Sun Mountain Speed E Cart Review
Posted August 11th, 2006 by Erik J. Barzeski
I've always been a "walker," but the Speed E Cart has redefined how I view lugging a bag around 18 or more holes of golf.
We've all seen them. The first time we see them, we usually do a double-take. "Is that cart going along all by itself?" we ask. Yes, yes it is. The cart is driving itself, the owner a few paces behind, strolling along the fairway without a care in the world (nor a bag over his shoulders).
At only 28 years of age, I must admit to having mixed feelings over electronic carts. I longed to have the freedom to walk without carrying a bag, yet I didn't know if I could tolerate the "old man" jokes I felt certain would accompany the use of an electronic cart.
After spending some time with a Sun Mountain Speed E Cart, I can assure you that I suffered no such jokes - only curiosity - and I found the pleasure of walking a golf course without the weight of a bag on my back all I thought it would be.
Design and Technology
The Sun Mountain Speed Cart (sans "E") has been one of the most popular push carts since its introduction a few years back. The Speed E Cart builds upon the success of the venerable Speed Cart by adding the "E" functionality - a battery and a motor to drive the cart.
The E Cart is powered by a 24-volt DC motor embedded in the front wheel. The battery (see image below), which rests in the center of the chassis and between the rear legs, provides enough power for 36 holes of golf (though Sun Mountain recommends recharging every 18 holes to lengthen battery life). The noiseless motor also features "cruise control" functionality and soft electric braking that can regulate speed to remain constant, even when going up and down hills. Should the battery somehow fail (or should you forget it at home, as I did once), the E Cart can be pushed almost as easily as the Speed Cart.
The front wheel can be adjusted with a #6 allen wrench and all wheels feature shock-absorbing pneumatic tires. The rear wheels have aluminum spokes. When collapsed, the Speed E Cart measures only 36½" x 16" x 16".
The Speed E Cart is made from durable metal components, including die-cast aluminum, steel stampings, and aluminum tubing. It weighs 31 pounds (without the battery, which weighs about ten pounds), and comes standard with a battery charger and battery, a grass seed/sand bottle, an umbrella holder, a mesh catch-all, an air pump, and a console with a drink holder, storage area, ball marker, and more.
The Speed E Cart can be braked manually, just like the Speed Cart, and uses flexible, adjustable brackets to hold the bag in position without straps, bungees, or velcro. The Speed E Cart comes with a standard one-year warranty.
Setup
The Speed E Cart is rather small when folded - again, roughly three feet tall and 16 inches square (width and depth). To unfold the Speed E Cart, you unscrew a triangular twist knob near the lower wheel and rotate it 180 degrees into place and tighten the same twist knob. Then you unscrew a top twist knob, and pull the handle up and into place, which also spreads the two rear wheels. The top handle hinge is toothed, so you can lock the handle in at a variety of comfortable heights.
Amazingly, total setup or collapse time is under thirty seconds. A friend of mine has one of the old-school power carts, and he spends at least five minutes assembling and disassembling the cart.
A fully expanded Speed E Cart. Note the bag brackets above the bottom wheel and the svelte battery.
Once the cart is expanded, it's ready for the battery and the bag. The battery, which measures 12" x 3" x 2" or so, slips into a perfectly sized slot beneath where the bag will rest, between the legs of the cart. A small strap with velcro holds the battery in place.
Your bag sits atop the battery. Unlike most push carts (electronic or otherwise), the Speed E Cart has no straps, velcro, or bungee cords. Instead, a series of flexible plastic brackets - two near the top and two near the bottom - hold the bag firmly in place. The width of these can be adjusted with little thumbscrews, and once they're set, I found that they never needed adjusting unless I switched from one size bag to another.
Sometimes, on particularly clutzy days, it took me a few tries before I could squeeze my stand bag between the bottom clips, but once you get your bag secured to the cart, it stays there. I intentionally toppled the cart several times, and not once did my bag manage to free itself from the cart. The Speed E Cart can hold just about any bag, from the stand bag seen in the pictures here to a full-size cart or staff bag.
The Speed E Cart, seen here with a 35" putter, folds up to an incredibly tidy 36" x 16" x 16"! If you're concerned about trunk space, don't be. Two Speed E Carts and two bags fit in most trunks.
Operation and Performance
Once your bag is secured to the cart, you're ready to roll. Without a battery or with the power turned off, the Speed E Cart behaves almost like a regular Speed Cart. Except for the additional weight, it is every bit as easy to push as a Speed Cart, which makes running out of power a far less scary prospect than it may seem at first.
The Speed E Cart's drive mechanism is controlled by a few round buttons on the handle (see image below). A central power button turns the cart on and off, while a "Stop/Go" button instructs the cart to - big surprise - stop and go. Between the Power and Go buttons you'll find speed control buttons, and left of the power button, three pre-defined yardage buttons. Above them all, a series of LEDs inform you of your cart battery's remaining juice.
An example of typical usage goes like this: I'd hit my drive and press the "Go" button to start the cart in motion. As I'd approach my drive, I'd hit the "15" button so the cart would travel 15 yards further and stop. Occasionally, I'd send my cart 30 or 60 yards ahead while I veered off to help a partner look for his ball in the trees. Then I'd hit my next shot and repeat the process. My home course has several holes that parallel each other, so the 15/30/60 buttons came in handy when I'd hit a green, grab my putter and driver, and send the cart to the landing area of the next hole.
The Speed E Cart's controls are easy to use, but an audio confirmation would have been appreciated.
While these pre-defined distance buttons work well (in testing, the 60-yard button averaged 58 yards according to my range finder), I still have a problem with them: the lack of an audio confirmation. Imagine this: you're walking down the fairway after smoking your drive right down the middle. You push the "60" button on your cart to send it to your before you walk into the trees to find a ball for your friend. You look back at your cart and it's still going. And going. And going. You start to wonder if you really pushed the "60" button or if the cart is just going to keep going. You contemplate running after the cart. You take a few quick steps. Finally it stops. Whew!
Sun Mountain could have saved us all a lot of worry by including an audio beep to acknowledge input. My model - an early production model - has no yardage governor, meaning that a runaway cart will keep going until it hits something and topples over or runs out of power (about eight miles away). Currently shipping models stop rolling 200 yards after the last user input, so at least you can only overshoot your target by 140 to 185 yards if you fail to push the 15, 30, or 60 button.
Aside from the fear of a runaway cart, my experiences with the Speed E Cart have all been exceptionally positive. My cart tracked to the left initially, but a #6 allen wrench and a slight adjustment later, and the cart tracked quite well, even on slight sidehill paths.
The Speed E Cart features "cruise control," which basically means that the cart will attempt to travel the same speed up and down hills. In practice, the cart takes a second or two to adjust, but does a good job staying at a constant speed. At rest, the cart uses electronic braking to keep the cart in place. This brake didn't work very well on paved cart paths sloped 10° or more, but I simply used the manual brake in those instances.
If you don't look closely, you might think this was just a regular old push cart. Sun Mountain has done a tremendous job of making an electronic cart that doesn't have a bulky battery or large motors.
The Speed E Cart has about eight unique speeds, and your preferred speed is remembered between uses. You can adjust the speed using the up and down arrow buttons, and speeds range from glacial (about 1 foot per second) to super speedy - I had to jog lightly to keep up with the cart at its fastest setting.
The wheels, with air-filled rubber tires with a good amount of tread that acted quite nicely as shock absorbers, easily powered through thicker grass. I was occasionally forced to lift the handle gently when driving up a slick grassy hill to provide more traction to the front wheel, but the cart generally needed no assistance. The cart easily handled uphill and sidehill slopes of 30° or more, only tipping a few times… and most of those came not long after I said "hey, let's see if the cart will tip on that mound!" Only once did the cart tip when I wasn't trying to push the limits, and that was because I didn't see a stump sticking out of the ground on the side of a hill.
Unlike a lot of electronic carts, including the Bag Boy Navigator we'll be reviewing soon, the Speed E Cart offers a "creature comforts" console. The console features a flip-up storage compartment suitable for keys, a small digital camera, or your wallet. Bungee cords on top of the compartment hold down your scorecard, and tee holders, a ball holder, and a cup holder sit in front of the compartment along with a molded plastic tool you can use to draw an alignment line on your golf ball. A mesh basket further forward served as the perfect location to carry my Bushnell laser range finder.
Seen here: the umbrella holder on the padded handle, the manual brake lever, the clip for the seed/sand holder, the center console with all its goodies, and the mesh catch-all basket (which is where I kept my range finder).
An included umbrella holder screws into the handle and will keep you and your clubs dry in the event of a light rainstorm. I don't recommend using the umbrella holder in extremely windy conditions, however - the wind may put too much strain on the handle for my comfort. And finally, a shaker bottle for seed/sand divot fill can clip to the side of your Speed E Cart's console.
Finally, a comment on battery life. Sun Mountain recommends that you go only 18 holes between charges, but I've successfully played 36 holes without running low on battery power. The battery is rated for 200 charges, and Sun Mountain recommends it remain plugged in to the charger when you're not playing golf. Replacement batteries sell for $44.99.
Specifications
The Speed E Cart is available in three colors: Black, Orange, and Silver. Though MSRP is $759, you can find the Speed E Cart online for $699. The cart itself weighs 31 pounds, and the cart comes pre-assembled. All you do is charge the battery for 24 hours (and a minimum of 12 hours between uses), pop it in, and you're ready to go. Collapsed, the cart measures 36½" x 16" x 16".
The Speed E Cart is available in black, orange, or silver. I'm partial to the black model I've been testing; it matches my bag.
Like the Speed Cart, the Speed E Cart can be customized with accessories like coolers or a seat. The standard kit includes a tire pump that attaches to the frame, the seed bottle, the umbrella holder, the battery, the charger, and the cart itself with the convenience console and manual brake.
Conclusion
No longer am I envious of those old men with their walk-behind electronic carts. My Speed E Cart is quieter, lighter, smaller, easier to use, and more convenient than their carts. No longer am I lugging 20+ pounds over my back on a six-mile trek through hilly terrain. Instead, I am truly enjoying a walk in the park.
At $699, the Speed E Cart is a bargain for those who want to re-discover the joy of walking during a round of golf but don't want the recurring expense of a caddy or the added expense of a powered cart with a remote control.
Feedback
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Posted 12 Aug 2006 at 11:39am #
A friend of mine just picked up one of these and it is pretty awesome.
Posted 22 Oct 2006 at 2:11pm #
I desperately wanted to see the Bag Boy Navigator as the next step up from Sun Mountain's Speed E Cart, but I was nothing but disappointed.
Posted 24 Oct 2006 at 6:16pm #
For the Sun Mountain e cart is it possible to charge the battery in your car from a "cigarette lighter" type plug? My problem is that I drive to the golf course from various locales, and do not have a suitable place at the course/courses to keep the charger/battery.
Posted 24 Oct 2006 at 7:14pm #
To be honest, I'm not sure. I imagine it would certainly work if your car has a 120V outlet, as many do these days, or if you have an adapter that gives you such an outlet.
You should email Sun Mountain.
Posted 31 Oct 2006 at 10:58am #
I was wondering how it steers around some turns coming from the tee to the fairway?
thanks
your review has been of great help
Posted 31 Oct 2006 at 11:12am #
It doesn't "steer" itself, but you can turn the cart pretty easily by one of two methods. If you don't require a sharp turn, you can just turn it like you would a stroller. If you do require a sharp turn, you can push down on the handle a bit and lift the front wheel from the ground, turn, and then set it back down, just like you would a push-cart.
Posted 15 Feb 2007 at 2:14am #
Can the charge take both 110/220 volts? Thanks.
Posted 27 Feb 2007 at 7:01pm #
After reading your review I went out and bought me one of this bad boy , my bday gift for myself. First time I took it out at my home course everyone including the seniors are hawking me like Im playing naked, so I felt a little uneasy, heck my playing buddies are all giving me the "Old Man Golfer jokes". One suggest that I should install a blow horn on mine so that I wont run over some ones toes. (funny lol) Im 33 and works out a whole lot so Im in shape all this guys are in thier mid 40's and 50's they all have a carry bag one even has his cart bag that he carry's (ouuch) So after our first nine holes everyone in my group started getting tired like usual and we usually always stop for a drink after 9, but this time I guess they are kinna trying to prove that they are not more tired than the guy with the motorized cart. We went on and after our back nine all the guys are beating on thier legs, streching calves and as soon as we stoped at the club house admited that having this motorized cart or as I call it my personal caddy . Only thing that I say about this cart is the price , at almost $750 its not for evryone. And the battery for me is good enough for atlest a couple of rounds and a half before it dies down totally drained, but if you get it I suggest the charging every 18 holes to be sure. all in all I must say its a great buy for me, finally being able to walk 18 holes with having the usual sore feet and aching back, oh and lastly I always just made sure to just push the 15 , 30 yards your right about the 60 yard buttons its kinna scary felt like it would not stop , and in the course I played we have a couple of holes that is an island hole and one that has water running parallel on the side (yiiikes) . Thanks for a the review though.
Posted 28 Feb 2007 at 1:44pm #
Hi, I am over in the UK, where this is now available.........I have been coming back to this review time and time again, and finally took the plunge this week and bought one of these.
I am moving from a PowaKaddy Freeway, so am used to electric carts.........Initial impressions were very good - even if the actual cart itself is very, very heavy compared to the PK. The small battery makes up for this in the total weight.......Easy to set up the first thing you notice is the huge console and handle. You soon get used to it, but the photos just don't do it justice. The battery is also a bit tight to squeeze in, but I think this will loosen with time. It is so easy to set up and fits so much easier in my boot (trunk!)
On the first tee for the first time was an experience. I play with a group every week, and 11 turned up this week. They just crowded around the trolley. If you're a little shy get something more conventional.
It performed fantastically. I play on a particularly hilly course, but there were still 3 lights lit after 18 holes. Stabble, quick, convenient, easy to use. I just love the console - drink on hand, spare ball ready (didn't need it today!), wallet and phone safe in the compartment.
Niggles? Firtsly, for UK conditions in the winter some courses may not like the narrow rear tyres. Are there any bigger ones available? The buttons are hard to hit without looking - some sort of distinction could be made, like the 5 on telephones.
Overall - and I've had 4 trolleys now- this is the best one I have ever used. Don't worry about your age - just go and get one today.
Posted 19 Mar 2007 at 1:58pm #
I've been trying to get one of these, but a local store said that they have temporarily stopped carrying them until Sun Mountain fixed the problem with the battery connections failing. Is there any basis for this?
Posted 22 Mar 2007 at 1:10pm #
Looks like a fender for the front tire would be nice in the wet/mud to keep the bag from getting covered?
Any issues in the wet....traction, tire spray, etc.??
Bobby
Posted 23 Mar 2007 at 11:51pm #
I just purchase this so called "noiseless" cart and am disappointed to find it's not so quiet afterall. It has a constant rattle that seems to come from the front axle and resonates up the frame to the bag. It's very frustrating to listen to for 18 holes plus... when nearing a neighboring occupied green, I need to shut it off and push so as not to interrupt those on the green. It's annoying for those goifing with you as well.
I tested 3 different bags on it, it continued to rattle, took it back and test drove the retailer's demo and arrrghhh ....it too rattles!!!
Anyone hear of this problem?
Ursula
Posted 26 Mar 2007 at 10:22pm #
I did purchase the cart, and decided to make a water/mud splash guard to protect the bag/cart.
I did fashion a water/mud shield that velcros onto the top of the drive wheel bag support. It extends about 4" beyond the pivot to prevent any spray onto the bag or cart. Easily disconnects from the two velcro tabs top and bottom! Also can be left on as it stays out of the way when the wheel pivots during folding. It is made out of heavy duty plastic from a carpet protector and has some small spikes on the top side, which helps hold the bottom of the bag.
Posted 30 Apr 2007 at 8:07am #
[...] If this is too strenuous, how about using one of the nifty motorized carts like we reviewed here. Believe me, walking really is faster than riding, and better for [...]
Posted 18 May 2007 at 8:12am #
I have a PowaKaddy RoboKaddy. I bought it after having the privilege of playing with a caddie. I love pushing buttons to drive my cart. No more lugging around clubs. These things are awesome.
Who cares about the old man jokes? It is crazy how people stare when you use one of these things.
Posted 21 May 2007 at 8:00am #
[...] since I am, indeed, an old man. So moot point there. And while the electric motor version, the Speed E Cart, seems the ultimate solution, its roughly $700 plus price tag makes it no solution for [...]
Posted 24 May 2007 at 1:36pm #
I bought one of these for my dad who lives in Switzerland. Anyone knows if a step down transformer is all I need to make sure he can charge the battery over there? They use 220 V. If that don't work. Does anyone know if I can just buy a battery/charger that will work in Europe? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
Posted 26 Jun 2007 at 11:21am #
I bought one of these in the UK after seeing it (but not trying it) in New Zealand.
I have to say I am very disappointed.
The weight is unbelievable (excluding Battery) but the main problem is that the front wheel drive just does not give enough grip. Mine skids on virtually any kind of slope, will barely move up any kind of gravel path, and skews right or left over any side sloping mound. It also cuts out automatically after a couple of minutes (probably a safety feature) so you tend to walk into it as it stops.
The buttons are a bit fiddly but livable with, particularly good is the distance feature of 15, 30 and 50 yards.
Give me a Powakaddy any day!!
Posted 17 Jul 2007 at 11:32pm #
I ran across your review of the Sun Mountain E-cart a few weeks ago when I was beginning my search for a cart. Now, I am very new to golf (as of 6/1/07 and I'm 44 years old) but discoverd quickly I wanted to walk the courses for exercise and did not want to lug that heavy bag around. The perfect solution was the e-cart. I just received mine last week and tried it out for the first time last week and man was I impressed. Of course I did get the usual old man jokes but by the 10th hole everyone was so tired the jokes eventually stopped. THe cart perfomed exactly as you discussed in your review and I was also considering the Naviator, but am more than pleased with the Sun Mountain. The cart was fantastic and very easy to set up and use. I could not be happier and thanks for the "spot on" review. Whenever I am considering a golf purchase my first stop will be at Sand Trap for your reviews.
Posted 07 Oct 2007 at 7:37pm #
The problem with the front wheel concers me. I play at Rockland Lake State Park, Rockland county, NY and this is an extreamly hilly course. It covers the top of a mluntain with steep hills up and down. The cart will not help if it does not get traction... Is there anyone who has some input for me?
Thank you, Robert
Posted 20 Oct 2007 at 1:48pm #
To help Robert Schreier out - yes, I play on a very hilly course in the UK. It's wet as well. Whilst I wouldn't say the front wheel is the perfect solution, it does work ok. The worst I have to do is pull up a little with one finger on the handle and off she goes. The benefits the trolley gives you in other departments far outways this small weakness. The battery life is superb - 36 holes easily on the hills. The catch all and storage are great, and I would be lost without them now. The battery recharges quickly. It fits in my small boot (trunk for the Americans amongst us!), the self braking downhill works perfectly and the handbrake is useful.
Hope this helps.
Posted 22 Oct 2007 at 11:20pm #
Robert Schreier said on October 7, 2007:
Traction will be a problem on steep uphill. But the remedy is simple. Simply give a gentle lift to the handle which increases traction on front drive wheel. I play on a course with two steep holes and I can handle them easily with a gentle push up on the handle.
Posted 15 Nov 2007 at 10:18am #
[...] so wrong with pull carts and personal electric push carts" that most high-end courses don't allow them? Charge us a cart fee if you want, but let us walk or [...]
Posted 23 Jan 2008 at 10:06pm #
Can anyone compare this product to the Hill Billy. My wife has one of those and it works pretty darn good. We play a very Hilly course and haven't had a problem yet. The Sun Mountain looks like it has some nice bells & Whistles, but I am wondering if anyone has used both and could compare them?
Posted 25 Feb 2008 at 12:34pm #
Bought one of these in the UK about 18 mths ago.
After 11 months had to take back to the Retailer (problem with the electrics) to their credit the retailer swapped my cart with a brand new one.
Unfortunately after 7 months this one now has faulty electrics.
Has anyone else had the same problems.
The cart will not switch on, the lights come on but will not stay on.
Posted 19 Mar 2008 at 10:01pm #
If your lights come on but will not stay on, it may be that the battery is no longer holding a charge. I had two bad batteries before I got one that lasted more than a year (I probably useed it 100+ times in that year). The company replaced the batteries free of charge during the first year, now I have to pay for them!
Posted 15 Apr 2008 at 6:08pm #
The cart is a bit heavy to lift into the car but I am 68 and have no trouble with it. I have a small space in the car, a compartment for my T-tops that my speed cart just fit in; I was concerned that the E cart would not fit but it dropped right in. I have to lift the cart fairly high to get it in over the lip but it's not too heavy to handle.
The only concern I have is battery availability throughout the life of the cart as it seems the only source is Sun Mountain.
I definetly feel much fresher at the end of the day. I think I feel better with E cart than when riding a motor cart. I guess walking is better then climbing in out of motor cart, at least it seems to me.
The cart seems very sturdy and well designed and manufactured. I can't find a thing not to like.
Posted 07 May 2008 at 2:00am #
I have had mine for 15 months and the only things I do not like are going up hills when it is wet and the battery. Mine died after 12 1/2 months and it took me 3 weeks to find and receive a replacement. The article says that a replacement battery is $44.99, but I could not find one for less than $60. Anyone have any idea where I could get one for less than $50? No local retailer carries one either, which made getting the replacement so time consuming.
Posted 07 May 2008 at 11:30am #
You can get a battery from Sun Mountain: $50.
http://www.sunmountain.com/default.php?cPath=3184_3091_3098
Posted 13 May 2008 at 10:43pm #
I live in Australia and decided a cart that I could push manually and had power assist when required was a fantastic option. I had ordered a 2008 speed e cart from a US online retailer but unfortunately sun mountain are no longer supplying retailers with the 2008 speed e cart(out of production). Apparently they are developing a new version for release in 2009. Does anyone have any info/news/rumours RE: the 2008 and 2009 speed e carts? There are still some sites selling the 2008 model but Im wondering if I should wait and see what the 2009 model has to offer.
Posted 14 May 2008 at 4:02pm #
I heard the same rumor around Christmas time 07 (I got my cart for Christmas) so I emailed Sun Mountain tech support.
They said they could not get frequency approval from the government for their new cart and that the design was on hold indefinitly. That may have changed. However, I have used mine for five months at least twice a week and I don't know how they could change it to make it better. Maybe a remote contro or something but it is fine the way it is. It has bullet proof construction and the controls are more than adequate. I think any change would only add cost for bells and whistles or a reduction in the quality. I would not hesitate to get the current model.
Posted 15 May 2008 at 10:04pm #
Thanks Bob
I think I'll go ahead and get the 2008 model. A new model will obviously be more expensive and if it has a remote control feature then the cost will be way more than I want to spend based upon other remote control buggies. Reading the review above and the various responses it seems that they are as good as you say. Makes you wonder why Sun Mountain would cease production, maybe they simply havent sold as well as anticipated.
Posted 24 May 2008 at 9:50pm #
i was getting a ride up a hill and the cart turned to fast and my Sun Mountain Speed E Cart flipped over and i can't get it to work and i can't find anyplace to fix it.
I need help in Mpls. MN. Thanks.
Posted 27 May 2008 at 5:51am #
RE:
Bought one of these in the UK about 18 mths ago.
After 11 months had to take back to the Retailer (problem with the electrics) to their credit the retailer swapped my cart with a brand new one.
Unfortunately after 7 months this one now has faulty electrics.
Has anyone else had the same problems.
The cart will not switch on, the lights come on but will not stay on.
Had this repaired again! new controller!
Now three months later after playing in the rain the same problems.
DO NOT BUY ONE
Unreliable
Posted 31 May 2008 at 8:41am #
I just bought a used e cart. It is pulling to the left. How do I align the front tire? I noticed 2 places for a allen wrench and a place for a screw driver.
Posted 01 Jun 2008 at 2:47pm #
Instructions for adjusting wheel came with the cart when new. You shoulb able to get a manual from Sun Mountain.
You loosen both allen bolts with a six mm allen wrench. The tracking may then be adjuted by turning the adjustment screw. If you want the cart to run more the the right, MINUTELY turn the screw clockwise. To go more left, turn the screw counterclockwise. Check the tracking and continue to turn the sdjusting screw in small increments until it is properly aligned. Then retighten both allen bolts until they are snug. By the way, when they say "minutely" turn the screw they mean it. Small increments are all that are needed.
Posted 15 Jun 2008 at 7:39pm #
mine is 13 months old..the battery does not hold a charge anymore...i have used it only 20 times or so....i am disappointed...in addition, it is NOt easy to push once the battery dies.
ken
Posted 15 Jun 2008 at 9:48pm #
Recieved my Speed e cart from the US and couldn't be happier (apart from the missing sand bottle). Its winter here in Brisbane (Australia) at the moment so the need to have a motorised cart isnt as great but I still couldnt help myself. I dont use it (turn it on) on every hole and I find pushing it every bit as easy as my other push cart. I play approx 60-70 rounds a year so I figure even if the battery only lasts that long its less than $1 per round which is good value compared to the alternatives. I'll certainly get a spare battery or two to ensure a few years of push free golf. Almost find myself looking forward to the blistering summer heat to compare the fatigue levels. As Bob mentiuoned above I dont see how they could really improve on this cart, the build quality and design are, in my opinion, excellent.
Posted 15 Jun 2008 at 11:02pm #
Ken
I still can't find a place to get mine fixed and I have a new battery would you like to sell yours
Mark in MN
hult1299@aol.com
Posted 30 Jun 2008 at 5:05pm #
I long to have an electric push cart when I play golf. My club has told me NO! Could I ever get an electric adapter to use on the manual push carts they do allow at my course?
Posted 02 Jul 2008 at 12:53pm #
As near as I can figure, The E-cart consists of an electric adapter to the manual Sun Mountain push car, more or less. My club will not allow a private electric drive cart unless I pay them the drive cart fee for using my own cart. This is not unusal. I have never heard of a restriction on an electric push cart. Hope that is not a new trend.
Posted 03 Jul 2008 at 5:10am #
What Bob D is saying is basically correct, the speed e cart looks and pushes (with the battery removed or turned off) every bit the same as the conventional speed cart. I've had mine for 3 weeks and have absolutely no issues with it. Some minor personal trust issues pushing the 60 yard button and wanting to run after it after your sure its not going to stop but Im sure that will look after itself over time. Cant believe your club wont let you have this electric cart. Nobody at my course (apart from the few I told before bringing it) realised it was an electric cart. Some watched the cart 3-4 feet in front of me moving by itself and still didnt realise!! Maybe they thought I was levitating it along or maybe the rate of dementia at my club is a lot higher than the national average. This cart is the bees knees!!
Posted 07 Aug 2008 at 7:56am #
Patrik Mattle said on May 24, 2007:
I live in Switzerland, and Sun Mountain shipped me a European adapter with "swiss" plug. And it works great on 220V no need for a power down
Posted 05 Sep 2008 at 2:36pm #
For those who think you have a bad battery, check the connections before you buy a new one. I have had two batteries that I thought had failed. In both cases, it turned out to be a broken connection. Pretty simple to fix. Just take the battery out of the cover, remove the tape or wrap and repair the connection. In one case, it required a soldering iron and in the other just pushing two connectors back together. All you need is a knife to cut off the wrap holding the batteries together and some tape to retape it when you are done.
Posted 10 Sep 2008 at 10:22pm #
Very interesting. I am in the market for a golf cart. Sun Mt. isn't sure whe the new models are coming out. Is there any comapreable quality carts on the market. I prefer remote control. I would be interested in purchasing a used E-cart.
Posted 11 Sep 2008 at 12:56am #
I just bought a used E cart and emailed Sun Mountain about a spare battery. They do not have the batteries and have turned the repairs over to J-Tech.
Called J-Tech and battery is $79 plus shipping. They did tell me to take battery cover off and see what battery was and then see if I could find them cheaper.
J-Tech was very easy to talk to.
Posted 13 Sep 2008 at 1:35pm #
I live in Chile and it my intention to buy an E-cart when I am in North America.
I am concerned about bringing or shipping the cart by air because of the battery. Do you think there will be a problem?
If so, is this a standard battery that is readily available?
Also, we 220volts here! Will the charger work with 220volts, or, do I need a stepdown trans.
regards
Posted 14 Sep 2008 at 5:22pm #
Brian
I had a speed e cart shipped to Australia and it arrived all ok packaged very well in a huge cardboard box no problems. Is your battery concern about damage or are there restrictions on shipping over there? We are 220 volts here as well and you will need a step-down transformer to charge the battery. Apparently sun mountain did make a European charger for 220 volts. Have had no issues with my cart at all would recommend to anyone.
Posted 15 Sep 2008 (5 weeks ago) at 12:34pm #
I just bought a used e cart and it was missing the User's Guide.
Anyone have a spare or copy. I'll cover all costs!
Posted 16 Sep 2008 (5 weeks ago) at 9:38am #
Dear Ross H:
Many thanks for your comments
There appears to be conflicting comments regarding whether or not a 220volt charger is necessary. I see comments that indicate you can charge with a 220 volt supply?
My real concern was the battery and bringing it by aeroplane with all this terrorist phobia!
Also, is there a common generic replacement available for battery replacement?
Posted 16 Sep 2008 (5 weeks ago) at 10:17pm #
Hello Brian
I spoke directly with a technician from sun mountain and he told me that I would need a step down charger as the sun mountain charger was 100-120 volts AC input. It is a 1.8 amp charger so you will need at least a 500watt step down transformer (amps x volts 440 watts minimum). As far as the shipping with the battery, it was packaged in a separate cardboard box within the main box with the cart, dont know if that makes a difference. Id be surprised if it wasnt allowed, maybe different if it was carry on luggage but it will be packed away with the normal luggage anyway. Best bet is to contact the airlines and ask about restrictions. Dont know about the generic battery, I hope there is as I'll be looking to get a spare.
Cheers
Ross H
Posted 01 Oct 2008 (2 weeks ago) at 7:16am #
I have used the Speed E Cart for several years, and although the cart is excellent, the battery is not. After about 6 months, it will only hold a charge for less than 18 holes, necessitating carrying a second battery when you play. Now, Sun Mountain does not carry replacement batteries, and they are very difficult to obtain through vendors. Not to mention that replacing the battery adds about $75 per year to your cost.
Good golfing.
Bigjet
Posted 01 Oct 2008 (2 weeks ago) at 10:30am #
Bigjet,
That is the symptom I had when I thought my battery was failing as well. What you really have are 2 batteries held together with a sleeve or tape. What can happen is that one of the connections can break or come loose if the battery is dropped or if it falls off the cart when it tips over. It is easy to fix. Just take off the cover, remove the sleeve or tape and reconnect. You may or may not meed a solder gun. Good Luck!
Posted 08 Oct 2008 (1 week ago) at 4:29pm #
The battery is comprised of 2 separate "12 volt" batteries wired together in "series" to provide a "24 volt" battery. These appparently were 7Ah originally. Most battery suppliers have 12v/9Ah versions with the same dimensions. You can still also get the 7Ah version--but prices for the 9Ah are not that much more. The trick is in connecting the two batteries and tightly strapping them together---anybody done it???