Do you need an electric golf caddy?

The aging process catches up with all of us–including golfers. One way to assist senior golfers is the use of an electric golf caddy or trolley to carry your golf bag. There are many different brands such as Bag Boy, the Navigator, Lectronic Kaddy, Motocaddy, Caddy Trek and Kolnex. In addition, every company has two or three models to select from.

As our population ages, there will be more and more people using electric caddies. Instead of featuring one brand, I’m going to tell you about the features every electric cart should have:

• The frame needs to be light, made of aluminum alloy, easy to fold up and fit in your car trunk. The cart should weigh between 22 to 30 pounds and be able to carry a golf bag up to 45 pounds (20 kg).
• Have wide wheels for a smooth ride and better pulling on soft fairways.
• 12 volt lithium ion battery and charger. No lead acid battery.
• Running distance per charge of 20 kilometres.
• Charge time for battery of eight to 12 hours.
• Charger life for lithium battery of up to 1,000 charges. 
• Battery should give you two rounds of golf.
• Should have four wheels, two large and two small, with the large wheels on the sides and the small wheels on the front and back  
• Multiple speed settings for walking.
• Adjustable bag supports for top and bottom of the bag.
• A motor with 180 to 250 watts to turn the wheels. 
• Maximum speed of 6 kilometres and able to climb hills up to 20 degrees.  
• Manual controls on the handle and remote control averaging 150 yards.
• An LCD digital coloured screen on a T-bar handle that gives you distance hit, walking speed, battery life, travel distance and other data.
• Accessories such as score card holder, drink holder, umbrella, padded seat, GPS and cell phone holder.

Remember, these specs are established by companies who test their product under ideal conditions. Bear in mind, most golf courses are not ideal, nor is the weather. The cardinal rule is to recharge after every round and your caddy will always be ready.
How many gadgets you want on your caddy is only limited by how much you want to spend. Some companies state that your golf game will improve with their electric cart, but that may be difficult to prove. You will, however, enjoy not having to carry your bag or push a cart over 18 holes. 

My personal favorite electric caddy cart is the CaddyTrek Golf Cart. It is unique because it is programmed to follow you instead of being out in front.

Most electric golf caddies are in the $500 to $1,200 range, depending on options.