For those of you who might have some place to be, I’m going to cut to the chase.
Motocaddy has upgraded its remote-controlled electric caddie lineup with:
- Sleeker, sportier designs
- Cable-free “CLICK ‘N’ CONNECT” battery technology
- Hands-free navigation with enhanced downhill control
- GPS capabilities (on the premium model) with 40,000 pre-loaded courses
- A retractable anti-tip wheel that stays attached when folded
If that’s all you need to make the switch from your gas-guzzling riding cart to something more sophisticated, cool. They go on sale in March. The M7 REMOTE is $1,549, the M7 GPS REMOTE is $1,899.
See you later.
If you want the full story on why these electric trolleys (as the Europeans call them) are rapidly gaining traction stateside, feel free to stick around.
The American Electric Revolution
Did you know that more than 80 percent of Motocaddy’s U.S. sales in 2024 were in the remote category? That’s not just a trend; it’s a revolution.
And for those of you who’ve made the switch, maybe a revelation.
Five years ago, spotting an electric caddie at an American course was like finding someone using a persimmon driver—a rare curiosity that prompted questions and sideways glances. Now I can’t play a weekend round without seeing at least a couple gliding effortlessly across the fairway while their owners stroll alongside, remote in hand, looking smugly at the rest of us pushing our three-wheeled contraptions like cavemen.
My buddy Josh was a religious rider. He owns a cart and lives on the golf course and used to all but exclusively ride door to door and back again.
A few years back he made the switch. Granted, he no longer plays at the course that borders his house (that’s a loooong story for another day) but he’s given up riding for what I suppose is golf’s equivalent of power walking.
He hasn’t looked back and neither have the other guys in his foursome with their electric trolleys.
Why now?
The growth of electric caddies in America is a perfect storm of health consciousness, technology advancements and economic sense.
Consider the following:
- The average riding cart fee has climbed to $25-35 per round
- Walking 18 holes burns roughly 1,500 calories (versus 800 when riding)
- Studies show walking golfers record better scores (probably because they’re not forced to drive to their partner’s ball first)
- Most modern electric caddies fold down small enough to fit in a compact car’s trunk
And so, Motocaddy’s refreshed lineup isn’t so much about fixing something that’s broken as it is about taking something that’s working exceptionally well and making it better.
The new lineup: What’s actually changed?
The fundamentals of the new M7 models remain the same: a battery-powered caddie that you control either manually or with a remote handset. What’s changed is execution and integration.
The headline feature is the CLICK ‘N’ CONNECT battery system. If you’ve ever fumbled with connecting cables on previous models, this is your “hallelujah!” moment. The battery integrates seamlessly into the frame with no exposed connections to corrode over time.
Another significant upgrade is the retractable anti-tip wheel which can remain attached while folding. I suppose that makes it a functional timesaver.
Both models feature enhanced downhill control technology. If you play on hilly terrain, you’ve probably had a push cart make a break for it a time or two. Hopefully, you stayed out of the water hazard.
The smart one: M7 GPS REMOTE
If you’re the type who likes their golf equipment to be smarter than they are (and, let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), the M7 GPS REMOTE is your jam.
Its 3.5-inch LCD touchscreen display doesn’t just show distances; it gives you full-hole mapping, allowing you to drag and drop the pin for precise target yardages.
With 40,000 pre-loaded courses and Wi-Fi capability for updates, you’re covered whether you’re playing your local muni or that bucket-list course.
The GPS model also lets you measure shots, track scores and stats, and receive smartphone alerts via Bluetooth.
At $1,899, it’s not cheap, but it’s less than the combined cost of a premium push cart, a high-end GPS device and a year’s worth of cart fees at most courses.
The simpler option: M7 REMOTE
For those who just want the walking benefits without the technological bells and whistles, the standard M7 REMOTE delivers the core experience at $1,549.
You still get the responsive remote control with over 100 yards of range, the downhill control technology and the new battery system. What you’re giving up is primarily the GPS functionality.
The cart path less traveled
For me, the biggest selling point of an electric cart (trolley) is freedom.
Freedom from cart path-only restrictions. Freedom from waiting for your cart partner. Freedom from cart fees and freedom from slinging clubs on your back, because carrying a 30-pound bag for four hours isn’t everyone’s idea of fun.
Here comes the skepticism
Now, I know what some of you are thinking: “This sounds great but what happens when the battery dies on the 16th hole?”
Valid concern. But Motocaddy claims their new high-capacity lithium battery is good for 36 holes. Even if the path less traveled is an apt and frequent descriptor of your round, you’ve got to really push it to not make it through 18.
Others might balk at the price tag. Yes, $1,500+ is substantial. But amortized over years of use and factoring in saved cart fees, many users find these pay for themselves in a couple of years of regular play.
The more legitimate concern is storage and transport. These aren’t exactly pocket-sized, even when folded. But if you’ve got room for a set of clubs in your life, you can probably find space for one of these.
The verdict
If you had told me five years ago that remote-controlled electric trolleys would become mainstream in American golf, I’d have laughed you off the first tee. Yet here we are, with sales surging and more converts every day.
The new Motocaddy models represent a refined iteration of what’s already working, rather than a revolutionary change. For current electric caddie users, the upgrades are nice but perhaps not essential. You’re probably good with what you have.
For the uninitiated, however, these new models offer a compelling entry point into what might be golf’s most significant equipment trend since the hybrid club.
And with healthcare costs what they are these days, the extra 4,000 steps per round might just be what keeps you playing well into your golden years. Your cardiologist will thank you, even if your riding cart buddies won’t.
The new Motocaddy M7 REMOTE ($1,549) and M7 GPS REMOTE ($1,899) are available now.
For more information, visit www.motocaddy.us.
The old ones were pretty good, too
If you’re looking to join the electric revolution without the premium price tag, keep an eye out for discounted 2024 models as retailers clear inventory for these new arrivals.
Brian Wallace
1 year ago
I have a QOD electric cart with no remote since 2021 (paid less than $1,000) and other than wishing it had a parking brake, have been pleased with its performance. I play 75-100 rounds per year and walk at least 85% of the time. I don’t understand the fascination with remote control, it’s just one more thing to break and is a distraction during the round.
cksurfdude
1 year ago
If you get a chance to try a remote remote cart, please do. I was also sceptical – until the first walk down the first fairway of the first hole with it!