Skip to content
Pin and Yard
Menu

How-to

How to store an electric golf trolley over winter

Published

Note: This page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

In short

Clean and dry the trolley, remove the battery and store it indoors at room temperature with the charge level the maker recommends, usually partly charged rather than flat. Keep the frame somewhere dry, unfolded or loosely folded, and check the battery charge every few weeks. Before you play again, charge fully and check wheels, brakes and connectors.

Products for this job

Compare all 5 products

Many golfers put the electric trolley away between November and March, either because the course bans trolleys in wet weather or because they play less. A few minutes of preparation stops corrosion, keeps the battery healthy and means the trolley works first time in spring. This guide covers cleaning, battery storage, where to keep the frame and the checks to make before the first round back. It applies to most lithium trolleys, but follow your maker's manual where it differs.

Clean and dry the frame first

Winter mud and grass hold moisture against the frame, wheels and axles, which can lead to corrosion and seized parts. Before storing, clean the trolley as you would after a wet round. Our how to clean a golf trolley guide covers the routine.

  1. 1

    Remove the battery and any bag.

  2. 2

    Take the wheels off if they are quick release.

  3. 3

    Brush off dried mud and grass, then wipe with a damp cloth.

  4. 4

    Dry the axles, wheel hubs and joints.

  5. 5

    Leave the trolley unfolded in a dry place for a few hours.

Note:Do not use a pressure washer on the motor, handle electrics or battery connectors. Water forced into these parts can cause faults.

Battery care during a lay-up

The battery needs the most attention. Lithium batteries do not like being stored completely flat or left in very cold or hot places for months. Most makers suggest storing at a partial charge in a cool, dry place indoors, and topping up every few weeks or months. Check your battery's manual for the exact level and interval, because these vary.

Keep the battery off the trolley, away from flammable materials, and out of a freezing garage if you can. Use only the charger supplied with the battery, and charge on a hard surface where you can see it. Our golf trolley lithium batteries explainer covers charging habits.

Note:Never charge a damaged, swollen or wet battery. If a battery looks swollen, smells or gets very hot, stop using it and contact the maker or retailer. Electrical Safety First has general advice on charging lithium batteries safely.

Where to keep the frame

A dry garage, shed or utility room is fine for the frame. Damp sheds can cause corrosion, so cover the trolley with a breathable cover or a storage bag rather than plastic sheeting that traps moisture. Keep the frame off a wet concrete floor if possible.

Some owners store the trolley partly folded to keep it compact. That is usually fine, but make sure no cables are pinched in the fold. Keep the battery lead connector clean and dry, and if your trolley has a removable handle unit, follow the maker's advice on whether to store it separately.

Winter golf instead of storage

If you play through winter, many courses allow trolleys with wide winter wheels that spread the load on soft ground. Golf trolley winter wheels explains what they are and whether your club requires them. Cold weather also reduces battery range, so do not be surprised if a battery that easily lasted 18 holes in summer struggles in January; golf trolley battery not lasting covers why.

Push trolleys and accessories

Push trolleys need less attention, but the same principles apply. Clean and dry them, check the tyres for cuts and the brake for wear, and store them somewhere dry. If your push trolley has foam or EVA wheels, keep them out of direct sunlight for long periods, which can harden some materials.

Take accessories off for the winter too. Umbrella holders, scorecard holders, phone mounts and drinks holders can trap water against the frame where they clamp on. Dry them, store them in a box and refit them in spring; how to fit golf trolley accessories covers how they attach. Keep any GPS handle or remote control indoors with the battery, and remove coin cell or AA batteries from remotes if they will not be used for months, to avoid leaks.

Spring checks before the first round

A few minutes of checks avoids a breakdown on the first tee.

  • Charge the battery fully with the supplied charger.
  • Check the battery connector and cable for corrosion or damage.
  • Spin each wheel and check it runs freely.
  • Test the parking brake and any downhill control.
  • Fit the bag and check the clamps or Easilock hold firmly.
  • Do a short test run in the garden or car park.

See electric trolleys compared →

Frequently asked questions

Should I store a lithium trolley battery fully charged? Most makers recommend a partial charge for long storage. Check your manual for the exact level.

Can I leave the battery in a cold garage? It is better stored indoors at room temperature. Very low temperatures can affect lithium batteries.

How often should I charge it in storage? Follow the maker's guidance. A check every few weeks to a couple of months is typical.

What you need

Sources