We have something new up our sleeves. You know how the GoKart has a speed roller? Of course you do, you twiddle with it all the way round the golf course, don’t you? Well so did we, until recently. For a while now we’ve been developing a system that does away with any sort of manual speed control. You just hold the handle, walk, and the trolley senses what speed you’re walking at and matches it, seamlessly. You stop, it stops. You start, it starts. You can still take your hands off and let it travel on its own, there’s no need to hold on all the time.
It’ll l be offered as an option when you buy a GoKart, and existing GoKart owners will be able to take advantage of a back-to-base upgrade to the new version too. We’re calling it ‘The Automatic’, which kind of says how it works. We thought about calling it ‘The Bloody brilliant’ but that might cause complications. But it is.
More news in a few weeks.
UPDATE 26/07/2011:
Thanks for all your comments and questions about the forthcoming GoKart Automatic. We can answer some of your queries;
Our umbrella/bottle holders will fit the new handle. Existing umbrella holders will require a couple of updated parts, which we’ll be supplying free of charge to current owners. Fitting the umbrella holder won’t effect the speed control of the trolley.
Converting an existing GoKart to Automatic will require quite major surgery, with a large number of parts needing replacement, so it will need to come back to the factory. We don’t have any pricing information available at the moment, but we’ll keep you all posted as soon as we can.
The Automatic is not a wireless or proximity sensing system. It just needs the operator to hold the handle when they want to speed up, slow down or stop. If they want to maintain their speed then it’s OK to let go of the handle, and let the trolley continue running by itself.
The GoKart will still freewheel with the automatic handle, so when walking downhill, and gravity takes over, the motor will automatically be switched off.
The score card holder, which is part of the new handle, is larger than the one on the existing handle. It’s big enough for all size score cards. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to fit the new style scorecard cover to the original handle.
There’s been loads of testing and the controls are robust and long lasting. You’ll be impressed Rose!
Will do!
Hi extremely interested in this upgrade. Will we be able to replace the existing handle with the new one ourselves?
148. Barry Dixon Says:
August 16th, 2011 at 4:53 pm
I have not seen a customer evaluation or even comments on the longevity of the trolley. I have seen others that have died after a short time. Any comments, anyone
Hi Barry, had my trolley for getting on for 2.5 years now. Never had any issues with the operation or the parts. I can vouch for Go Kart. The thing is strong, very robust, works in the pouring rain and just keeps going.
You really can’t go wrong mate.
Simon
How about adding a USB socket, so one can plug a phone/GPS device to power it from the battery?
love this idea how much will this cost to up grade my existing trolly how long does this take as i use the trolly every week
I’m looking forward to this update and would appreciate an update on costs etc, as soon as you know them. However, will it make me any better at golf, other than looking stylish of course ?
Reply to Simon below: I have had my trolley since 2007 – possibly one of the first ones. Had a replacement battery once and a bit of an MoT otherwise still the best piece of kit and I still get lots of compliments from other golfers.
Is it possible to register in advance for this new upgrade and if possible can you register me. Thankyou Go Kart.
Jim & James Findon
We’ll certainly drop you a line and announce on the website when the update is available.
The conversion is brilliant. Makes it much easier to use for older people with athritis in the hands, and no pulling when slowing down up hills. Only one problem to report: very difficult to get umbrella holder in position to fit in bag. On one side there is no chance, and on the other side, ok if you leave bag open with holder sticking out.