Golf trolleys have historically been clunky, heavy and not the easiest to transport, but that is no longer the case. Manufacturers are continuously developing clever folding designs that make modern golf trolleys lighter and more portable when it comes to transporting to and from your car. Additionally, they are far easier to store too, taking up much less room in the boot of your car, garage or wherever you choose to store it. It’s not just push trolleys benefiting from this innovation either, as many of the best electric golf trolleys also fold down into surprisingly compact packages.
These space-saving designs don’t mean you have to compromise on features either. Many compact trolleys come fully loaded with premium additions like GPS systems and remote control capabilities, which offer a blend of convenience and cutting-edge technology to give you the best of both worlds.
Below, we’ve picked out some of the most compact golf trolleys on the market right now. For a more detailed insight into how easy these models are to use, check out our full in-depth reviews. We also recommend checking out our guide on the best remote control trolleys or the best push carts to get a wider understanding of all the best golf trolleys currently available.
The Quick List
The Bag Boy Nitron is one of the best push carts we've tested thanks to it nailing the basics. It's lightweight, compact and boasts plenty of storage,
The PowaKaddy Micracan go toe-to-toe with any push cart currently on the market thanks to its looks, compact folding size and lightweight frame.
Compact, easy to use even easier to set up and put away. This is one of our favorite GPS electric trolleys currently on the market thanks to a class-leading touchscreen now in a portrait orientation.
The compact and lightweight Motocaddy Cube push cart is quick and easy to unfold which makes getting around the golf course a breeze. An excellent option at a great price.
Featuring a crystal clear screen that houses the impressive moveable pin position pointer, the M5 GPS combines Motocaddy’s reliability and practical features.
The premium materials and design make this a very desirable product, while having the chassis permanently attached to the bag saves time and space, .
Most Compact Golf Trolleys - Lightweight Golf Trolley
Best value
Our top pick in this compact golf trolley guide is the Bag Boy Nitron due to the outstanding value for money on offer. The Nitron is remarkably lightweight and folds down into a compact, travel-friendly shape, making it ideal for storage and transport.
During our testing the standout feature for us was the bungee strap system, which held the golf bag firmly in place throughout the round, with no shifting or slipping whatsoever. We found setup to be quick and straightforward and it took just over ten minutes from unboxing to having everything assembled and ready to go.
There’s also plenty of smart storage for accessories and essentials. When it comes to aesthetics, the Nitron has a sleek, modern look. Feature-wise, it's well-equipped with an integrated beverage holder, mobile device holder, golf ball storage, and a handle-mounted parking brake. This adds up to make this trolley fantastic value.
Overall we really enjoyed using the Bag Boy Nitron and it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most popular compact trolleys on the market today.
- Read our full Bag Boy Nitron Push Cart Review
Best folding mechanism
The PowaKaddy Micra folds down exceptionally well and even earned a spot on our Editor's Choice list. Its compact size when folded makes it ideal for anyone needing to save space, whether in the car, garage or locker. The folding system is cleverly designed and uses two mechanisms. One to lower the handle and the other tucking the front wheel neatly under the chassis. A quick push of both ends brings the Micra together into a conveniently portable shape. Very easy to use.
During testing, we found that the sporty wheels rolled effortlessly over all types of terrain, even tackling steep slopes with ease. We were also impressed with the smart design touches, especially the well-positioned footbrake which is located just behind the left wheel. Throughout our tests the Micra felt solid, sturdy, and built to last.
The multi-functional handle console is another highlight, offering generous storage options. There’s a water-resistant phone compartment, scorecard holder, pen/pencil slot, and dedicated spaces for balls and tees, so everything you need is close to hand.
- Read our full PowaKaddy Micra Push Cart Review
Most compact electric
Electric trolleys with built-in GPS used to be bulky and difficult to manage, but that changed dramatically with the groundbreaking Powakaddy CT8 GPS trolley. Things have since improved even further with the launch of the new CT12, with its sleek, modern chassis and ultra-compact folding mechanism making it one of the most user-friendly and stylish electric trolleys on the market.
The GPS system is the same familiar, feature-rich platform we’ve come to expect from PowaKaddy, albeit now displayed on a crisp 5" full-colour touchscreen. This time, the screen has been shifted from landscape to portrait orientation, which feels like a smart move to us, given the vertical layout of most golf holes. The new format offers a more intuitive and detailed way to plan your approach down each fairway.
Despite the larger screen, it doesn’t interfere with bag access. PowaKaddy has done a great job redesigning the handle to maintain a compact profile and avoid unnecessary bulk. The system includes over 40,000 pre-loaded courses along with features like score tracking, stroke index info, Active Green View and Drop Flag Technology for precise yardages.
Overall, the CT12 is very impressive. It combines cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design and impressive portability, putting it firmly in the conversation as one of best electric golf trolleys available today.
- Read our full PowaKaddy CT12 GPS Electric Trolley Review
Best lightweight
The Motocaddy Cube is a remarkably lightweight and compact golf trolley, weighing in at just 6.8kg (14.9lbs). When folded it takes up minimal space, making it ideal for easy transport and storage.
Folding and unfolding the Cube is simple. It only takes a few button presses and simple movements to get it ready for action and to put it away again afterwards. The process is smooth, intuitive, and made even better by the adjustable handle that lets you fine-tune the setup to suit your height and preference.
One standout feature from our testing was the Easilock compatibility, which ensures your golf bag stays firmly in place. The trolley also includes adjustable bag supports at both the top and bottom, offering a secure and stable fit for a wide range of bags. Add to that a 24-month warranty, ample storage space, and a selection of colour options (including red, blue, and yellow) and all in all you have a fantastic compact trolley that delivers on both practicality and style.
- Read our full Motocaddy Cube Push Trolley Review
Best with GPS
Based on our testing, we rate the Motocaddy M5 GPS as one of the best golf carts currently available. It strikes an excellent balance between reliability and practicality, offering a well-rounded package for golfers who want both performance and convenience. The M5 GPS folds down into an impressively compact size thanks to its wheel-inversion feature and a front wheel that automatically folds underneath for easy storage.
Setting it up is quick and efficient, you just release two latches and you're all set. While they can feel a bit stiff at first, with a bit of practice, the trolley can be ready to go in under five seconds. Beyond its folding design the M5 GPS packs in a range of premium features, most notably a large full-colour touchscreen and long-lasting battery.
Through the screen you can access front, middle, and back yardages, as well as hole par, hazard lists and you can even move the pin position for enhanced accuracy. The interface is clear, responsive and packed with useful detail.
It’s worth noting that all M-Series trolleys - including the M1 and M3 GPS - share the same clever folding frame, so you’ll enjoy the same space-saving design across the range.
- Read our full Motocaddy M5 GPS Trolley Review
Best 2-wheel
Blending European design flair with everyday practicality, the Kaddey Switch stands out as one of the most unique golf push carts we’ve tested.
Based on our testing, what sets it apart is its permanent attachment system which is designed to stay fixed to your golf bag. This clever approach eliminates the usual hassle of strapping bags onto trolleys before or after a round, saving you time and effort. It also takes up minimal space in your car boot, which makes it ideal for golfers on the go.
On the course, we found that transitioning between pushing and pulling the Switch was seamless. The central console felt solid and well-balanced, while the ergonomic handle was comfortable in both pushing and pulling modes. While the absence of a front wheel may be a drawback for some, we found the sleek Dutch design and robust aluminium frame gave the trolley a sharp, modern look that we certainly enjoyed during our testing session..
One of our favourite features is how quickly the Switch gets you ready to play. Just clip on the XL wheels and you’re away. The wheels even come in a protective carry bag so your car stays clean after muddy rounds.
Overall, the Kaddey Switch offers a smart, minimalist take on the traditional push cart, making it perfect for golfers who value speed, style, and simplicity.
- Read our full Kaddey Switch Trolley Review
How we test foldable trolleys
Golf Monthly has a comprehensive testing procedure centered around using products properly, thoroughly, and over a number of rounds and golf experiences.
This is imperative for creating proper reviews, guidance and recommendations to help you make an informed decision on what product is best for you. To be completely transparent, no manufacturer can pay for a good review. We tell it how it is and that will never change.
Before testing any product, the Golf Monthly team typically attends launch events and meets with the manufacturer’s R&D specialists to gain a clear understanding of the latest innovations. This step is especially important given the cutting-edge technology now built into even the most standard golf trolleys.
The team then takes models out on the course for testing. This is a simple process because everyone in the team plays golf regularly. To get the full picture we look to test each trolley in different conditions from rain to snow to assess the performance benefits that each product offers. We also look to address how easy each is to use, fold away and whether there are any stand-out features on that trolley that differentiate it from others on the market.
How to choose a golf cart/trolley
With a diverse range of golf carts and trolleys available today, choosing the right golf cart for your needs can be a difficult decision. Here's a list of things to consider:
1. Push or electric carts?
Push carts are more appropriate for golfers that play mostly on flatter courses. They're also less expensive than the best electric carts and offer better storage solutions on the handle console for items like balls and tees.
2. Weight
At the risk of stating the obvious, push carts need to be lightweight as you can't rely on electronic assistance. Heavy push carts can be particularly tiresome when playing holes that go uphill (and it's not so easy trying to hold onto them when going downhill either!), so be sure to pick one that is lightweight without sacrificing stability or durability.
Luckily, push carts are much lighter than electric carts. Just make sure the wheel bearings are nice and smooth as this will reduce the amount of manual effort required.
3. Folding
Thanks to their simple design and minimal components, push carts can be made far more compact than electric carts. If you're already short on space this could be a deciding factor for you.
4. Maneuverability
Maneuverability is critical for push carts since you'll be doing the work in actually moving the cart. Poorly designed models make life more difficult which is precisely the opposite of what a cart is supposed to do. Of course, t there are some good four-wheel options in this regard, the Big Max Blade Quattro for example, but the more common design we have found to move easily are three-wheeled designs.
5. Storage
Finally, how much storage do you want on your push cart? If you require a lot of space, we'd suggest choosing a design with a large central console. Whereas if you're not carrying a lot, opt for a trolley that doesn't offer masses of storage space.
For more advice on some of the best golf trolleys on the market, visit our guides on the best value golf push carts, best affordable golf carts, and the best golf trolley bags.
FAQs
Are electric carts less compact than push carts?
As electric carts tend to have a battery and a few different power components that are not typically included in a push cart, they tend to be a little bulkier than a push trolley. But that's not to say that they aren't compact and there are some electric carts on this list that fold neatly down in the trunk of your car.
Is a push or pull golf cart better?
Push golf carts are generally a better choice than pull carts. Pushing a trolley loaded with a heavy golf bag places significantly less strain on your arms and shoulders compared to dragging it behind you. This reduced effort lowers the risk of fatigue and potential injury during your round, helping you stay comfortable and focused on your game.
