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
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? Well at Golf Monthly our entire team are regular golfers and we have tested a whole range of golf carts ranging from the ultra-premium models down to more budget-friendly designs. This testing is vital so we can pick out the top models and see what the performance is actually like in the real world.
We've split this guide up into three sections: push, electric and remote 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. One step further here are remote carts which can be controlled, as you would expect, with remote devices.
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.
The Quick List
Lightweight, compact and with plenty of storage, the Bag Boy Nitron is one of the best push carts we've tested thanks to it nailing the basics.
The M5 GPS combines Motocaddy’s reliability and practical features, with a crystal clear screen that houses the impressive moveable pin position pointer.
While the design is one we are familiar with, the new technology that makes up the trolley's DNA creates a class-leading remote control experience
The Motocaddy Cube push cart is quick and easy to unfold and makes getting around the golf course a breeze. It is also very compact and lightweight.
This model folds flat for easy storage and transportation to and from the golf course. It comes with a huge amount of storage and glides with ease.
This features some clever quality of life upgrades. Inverting wheels and a battery you never need to remove from the chassis makes for an easy to use experience.
Load the next 3 models
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.
A comprehensive and enjoyable remote-controlled golf trolley. The remote control functionality works as well as ever and the Performance Plan adds to it.
The MGI ZIP Navigator is a well-rounded remote electric trolley. It is well built, responsive and stable but more than anything it is good fun to use on the course.
Best Golf Carts
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Top pick
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, and best value golf push carts as well.
- Read our full Bag Boy Nitron Push Cart Review
Best electric
Motocaddy M5 GPS Trolley with bag attached on grass
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
Best remote
At first glance, those familiar with the design of Stewart trolleys will notice a lot of similarities and a few refreshments to the overall design. It features a well-designed and efficient two-step folding system that folds up surprisingly compactly considering the 2023 Remote's overall size.
On-course performance is highlighted by a key new technology under the hood of the Vertx Remote that makes it a class leader for remote functionality. It's called Active Terrain Control (ATC) and it's an all-new operating system that is designed to allow the trolley to tackle any sort of landscape or gradient on the golf course. In testing we thought it really performed well, as it tackled some seriously steep slopes with total ease. We also thought the two wheels at the front, performed well in terms of stability and maneuverability too.
Two points worth mentioning are the remote is a bit bulkier than its rivals, but it's still an ergonomic and easy-to-grasp design. Additionally the only thing that the Vertx is lacking versus its competitors from this year is the embedded GPS in the handle.
- Read our full Stewart Golf Vertx Remote Trolley Review
Most compact
Motocaddy Cube push trolley folded out with bag attached
A model that featured in our best golf push trolleys 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
Most lightweight
The Big Max Blade Trio Push Cart in black
When it comes to the cart with the best folding mechanism, it's difficult to look past the Big Max Blade Trio, which has a two-step system that takes a matter of seconds to erect. To fold it down, the handle folds down into the chassis, then it's one simple pull inwards of the main component and the Blade Trio is folded!
Weighing 6.7kg (14.7lbs), premium materials have been used throughout the chassis and handle area, with the cart also boasting a huge amount of storage thanks to the XL mesh net under the handle. The mesh can store your rangefinder or GPS, as well as golf balls so you have them to hand.
All of this equates to great performance when out on the course, as we found the Blade Trio glided over surfaces. The only slight criticism we have is that the rear wheels don't have a particularly wide wheelbase. There is still plenty of stability over bumpy terrain though, but a particularly heavy Tour bag might not be conducive for use on the Blade Trio. One final thing, while this particular model is only available in the US and continental Europe, those in the UK can benefit from a very similar folding system on the Big Max Blade IP push cart.
- Read our full Big Max Blade Trio Push Cart Review
Best sporty design
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
Simple folding system
Powakaddy FX3 Electric Trolley with bag attached on grass
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
Excellent GPS
Motocaddy M7 GPS Electric Trolley with bag attached
This is an upgrade on its predecessor the M7 Remote, with a new GPS system embedded into the handle. And if you're used to some of the other excellent Motocaddy models featured on our best electric golf trolleys guide, then you'll certainly enjoy this stunning looking model. As standard you get a 3.5" touchscreen, the device delivers front, middle and back distances to the green, dynamic green view with drag and drop pin placement, yardages to hazards, shot distance tracking and a scorecard tracker. It's a seriously comprehensive piece of kit that we loved playing around with.
So how does the trolley perform on the course? Well, let's start with the remote functionality, which is seamless to use. It is controlled by a small ergonomic remote which is responsive and easy to use, making this one of the best remote control golf trolleys. You can walk behind the trolley which has standard Down Hill Control that will keep the trolley going steady up and down the golf course. The trolley is very compact and easy to fold up too and can hold its own against some of the most compact trolleys on the market. If you're limited on space then this is a really good option to use, with the wheels folding under the chassis making it very easy to stash in the trunk of your car.
- Read our full Motocaddy M7 GPS Electric Trolley Review
Most compact remote
MGI Zip Navigator Remote Electric Caddy lying on grass
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 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 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.
FAQs
How long will a golf cart last?
Given the durability and premium materials used in golf carts these days, good models should last a number of years especially if well looked after and maintained. We have found the top models offer sturdy protection and also deal with tough golf conditions like rain well.
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.
How long do golf cart batteries last?
In electric and remote carts battery technology has seriously improved over the last few years with manufacturers improving battery life in particular. Of course when answering this question it depends on the model of cart but we have found the best models usually offer at least 18 holes of play whilst the top models can do 36 holes as well.
If you enjoyed this guide on the best golf carts, why not take a look at some of our other buying guides, such as the most compact golf trolleys.
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