The Best Electric Golf Trolley for A Hilly Course (updated 2024)

Do you play golf on a hilly home course? If so, do you worry about your electric golf trolley picking up speed when walking downhill or rolling away when you are not looking?

Did you know that some electric trolleys have special features that cater for undulating terrain?

In this guide, we will highlight features that specifically help with a hilly course. As an accompaniment, we also list which electric golf trolleys have these features helping you to make an informed decision about the best electric golf trolley for a hilly course.

We will now explain about each of these six features and why they are essential for undulating golf terrain.

1. Downhill Speed Control

Downhill speed control capability uses an automatic braking system so the trolley can maintain a stable and constant speed when going downhill, without the golfer having to hold it back or make any adjustments to any pre-hill speed settings. It works with a motor that automatically adjusts the power output to control the rate of descent.

Motocaddy has brought out models in their range known as DHC with special downhill control functions automatically allowing constant speed on a gradient using downhill braking and coupled with an electronic parking brake.

Powakaddy similarly offers all-terrain capability by providing an optional automatic electronic braking system that automatically slows an electric golf trolley down on steep inclines.

2. Electronic Parking Brake

An electronic parking brake is an important feature for all-terrain electric golf trolleys. It alleviates concern that your electric golf trolley will roll away on an incline when you are playing a shot from the fairway or off the tee.

Not all electric trolleys feature a parking brake as it requires a motor to operate. When a parking brake is offered, manufacturers often offer it in tandem with an automatic downhill braking feature, with both features sharing the same motor.

3. Stabiliser Bar / Anti-Tip Rear Wheel

A new feature that helps on courses with hills and inclines is a stabiliser bar for electric golf trolleys with a follow feature or remote control. The purpose of a stabiliser bar is to ensure your electric trolley does not fall over and provide stability when it is programmed to follow you either up a severe incline or down from a steep tee.

Stewart Golf Q Follow has a built-in stabiliser bar with two wheels, and one of the key benefits of this electric golf trolley is making inclines smoother and reducing the trolley’s risk of toppling over. We have produced a guide of the key benefits of electric golf trolleys for golfers including undulating and hilly courses.

4. All-Terrain wheels

All-terrain tyres make sure that slipping and sliding are kept as minimal as possible, and it is all to do with the tread on the tyre.

A bespoke all terrain tread is available, which increases the level of anti-skid with significantly reduced turf compression is perfect for use in wet weather.

For models that focus on hilly courses, all-terrain tyres are available as the default option rather than a standard tread typically available on electric golf trolleys not focused on undulating conditions.

The Motocaddy S1 DHC and M1 DHC come with All-terrain tyres as standard.

5. 36-hole lithium-ion battery option

Battery capacity is an essential consideration for an electric golf trolley on a hilly course. The larger the battery capacity, the more likely it copes with the rigours of a round on a hilly course. A powerful battery with a lighter weight is desirable, hence the preference for lithium-ion over lead-acid batteries which weigh considerably more.

A battery is measured in ampere-hours or AH and refers to the discharge current that the battery can deliver over a specific time frame. A higher AH number correlates to a longer running time and the more golf holes your electric golf trolley can complete. A lithium battery rated for 36 holes will require a power of at least 22AH.

Operating an electric golf trolley on steep inclines will also put more strain on your lithium battery especially if the electric trolley is heavy.  A lithium battery rated for 18 or 27 holes may not have the same battery life as on a flat course, and to make sure you complete your round, a 36-hole lithium battery option is a wise choice.

For more information on batteries, please view our article on the best lithium battery options for electric golf trolleys.

6. Battery IP66 waterproof rating

The best electric golf trolleys will include a battery with an IP66 waterproof rating which ensures safe use in all weather conditions. We have included this as a desirable feature when looking for a suitable electric golf trolley for undulating courses. Variable weather conditions are often associated with low-lying hilly terrain.

An IP66 waterproof level can withstand exposure to water under high pressure in actual conditions. IP stands for ingress protection and indicates an exact level of protection against ingress of moisture in different scenarios. Ratings typically considered waterproof are IP65, IP66 and IP67. The second digit in an IP code indicates a precise level of protection against moisture ingress under specific test scenarios

The Motocaddy M-Series lithium batteries feature seals that are waterproof and specifically designed to protect against the worst that British weather can throw at you.

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An Additional Consideration – Electric Golf Trolley Seat option

Take the weight off your legs on a challenging undulating course with a seat for your electric golf trolley. Top brands, including Powakaddy, offer a trolley seat. It can remain connected to the electric trolley throughout the round and does not get in the way of your golf bag and clubs. Besides courses with steep hills, a seat is excellent for long rounds and slow rounds when you suffer slow play.