Golf trolley lithium batteries: 18 vs 36 hole and charging

18 hole or 36 hole?

Trolley makers rate lithium batteries by the number of holes they should manage. An 18 hole battery is designed to complete a round under typical conditions; a 36 hole battery has more capacity for two rounds, or one round with plenty in reserve. Range in practice depends on hills, bag weight, wet ground, temperature and how fast you walk. The PowaKaddy FX1 and FX3 listings in our electric trolley guide are both 18 hole models.

• Choose 18 hole if you play one round at a time on a gentle course and charge after every round.
• Choose 36 hole if your course is hilly, you play 27 or 36 holes, you carry a heavy bag or play a lot in winter.

Reading Ah, V and Wh

Battery labels show voltage (V) and capacity in amp hours (Ah). The energy stored is volts multiplied by amp hours, giving watt hours (Wh). That is the fairest way to compare batteries with different voltages. For example, a 24 V 10 Ah battery, as listed on the remote trolley in our electric guide, stores 240 Wh, or 0.24 kWh. PowaKaddy's FX1 listing describes a 30 V battery system. Higher Wh generally means more range on the same trolley.

These are illustrative combinations, not specific products. A full charge uses a little more electricity than the stored energy because of charging losses, but in all cases it is well under half a kilowatt hour.

What reduces range on UK courses

If your battery struggles in winter but is fine in summer, cold is the likely cause. Keeping the battery indoors before the round and fully charged helps.

• Hills, especially long climbs.
• Wet, heavy ground and long grass.
• A heavy bag with waterproofs, drinks and spare balls.
• Cold weather, which temporarily reduces lithium battery output.
• An older battery that has lost some capacity.

Good charging habits

1. 1

   Charge after each round, once the battery has cooled to room temperature.

2. 2

   Use only the charger supplied or approved by the trolley maker.

3. 3

   Charge on a hard, non-flammable surface in a dry room, away from soft furnishings.

4. 4

   Unplug once charging is complete if the maker advises it.

5. 5

   Avoid running the battery completely flat; many lithium batteries protect themselves by shutting down when very low, which can make them harder to recharge.

Note:Never use a damaged, swollen or wet battery or charger, and do not open the battery case. If a battery becomes hot, smells or makes noise while charging, unplug it if safe to do so and contact the maker. Electrical Safety First publishes general advice on charging lithium batteries safely.

Winter storage

If you will not use the trolley for several weeks, most makers advise storing the lithium battery partly charged rather than full or flat, in a cool, dry place indoors rather than a cold garage or shed. Check it every month or two and top it up if the maker recommends. Before the first round of spring, charge it fully. Your manual will give the exact storage level and interval for your battery. Our charger troubleshooting guide covers what to do if it will not charge after storage.

When to replace a battery

Lithium batteries gradually lose capacity. If an 18 hole battery no longer manages a round in mild weather after a full charge, it may be nearing the end of its life. Check the warranty first; the PowaKaddy FX3 listing states 5 years on the lithium battery in the UK. Buy replacements from the trolley maker or an approved retailer, and recycle old batteries at a proper collection point, never in household waste.

Compare electric trolleys and battery warranties →

Frequently asked questions

Should I charge my trolley battery after every round? Most makers recommend it. Charging after use, rather than leaving the battery part empty for weeks, is a good habit.

Can I leave my lithium battery on charge overnight? Follow your maker's instructions. Many chargers stop automatically, but charging somewhere safe and unplugging when complete is sensible.

Is a 36 hole battery worth it? If you play hilly courses, long days or lots of winter golf, yes. For one round on a gentle course, an 18 hole battery is usually enough.

Can I take a trolley battery on a plane? Airlines have strict rules on lithium batteries, and large trolley batteries are often not allowed. Check with the airline before travelling.