May 13, 2022 – A growing number of avid golfers are likely to regard electric trolleys as the most satisfying method of getting around a golf course and an increasing number are choosing to use them more frequently, according to independent research contained in a new report charting the history of the golfing caddie – from the knowledgeable human bag carriers to the ultimate modern powered equivalents offering high tech features, while reducing strain on the body.

Amongst the golfers surveyed in eight of the world’s top golf-playing nations, electric trolleys were used by up to two thirds in some markets with the UK (65%) and Republic of Ireland (66%) leading the way in electric trolley usage.

Most golfers who use electric trolleys were satisfied with this method of transporting their clubs, as satisfaction with powered models was much higher (76% very satisfied) than for golfers who used other methods (45% very satisfied).

Encouragingly, increasing numbers of golfers globally are walking the course, with 43% of U.S. golfers surveyed currently taking to their feet as awareness for the health and fitness benefits increases.

The 2022 Motocaddy Report, a 28-page document published this month by the world’s biggest-selling powered trolley brand, reveals that the global market for the product category is forecast to reach an estimated $200m (£147m) by 2030, representing a potential 44% rise since 2020. It also includes views about electric trolleys or ‘walking carts’ in some of the world’s leading golf playing countries – the USA, UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Australia, Japan & South Korea – where most golfers say being able to walk without strain is the biggest benefit, as well as having more energy and enjoyment for the experience.

“These findings are very positive for the electric trolley category and not only demonstrate how important they are to golfers, but also the strong reputation that Motocaddy has built up across the World,” said Marketing Director, Oliver Churcher.

“The report also highlights the dramatic progress of electric trolleys in recent years, in not only being able to transport clubs and navigate the course effortlessly, but also allowing golfers to enjoy the game more and shoot better scores.

“The fact that using an electric trolley delivers incredible health and performance benefits seems to be accepted by a large proportion of trolley users, as they see both the physical and mental value of not having to carry their clubs over long distances and tough terrains,” he added.

Up to 57% of electric trolley owners believe that using one allows them to play more often and improved scoring and performance can be attributed to its use with nearly a third playing better when using one. Equally importantly, electric trolleys are credited with helping golfers sustain the same amount of play when fatigue or injury might have otherwise stopped or reduced their playing time.

An overwhelming majority (99%) of electric trolley owners are ‘very or quite’ satisfied with their purchase, plus they are also likely to believe that an electric trolley represents a better investment in their game than buying a new set of clubs. This is highlighted especially in America, where just under half (49%) of powered trolley users wish they had switched to an electric trolley sooner.

Buying habits across the main golfing nations showed reliability, ease of use and durability were the key factors for golfers purchasing trolleys, with speed control being a big consideration for trolley owners, along with GPS connectivity, remote control and phone connection other important features

On a global basis, most golfers using electric trolleys own rather than rent them and almost half are very likely to buy another model in the near future. More than 10% of powered trolley owners in France, Germany, Australia and the USA have owned them for less than a year.

Findings from the survey (*) show Motocaddy is the strongest performing brand in the sector globally, as well as being the #1 brand in the UK and France for electric trolley ownership, plus among the top three brands in Ireland, Germany and Australia. Motocaddy owners are also the most likely to recommend their electric trolley to a friend (70%). The brand is also regarded as the ‘most considered’ powered trolley brand in the UK, Ireland, USA and France for future purchases.

(*) The research was conducted among male and female golfers in July and August 2021 by leading sports research company Sports Marketing Surveys, with the aim of understanding how, when and why different groups use electric golf trolleys to convey their clubs around the course.

More information at www.motocaddy.com.