GoKart Golf started selling their unique electric golf buggies in the UK in 2007 and is now one of the best selling carts in the market thanks to an excellent product, great customer service and market recognition (they won the prestigious Red Dot International Design Award).
Last year GoKart entered the Australia market and have been making a splash with their all-plastic buggies. These reinforced thermo-polymer buggies have been designed from the ground up to be light (just 8.2kg), powerful (230W motor) and incredibly tough.
GoKarts can only be purchased online (as in the UK), and that means they can offer the GoKart for just $729 including delivery Australia wide. They even offer a lithium model for around $1000 - that's unheard of in Australia!
All this comes with a 2 year warranty and even a 28 day money back guarantee if you're not completely smitten with the GoKart. No wonder they're fast becoming the powered buggy of choice!
The GoKart.....available only online at www.gokartgolf.com.au
Test Drive –The Go Kart electric golf buggy
By Garry Kennedy (Hacker Magazine – Issue 62)
Sometimes something comes along that that’s too good to be true – an old idea that’s exciting and innovative – simply a must have! And if you need a no fuss, uncomplicated, tough, reliable, economical, compact and easy to use motorised buggy, look no further.
This is it, period! Forget the wanky, remote controlled abominations being driven into dams at golf courses all over. They’re big, cumbersome, very expensive and quite frankly toys for over grown boys.
I love simplicity. Folded up the all new GoKart motorised buggy is small – as small as any pull buggy we’ve seen folded up. That means it’s in and out of the boot no problem. And it is light – only 8kg’s, so even you’re granny could lift it in and out of the standard car boot.
A quick unfold here, a flip open there, snap in the battery and it’s up and ready and waiting for your golf bag (which itself takes seconds to secure thanks for an ocky strap arrangement and a simple top clip). After a three minute lesson it took me less than 60 seconds to remove it from the boot, unfold it, drop on the battery and bingo. In one nifty casing with no wires to connect, the battery drops into its place, a quick snap and it’s ready for action. And there it was, waiting for my bag and clubs!
I could wax lyrical about its size, ease of setting up etc, etc – the reality is that in less time than it’s taken to read this review, you’d have it out of the car and on the first tee – and this is a motorised buggy remember!
But the beauty is in the control. You turn it on and then you push the handle and it goes, adjusting automatically to your preferred pace. I know it’s hard to believe but I’ve used it and any twit could operate this!
I wish there was more to tell but there isn’t! I’ve tried it and it has grunt, it is tough, it looks better in real life than in the brochure, and it’s so simple to use.
And the price is so good. It’s made cheaper because you buy direct online from the distributor. And it’s backed by a no questions asked 2 year warranty.
If you’re in the market for an electric cart – this is it. If you want a toy, stick to a remote controlled airplane or car – leave the pests off our courses!
All the Details
Engine 12V permanent magnet DC motor, 230W output
Steering Controlled via hand operated switch and potentiometer and microprocessor driven engine management system
Wheels Drive transmitted to two main wheels, third wheel at front
How big? 8.2kg (18 hole battery 6.5kg), folded 26cm (h) x 59cm (w) x 61cm (l)
Other Rechargable lead/acid battery. Sealed and non-spillable, valve regulated and maintenance free.
Three state timer charger. Input voltage AC190-264V/50Hz, Output Voltage 14.5V in charge mode, 13.5 in standby mode, output current max 3A
Notes Frame made with various thermoplastic polymers with glass reinforcement in parts critical to strength, Available in green, blue, orange, red, pink or all black. 36 hole battery available Full accessories available (cover, umbrella holder etc.)
Warranty 2 year warranty with 28 day money back refund if not fully delighted
Price RRP from $729 (including delivery Aust wide) – available online from www.gokartgolf.com.au
For Price, folding size, ease of folding, weight, ease of use
Against Maybe some courses will frown at the track on the wheels – but we’re assured they’re widely acceptable. Fully loaded it has a high centre of gravity and it might be susceptible to wobbling.
Pieces Two, the buggy itself and battery and holder
How it rates 9.5 (You find something wrong with it!)
10 El Supremo
8 Pretty damn good
6 On the ball
4 Okay
2 Crap
0 Don’t ask