Electric Walking Carts

[GaDawg]

·    Looking to purchase an electric walking cart, I love walking but cannot carry my clubs. I currently have a push cart, but my home course has a lot of hills. Any suggestions or thoughts would be appreciated. I have listed the brands and models I have reviewing below.

  MGI Zip Navigator

  MGI Zip Navigator AT, All Terrain Electric Golf Cart Bundle

  Bag Boy Navigator

  Motocaddy S7

·        CART TEK

  Kangaroo

 

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Edited February 29, 2020 by GaDawg
Modify and change apperance

[DaveP043]

I'll add one more for your consideration.  I've owned a QOD for almost two seasons, and can't be more pleased.  

Positives: 

Size.  This folds up to about the size of a case of beer.

Battery life  Guaranteed to last for 36 holes initially, guaranteed to last for at least 18 holes after 3 years of use.

Quality - So far, I have had zero problems with the QOD, with something close to 100 rounds on a very hilly course

Negatives

No remote control, you control speed with a roller on the handle, and steer manually

Lateral stability, the design that keeps it so small means the rear drive wheels are fairly close-set.  Steering on a side slope, lifting the front wheels off the ground, can get it a little tippy.  Its easy to learn to use it without problems, but it takes a little adjustment.

Availability.  These come from Australia, and US shipments apparently sell out quickly.  There are time periods when new units are out of stock.

https://qodgolfusa.com/

 

[Kenny B]

I don't know anything about these, but I read something this week about Alphard having a new model out.  If I were to get a battery powered cart, I'd look into these...

https://mygolfspy.com/tested-alphard-golf-ewheels-electric-push-cart-kit/

 

[fozcycle]

We have a member at our Club that bought the MGI. He has used it daily for three seasons and it still runs perfectly.


Sent from my iPad using MyGolfSpy

[chisag]

... I currently have the Mottocaddy S7, Bag Boy Navigator and the MGI Zip Navigator. They are all really good remote carts. I have been using remote carts since the mid 90's and the big problem with most remote carts is they wander and you need to constantly adjust their direction. You can make adjustments that will make the wandering minimal, but your cart still needs almost constant attention. The Navigators are different because they have a gyroscope built in so they don't wander. If they hit a bump of start to turn on a slight slope, the gyro brings it back on line and it stays on track. Huge difference when you don't have to worry if your cart is wandering away from you. 

... The BagBoy Navigator is more stable with 4 wheels but the battery is good for 18 and maybe 27 on a flat course. It is also a little difficult to control, or at least mine is. Sometimes it is slow to turn and other times it turns on a dime. The Zip is my favorite. The battery is the lightest and lasts the longest. You can easily play 36 on one charge. And of course the Zip has the gyro direction control. It is the lightest of the 3 and is easier to fold and unfold. It is also the least expensive. 

[TwoCoatsOfWax]

On 2/29/2020 at 10:03 AM, DaveP043 said:

I've owned a QOD for almost two seasons, and can't be more pleased. 

I really like those in part because they fold so small as you mentioned.  What kind of bag do you have?  Is it stable and resist twisting well?  Their website recommends a lightweight cart bag but I would think a stand bag that's semi-rigid would work just fine too.  

[DaveP043]

2 minutes ago, TwoCoatsOfWax said:

I really like those in part because they fold so small as you mentioned.  What kind of bag do you have?  Is it stable and resist twisting well?  Their website recommends a lightweight cart bag but I would think a stand bag that's semi-rigid would work just fine too.  

I have a 5-year old Ping Hoofer, and it works fine.  It can twist occasionally, and can get a bit off-balance, but since you have your hand on the trolley to steer, its no big deal to make corrections when that happens.  

[GaDawg]

10 hours ago, chisag said:

... I currently have the Mottocaddy S7, Bag Boy Navigator and the MGI Zip Navigator. They are all really good remote carts. I have been using remote carts since the mid 90's and the big problem with most remote carts is they wander and you need to constantly adjust their direction. You can make adjustments that will make the wandering minimal, but your cart still needs almost constant attention. The Navigators are different because they have a gyroscope built in so they don't wander. If they hit a bump of start to turn on a slight slope, the gyro brings it back on line and it stays on track. Huge difference when you don't have to worry if your cart is wandering away from you. 

... The BagBoy Navigator is more stable with 4 wheels but the battery is good for 18 and maybe 27 on a flat course. It os also a little difficult to control, or at least mine is. Sometimes it os slow to turn and other times it turns on a dime. The Zip is my favorite. The battery is the lightest and lasts the longest. You can easily play 36 on one charge. And of course the Zip has the gyro direction control. It is the lightest of the 3 and is easier to fold and unfold. It is also the least expensive. 

Thanks for the information, it is really helpful. I am strongly considering the MGI Zip Navigator. Costco has the all terrain model which has two front wheels separated a little and Amazon has one that has two wheels closer together. If you don't mind me asking, where did you purchase yours?

Your help is appreciated.

 

 

 

Edited March 10, 2020 by GaDawg
Double Post

[chisag]

... GaDawg my guess is they are the same, just a difference in pictures. I bought mine from In The Hole Golf because they had a free shipping, no tax and a $50 off coupon so I saved a couple hundred bucks. Let me know if you have any questions about the Zip. 

[chisag]

On 3/9/2020 at 7:46 PM, GaDawg said:

Thanks for the information, it is really helpful. I am strongly considering the MGI Zip Navigator. Costco has the all terrain model which has two front wheels separated a little and Amazon has one that has two wheels closer together. If you don't mind me asking, where did you purchase yours?

Your help is appreciated.

 

... Don't know if you are still in the market but I got this email today. On sale for $1495 with free shipping:

https://www.intheholegolf.com/MGI-ZIPNAV/MGI-ZIP-Navigator-Remote-Electric-Golf-Push-Cart.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=032020-mgi-promo&mc_cid=e5688e58fe&mc_eid=78db3c9d79

[fozcycle]

 
... Don't know if you are still in the market but I got this email today. On sale for $1495 with free shipping:

https://www.intheholegolf.com/MGI-ZIPNAV/MGI-ZIP-Navigator-Remote-Electric-Golf-Push-Cart.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=032020-mgi-promo&mc_cid=e5688e58fe&mc_eid=78db3c9d79

Great machine......one of our members is a walker and has two seasons on his buggy.


Using Wilson Staff Driver: Triton, Powerbilt 3W/5W, Tour Edge CVX129 4Hybrid, Irons 5-PW Wilson Staff D-7,Hogan wedges 49/53/57 & Tommy Armour Impact putter.

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

[PlaidJacket]

I'm still interested in the original Alphard eWheels conversion setup. I already have a SM Speecart (rarely used anymore) in good condition. Our First Tee is in progress of renovating an abandoned driving range where we're also building a 6-hole practice loop - and that's where the eWheels comes in. The loop will be walking only but push type carts are welcomed. For $550 I can convert and use my Speedcart there. The course is basically flat and short. Additionally I can keep it at the facility and ready for use whenever I need.

I did notice their new model V-2 with the "tether" but that didn't interest me at all. The last thing I want is to clip a string to my belt and have to fiddle with that. I'm sure there are... but these electric push-type carts need to incorporate some type of proximity sensor where the cart will follow you - starting and stopping as necessary. Perhaps they're already out there but I haven't taken the time to research.

[kenstl]

There are two follow behind models that come to mind, the Stewart X9 and the Caddytrek.   I have been looking at these trolley's as well and trying to decide whether to go on the budget end and forgo things like (a remote, gyro tracking, braking, follow mode, free wheel mode) or determine if one or more of those features is important enough for the $$.  

It seems that anything with a lithium battery is pretty much $800 on up to $2500, with many in the $1000 - $1500 range.  

[chisag]

... I will add some thoughts about my experience with electric carts the I have been using since the early 90's. 

1. They will tip over. I don't care how diligent you are, if you are using a remote cart at some point you are gonna hit a hole/drainage ditch, mound, etc covered by grass and your cart will tip over. Something that probably will never happen with a non remote model. But for me the ease of a remote while walking normally, far out weighs the downside of a potential tip over. 

2. If using a remote be prepared to answer questions over and over and over again. Also reckless and stupid comments, especially from those with an alcohol emboldened attitude. It really gets old.

3. Using a non remote electric cart does not give you the freedom to swing your arms while you walk keeping maximum flexibility with no tension, something I absolutely love about the remote carts I have owned. That said, you can program some distance like 50 yds so the cart goes on its own with out you holding anything but keep in mind point 1 because that increases the chance of tipping over. 

4. If you have never tried one, I can assure you a non remote electric cart is light years better than a push cart. Some enjoy the added exercise that pushing the cart provides, especially if they play a relatively flat course. And of course they can be much less expensive if that is a consideration. 

5. Probably my biggest gripe with my remote carts thru the years is their tendency to wander the right or left. You have to keep some of your attention on the cart or if it only wanders left, you can send it out to the right and it will wander back but you have to do that over and over again. Most have some kind of mechanical wheel adjustments or electronic adjustments to minimize the wandering but it will always be there, even if just a little. I just assumed this was part of the deal until MGS/Bag Boy released their remote carts with a gyroscope that keeps my cart on it's path. If it hits a little slope and moves off the path, as soon as it get to relatively level around it self corrects and puts itself back on the correct path. For me this is huge and worth the extra $ over the cheaper remote carts.  

... I have been playing and walking with remote carts for over 25 years and love the freedom and exercise it provides as well as playing better than I do when riding in a cart. I feel better after and during the round and considering you can walk 5-8 miles on a golf course, the exercise that you don't even realize you are getting is a wonderful bonus. 

[PlaidJacket]

1 hour ago, chisag said:

/Bag Boy released their remote carts with a gyroscope that keeps my cart on it's path.

I wasn't aware of this. A friend has a BB model of some type. I'll have to inquire and perhaps test his out. It might have the technology you're talking about. 

[chisag]

20 minutes ago, PlaidJacket said:

I wasn't aware of this. A friend has a BB model of some type. I'll have to inquire and perhaps test his out. It might have the technology you're talking about. 

 

... The only BB cart with a gyroscope is the Navigator, which is really just the MGi from Australia. Same exact cart, different name but as far as I know still available from BB. Fwiw, MGi stopped making it when they released the Zip Navigator. For my $, a better remote cart, better battery, lighter and less expensive. 

[TwoCoatsOfWax]

On 3/27/2020 at 12:37 PM, chisag said:

... I will add some thoughts about my experience with electric carts the I have been using since the early 90's. 

1. They will tip over. I don't care how diligent you are, if you are using a remote cart at some point you are gonna hit a hole/drainage ditch, mound, etc covered by grass and your cart will tip over. Something that probably will never happen with a non remote model. But for me the ease of a remote while walking normally, far out weighs the downside of a potential tip over. 

2. If using a remote be prepared to answer questions over and over and over again. Also reckless and stupid comments, especially from those with an alcohol emboldened attitude. It really gets old.

3. Using a non remote electric cart does not give you the freedom to swing your arms while you walk keeping maximum flexibility with no tension, something I absolutely love about the remote carts I have owned. That said, you can program some distance like 50 yds so the cart goes on its own with out you holding anything but keep in mind point 1 because that increases the chance of tipping over. 

4. If you have never tried one, I can assure you a non remote electric cart is light years better than a push cart. Some enjoy the added exercise that pushing the cart provides, especially if they play a relatively flat course. And of course they can be much less expensive if that is a consideration. 

5. Probably my biggest gripe with my remote carts thru the years is their tendency to wander the right or left. You have to keep some of your attention on the cart or if it only wanders left, you can send it out to the right and it will wander back but you have to do that over and over again. Most have some kind of mechanical wheel adjustments or electronic adjustments to minimize the wandering but it will always be there, even if just a little. I just assumed this was part of the deal until MGS/Bag Boy released their remote carts with a gyroscope that keeps my cart on it's path. If it hits a little slope and moves off the path, as soon as it get to relatively level around it self corrects and puts itself back on the correct path. For me this is huge and worth the extra $ over the cheaper remote carts.  

... I have been playing and walking with remote carts for over 25 years and love the freedom and exercise it provides as well as playing better than I do when riding in a cart. I feel better after and during the round and considering you can walk 5-8 miles on a golf course, the exercise that you don't even realize you are getting is a wonderful bonus. 

Thank you for this write up.  This is more helpful than the info in most reviews on YouTube.  

[HAC]

On 3/21/2020 at 5:05 PM, chisag said:

 

... Don't know if you are still in the market but I got this email today. On sale for $1495 with free shipping:

https://www.intheholegolf.com/MGI-ZIPNAV/MGI-ZIP-Navigator-Remote-Electric-Golf-Push-Cart.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=032020-mgi-promo&mc_cid=e5688e58fe&mc_eid=78db3c9d79

Costco now has the Zip Navigator for $1299 with a bunch of extras included.  https://www.costco.com/CatalogSearch?storeId=10301&catalogId=10701&langId=-1&keyword=mgi  I have had one for two years and like it very much.

[chisag]

3 minutes ago, HAC said:

Costco now has the Zip Navigator for $1299 with a bunch of extras included.  https://www.costco.com/CatalogSearch?storeId=10301&catalogId=10701&langId=-1&keyword=mgi  I have had one for two years and like it very much.

 

... Wow if this is affordable for anyones budget, it is the deal of the century! Considering the original Navigator sold for $2400 this is just about 1/2 the price and imo a better cart. The battery on my original Navigator was usually good for 27 holes but twice ran out after about 24 holes on a hilly course and the Zip can go 36 and still have plenty of life left in it. Thanks for posting this! 

[TwoCoatsOfWax]

On 3/27/2020 at 12:37 PM, chisag said:

I will add some thoughts about my experience with electric carts

Have you used the Alphard eWheels at all?  This seems to be the least expensive way to get remote functionality.  My pushcart has a swivel front wheel so it should work well.  It's also half the price of the Zip Navigator.  If so, what were your thoughts on the Alphard product?