Simple and reliable: Powakaddy FX3 electric golf trolley Review

A focus on affordability and speed of setup without the gadgets and gizmos.

Powacaddy needs no introduction. They are the brains behind some of the best golf trolleys money can buy. Whether you’re in the market for one of the best electric trolleys or best push trolleys, Powakaddy has you covered.

I got my hands on the Powacaddy FX3 electric golf trolley which is designed for golfers who want an electric trolley that delivers on performance, looks, and reliability, but don’t want to pay the extra cash for on-board tech and gismos.

There’s no doubt that I put both feet firmly in this camp and want nothing more from an electric trolley than to give me hassle-free transport around the course. Let’s dive into the test to see how it fared.

First impressions 

The first thing that struck me about this trolley was how easy it is to assemble and fold out. I’m always a little dubious when a big selling point of a product is its ease of assembly, but this literally takes seconds to unfold and put away again, which is thanks to the 1-Click fold system.

The second is how great this trolley looks. Despite being one of the more basic models, the FX3 is just as impressive in looks as some of its more expensive counterparts. The low-profile wheels give this a sporty, sleek look and the battery is also small, light, and fits snugly inside the frame.

Nothing about this looks bulky or cumbersome and I was also quite surprised how light the trolley is compared to some other electric trolleys I’ve used, even when I clicked the battery into the frame.

This trolley also boasts a 2.3” full colour-wide screen display which is not only super clear but also has a digital power gauge that shows you exactly what speed the trolley is traveling at. The display also features a battery fuel indicator and one dial controls the brakes, power, and speed.

Folding and set-up

I’m usually short of time when I arrive at the course and my first outing with the FX3 was no different. This trolley was straight out of the car and up in just a few seconds, thanks to the 1-Click folding system which is absolutely top drawer.

I’ve had push trolleys that are way more difficult to set up. It’s worth mentioning here that it feels super sturdy and stable even before you load your bag on. Nothing feels loose or gives you the impression that anything is going to give you any problems out on the course.

There’s no need to carry the battery separately in your vehicle either. It’s so light that you can leave it attached to the frame during transportation, which just makes things really quick and easy.

I don’t have a PowaKaddy cart bag, but the new MAG-LOK system is a really useful addition if you do own one. The clever system uses a magnet that you attach to the bottom of the trolley and this combines with a second magnet at the bottom of all PowaKaddy cart bags to ensure a secure fit.

My bag sits perfectly and snugly into the frame thanks to the two conventional straps at the top and bottom (you don’t need the bottom strap if you use MAG-LOK).

On Course performance

The FX3 really is a joy to use on the course. It’s virtually silent and the transition through the speed settings is extremely smooth and reactive. Everything is controlled by the central power button and there are nine speeds. I spend the majority of my time between four and five when walking the fairway. 

The possibility of unintentionally sending the trolley forward is made impossible by PowaKaddy’s anti-tamper dial. The trolley only moves after you press the center of the button and this also brings the trolley to a stop. I’m really impressed with how there’s nothing too abrupt about how this trolley slows down to a halt.

There is also an optional self-sensing Electronic Braking System (EBS) which automatically slows the trolley down on steep inclines. I’ve found this to be a stand-out feature for me as I play the majority of my golf on links courses, which can be very up and down – as we all know.

Anyone who plays with me knows that I don’t travel light and my bag always falls into the heavy-weight division. The lightweight, low-profile frame makes maneuvering the trolley super easy despite it being loaded up to the max.

I’ve played in a variety of weather conditions and the 2.3” full-colour widescreen display has always been extremely visible and I love the fact that it just shows the 9-speed system and your battery status.

I have a GPS watch and a rangefinder to give me all of the other stats I need out on the course. As I said at the start, this trolley looks fantastic…sleek and stylish. The narrow sports wheels really complete the look of the FX3, but initially, I did think that they might get a little slippy.

This certainly isn’t the case. There’s been no point in any round where I’ve felt out of control or my bag has shifted or felt unstable.

Battery and charger

The ‘Plug ’n’ Play batteries are just fantastic as there are no leads that need attaching. You just click them into place. Not only are these super lightweight, but they also feature an isolator switch which is located on top of the battery. This has an LED indicator that shows green when it’s on. This makes it easy to turn off your battery when you’re ready to unload and fold down.

The fact you can transport this trolley with the battery attached is a great feature. I have the ’Standard’ 30V battery, which is designed to give you a round’s worth of power, but I’ve finished all 18 with around four bars of power left, which is perfect if you fancy a bit more golf.

The other great thing about these batteries is that they are really quick to charge. I forgot to charge mine recently until the morning I was due to play. I had it plugged in for just over two hours and that combined with a few extra bars left over from the previous charge, was enough to get me around a full 18.

Not best practice, but worth a mention if you’re worried you need to have this plugged into the mains for ages. The FX3 trolley comes with a two-year warranty and the battery has a five-year warranty.

PowaKaddy FX3: My verdict

If you’re like me and want a trolley without loads of tech and gismos, then the FX3 is a purchase you must consider.

This trolley offers great value for money, looks stunning and is also incredibly stable and durable.

I’ve used the FX3 for a little while now and the two stand-out features are how quickly it folds up and folds down and how smooth the transition is between speeds and the start/stop.

I have to point out that the FX3 is the most compact of trolleys as the front wheel doesn’t fold down.

So if you’re short of storage space at home or in your car and you’re looking for something that’s super compact then you may need to consider other options like the Powakaddy CT8 GPS.

About the author

Ben Miles – Product Tester

Ben has been a journalist and content creator for over 25 years and worked in many different fields, including sports.

He’s contributed to and edited national magazines, and provided content for leading websites and social media pages.

Ben took up golf as a teenager and spent many years playing at Greetham Valley in Rutland before moving to Devon, where he is a member of Royal North Devon, England’s oldest golf course, and plays off a handicap of 11.7.

His specialist areas include clothing, footwear, and tech.

PowaKaddy FX3 Electric Golf Trolley 

RRP: £649.99

Weight: 9.6kg (without battery)

Dimensions:805mm x 560mm x 346mm (Folded) | 955mm x 560mm x 1170mm (Unfolded)

Warranty: Two years on the trolley | Five years on the battery (if registered)

PowaKaddy.com