Electric golf trolleys

	Model SX-E0702 from Yongkang Fourstar of mainland China is an electric unit that can be operated via remote control.

The latest models feature holders, remote controls and other conveniences but remain compact and easy to transport.

Golf trolleys from Taiwan and mainland China are becoming more user-friendly as suppliers move higher up the value chain. Models are being loaded with features designed to enhance a golfer’s performance and enjoyment of the game.

Among the popular add-ons in midrange and high-end units are scorecard holders and storage compartments for extra balls, tees, drinks and snacks. To make maneuvering easier and more comfortable, height-adjustable handles, speed controls, padded grips and other devices are being adopted.

For most companies, the upmarket shift is part of efforts to gain better margins amid rising production costs. This is particularly true for those with mainland factories, which saw their manufacturing outlay surge 10 to 30 percent in the past 12 months due to escalations in raw material and labor-related expenses. Profits at these facilities went down further when the export tax rebate was cut from 13 to 11 percent and the yuan continued to appreciate against the US dollar.

Value add-ons in electric units typically involve the adoption of electronic and digital technologies, in addition to the usual conveniences. Remote control, greater battery efficiency and the ability to travel across various kinds of terrain are key trends as well.

Taiwan’s Eurogreen International Inc., for example, released the Powerplay Motor Brake model with an electronic control system protected by a current cutoff device. Designed to run on different course conditions, the product has a height-adjustable handle and a differential gearbox with twin axles to facilitate turning and other maneuvers. A distance timer and a battery level indicator are offered as options.

The company will be introducing remote-controlled units within the year. Operating on RF technology, these will be able to utilize 16 channels within a 100m range.

At Fun Land Industrial Co. Ltd, another Taiwan-based maker, electric golf trolleys that use RC technology are offered with LCD control panels instead of the conventional knobs. Each has a computerized yardage meter, which measures the distance between swings and to a green.

Designs equipped with electronic scorecards will be launched in coming months. These will be able to record the performance of up to four players.

In the mainland, Yongkang Fourstar Co. Ltd has developed a remote-controlled model with a scorecard holder and an anti-tipping device. Operating on two 180W motors powered by a 24Ah battery, the patented SX-E0702 trolley can reach speeds of up to 8kph and run 18 holes on a full charge. Load capacity is 25kg.

Taizhou Qifeng Sports Goods Co. Ltd is offering dual-motor units that can be operated via remote within a 50m range. One of these, model 004S4-KZ-04, comes with a lithium or lead-acid battery that enables it to travel a distance of 20 or 13km, respectively, when fully charged.

The product can carry loads of up to 40kg. It is capable of climbing 15-degree slopes and reaching speeds of up to 7.5kph.

At Jinhua Ripu (Repow) Electric Scooters Co. Ltd, the RP-105FR electric trolley is fitted with two 180W motors powered by a 12V, 28Ah battery. When charged for 8 to 10 hours, the model can cover a distance of 28km. It has a maximum speed of 6kph and can go over 12-degree inclines.

Versions with scorecard and beverage holders are offered. Golf baskets, rain covers and trolley bags are optional in some units as well.

Jinhua Union Corona Machinery Mfg Co. Ltd is marketing its U-1 model with a 120 or 150W motor. A 12V, 17 or 20Ah battery that can be fully charged in 4 to 8 hours provides power.

The product has a maximum speed of 6.5kph and a load capacity of 50kg. It can climb 30-degree slopes.

Even as suppliers are incorporating value-added features in their models, portability and storage convenience remain major considerations in the development of electric and manual golf trolleys. In line with this, releases often have foldable constructions that can fit inside the trunk of a car.

Keeping units lightweight is also a priority. Consequently, steel and aluminum alloys are the top options for frames. Some upscale units are in titanium, which is lighter but 30 to 50 percent more expensive.

Aluminum alloys are the preferred materials for wheels. In the high-end segment, a few designs are fitted with magnesium alloy types.

Sports World Enterprise Co. Ltd of Taiwan is offering the SW-7200 model in an aluminum frame fitted with spoke wheels and 12-inch tires. A one-step folding mechanism and a quick-release wheel design, both patented, make it easy to transport and convenient to store.

Another product, SW-4300A, has a patented three-section locking structure. The unit is equipped with handle or foot brakes.

In the mainland, CATIC Shenzhen Co.-Catiway Golf & Facilities is manufacturing electric golf trolleys in aluminum and titanium alloys, and stainless steel. The company’s T8 model, which has a frame made of aluminum alloy and plastic, weighs 18.1kg with batteries and 9kg without them.

The product measures 1,125x585x965mm when fully extended. It can be folded down to 820x585x390mm.

At Jinhua Union Corona, aluminum and stainless steel are being employed as frame material.

Model U1, for instance, comes in a 1,500x530x1,130mm aluminum structure that can be collapsed to a size of 890x290x530mm.

Jinhua Ripu (Repow) is offering foldable units in aluminum alloy. The company also plans to adopt titanium alloy, which cost about 50 percent more than the material it currently uses.

Of the company’s products, the 1,060x580x930mm RP-105FR design can be collapsed to 720x580x280mm.

The RP-105JR model, which is 1,123x565x1,010mm when opened, is 850x565x330mm in its folded state.

Taizhou Qifeng is another supplier intending to manufacture trolleys with titanium alloy frames. At present, the company employs 304 stainless steel, which costs about 30 percent less. Magnesium alloy is adopted for the wheels.