HOT WHEELS
From buggies to motorised golf cars and full-service utility/ fleet vehicles,
we give you the comprehensive guide to the hottest “wheels” in town.
G
OLF cars and buggies have come a
long way over the years. Gone are
the noisy and bulky three-wheeled,
handle-steered, petrol-hungry cars of
yesterday. Today’s vehicles and push carts are
sleek, feature-packed machines that make
getting your gear around the course simple
and fun.
This month, we look at the top golf vehicles
and buggies to help you get around the
course, whether as a single purchase for an
individual golfer, or for an entire fleet for a
club/course.
First, here are a few general tips to buying a
buggy or golf car:
1. Push, Electric or Petrol?
You have many more choices these days
when it comes to cars and buggies. The pushbuggy – long the workhorse of the links –
offers manual and battery-powered options
that suit nearly any need. They are light and
compact, and generally very affordable. Golf
cars and ride-ons are also highly advanced,
but before you buy one you should ask
yourself a few questions.
How long, for example, will the unit/vehicle
last on a single charge/fill? How and where
will you source the power/petrol? Where will
you plug it in to charge it? If petrol-powered,
then consider the process (and costs) for
filling it up. When debating petrol vs electric
cars, also consider which type of unit will have
fewer repairs and/or maintenance necessary.
2. Your course
If you play most of your golf at one course,
then remember that some clubs restrict
the use of certain buggies/cars, so before
you purchase anything, ring up the club
and make sure that there are no potential
problems. Even some push-buggies can be
subject to restrictions (wide wheels/slicks
are often preferred for protecting the greens,
etc). Also, make sure that your vehicle/unit
is suited to your course (whether it is hilly, or
muddy in winter, etc).
3. Dealers and Warranties
When buying anything that has a motor/
battery (etc) it is always best to go through
a dealer (where possible) or a trusted retail
outlet/pro-shop. Ensure the unit comes with
a warranty. Also, before you buy, investigate
the availability and ease (and potential costs)
of getting the vehicle serviced or repaired in
the future.
4. Storage and transportation
Today’s push-carts and battery-operated
buggies are light, sleek and ultra compact,
making transportation and storage a breeze.
As you get to the bigger units, however,
things are a bit different. So while a club may
have room for a fleet of large vehicles, a lone
golfer purchasing a golf car should weigh a
few options. Can you store the vehicle at your
club? Is there a place for it at home? Is it under
cover/protected and secure? How will you
get it to/from the course? What is the cost
for a trailer? Do you have room for a trailer at
home?
5. Test drive the vehicle (for ride-ons)
Treat a golf car as you would an automobile.
Always ask for a test drive, as there is no better
way to evaluate the suitability of the vehicle.
Regardless of if it is a new or used vehicle,
check that there is enough oomph to get
up hills, and enough braking power to slow
it down in a hurry. Check the steering for
slipping/response, and (for a used vehicle)
make sure the wheels, motor and all aspects
of the vehicle are in good condition.
Make sure that the batteries are new/good,
with clean connectors and a good charger.
Also, check all wiring, hoses and all moving
parts to make sure they are in good condition.
Remember, the more research, time and care
you take up front, the better your overall
experience will be, and the longer your
vehicle/unit will last.
That all said, let’s look at the top products on
offer in Australia.
BUGGIES
Riksha R-3000
The Riksha R-3000 is
the original Big Wheel
push cart for golf.
Featuring signature
20” diameter rear
wheels, this golf cart is
designed to be pushed
and glides smoothly
over wet areas leaving
only the lightest of
footprints. The Riksha
golf cart is made with
a 1” anodized, rust-resistant aluminium frame and
created with a higher handle for more comfort and
less arm and back strain. The clubs also sit upright
creating ergonomic access to your bag. Engineered
for the individual, the wheels and handle are easily
removed for flat storage in the car and can be
optioned up with a drink holder, sand/seed bot ѱ