Most Compact Golf Trolleys 2024
In this guide we take a look at some of the most compact golf trolleys currently on the market.
Most Compact Golf Trolleys: Quick Menu
1. The list in brief
2. Push models
3. Electric models
4. How we test
5. How to choose
6. FAQs
One thing that can often stop people from investing in a golf trolley is how big and heavy they are. While there are still some models that are on the cumbersome side, manufacturers have noticed that lots of golfers prefer a lightweight, compact folding golf cart that can easily be stored in the trunk of your car or a garage space. Over the last few years, manufacturers have developed and installed innovative new folding mechanisms to their golf carts to make them easier to carry and hassle-free to use. Quite simply, the modern compact golf cart represents the easiest way to transport your clubs on the course.
These models can be folded up and down quickly and efficiently, whilst making sure they produce the smallest footprint possible to save space in the car, garage or wherever you keep your golf equipment. What is incredible is that golf cart technology has come so far that it's not just push carts that are compact in size, even the best electric golf trolleys can be folded down to a small package.
But don't think that because these trolleys are compact they don't come with plenty of features. In fact, some of the most compact golf trolleys have GPS and remote functionality. We think a compact trolley can be the best of both worlds; plenty of features while not being awkward to use.
Below we have taken a look at some of the most compact trolleys available right now. Be sure to check out our full in-depth reviews of these models to get a greater idea of how easy a compact golf trolley is to use. Additionally, we also recommend checking out our guide on the best remote control trolleys or the best push carts to get a wider understanding of all the best golf trolleys currently available.
The Quick List
Lightweight, compact and with plenty of storage, the Bag Boy Nitron is one of the best push carts we've tested thanks to it nailing the basics.
The PowaKaddy Micra's looks, compact folding size and lightweight frame will see it go toe-to-toe with any push cart currently on the market.
The latest Sun Mountain Speed Cart V1R release is exceptionally stable, highly functional, and easy to maneuver around the course. A top performer.
Having the chassis permanently attached to the bag saves time and space, while the premium materials and design make this a very desirable product.
The Motocaddy Cube push cart is quick and easy to unfold and makes getting around the golf course a breeze. It is also very compact and lightweight.
You get lots for your money in a well thought-out trolley that does pretty much everything you could ask for. Not the lightest, but feels very sturdy.
Load the next 3 models
One of our favorite GPS electric trolleys currently on the market. The touchscreen GPS is very responsive, with the CT8 incredibly compact and lightweight.
The M5 GPS combines Motocaddy’s reliability and practical features, with a crystal clear screen that houses the impressive moveable pin position pointer.
The MGI ZIP Navigator is a well-rounded remote electric trolley. It is well built, responsive and stable but more than anything it is good fun to use on the course.
Most Compact Golf Trolleys - Lightweight Golf Trolley
Why you can trust Golf Monthly
Push Models
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
First up is the Bag Boy Nitron and our tester got on very well with the trolley. It’s extremely lightweight and, when folded down, it’s very compact, making it a dream in terms of storage. And while it may not be as heavy or bulky as other similar products, it remains robust and able to cope with any and all demands placed on it. During a round, the bungee straps do an excellent job of tightly securing golf bags in place from start to finish. Additionally you get ample storage by the handle for all your golfing paraphernalia and the trolley itself looks good as well.
The number of features exceeds other models too. These include an integrated beverage holder, mobile device holder and golf ball storage and handle-mounted parking brake making this incredible value.
- Read our full Bag Boy Nitron Push Cart Review
PowaKaddy Micra Push Cart
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The next push model we selected, which also made our 2022 Editor's Choice list, is the Micra from PowaKaddy. It folds down extremely well, very compact which makes it perfect if you need that extra room wherever it will be stored. Despite this, it still assembles incredibly easily thanks to a clever quick-folding mechanism that involves just two steps. Despite this ease, it is sturdy and glides around beautifully whilst it is also practical too.
Along with the compact nature of it, the multi-feature handle console provides ample storage for your necessities, including a dedicated water-resistant cell phone storage area, a scorecard holder, a pen/pencil holder and storage for your balls and tees.
Featuring in our 2023 Editor's Choice Awards, we found that the cart was effortless to push over the terrain, with a smooth performance and robust build-quality meaning we had confidence to tackle the steepest slopes. One last mention is the attention to detail of the cart, with the footbrake really well positioned behind the left wheel and - sporting a bright yellow paint job - it's impossible to miss.
- Read our full PowaKaddy Micra Push Cart Review
Sun Mountain 2022 Speed Cart V1R Push Cart
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Speed Cart was first released in 1999 and it seems Sun Mountain have not stopped innovating on this excellent push cart since then. Renowned for being one of the best push carts on the market, their latest offering, the Speed Cart V1R Push Cart fortifies that reputation as an exceptionally stable and highly functional trolley. While it's not the smallest or lightest trolley on this list, the V1R is still a very compact offering and its ergonomic set-up and features make it a joy to use.
It was incredibly easy to assemble and pack away pre and post rounds, thanks in part to two simple steps. Attach the handle and the front wheel and you're ready to play. They can both easily be adjusted or released through the use of knobs, which some golfers may prefer to other clip systems.
Once you're fully up and running, you'll notice that this cart, which weighs just over 8kg, felt as light as a feather and it was seamless to push around the golf course. We also enjoyed how easy it was to attach our bag too, with the leg brackets do a superb job of keeping the bag secure while you play. Stability was never a problem and the cart certainly felt durable in its construction. It also comes with a few handy extras, including a mesh basket, that you can use to store some of the best golf accessories in.
- Read our full Sun Mountain 2022 Speed Cart V1R Push Cart Review
Kaddey Switch Trolley
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Perhaps one of the most unique golf push carts available, the Kaddey Switch offers a user friendly approach to the compact trolley market. It is designed to be permanently attached to any golf bag, which depending on how you like to play, can be a massive winner for anyone who doesn't want to spend ages faffing around trying to affix their bag to their trolley pre or post round. The design means that it takes up next-to-no space in your boot and is excellent if you're limited on storage.
What we loved about the Switch is that we were pretty much ready to play, seconds after pulling the trolley out of the trunk of your cart. All you have to doo is clip the XL wheels onto the device and you're away! The wheels also come in a protective carry bag that's another thoughtful addition to this package that keeps the dirt out of your car.
One of the great things about this trolley is that we could easily and quickly switch between pushing or pulling it around the course, depending on the gradient we were facing. The centre console is sturdy and comes with a good handle that was comfortable to grasp when pushing or pulling the cart. While some may be put off by its lack of a front wheel, the Dutch design and strong aluminium frame give this trolley a sharp look, that we certainly enjoyed during our testing sessions.
- Read our full Kaddey Switch Trolley Review
Motocaddy Cube Push Trolley
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
During testing the first thing we noticed about the Motocaddy Cube was how compact it is when folded up. It’s also very light at just 6.8kg and has a well-placed carry handle that makes it easy for anyone to carry when it’s folded up.
From there, it is quick and easy to unfold. It is a process that only requires a couple of button clicks and movements, and once you've done it once, it becomes second nature to the point you'll be unfolding and folding it in seconds. We were particularly impressed with the Easilock compatibility, which allows any bag to sit on the cart securely. It has adjustable bag supports at the top and bottom, with a 24-month warranty and plenty of storage space making this a fantastic option for a number of golfers.
- Read our full Motocaddy Cube Push Trolley Review
Caddymatic 360˚ Swivelease Three-Wheel Push Trolley
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The 360˚ Swivelease Push Trolley from Caddymatic offers an interesting design with a sturdy construction. One of the key attractions of the trolley are the wheels, which are not just free-rolling, but also easy to attach and detach pre- and post-round. Folding down to an already compact size, you can remove the wheels for further space, with the Caddymatic taking up minimal space in the car boot.
The amount of features you get is also impressive, with the upper assembly clip working really well and very quickly. This may not sound like much, but we were able to find the ideal handle height for maximum ease and comfort. Overall, it is a fantastic performer, with the swivelling front wheel an interesting design addition. If it's not your thing, then don't panic, as it can be turned on or off via the switch above it.
Electric Models
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Powakaddy CT8 GPS is the world's smallest touchscreen GPS golf trolley. It folds down a whopping 35% smaller than its nearest competitor and is ideal for those with small car trunks or minimal space to store a trolley at home. It's one of the best golf carts and a great addition to PowaKaddy's CT series.
The GPS system is the same one we've become used to in PowaKaddy devices, but it's on a new and very clear 3.5" full-color touchscreen display. This makes the GPS very intuitive to use and has some really useful features such as scorecard, stroke index information, active green view and drop flag to give you accurate yardages on course. It comes preloaded with over 40,000 courses worldwide and requires no subscription.
- Read our full PowaKaddy CT8 GPS Electric Trolley Review
Motocaddy M5 GPS Trolley
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
A model that is unquestionably one of the best golf carts out there, the M5 GPS folds down very compactly, assisted by the ability to invert the wheels and the front wheel automatically folding underneath.
The assembly process requires two latches to be undone, and while they are quite stiff, with practice the trolley can be erected in under five seconds. To go along with this the trolley has a host of other features to it including large touch screen screen and a long battery life. On the large color touch screen, you can access front, middle and back distances, the hole par, a list of hazards and move the pin position for greater accuracy. All of the M-Series models share the same compact folding frame design, so you get the same benefits on the M1 and M3 GPS too.
- Read our full Motocaddy M5 GPS Trolley Review
MGI Zip Navigator Remote Electric Trolley
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Zip Navigator is very stable across all terrain and we quickly grew confident that, whatever part of the golf course we sent it scurrying across, we’d arrive next to our ball with our trolley and bag waiting. The excellent stability is in part thanks to the rear 4th wheel which keeps the trolley from tipping backwards if it goes up a steep incline.
It also features downhill speed control – a feature that stops it going too quickly down steep hills – which adds to the confident stability of the trolley. The remote has a ‘lock’ button that stops any buttons being unwillingly pressed while in your pocket and you can invert the wheels when folding it down to save on storage space. All in all, it’s a very well rounded offering at a competitive price.
- Read our full MGI Zip Navigator Remote Electric Trolley Review
How we test foldable trolleys
When it comes to testing golf gear, let alone golf trolleys and carts, Golf Monthly has a comprehensive testing procedure built around using the products properly, thoroughly, and over a number of rounds and golf experiences. That way we can produce proper reviews that help you make an informed decision regarding possibly buying a certain model.
Getting down to specifics, we should first say that no manufacturer can pay for a good review, because we tell it how it is. We should also say that before testing even begins, the Golf Monthly team will usually attend product launches and meet with the manufacturer’s R&D experts to understand the new technology. With how much technology is in a standard golf trolley these days, we think having an understanding of what a particular model can do is very important.
The team then takes models out on the course for testing which is a simple process because everyone in the team plays golf regularly. We look to test each trolley in different conditions from rain to snow to assess the performance benefits that each product offers. We also look to address how easy each is to use, fold away and whether there are any stand-out features on that trolley that differentiate it from others on the market.
How to choose a golf cart/trolley
Golf trolleys come in all different shapes, sizes and styles. The latest golf carts also come with an array of features and that can all make buying a golf trolley a very difficult decision. Depending on your needs as a golfer, there is a lot to think about when buying a golf cart, so we've set out a handy list of tips that you need to consider when purchasing your next cart.
1. Push or electric cart?
Push carts are more appropriate for golfers that play mostly on flatter courses.
They're also less expensive than the best electric carts, so are a more cost-effective way of getting your clubs around the course. Push carts also tend to offer better storage solutions on the handle console for items like balls and tees.
2. Weight
Push carts need to be lightweight because it is you that is providing the pushing power, which can be particularly tiresome when playing holes that go uphill, so be sure to pick one that is lightweight without sacrificing stability or durability.
Luckily, push carts are much lighter than electric carts. Make sure the wheel bearings are nice and smooth, which will help reduce the amount of manual effort required.
3. Folding
Push carts often fold down more compactly than electric carts because the simpler design (no electrics) provides more freedom with the design of the frame.
This means they often fold down flatter, which can be more convenient for golfers that need to also fit their golf bag in the trunk. So if you're very short on space, a push cart could provide the answer.
4. Maneuverability
With push carts, because you are doing some of the work in terms of propulsion and direction, good models have to be easy to maneuver. Poorly designed models make life more difficult which is precisely the opposite of what a cart is supposed to do. Now admittedly there are some good four-wheel options in this regard, the Big Max Blade Quattro for example, but the more common design we have found to move easily are three-wheeled designs.
5. Storage
How much storage do you want on your push cart? If it is a lot then pick a design with a large central console, whereas if all your golf gear is going to be kept in your golf bag itself, then go for a trolley that doesn't specifically need storage in its design.
For more advice on some of the best golf trolleys on the market, visit our guides on the best push carts, best electric golf carts and the best golf trolley bags.
FAQs
Should you use a golf trolley?
Generally most golfers should use a golf cart and if you can use an electric one, then even better! While some prefer to carry their bags around the course with them, having a trolley to push can help you conserve energy and prevent the chance that you can strain your arms or shoulders when lugging a trolley around the course.
Is a push or pull golf cart better?
A push golf cart is better than a pull cart. The action of pushing a trolley loaded with a heavy bag of clubs puts much less strain on your arms and shoulder than having to drag the same trolley and bag behind you. That means there is less chance that you could injure yourself on the course.
Are electric carts less compact than push carts?
As electric carts tend to have a battery and a few different power components that are not typically included in a push cart, they tend to be a little bulkier than a push trolley. But that's not to say that they aren't compact and there are some electric carts on this list that fold neatly down in the trunk of your car.
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Dan has been with Golf Monthly team since 2021. He graduated with a Masters degree in International Journalism from the University of Sussex and looks after equipment reviews and buyer's guides, specializing in golf shoe, golf bag and golf cart reviews. Dan has now tested and reviewed over 30 pairs of golf shoes and is an expert in the field. A left-handed golfer, his handicap index is currently 6.5 and he plays at Fulford Heath Golf Club in the West Midlands.
Dan is currently playing:
Driver: TaylorMade Stealth 2
Fairway: TaylorMade Stealth 2 15°, Ping G425 Max 21°
Hybrid: Ping G425
Irons: Cobra King Tec Utility, Ping i230 (5-PW)
Wedges: Ping Glide Forged Pro
Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour X
Ball: TaylorMade TP5x
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