Best Golf Carts
Golf carts have grown sharply in popularity over the past few years. Golf carts - or trolleys if you're in the UK - make walking the golf course that little bit easier, making 18 holes a lot less tiring than if you carry your clubs. Brands like Motocaddy, PowaKaddy, Stewart Golf and other leading brands have manufactured, refined and developed push carts, electric carts and even remote control golf carts to make the job of walking the golf course more convenient and, importantly, easier on the body.
VIDEO: Watch Dan Parker's verdict on the best push carts and best electric trolleys of 2022
Indeed because of this growth, there are lots of different options to consider, and a lot of different models that cover a variety of price points. So the question remains which are the best golf carts? We've split this guide up into two sections: electric carts and push carts. Electric carts come in a more premium price as you might expect, but the automatic power means even less stress on your body during a round of golf and allows you to freely walk on the open links. Electric carts are especially beneficial if you play on a particularly undulating course.
Push carts are a lot cheaper than their electric counterparts but still come with plenty of accessories and technology that offers a stress free walk on the course. These are ideal if you're looking to invest in a golf cart and play on a moderately flat golf course. Acknowledging this, we recommend setting a budget and working from there.
This guide should give you an idea on some of the best in the business in the remote, electric and push categories. If you want to be more specific then take a look at our guides on the best remote control trolleys, best electric golf trolleys and best push carts as well.
Best Golf Carts
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Push
Bag Boy might not be a household name to some but don’t let that fool you, its Nitron Push Cart is packed full of performance. Suitable for golfers of all levels, the mechanism to fold and unfold is lightning fast, while it’s also one of the most secure push carts we’ve ever trialled.
It’s extremely lightweight and, when folded down, it’s very compact, making it a dream in terms of storage. And while it may not be as heavy or bulky as other similar products, it remains robust and able to cope with any and all demands placed on it.
Other features include a scorecard console with integrated beverage holder, mobile device holder and golf ball storage, handle mounted parking brake and bungee straps to secure golf bag with ease. In fact another element to discuss here is the price because you can find this model at a much lower price point than other competitor models, and it is regularly on offer as well so you can save even more money too. This is why we included it in our guides on the best affordable golf carts (opens in new tab), and best value golf push carts (opens in new tab) as well.
- Read our full Bag Boy Nitron Push Cart Review (opens in new tab)
It was 1999 when Sun Mountain first introduced the Speed Cart, which has proven to be a product that forever changed the push cart market. In January of this year, 23 years after the original version was released, Sun Mountain released the new V1R, the company's latest Speed Cart iteration. And based on our on-course testing, the V1R is likely to keep the Speed Cart franchise firmly entrenched as a category leader.
In our testing, we found the V1R to be exceptionally stable and easy to maneuver on the golf course. Its ergonomic design makes the cart feel much lighter during use than it actually is, making walking far more enjoyable than carrying a bag. The V1R is also extremely easy to set up for play and to fold and unfold for transporting or storage, although it is not the most compact (opens in new tab) in its folded position.
Additionally, the V1R features a storage tray and mesh basket to store items such as headcovers, phones, golf balls, scorecards, or wallets during use, and it also features a drink holder and attachable umbrella holder. There are also 10 color options ranging from subtle to quite vibrant for golfers to choose from depending on their personal taste.
- Read our full Sun Mountain 2022 Speed Cart V1R Push Cart Review (opens in new tab)
A model that featured in our best golf push trolleys (opens in new tab) guide, Motocaddy has created a top-notch cart design here. The two-step folding system is simple and easy to use, whilst the maneuverability is excellent too. We do recommend being slightly careful on side slopes though because of the lightweight design (only 6.8kg), but realistically you could say this about most push carts.
A specific feature we noticed was the well-placed carry handle that makes it easy for anyone to carry when it’s folded up. It also stayed folded up when carrying too which was a benefit because it didn't try and unfold itself.
Any bag sits nicely and is held in place with adjustable bag supports at the top and bottom. The footbrake is easy to use and there’s plenty of storage too, so you don’t have to fill your pockets or be diving in and out of your bag all the time
- Read our full Motocaddy Cube Push Cart Review (opens in new tab)
In 2022 PowaKaddy introduced the Micra which is arguably the standout model from the new range because of its compact-folding frame, super-stable ride and sheer number of features. We were very impressed with how compactly it folded together whilst the quick-folding mechanism only involved two simple steps. In no time our bag was on the cart and we were heading to the first tee.
As you would expect there are several areas for storage and one design feature more golf carts could do with is the dedicated water-resistant mobile phone storage area. We also think it looks great in the black, silver and yellow finish pictured above.
- Read our full PowaKaddy Micra Push Cart Review (opens in new tab)
This really is a premium 3 wheel push trolley that we found to be so maneuverable about the course it could be pushed one handed around corners on an upslope. Getting the golf bag onto it in the car park couldn’t have been easier. A touch of a button and away you go. This trolley comes as standard with all those things you’d have to buy extra if you were to purchase a PowaKaddy DLX light for example. It boasts a broad scorecard holder, dry space for valuables and equipment, an umbrella Holder and x2 Wheel Covers which kept our car tidy and clean.
Thanks to the 7.2kg lightweight durable aluminum frame it felt easy lifting in and out of the car, perhaps also one of the reasons it literally “Glides” about the course. We cannot emphasize enough how maneuverable this is. This trolley houses a slender carry bag just as well as a more hefty tour bag. The arms fold around the bag and the elasticated bungees secure it your clubs in place. It’s impressive when your stand bag sits with no wiggling about on a trolley like this.
- Read our full Longridge Eze Glide Smart Fold Push Trolley review
Electric
The new look Motocaddy S1 for 2022 has revived the iconic moniker from Motocaddy and created a simple but powerful electric trolley that is 16% smaller than previous models in the S Series. It is incredibly easy to fold this trolley up and down and the new S1 uses Motocaddy's easiest folding system, with the trolley folding up and down in one step.
One of the highlights of this trolley is the newly positioned Click 'N' Connect battery which is cable-free and automatically disconnects when the trolley is folded up. This allows the battery to be charged without having to ever take it off the chassis. It's as reliable and easy-to-use as you'd expect from a Motocaddy, with a clear display and ergonomic control knob making for a very enjoyable experience out on course. We'll have our full review of the new Motocaddy S1 soon on the Golf Monthly website.
- Read our full Motocaddy S1 2022 Electric Trolley Review (opens in new tab)
The FX3 is PowaKaddy's 'entry-level' model, meaning it offers golfers the simplest form of an electric trolley with a 9-speed power system, a 2.3" color display, lightweight lithium battery and one click folding system. It may be bare bones when it comes to features, but this is all a lot of golfers want and need.
The FX3 benefits from super-simple one click folding system. It really is as simple as it sounds and by clicking on one button mid-way up the chassis of the FX3, you can guide both sections of the the trolley down into its folded up state
Overall, it's a very solid entry-level electric trolley. While it lacks the excitement of more expensive models, the FX3 does what it was set out to do perfectly. The one click folding system is a massive highlight and the FX3 is proof that electric trolleys can be a hassle-free addition to your golf equipment.
- Read our full Powakaddy FX3 electric trolley review
Sitting at the top of the Motocaddy range right now is the M5 GPS cart. It looks great and we particularly liked the hi-res 3.5” LCD display that can be controlled in all weather conditions, even when wearing a glove. The screen can also give yardages, track scores and the time of your round.
The size of the screen allows users to see things like time and battery life, without hindering the ability to see the GPS distances and a view of the green. Indeed you can also move the pin position on the green so you can have greater confidence in choosing the right club.
It is also very easy to use thanks to the drive system which is very efficient and reliable.
The cart folds down very compactly, assisted by the ability to invert the wheels and the front wheel automatically folding underneath. The assembly process requires two latches to be undone, and while they can be quite stiff, with practice the trolley can be erected in under five seconds.
- Read our full Motocaddy M5 GPS Cart Review (opens in new tab)
Stewart Golf has been making some of the best electric golf trolleys for years now so it comes as no surprise the Q Follow is in this list.
It can follow you around the course at your walking pace from a safe distance thanks to the unique functionality built into the Bluetooth handset.
A completely new frame design, which has a unique marble-effect finish, allows it to fold down much more compactly while an integrated carry handle makes it easier to lift into your car. There’s also a new retractable stabilizer comprising two wheels, which automatically deploys as the trolley is unfolded.
- Read our full Stewart Golf Q Follow Electric Trolley Review
The FX7 GPS by PowaKaddy is a marked improvement on the last generation's model. It can fold down 20 per cent smaller thanks to the removal of the central pillar and we also found the high visibility full color Touch Screen to be easy to use and clear to the eye.
The integrated GPS also gives yardages to the front, middle and back of the green too which could inform your club choices. We found the screen also worked excellently in changing light conditions.
It’s no secret that some of the deterrents to power trolleys in the past were weight, size, ease of assembly and the charging process.
All of these are problems of the past with the PowaKaddy FX7 GPS electric trolley, which not only looks sleek and stylish, but also weighs a fraction of some of those trolleys of yesteryear.
- Read our full PowaKaddy FX7 GPS Cart Review (opens in new tab)
Brand new for 2022, the PowaKaddy CT8 GPS is the world's smallest touchscreen GPS golf trolley. It folds down a whopping 35% smaller than its nearest competitor and is ideal for those with small car trunks or minimal space to store a trolley at home.
The GPS system is the same one we've become used to in PowaKaddy devices, but it's on a new and very clear 3.5" full-color touchscreen display. This makes the GPS very intuitive to use and has some really useful features such as scorecard, stroke index information, active green view and drop flag to give you accurate yardages on course. It comes preloaded with over 40,000 courses worldwide and requires no subscription.
- Read our full PowaKaddy CT8 GPS Cart Review (opens in new tab)
The Zip Navigator is very stable across all terrain and we quickly grew confident that, whatever part of the golf course we sent it scurrying across, we’d arrive next to our ball with our trolley and bag waiting.
The excellent stability is in part thanks to the rear 4th wheel which keeps the trolley from tipping backwards if it goes up a steep incline. It also features downhill speed control – a feature that stops it going too quickly down steep hills – which adds to the confident stability of the trolley. The remote has a ‘lock’ button that stops any buttons being unwillingly pressed while in your pocket and you can invert the wheels when folding it down to save on storage space. All in all, it's a very well rounded offering at a competitive price.
- Read our full MGI Zip Navigator Remote Electric Trolley Review
How we test golf carts
We test carts with the same ethos as all other golf gear - rigorously and comprehensively. If we say we have reviewed a golf product then we have done so out on the golf course, in different conditions. This is particularly important for carts because you want your model to perform as well in the winter as it does in the summer. The entire Golf Monthly team plays golf regularly so can put golf gear to the test (opens in new tab) with ease and it should be acknowledged that no manufacturer can buy a good review. Our team tells it how we see it.
What to consider when buying a golf cart
What factors should you consider when thinking about buying a golf cart and how do you choose the right model (opens in new tab) for you? We take a look below.
Electric/Push
Obviously the first thing you want to think about is whether you want an electric model, or a push cart. Electric designs are obviously more expensive but come with a lot more features and require less effort to maneuver. Push carts are cheaper, usually lighter and very easy to use.
Features
As we mentioned above lots of different models come with a wide range of features, and some look to simply perform as a trolley. For example some electric models come with GPS functionality, remote controls, shot-tracking and large LCD screens. Push carts also come with features like storage compartments, drinks holder, adjustable handle and so on. Therefore you should think about what extra features would be important to you when using a golf cart.
Ease of use
The whole point of a golf cart is to make life easier on the golf course when moving from shot to shot, so a cart that isn't easy to use is pointless. They have to be easy to maneuver on the course and getting it out of the car, and most designs fold away too so this foldable process has to be simple to put up and fold away as well.
Storage
Us golfers accumulate a lot of stuff whether it be tees, balls, scorecard, phone, wallet and so on and so forth. Sure it is easy to store this in the golf bag on the cart but for ease of access it is good to store things in the trolley too. As a result pretty much all trolleys come with storage compartments these days with some being larger than others.
Durability - A golf cart can be a large investment so it has to be able to last a long time, as well as deal with the rain, mud, and whatever general use gets thrown at it on the golf course. As such we recommend looking at models that are made from strong materials like aluminum.
Price
With so many brands making golf carts these days there is a model for everyone at every price point. If you want to go for the cheapest option which will just act as a cart, you can. Or if you want all the bells and whistles on an electric design, you can do that too. It is all a question of how much you want to spend.
FAQ's
What brand golf carts are the best?
This is a difficult question to answer because so many brands make high-quality models. Motocaddy and PowaKaddy are two of the best when it comes to electric and push carts, whilst there are also smaller brands like Bag Boy, Sun Mountain and Stewart Golf that also make top-notch golf carts.
If you enjoyed this guide on the best golf carts, check out the Golf Monthly website.