Powakaddy Freeway 2

The Powakaddy Freeway 2 (FW2) is the latest version of the world's best ever selling electric golf trolley - the Powakaddy Freeway. It was launched in early 2009, and it comes in three versions:

• Freeway II (lead battery).
• Freeway II Lithium.
• Freeway II Lithium Brake.

All versions share the same lightweight chassis (9kg without battery) and whisper-quiet 200W motor. The Freeway II comes with a choice of either a 18 or 36 hole lead battery. The Freeway II Lithium comes with a lithium battery as standard. The Freeway II Lithium Brake is the same as the Freeway II Lithium, but it also has an electronic braking system for better control going downhill.

Powakaddy Freeway 2

The Powakaddy Freeway 2 is the base model. The specification of this model is as follows:

• Soft, ergonomic T bar handle.
• Multifunction 2.5inch colour display incorporating:
• • Digital Speed gauge (adjusts from 0-9).
  • Battery charge reading.
  • Distance Function - allows you to set a predetermined distance for the trolley to move forward (i.e. 10, 20 or 30 metres/yards) before stopping.
  • Total distance covered during round.
  • Digital Clock.
  • MPH/KPH display showing speed of travel.
  • Distance travelled for current shot (Yards/Metres).
• New design bag stay to reduce bag twist.
• Powerful and whisper-quiet 200W motor.
• Foot plate design which incorporates a special locking mechanism for all PowaKaddy golf bags produced since 2006.
• Easy, on-course front wheel adjustment.
• Soft Front wheel.
• Sports wheels provided as standard.
• Choice of Black or White. 

Important Note: The FW2 has a 'competition mode' setting, which turns off all illegal electronic aides. Therefore, you can rest assured that the FW2 can safely be used in your Saturday morning competition.

Ergonomic Handle and Display

Upper Bag Stay

Adjustable Front Wheel & Lower Bag Stay

Standard Sports Wheels

The combined weight of the trolley and battery is 15kg with an 18 hole battery, and 20.6kg with a 36 hole battery. 

In terms of size and portability, the Freeway 2 measures 935mm(H) x 575mm(D) x 1250mm(W) when open, and 395mm(H) x 575mm(D) x 820mm(W) when folded down.

Powakaddy Freeway 2 Lithium

The only difference between the Freeway II and the Freeway II Lithium is the battery (and the price of course!). The lithium battery makes the trolley much lighter (i.e. 11.5kg compared to 15kg for the 18 hole lead battery option on the Freeway II). The  lithium battery lasts for 27 holes, so you don't need to worry about running out of juice towards the end of a round on a hilly course!

Powakaddy Freeway 2 Lithium Brake

The only difference between the Freeway II Lithium and the Freeway II Lithium Brake is the addition of an electronic braking system. Engaging this system simply prevents the weight of the trolley from pulling away from you when going downhill.

Powakaddy Freeway 2 Reviews

Unfortunately, despite positive coverage in the popular golfing magazines, the Powakaddy Freeway II has had its share of reported problems. Lots of owners have complained about poor build quality, technical issues, and poor customer service.

The following are the most common problems that have been reported:

• Trolley cuts out frequently.
• Gearbox design problems – metal gears often shear off plastic cogs.
• Digital screen fogs up.
• Faulty start/stop button.
• Speed control is difficult to get right – either too fast or too slow.
• Axle snapped.
• Digital display hard to read if you are over 6 feet tall.
• Automatic move forward feature is fiddly to use, and not much use.

Despite the problems listed above, Powakaddy are still a reputable company who make good electric golf trolleys, so I think you should still consider buying one of their models - they will undoubtedly iron-out the problems they have had with the Freeway 2. Before making your purchase, simply spend a little bit of time online checking out reviews - it will be 30 minutes well spent!