Common Repair Issues For Electric Golf Trolleys And How To Address Them

Electric golf trolleys have become an indispensable piece of equipment today for all levels of golfer, offering convenience and ease of use on the course.

Regular maintenance and repairs are necessary to ensure their longevity and optimal performance. This guide will provide an insight of the most common repair issues and any steps to address them to keep your electric golf trolley running smoothly.

You can then decide whether to do a repair yourself or get it fixed professionally. For self fixes, we would always recommended consulting your golf trolley’s user manual for any specific instructions and also see what is covered under the warranty. For convenience, at the bottom of this guide, we have included links to the instructions manual and warranty website pages of all the main electric golf trolley manufacturers. We have also produced another guide on how to keep you trolley in top condition to reduce the need for repairs in the first place.

Key Takeaways Of Common Repair Issues Covered In This Guide

Area Affected	Common Signs	What Do You Do
Battery and Charging	Reduced running time, sluggish operation, battery not charging	Replace the battery, clean and repair the connectors, inspect the charging port
Motor and Speed Control	Unusual noises, excessive heat, decreased power	Repair or replace the motor, address any speed controller issues
Wheel, Axle, and Bearings	Excessive play, grinding noises, visible corrosion	Inspect and replace the wheels and/or tyres, lubricate and replace the axle and/or bearings as needed
Clutch and Brake System	Slipping, jerky movements, reduced stopping power	Repair or replace the clutch, address the brake system issues
Display and Control Panel	The display malfunctions, shows erroneous information, or becomes unresponsive	Inspect for any signs of visible damage such as cracked screens, malfunctioning buttons, or loose connections
Structural and Accessories	Cracks, bends, loose fittings, damaged attachments	Repair the handle and frame, maintain and repair accessories and attachments, tighten any loose components

Identifying And Addressing Battery and Charging Issues

an electric golf trolley battery and charger

A failing battery can significantly impact on your electric golf trolley’s performance.

Did you know that common signs of a failing battery and that you need a battery replacement include:

Reduced running time
Sluggish operation
The trolley stops suddenly.
The battery struggles to hold a charge
The battery takes longer to charge

Battery replacement

Replacing the battery in your electric golf trolley will differ depending on if your trolley uses a lithium or a lead-acid battery. The latter requires more care and attention when replacing due to a small risk of battery acid leakage and the handling of positive and negative battery terminals.

Connector and charging port problems

Connectors and charging ports are critical for maintaining the battery charge on your electric golf trolley.

When they start to corrode or become damaged, repair or replacement is often required to keep the trolley functioning properly. Here are solutions to address the issue.

Periodically inspect the connectors and charging port for any visible damage, corrosion, or debris which directly affect the charging process and trolley performance.
If you spot corrosion or debris on the connectors or charging port, gently clean the components with a soft brush or cloth to maintain a reliable contact between the charger and battery during the charging process.
When damage or corrosion is severe and you cannot resolve through a deep clean, it may be necessary to seek assistance from a qualified technician to ensure proper handling and resolution of the issue.

Diagnosing Motor and Speed Control Problems

The motor is responsible for propelling your electric golf trolley, and the speed controller manages your trolley’s speed by adjusting the power delivered to the motor.

Motor wear and damage

Over time, the motor can wear out or experience issues like overheating or damage to internal components. If your trolley’s motor is malfunctioning, repair or replacement may be necessary. Signs of motor issues include:

Unusual noises
Excessive heat
Decreased power.

Speed controller issues

If the speed controller malfunctions or becomes damaged, your trolley:

May not maintain a consistent speed
May experience sudden acceleration/deceleration
Might fail to respond to any input.

Problems with the controller, such as loose connections or damaged wiring, can be the root cause of any erratic performance or failure to operate.

Replacing or repairing the speed controller on your electric trolley

Speed controller repair or replacement involves disconnecting the malfunctioning speed controller while paying attention to the wiring configuration which may require you to photograph the set up when you dismantle. Photographing the wiring helps with the reassembly of either a repaired or new speed controller.

How To Maintain Your Wheels, Tyres, Axles, and Bearings

Wheels, axles, tyres and bearings are often neglected parts of electric golf trolleys and it is a good idea to try and keep these parts in decent condition through preventative action.

Wheel and tyre inspection and replacement

When wheels and tyres wear out they can damage your trolley’s performance. To minimise damage, regularly inspect your wheels and tyres for signs of wear paying particular attention to any of the following:

Cracks
Punctures (if relevant to your trolley)
Uneven wear patterns.

If you notice any issues, try and repair or replace the damaged part quickly to help maintain trolley optimal performance out on the golf course. Here at
Electric Golf, as golfers, we always periodically check our wheels and tyres.

Signs of wear and tear to axle and bearings

The axle and bearings are crucial to the smooth movement of your electric golf trolley; unfortunately, they can wear out or become damaged due to ongoing use and exposure to rough on-course and weather conditions.

If you regularly inspect your trolley it will help identify signs of wear to the axle and bearings which include:

Grinding or squeaking noises
Excessive play in the wheel assembly
Visible corrosion on the axle or bearings.

As with wheels and tyres, we recommend early diagnosis to maintain your trolley’s on-course performance.

Cleaning, lubricating, and replacing the axle and bearings

To maintain your trolley’s axle and bearings for peak performance there are some easy steps to follow:

Periodically inspect the axle and bearings for wear, damage, or corrosion.
Regularly clean the axle and bearings with a soft brush or cloth and remove any dirt or debris.
Lubricate the axle and bearings with a suitable lubricant.
Replace the axle or bearings with compatible parts if they are excessively worn or damaged.

Understanding Clutch and Brake System Repairs

The clutch connects the motor to the wheels and allows your trolley to move smoothly and once the clutch becomes worn or damaged, the trolley may struggle to move. Obvious signs of clutch issues include:

Excessive noise when using your trolley
The clutch slips
There are jerky movements.

Repairing or replacing your clutch

Clutch repair or replacement may require professional assistance as it is not intuitive if repairing the existing clutch or replacing it with a new one is the best course of action. Additionally, you need to ensure any replacement parts are compatible with your electric golf trolley model.

Brake system issues

Electric golf trolleys typically feature a braking system to help control speed on slopes and uneven terrain.

Any wear, damage, or malfunction of the brake will require rapid repair or replacement to ensure the ongoing safe operation of your electric trolley. When we have our trolleys out on the course, we regularly look for signs of brake issues that include:

Reduced stopping power of your trolley
Squeaking or grinding noises
A loose brake lever.

As with the clutch, any brake repair or replacement may require professional assistance to ensure correct disassembling, refitting and testing any new part.

Diagnosing Issues With Your Electronic Display And Control Panel

The electronic display and control panel allows you to easily monitor and change your electric golf trolley settings, with the number of features dependent on each specific trolley model.

When the display malfunctions by showing incorrect information or becomes unresponsive it is an obvious sign that it may need repair or replacement.

Simple steps that we would address as electric golf trolley owners with our own display and control panel issues would include:

Carefully examining the display and control panel for any signs of visible damage, such as:
- cracked screens
- malfunctioning buttons
- loose connections

Repairing or in most cases, replacing any affected components with compatible parts for your brand and model of electric golf trolley.

Identifying Issues With Structural and Ancillary Parts On Your Trolley

In addition to motor, battery and wheel issues, it is essential to look for problems with the main frame and handle of the trolley. We would also suggest keeping an eye on any ancillary trolley parts to the trolley that may have been added for convenience like umbrella holders etc.

Handle and frame repairs

The handle and frame of your electric golf trolley can become damaged due to extensive use, accidents, or exposure to harsh on-course terrain or poor weather conditions.

Signs of any handle and frame damage that we would look for as golfers include:

Cracks
Bends
Loose fittings

Repairing or replacing damaged components is vital to maintain your electric trolley’s structural integrity and overall performance.

To address any handle and frame issues we suggest:

Periodically inspecting the handle and frame for visible damage
Immediately undertaking any trolley repairs or fit replacement parts to these important structural components

Maintenance and repair of trolley accessories and attachments

Electric golf trolleys often come with various accessories and attachments, such as umbrella holders, scorecard holders, or drink holders. These ancillary parts can become damaged or loose over time, affecting their functionality and stability.

Regular inspection and tightening of attachment points can help prevent issues, but if the accessories become damaged, they will need repair or replacement.

Regular Trolley Maintenance and Care Tips

Here we want to share several tips with you that we periodically undertake ourselves with our own electric golf trolleys to keep them in good condition through a good maintenance and care routine.

Regularly clean and lubricate your trolley

To extend the life time of your electric golf trolley, clean all the moving parts using a soft brush or a cloth to remove any dirt and debris:

Wheels and tyres
Trolley Motor
Gears

You can also apply a suitable lubricant to the moving parts to prevent serious issues from developing and to ensure smooth operation over the duration of your 9 or 18-hole golf round.

A periodic inspection of key components

Inspect all your electric golf trolley’s key components periodically to identify any signs of wear and tear, damage, or any loose connections.

By undertaking regular inspection can help you spot issues early and to address them before they cause greater problems. Pay close attention to the:

Battery
Motor
Wheels
Axles
Bearings
Clutch
Brakes
Wiring.

Proper storage and transportation of your electric trolley

Proper storage and transportation is vital for maintaining the longevity and performance of your electric golf trolley and when not in use:

Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Do not expose it to moisture or corrosive materials, as these can cause damage to the electrical components and frame.

When transporting your trolley, secure it properly to prevent damage from any movement or impact. We always use protective covers and bags on our trolleys to protect them from scratches, dents, or other damage during transport.

Adhering to manufacturer guidelines and recommendations

You should always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for:

Maintenance
Repairs
Replacement parts.

It ensures that your electric golf trolley remains compatible and performs optimally. Consult your trolley’s manual for specific instructions and recommendations, and seek professional assistance when necessary.

For an additional resource on maintenance and care, here at Electric Golf, we have written a detailed guide on 7 tips to keep your electric golf trolley in top condition.

Takeaway

Maintaining and repairing your electric golf trolley is essential for optimal performance and longevity. By addressing common repair issues identified in this guide, ranging from battery and charging problems to clutch and brake system repairs, you can keep your trolley running smoothly for years to come.

Regular preventative maintenance and care, including cleaning, lubrication, periodic inspection, and proper storage and transportation, will also help ensure your trolley’s continued performance and reliability.

We wish you happy and trouble free golfing – The guys at Electric Golf where our moto is “Focus on your golf not your fitness”

Additional Resources

Here are some valuable links to both the UK warranty terms and also the instructions manual for the significant electric trolley manufacturers: