Since bringing the first electric golf trolley to market in 1983, PowaKaddy has been the go-to brand for cutting-edge golfing equipment. If you’re the proud owner of a PowaKaddy trolley, or thinking about getting one, you’ll have no doubt already discovered the wide array of accessories available to enhance your setup.
But with so much choice, comes so many questions. How long does a PowaKaddy battery take to charge? And how long will it last on the course? What about fitting all the different bits of kit – winter wheels, umbrellas, GPS holders? Here, we answer your most frequently asked maintenance questions, so you can keep your trolley in tip-top condition, round after round.
How to service a PowaKaddy trolley
Look after your PowaKaddy trolley and it’ll look after you. To maintain its slick appearance, wipe your trolley down after each game with a damp cloth, mild detergent, and warm water. In addition to this, servicing it every couple of years is a smart idea to ensure it runs reliably through the seasons.
While you can take it to a specialist for a service, there are steps you can follow yourself, if you know how to service a PowaKaddy trolley safely:
1. Clean the wheels
Over time, grass, dirt, and debris can clog your trolley’s wheels, which can drain the battery and limit the range and efficiency of your equipment. Thankfully, the main wheels of a PowaKaddy trolley can be removed (details on this below) and washed separately from the trolley. While your equipment can effortlessly stand up against the elements, and PowaKaddy batteries are weather sealed, it’s important not to jet wash, steam clean, or use a compressed air hose on your trolley, as this can soak into the electronics and gearbox, invalidating its warranty.
2. Inspect the battery and measure its voltage
Your trolley runs on light, powerful lithium batteries, which are brilliantly efficient, but also require maintenance for optimal efficiency and safety. To ensure a secure connection and uninterrupted power supply to your trolley, check that the battery terminals are clean and showing no signs of corrosion. You can also use a multimeter to measure the battery’s voltage. A fully charged PowaKaddy lithium battery should read between 12.6v and 13v (however, you should always read the manual for each model). If the reading is lower than this, it’s time to recharge the battery. If it shows a voltage below 12v, or fails to hold its charge, a replacement may be needed.
3. Check all other parts and connections
Nuts, bolts, and screws can loosen over time, so it’s a good idea to check them regularly to make sure they’re secure – a good rule of thumb is to keep them hand tight. In addition, inspecting all wiring and connections for signs of damage can prevent serious issues down the line. While PowaKaddy trolleys don’t have a braking system to assess like other golf trolleys, you can place it on a 90-degree incline to make sure it sits securely on slopes and doesn’t roll, while also testing its downhill speed control.
How to charge a PowaKaddy battery
An electric trolley can only run as long as its battery, so knowing how to charge a PowaKaddy lithium battery is key to keeping your investment running smoothly.
How do you charge a PowaKaddy lithium battery?
1. Use the right charger. Always use an official PowaKaddy charger to charge your trolley, since these are approved by battery manufacturers to deliver the exact voltage your battery needs. Using a different battery charger can be dangerous.
2. Plug it in properly. Connect the charger to a mains socket first, then plug it into the battery. Using an extension lead can slow down charging, especially if you have other appliances plugged into the same extension.
3. Look for the light. If you’re wondering, ‘how do I know when my PowaKaddy battery is charged?’ then look for the indicator light. If it’s red, it’s charging. If it’s green, it’s fully charged and ready for rounds aplenty.
How long does a PowaKaddy battery take to charge?
Depending on the model, a PowaKaddy trolley can take between five to 10 hours to charge, so it’s usually best to do this during the night and unplug in the morning. You should always ensure your trolley never completely runs out of battery – this will greatly reduce its lifespan, since lithium batteries need to be in constant flow. The same goes for not using it: be sure to use it regularly to keep the battery optimal, even if that means turning it on without actually taking it out on the course.
How long does a PowaKaddy lithium battery last?
Standard lithium batteries can be used for up to 18 holes, while extended lithium batteries are suitable for occasional 36-hole use. However, using batteries to play more holes than this without full charging can reduce their lifespan. For example, some golfers will try to stretch the standard batteries to 27 holes, but this may damage the overall capacity of the battery and could result in an early failure. And if you often play two rounds in one day (always a pleasure), consider buying one extended range lithium battery.
Lithium batteries last a lot longer than lead acid alternatives, making them the perfect investment. Ultimately, how long they last can depend on many factors, including how much you use it (or don’t use it), your charging regime, the condition of the trolley, and the weight of the bags you place on it (a lighter golf bag demands less power).
Fitting accessories to your PowaKaddy trolley
Ready to enhance your PowaKaddy trolley with the brand’s wide range of accessories? Whether you’re adding an umbrella holder, fitting a GPS holder, or changing wheels for the winter season, our fitting guides ensure the process is quick and straightforward.
How to fit a PowaKaddy GPS holder
While knowing how to fit a PowaKaddy GPS holder for one model might not necessarily work for another, these are the general steps to take:
1. Prepare your PowaKaddy. Before beginning, ensure your PowaKaddy trolley is turned off and placed on a flat, stable surface. Remove any items from the trolley’s handle area to give you plenty of space to work.
2. Attach the GPS bracket to the handle tube. Start by attaching the GPS bracket to the handle tube, using the nuts and screws provided in the kit to secure the bracket firmly in place. Check the bracket is positioned properly on the handle tube, so the GPS holder is positioned at the best height for you to see and use it.
3. Slot the cradle onto the arm. Once the GPS bracket is secured, take the GPS cradle and slot it onto the arm of the bracket. The cradle should fit snugly, but don’t tighten it just yet.
4. Secure the cradle to the bracket. Next, use the large bolt provided to secure the cradle to the bracket. Tighten the bolt to ensure the cradle is firmly attached and won’t shift during use. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can damage the components.
5. Adjust and test the fit. Make sure the position of the cradle is at the right angle and height for your comfort and visibility. Test the fit by placing your GPS device in the cradle to confirm it’s stable and secure.
6. Check for model-specific adjustments. Please note that installation may vary slightly depending on your PowaKaddy model. For example, if you are using a PowaKaddy Freeway model, you will need to fit the GPS bracket under the handle rather than on top. Always refer to the specific instructions provided with your PowaKaddy trolley to make sure you install it correctly.
How to fit PowaKaddy umbrella holder
Fitting an umbrella holder to your PowaKaddy trolley is simple, and generally requires the following steps:
1. Prepare your trolley. Before you begin, make sure your PowaKaddy trolley is stable and on a flat surface. It’s best to turn it off and remove any items from the accessory tray, if needed.
2. Remove the accessory trim. Locate the accessory trim from the underside of the handle. Using the supplied hex key, carefully unscrew the trim to remove it. Keep the screws safe, as you’ll need them later.
3. Attach the umbrella holder. Now, take the pre-assembled umbrella holder and insert it into the accessory station where the trim was removed, ensuring it aligns securely with the station.
4. Secure the holder. Once the umbrella holder is positioned, use the long screw provided to screw it into the designated hole and attach it securely.
5. Tighten with the top screw. After the long screw is in place, use the top screw to further secure the umbrella holder. This ensures that it’s firmly attached and won’t shift during use.
6. Adjust the umbrella holder to the right angle. All PowaKaddy umbrella holders are fully adjustable, so you can position your umbrella at the ideal angle to keep both you and your golf gear dry.
As with GPS holders, the exact fitting method here can also depend on the model at hand. For example, the PowaKaddy Golf Umbrella Holder is only suitable for the FW, C2, Sport, and Freeway ranges, while the PowaKaddy FX and CT Umbrella Holder fits FX and CT models only, and the PowaKaddy Push Cart Umbrella Holder can be used with the Micra, DLX-Lite FF, TwinLine 5, and TwinLine 4. Always refer to your PowaKaddy model's manual for any model-specific details or updates.
How to remove PowaKaddy wheels
PowaKaddy trolley’s wheel release mechanisms or axle designs may differ, so you should always consult your specific model’s manual for precise instructions. However, the general steps to remove PowaKaddy wheels include:
1. Prepare your PowaKaddy. Start by ensuring the PowaKaddy trolley is turned off and is stable, on a flat surface. You’ll want to make sure it’s secure before handling the wheels.
2. Remove the front wheel assembly. If you haven't already, remove the front wheel assembly by unscrewing the two hex bolts using the supplied hex key (you’ll find these in the Manual Pack). This will detach the assembly from the main frame.
3. Remove the axle caps. Find the axle caps on either side of the front wheel axle, then carefully remove them to expose the axles.
4. Release the wheels. To remove the wheels, press the release button located on each wheel. This will allow the wheels to slide off the axle. Once the release button is engaged, gently pull the wheels off.
5. Store the wheels safely. Once removed, ensure you store the wheels in a safe place where they won’t get damaged.
How to fit PowaKaddy winter wheels
When the cold weather comes, switching to PowaKaddy winter wheels can help reduce the strain on your trolley in difficult conditions. Wheel release mechanisms or axle designs may differ, so you should always consult the manual for your exact model’s instructions. However, the general steps to fit PowaKaddy winter wheels include:
1. Prepare the winter wheels. Start by unpacking your PowaKaddy winter wheels, making sure they’re clean and free from any debris that might interfere with the fitting process.
2. Position the front wheel assembly. If it’s not already attached, slide the front wheel assembly into the frame. Secure it using the two hex bolts and washers, tightening them with the supplied hex key.
3. Remove the axle caps. If the axle caps aren’t already off, remove them to expose the wheel axle.
4. Slide the winter wheels onto the axle. Align the wheel with the axle and press the release button. Slide the winter wheels onto the axle until the clutch is engaged. Note that the wheels can be locked into two positions on the axle:
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Inner groove: For when you need full drive functionality.
- Outer groove: If you don’t need the drive, use this groove to prevent the wheels from rotating.
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5. Lock the winter wheels in place. Push the wheels into the inner groove to ensure they're locked securely. You should hear a click when they're in place.
6. Check the fit. Once the winter wheels are locked, give them a gentle tug to ensure they’re securely fitted, then double-check that everything is aligned.
Pick out the perfect PowaKaddy enhancements
From batteries to essential accessories, there are countless ways to enhance your golfing experience with PowaKaddy. The brand’s trolleys are designed to make maintenance and servicing simple, but as always, our PGA-qualified experts are on hand to help out whenever you need us. Explore our complete range of PowaKaddy trolleys and accessories, or visit one of our stores to see them in person.