How to look after your electric trolley battery

When it comes to preserving golf equipment over the winter, there’s one thing that’s often overlooked, and that’s the electric trolley battery.

It might not seem like an important point, but there are a few key things you can do to keep your battery in top shape, ready to hit the course again when the weather gets better.

If you don’t look after the electric trolley battery in the colder months, it can certainly lead to problems when you get back to the golf course in spring.

Leading electric golf trolley brand Motocaddy has put together some pieces of advice for owners of electric trolleys to follow over the cold months, to keep their battery in the best condition possible.

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How to look after your electric trolley battery

Here’s some things you can do to take care of your lithium electric trolley battery over winter…

Charge fully, then unplug

If the battery is not going to be used for lengthy periods, the battery should be fully charged and then disconnected from the charger.

Before using again, it should be recharged. Leaving batteries uncharged for extended periods may reduce capacity.

Avoid low temperatures

Storing your electric trolley battery at a low temperature can be damaging. Instead, it should be stored at room temperature and never at low temperatures (under 10°C) when disconnected from the trolley or battery charger.

The battery must not be left in an uncharged state in temperatures below 5°C, as this could pose a significant safety risk that could result in a fire when charged.

Recharge your electric trolley battery regularly

Your battery shouldn’t be left for more than two months without recharging it.

Don’t feel the need to overcharge

Once a battery has been fully charged, it should be disconnected. It should not be left connected to the charger unattended overnight or indefinitely.

Charge in the proper location

Ideally, you want to charge your battery in a dry, hard and non-carpeted piece of flooring.

Don’t leave it too long

This applies particularly to extended range batteries, which should be recharged as soon as possible after use. These batteries also shouldn’t be used over consecutive days without being charged.

Motocaddy CEO John Helas said: “Our batteries are state-of-the-art and incorporate a comprehensive Battery Management System (BMS) that helps to protect the lithium cells if charging advice is followed correctly. 

“Although incidents are extremely rare and batteries of the size and type used on golf trolleys are proven to be very safe and long-lasting, there can be issues if they’re not cared for properly, especially if second-hand batteries are involved. 

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“We’re actively reminding Motocaddy owners of the guidelines, plus providing in-depth instructions, hints and tips on our website. Generally, our batteries perform so well that it’s easy for golfers to overlook the important care factors. But the fundamentals should never be ignored and we’ll do everything we can to ensure that these important messages are communicated to the wider golf community. 

“At Motocaddy, we prioritise safety above all else, and we take great pride in the rigorous measures we implement to ensure the safety, quality and reliability of all our products.”

Lewis Fraser As bunkered’s Performance Editor, Lewis oversees the content that’s designed to make you a better player. From the latest gear to tuition, nutrition, strategy and more, he’s the man. A graduate of the University of Stirling, Lewis joined bunkered in 2021. Formerly a caddie at Castle Stuart Golf Links, he is a member of Bathgate Golf Club where he plays off four.

Performance Editor