Questions and Answers

Q.

The MiCaddy electric golf buggy appears similar to some that sell on Ebay for less. Why is that so?
Ian from North Perth. WA  

A.

This question could also be "Why should I buy a Micaddy electric buggy at $487 when similar looking buggies sell for less on Ebay" which is a question that I am very happy to answer.  

Over a period of about 5 years I have taken a better quality Chinese electric golf buggy and made several important changes to improve the quality and performance based on my experience as a golfer of many years and also several trips to meet with the manufacturer/supplier in China. In the initial stages I had many problems however unlike many quick buck merchants who disappeared when their customers problems began flooding in I persisted and am now very happy with the MiCaddy (TM) electric buggy. I am sure that if you consider the following information you will understand that the MiCaddy electric golf buggy is not just another cheap Chinese made (buyer beware) electric buggy

Some of the modifications I have made are listed below;  

I could carry on however the point is that these improvements have meant that the cost from my supplier has increased by 53% over that which I could buy a typical cheap Chinese electric golf buggy that looks similar. Quality, performance and genuine after sales service does cost a little more.

1. The fitting of a castor (swivel) front wheel. This not only makes the handling under all conditions much easier, it also prevents stressing of the main frame when changing direction unlike the typical fixed front wheel where downward pressure is normally placed on the handle to take pressure of the fixed wheel when turning. A castor wheel is generally only available on much more expensive buggies.  
2. The main frame is extendable (an innovation patent application has been registered) to enable different length bags to fit correctly. This also adjusts the handle height if required.  
3. The PCB has been modified to conform with the advice supplied by an electronics consultant I engaged.  
4. Genuine 24Ah DEEP CYCLE EV sealed batteries are supplied with each buggy unlike the typical cheaper 17/20Ah standard sealed batteries that are supplied with many Chinese buggies. A deep cycle battery is designed to handle the constant stop/starting of applications such as electric golf buggies whereas many cheaper sealed batteries tend to have a fairly high failure rate after a relatively short life. This then requires a replacement battery at around $100 or more.  
5. MiCaddy electric buggies and battery chargers carry the C-Tick mark which is required by law to be legally sold in Australia. This is not a cheap exercise and several Australian suppliers do not have it.  
6. I personally provide the warranty and, if required, after sales service. This is a particular benefit to Western Australian customers as if a buggy is purchased from the Eastern States, as most cheaper buggies are, the customer is generally liable for the cost of transporting the unit to and from the supplier, which could be in excess of $50 each way, for any major warranty work.  
7. Every buggy is checked before sale to ensure that there are no hidden defects. This includes a computer test to establish the true capacity of the battery.   
8. An adapter bracket is available as an accessory to enable an Xtrahand umbrella holder to be used in a very stable manner with the MiCaddy buggy. I have yet to see a good umbrella holder that is supplied with Chinese buggies.  

Q.

What warranty, if any, are MiCADDY electric buggies covered by?
John of Ryde. NSW 

A.

This is a very good question John and one that should always be asked when purchasing anything new, not just electric golf buggies.
I personally provide the warranty on all MiCADDY electric golf buggies that I sell as well as provide after sales service and parts if required. The actual buggy is covered for a full 12 month warranty against any defects or faults that may occur from normal use on any golf course, naturally enough I can't cover damage caused by neglect or rough treatment however I don't think anyone would consider that to be unreasonable.  The battery which I provide with the buggy is a genuine deep cycle battery and is covered against failure during normal use with a full 6 month warranty.

Q.

Will spare parts and service be available after the warranty period expires?
Bill from Joondalup. WA

A.

I consider after sales service to be just as important as the sale of the product in the first place. 

I carry a comprehensive range of parts for the golf buggies I sell and do my best to ensure every need is catered for to keep the MiCADDY electric golf buggy rolling over the fairways for a long time to come.

Q.

One of our club members have an electric buggy they purchased on Ebay from a company in the Eastern States which required some warranty work. He was not pleased to have to pay the cost, about $75 I think, to have the buggy sent back for repairs and a similar cost for it to be returned to him. What is your policy on interstate warranty work?
Arthur of Morley. WA

A.

This certainly proves that it pays to research matters such as warranty policy etc. before buying. In the case that you mention the extra costs involved probably exceeded the "savings" made in the initial buy price. In the case of MiCADDY I will pay the freight on any replacement parts required for a genuine warranty claim. Even the PCB (controller) is very easy to replace as it is a "plug in" fit. I carry the warranty so the buck stops with me rather than through a third party such as the retailer.

Q.

Does the MiCADDY electric Golf Buggy come with a battery charger?
Allan of High Wycombe WA

A.

The MiCADDY electric golf buggy comes with all you need to use and keep using the buggy for a long time into the future.  When purchasing an electric golf buggy from MiCADDY you will get an Australian approved battery charger that conforms with the EMC requirements and carries the required C-Tick sticker, it is very important that the charger is C-Tick approved to meet Australian regulations.

Q.

I have been told that electrical items imported into Australia require authorisation from Government agencies. Does this apply to electric golf buggies and if so is the MiCADDY electric golf buggy approved for sale in Australia?
Jim of Kwinana. WA 

A.

This is an excellent question and it is really good to see someone that is switched on and on the ball when considering purchasing any items that have been imported into Australia.  I believe we must protect our Australian way of life and that all correct and appropriate procedures must be adhered to.  The Australian Communications & Media Authority require all electric golf buggies and battery chargers (along with most other electrical items being imported), meet the required EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) standards before they can be C-Ticked and supplied to the Australian market. If a buggy or battery charger does not have the C-Tick logo with the suppliers "N" number on it is reasonable to assume that the supplier does not have the required approval and is therefore selling their products illegally within Australia. To achieve the C-Tick authorisation is a fairly comprehensive process and is a reasonably expensive exercise which many importers ignore and therefore choose to sell their units illegally.

Q.

Is a seat available?
Jeff of Southlakes. WA

A.

MiCADDY buggies are supplied with a comfortable storage seat that attaches to a very strong support bracket unlike many low cost buggies which have rather flimsy mountings.

Q.

Would you back the seat against my 102 kgs?
James of Sydney. NSW.

A.

Yes. The bracket that the seat stem connects to does not take any weight as the seat stem is spring loaded and sits directly onto the ground when weight is applied.

Q.

What accessories are available?
Linda from Geraldton. WA

A.

Accessory options are limited as the buggy includes items that  some other buggy suppliers list as options such as the seat, battery charger, provision for a sand bucket etc.  I have chosen to include those items I consider as part of a package rather than sell them as extras. If you refer to the accessories page you will see that there are only 2 accessories offered. The carry bag for the buggy is, in my opinion, useful but a non essential item however the Umbrella Holder Bracket is an extremely useful all season accessory. It enables an Extrahand umbrella holder to be fitted to the buggy  in a very stable manner at a height to suit all players. I am over 6' tall and can walk under it without a problem. I have yet to see an umbrella holder supplied with Chinese buggies that is really functional hence my decision to make a quick release bracket for a quality holder. 

Q.

How does it compare to the more expensive electric golf buggies?
Jack from Bunbury. WA

A.

Very favourably Jack. While it may not have all of the "bells and whistles" that some more expensive electric buggies have its general performance is equal to most. I relate an electric golf buggy to a mobile telephone where many users want a simple reliable product that performs well rather than one that has many options that are never used by the average user. Personally, when I changed my mobile telephone from a CDMA unit which I have had for several years I found the new G3 replacement unit rather confusing with the extensive range of options on its menu.

Q.

How long does it take to assemble?
Joan from Nedlands. WA

A.

It takes less than a minute to either assemble or pack ready to transport.

Q.

Will it fit in the boot of my car?
Terry of East Perth. WA

A.

It will fit in to the storage area of most small cars. I do not believe that there is an electric golf buggy available that would take less space when prepared for transport as the wheels and the extendable section of the mainframe can be removed to assist if needed.

Q.

How heavy are they?
Rhonda from Stirling. WA

A.

The basic buggy weighs about 13Kg complete and can be reduced to about 7Kg if required by the easy removal of the wheels and the extension which incorporates the castor (swivel) wheel. The battery in the cradle weighs 8 Kg.

Q.

Are they good quality buggies? It seems that many of the lower cost electric golf buggies available now are not the most reliable.
Graham of Sale. Vic

A.

I think that you have raised a very valid point Graham. I have been importing Chinese electric golf buggies for in excess of five years and initially had many problems associated with poor quality control. I have made several trips to visit the manufacturer in China to resolve problems associated with batteries, electronic controllers etc. This has also been necessary to ensure that they understand the modifications which I require to the buggies as a result of my ongoing R & D here. As a golfer I am constantly using MiCADDY buggies and looking for ways to improve them while keeping them at a price that is affordable to most golfers   Every unit is checked before sale.

Q.

Can I see one demonstrated?
Ray of Wembley. WA

A.

Better than that, I offer a trial buggy to genuinely interested parties on an obligation free basis to enable them to try it on the golf course. For obvious matters of logistics this offer is restricted to the greater Perth metropolitan area. This together with the after sales service I offer is, in my opinion, a better way of building long term business rather than a quick buck from a pressure sale.

Q.

Can you deliver to places outside of the Perth area?
Janice from Port Adelaide. SA

A.

Certainly Janice, I have sent MiCADDY electric buggies to all states in Australia including Tasmania. I would be very pleased to give an obligation free quote for delivery to any where in Australia on receipt of the applicable postcode.

Q.

Tell me please, are the bearings to the wheels and gearing metal or "plastic"? This is a problem which many people seek assurances on because with constant use the wear of non metal parts is swift
Alex from Innaloo

A.

The bearings are good quality metal bearings (available from any bearing supply company) unlike many cheaper Chinese buggies which have a rubber compound type sleeve/bearing. The wheels have metal bushes in the hubs, there is no wear on these as the wheel locks onto the clutch and turns with the axle. The gear in the driveline is a synthetic material which is driven by a metal worm drive directly from the motor, this has proven to be trouble free. Again, traditional metal bearings are used. I carry a full range of replacement parts in the unlikely event they are required.

Q.

Service is the obvious problem.  I can handle most stuff myself if I have the assembly diagrams etc. Can you supply these for the drive?
Peter from Crows nest

A.

In the event of a problem I will express post parts together with fitting instructions.

Q.

It seems to me that with the castor wheel the buggy would try to turn downhill on any side slope.  Is the wheel lockable to the straight ahead position?
Peter from Crows nest

A.

The wheel is not lockable however this is not a major issue as the buggy can be controlled on slopes by adjusting the power to maintain the desired direction. It can be supplied with a fixed wheel if requested however the castor wheel reduces the stress on the mainframe as it is not necessary to press down on the handle to lift the front wheel off the ground when changing direction as is the case with a fixed wheel.

Q.

Can the wheels be set to freewheel in the event of power loss?
Sarah from St Kilda

A.

The clutches allow the buggy to free wheel.

Q.

I have been told that axles on many Chinese made electric golf buggies tend to break. Does this happen with Micaddy buggies?
Barry from Karrinyup

A.

All MiCaddy buggies are now fitted with Stainless steel axles such as used in more expensive electric golf buggies rather than mild steel as most buggies in this price range are.