e-Caddy Golf Trike Review

Article by Andy Picken & Will Trinkwon

Golf buggies, like mobility scooters, are traditionally associated with older players, and not typically the preserve of the young. All this, however, looks set to change with the arrival of e-caddy’s new e-caddy electric golf trike. Shaped more like a motorcycle than a mobility scooter, the e-caddy is the epitome of golfing cool. To see if its performance matches up to its looks, we sent Golfshake ambassador Andrew Picken to test out the trike.

Specifications:

The e-caddy’s key specs are as follows. Length: 2260mm (with golf attachment); width: 1092mm; seat height: 740mm; weight: 95kg; power: 1.5kw lithium battery; maximum speed: 8mph (golf version) and 28mph (street version); range: 30 miles (between charges); charge time: 4-6 Hrs. Features include: a removable 1.5kw lithium battery, front suspension, twin rear suspension, front disc brake, twin rear disc brakes, two seats, front & rear lights, rear indicators, alarm/immobiliser, parking brake, reverse, rear foot rests, golf club attachment, two keys with two alarm ‘plips', and a remaining power indicator. The e-caddy also comes with optional features, including body wrapped mudguards. These can be stylised in either corporate or branded colours and logos.

Test & Review Feedback:

I got the opportunity to test out the e-caddy at a charity golf event at Matlock Golf Club in Derbyshire, when e-caddy happily supported the fundraising and also showcased their electric golf trike. As a hilly and ruggedly beautiful course, Matlock offered the perfect opportunity to put the golf trike through its paces. I used the trike for the first nine holes, knowing that elevation changes prove a challenge to most conventional golf course vehicles.

The first thing that struck me about the e-caddy golf trike was its design. First and foremost, the design is great. I don’t ride motorcycles but felt immediately at ease when shown the controls of the trike. It is very stable and glides across the turf easily. The throttle is fly-by-wire like on most top of the range quad bikes and while it’s incredibly sensitive, it is nonetheless easy to use. The trikes are powered by a powerful 1.5kw lithium battery, have hydraulic disc brakes all round, forward and reverse gears, lights and even a horn. I used mine when a partner pushed a ball way right to reinforce the shout of “fore”!

Cracking day. Loved the e caddy. So versatile and easy to use. Just call me easy rider ???? pic.twitter.com/dRweCmTmtc

— andrew picken (@pickenan) July 12, 2019

Because they only weigh 95 kilograms and have just three wheels, they have very little impact on the golf course. Side slopes mean that two wheels take the majority of the weight of the trike without losing stability. I was amazed at the gradients that it could cope with.

There are two different versions of the e-caddy: the restricted ‘golf’ model and the more powerful ‘street’ one. The version I used was the road-legal ‘street’ version fitted with horns and lights etc. and has a top speed of 28 mph. Tax it, insure it and you’re ready to ride it to and from the course. It has a range of around 30 miles per charge. In total honesty, I am not sure I would be happy using it on the road but on the golf course it is simply BRILLIANT. It is agile, fast, versatile and, above all, incredibly fun.

I am happy to report that the brakes are responsive and smooth given the inclines it handled with aplomb at Matlock. The acceleration is stunning without losing any stability. The golf bag fits easily and simply to the rear holder, allowing you to concentrate on your game without worrying about it falling off.

The e-caddy would be ideal for those who have restricted mobility or who are starting to struggle to walk 18 holes. The step-through foot rests make it very easy to get on and off the machine. It also appealed to our younger competitors who were just as keen to give it a try as those who saw it as a way of giving them greater longevity. They look tremendous and my trike attracted massive interest as I made my way around the course.

I can see these being very popular at stay and play venues, adding to the existing fleet of conventional buggies. They can be leased by the club and hired to patrons. Sales to individuals will be through the club professionals. I envisage that they will become the norm in some of the European venues in Spain and Portugal that I have been lucky enough to visit.

I have tried hard to think of any downsides to this electric golf trike, but I’m genuinely struggling to think of any. They speed up play, are incredibly stable, look great and are, above all, very easy to use. I always walk for my golf (unless using camera equipment) but as I get older and less mobile I would have absolutely no hesitation in putting one of these trikes into use at my local club.

Park it up securely at the club.

Take the battery home to charge.

Plug it in and play.                                  

Testing out @ecaddy5 with @MattHolbrook86 at the fantastic @MatlockGolfClub yesterday pic.twitter.com/srn5UCbvWq

— golfshake (@golfshake) July 13, 2019

What could be easier than that?

They can even be used for advertising as they can be body-wrapped in corporate colours. When not in use by the owner, the club can rent it out – the owner gets free advertising; the club gets revenue. This means it’s a win-win all round. Bespoke car trailers are available for those who live a distance from the club in order to transport the trike to the course.