Best Affordable Golf Carts: Quick Menu
1. The list in brief
2. Electric models
3. Push models
4. How we test
5. How to choose
6. FAQs
When it comes to golf, it is important that you preserve energy whilst out on the course so you are able to play your best. One way to do that is by purchasing one of the best golf carts on the market. This will mean you don't have to lump your golf bag on your back, something that will weigh you down and expend energy.
However, although there are an array of options on the market, they can be rather expensive, with some carts costing over $1000. With the current cost of living crisis, this puts them well out of reach of those who are having to control their spending.
There is a solution though, and that is to go for cheaper models that still offer premium performance. We, at Golf Monthly, have scoured through the internet to find the best push carts and best electric golf trolleys on the market that won't break the bank.
The Quick List
The MGI ZIP Navigator is a well-rounded remote electric trolley. It is well-built, responsive and stable, with the main standout being how compact it is when folded.
The Blue is one of the best value electric carts on the market right now. The back-to-basics mantra will suit a lot of golfers who simply want a trolley that does the basics to a high standard.
The latest Sun Mountain Speed Cart V1R release is exceptionally stable, highly functional, and easy to maneuver around the course. A top performer.
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.
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 Eze is lightweight, which makes pushing uphills a breeze, but has also proven to be robust and reliable. Plenty of storage options on the handle too.
Best Affordable Golf Carts
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Electric Models
When it comes to electric trolleys brands like Motocaddy and Powakaddy produce the best you can get. There are still, however, a bunch of high-quality performers that you can get for a fraction of what you are paying for the high-end ones. We give you a guide on some of these great affordable options for your trolley needs.
For a very stable trolley across all terrains, you can't go too wrong with the Zip Navigator. It gave us lots of confidence no matter where we were on the course, it went across the varying ground with ease and arrived next to our ball without any issues.
The trolley has a rear 4th wheel which is one of the main reasons it has such good stability, as it helps to stop the trolley from tipping backward on steeper inclines. The trolley also has a downhill speed control, this feature stops the trolley from going too quick down steep hills, adding to the stability and confidence you can have with this trolley.
The remote for the trolley has a lock button that will stop any buttons from being pressed accidentally while in your pocket etc. The Zip Navigator can invert its wheels when folded down which really helps to save on space when storing it. We think this trolley is very well-rounded and offered up at a competitive price for what you get.
- Read our full MGI Zip Navigator Remote Electric Trolley Review
Golfstream Blue Electric Trolley
When it comes to value you will be hard pushed to beat the Golfstream Blue trolley. The trolley is very user-friendly, and comes already assembled straight out of the box. It has a one-step folding system so you can have it out unfolded and ready to go in a quick time. If you were comparing this against the very best electric trolleys then the CaddyCell LifePO4 battery is a little rudimentary, but at the price, it isn't so bad. The battery itself still performs well, it is an 18-hole lithium battery that is lightweight, and charges efficiently, you also get a good protective carry case for it.
If you are looking for a trolley that does the basics well and to a high standard then the Blue will suit you. It comes with a more premium look and feel with a hassle-free folding system, making the whole interaction with this trolley easy from start to finish. This trolley comes with a two-year manufacturer warranty, for any breakdowns and compared to other trolleys for the price it is a great option and screams value.
- Read our full Golfstream Blue Electric Trolley review
Push Models
Sun Mountain first introduced the Speed Cart in 1999 which then changed the push cart market from then. Then 23 years on they came out with the V1R which is the latest iteration of that same model. After testing this cart it is easy to see that the Speed Cart franchise will remain the leader in the pushcart market.
When tested this cart was very stable and easy to maneuver around the golf course. The design of this cart is very ergonomic leading to it feeling lighter than it actually is when being used. It is also a very easy-to-set-up cart when playing and unfolds and folds very easily, however, it is not the most compact when folded that you can get on the market.
A great feature of the V1R is the storage tray and mesh basket, giving you places to store things like headcovers, balls, your phone, scorecards, and a wallet. This cart also has a drinks holder and a detachable umbrella holder making it a very convenient cart to use.
- Read our full Sun Mountain 2022 Speed Cart V1R Push Cart Review
Motocaddy Cube Push Cart
This model was featured in the best golf push trolleys guide we did because we think Motocaddy has created one of the best push cart designs out there, it has a two-step folding design that is really easy to use. We would advise being careful on side slopes though, as like a lot of lightweight carts it can tip over sideways.
A great feature we noticed is the well-placed carry handle they have put on for carrying it when it is folded, and the trolley clips into place when folded so it stays compact when carrying it. It has adjustable bag support straps that hold most bags in place and these can be found for the top and bottom of the bag. It has a n easy-to-use footbrake on the left wheel, and it has lots of storage too, with places for balls, a scorecard, a wallet, a phone, keys, etc.
- Read our full Motocaddy Cube Push Cart Review
Bag Boy Nitron Push Cart
For some, you may not have heard of Bag Boy, but that shouldn't fool you, as the Nitron Push Cart they manufacture performs really well. This cart is great for golfers of all levels, it is very fast to fold and unfold this cart, but it is also one of the most secure carts we have tested. That is why in 2022 it was able to secure a place in our Editor's Choice Awards.
Coming in at around $275 this cart offers great value, what you get for that is a very lightweight feel, and when folded a really compact design, so it is great if you are tight on storage. Even being lightweight and streamlined it is still a very robust cart with great stability on tough terrains.
Included with this cart you get a scorecard console, that has a built-in drinks holder, mobile phone holder, and storage for your golf balls. As well as all this you still get the straps to hold your bag in place and a handle-mounted parking brake too.
- Read our full Bag Boy Nitron Push Cart Review
Longridge Eze Glide Smart Fold Push Trolley
The Longridge Eze Glide sMart Fold Push Trolley is a game changer when it comes to push carts. it is a highly maneuverable three-wheeled trolley that condenses down for storage very well. Easy to lift in and out of the car this trolley does what it was named to do and glides down the fairways, it is by no means clunky and is made to be lightweight.
Another great thing about this trolley is the features is the accessories it comes with as standard, whereas with some trolleys these would be added extras at your expense. You get a scorecard holder, dry space for valuables, an umbrella holder, and two wheel covers to keep the car tidy.
This trolley can hold a variety of different bags from slender carry bags to bigger stand bags. The adjustable brackets really lock the bag into place, keeping it secure and not wiggling or rattling about when pushing the trolley. It may not fold into the most compact trolley out there, but it is very stylish and easy to use while being packed with accessories for you to use.
- Read our full Longridge Eze Glide Smart Fold Push Trolley review
How we test golf carts
We test golf 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, and over a number of rounds. This is particularly important for golf carts because you want your model to perform as well in the winter as it does in the summer, and just to see how the cart performs when being used regularly. 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.
How to choose the best push cart
What factors should you consider when thinking about buying a golf cart? 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 accessories, 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
Should I use a push cart or electric cart?
An electric cart is considerably more expensive than a push cart but, if you have the money, then an electric trolley would be the one we would go for. This is because an electric trolley requires you to just walk, unlike a push trolley which requires you to move it to go forward.
What should I look for when buying a trolley?
There are a number of factors that need to be considered when purchasing a trolley. One major factor is the size and weight, this also means how easy is it to travel with to and from the golf course. Another point is cost, a push cart is going to be considerably cheaper than an electric cart, but an electric cart is going to be more beneficial to your game as it requires less effort to move.
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