Push vs electric golf trolley

What each one does

A push trolley carries the bag on three wheels while you push it, with a brake to park and storage for a phone, drink and scorecard. An electric trolley adds a motor, a battery and a speed controller so it rolls along at your walking pace; you guide it rather than push it. Higher end electric models add downhill control, GPS screens or remote control.

Two models compared

The push trolley's advantages are clear: a stated compact fold and lots of storage. The electric trolley's listing focuses on the frame and battery warranty. Our push trolley guide and electric trolley guide cover more models.

Effort on a hilly course

On a flat parkland course, pushing a trolley is easy work for most golfers. On a hilly course, pushing a full bag up steep slopes for 18 holes is harder, and controlling it on the way down takes effort too. An electric trolley takes away the uphill push, and models with electronic downhill control hold a steady speed on the way down. If you often feel tired by the back nine, or play 36 holes in a day, electric makes a noticeable difference.

Bag weight matters as well. A full cart bag with waterproofs, umbrella, drinks and spare balls is heavy. If you like to carry everything, electric help is welcome; if you travel light, a push trolley is often enough.

Boot space and lifting

Electric trolleys are heavier and bulkier than push trolleys, especially with the battery, which is usually lifted out separately. If you have a small car or find lifting awkward, look closely at folded sizes and weights. Compact electric designs exist, but a compact push trolley is still the easiest to handle. Our folded sizes reference lists stated sizes.

Batteries, charging and electricity use

An electric trolley needs its lithium battery charged after each round and stored properly over winter. Batteries come in 18 and 36 hole sizes. Electricity use per charge is small: a battery's capacity in watt hours is its voltage multiplied by its amp hours, so a 24 V 10 Ah battery, like the one in a remote trolley in our electric guide, holds 240 Wh, which is 0.24 kWh. Charging losses add a little to that. Our battery guide covers charging and storage.

Compare electric trolleys →

Club rules and winter

Many UK clubs restrict trolleys in wet winter conditions or require winter wheels, and some have different rules for electric trolleys. Check before you buy, especially if you play mostly in winter. Our winter wheels explainer covers this.

Note:Charge lithium trolley batteries with the maker's charger only, on a hard surface away from anything flammable, and do not use a damaged battery.

A middle path

If you are torn, consider how often each problem arises. If you only struggle on one or two steep holes, a light push trolley with a good brake may be enough. If you dread the walk every week, an electric trolley is likely to be used and appreciated. Some golfers keep a compact push trolley for quick evening nines and an electric one for weekend rounds.

Frequently asked questions

Is an electric trolley worth it for a flat course? Often not. A good push trolley is lighter, simpler and cheaper to run on a flat course.

How long does an electric trolley battery last per charge? Makers rate batteries for 18 or 36 holes. Hills, cold weather and bag weight reduce range.

Can I convert a push trolley to electric? Not practically. Choose the type you need from the start.