Golf Trolley Batteries Last Longer?
You can significantly increase the lifespan of your trolley by doing these few things:
Look after the battery: Never leave it fully discharged for long periods, and always use the charger specifically designed for it.
Keep it clean: Wipe the trolley down after every round to remove mud, grass, and moisture, especially from the wheels and connectors.
Regular service: Just like a car, giving the trolley an annual check-up can catch small issues before they become big, expensive problems. Have a chat with the Clarkes Golf team via phone or email for more info.
18-hole or 36-hole battery: Which do you need?
For the most affordable option, opt for an 18-hole lithium battery; this will also keep your electric golf trolley lighter.
However, a 36-hole battery is an excellent choice if you want to play two rounds between charging, extra power on hilly courses, or headroom as the battery ages. Read our full 18-hole vs 36-hole guide.
What is the Best Electric Golf Trolley for:
All-Terrain
PowaKaddy 2026 RX10 GPS Electric Golf Trolley | XL Plus Lithium
The RX10’s remote steering is essential for managing steep, uneven terrain where you need to steer it around hazards.
Small Cars
PowaKaddy 2026 CT6 GPS Electric Golf Trolley | 36 Hole Lithium
These models use a simple, horizontal fold that makes them significantly smaller than standard trolleys, perfect for small boots.
Heavy Golf Bags
Motocaddy 2026 M5 GPS DHC Electric Golf Trolley | 36 Hole Lithium Battery
The DHC feature isn't just for hills; it constantly regulates power. When you're pulling a heavy bag, this stabilisation prevents the trolley from surging on uneven ground, reducing wear and tear on the motor and giving you a smoother ride.
Tight Budgets
Motocaddy 2026 SE Electric Golf Trolley | 18 Hole Lithium Battery
The SE is the most affordable trolley in our range. Its 18-hole battery covers a full round – excellent for those playing one round at a time.
Hands-Free Rounds
NAVEE Birdie 3x Follow Electric Golf Trolley | 36 Hole
The Birdie 3x Follow walks with you around the course so you don’t have to rely on a handset.
Electric Golf Trolley Prices at a Glance
Under £500
Best for one round per charge and a first electric trolley.
£600-£800
Best for regular golfers wanting a DHC or compact fold.
£800-£1,000
Best for built-in GPS or remote control.
£1000+
Best for premium tech, remote steering, and extended batteries.
How to Choose the Right Electric Golf Trolley
Choosing the right electric golf trolley boils down to three super important questions about how and where you play. First, look at your course conditions and style. If you play anywhere hilly, you need a trolley with Downhill Control (DHC) to keep it from running away! If you want a totally hands-free round, choose a remote control golf trolley.
Second, consider your storage and bag load. If your car boot is tight or your garage is small, look for models designed with an ultra-compact fold, like the PowaKaddy CT6. If you use a heavy tour bag, don't settle for the cheapest model; invest in a trolley with a robust, wide frame that’s built to handle the extra weight. If you’ll be lifting the trolley in and out of the car of your own, compare the weight with the battery fitted, as lithium models are much lighter than older lead-acid trolleys.
Finally, decide on your tech: do you need basic movement, or do you want integrated GPS to replace your rangefinder? Whichever one you choose, always make sure it comes with a modern lithium battery – it's lighter, quicker to charge, and lasts much longer.
Electric Golf Trolleys For Sale
Designed to make light work of undulating terrain, a trolley is perfect if you’re playing hilly courses. Rather than having to drag the weight of the golf bag to the top, an electric trolley can provide golfers with some much-needed relief, moving at different speeds to match your pace. And, depending on the model, it may have a Downhill Control (DHC) function which keeps it at a steady speed on steep slopes. So, no need to worry about being in control at all times.
Thanks to technological advances, some can even be connected to smartphones and provide on-screen GPS information, whilst others come with USB charging ports and are remote-controlled. No matter which electric golf trolley you opt for, you’re sure to benefit from a sleek and shiny solution for transporting heavy equipment across the links. Plus, all of our trolleys are foldable, making them easy to store and transport.