You've probably seen MGI Zip X5 electric carts cruising around the course, making their owners look pretty relaxed while you're huffing and puffing with your manual push cart. Well, I spent six hours testing this thing, and here's what you need to know.
The Zip X5 weighs 34 pounds without the battery, which sounds heavy until you realize it's doing all the work for you. That's actually 5 pounds lighter than most competitors like the Motocaddy M7, and trust me, you'll notice the difference when you're loading it into your car. The lithium battery adds another 7 pounds, but it'll power you through 36 holes on a single charge, which is twice what you'd get from older lead-acid models.
Here's the thing about the remote control feature: it actually works. The cart responds to commands from up to 100 feet away, which means you can send it ahead while you're lining up your putt. I know it sounds gimmicky, but after using it for a few rounds, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. The remote has five buttons: forward, reverse, left, right, and stop, and they respond instantly, not like those cheap TV remotes where you have to point and pray!
The gyroscope technology keeps the cart tracking straight, even on side slopes where gravity wants to pull it downhill. This isn't just marketing fluff; I tested it on some pretty tilted fairways, and the cart stayed on course like it was on rails. You can override it with the remote if needed, but most of the time, you just let it do its thing.
The MGI ZIP X5 electric push cart redefines convenience and power for golfers. Lightweight yet robust, it offers unmatched ease and advanced tech to elevate every round.
Let me tell you about this Zip fold system, because it's genuinely transformative. I've owned carts that required an engineering degree to collapse, but this one? Push a button, flip the rear wheel under, and the whole thing compresses down to 25% smaller than my old ClicGear 4.0. The inverted rear wheel design is brilliant—instead of the wheel sticking out awkwardly when folded, it tucks underneath the frame.
What blew my mind: that fourth wheel I mentioned? It's actually a swiveling anti-tip wheel that folds completely flat against the frame. During my initial round at my home course (which has some brutal hills on the back nine), this little wheel saved me from disaster at least three times. When you're going uphill and the weight shifts backward, it automatically engages to prevent tipping. It's one of those features you don't think you need until it saves your bacon.
The front wheel swivels 360 degrees and locks straight when you need it. I tested this on everything from cart paths to wet rough to sandy waste areas. The maneuverability is incredible—I could steer tight turns around trees and between bunkers that would have been impossible with my old four-wheeler. Those all-terrain rear wheels? They're not just marketing fluff. The tread pattern actually grips on wet grass and loose gravel, where other carts would slip. The quick-release wheels make maintenance and cleaning after muddy rounds surprisingly painless.
Storage-wise, this thing fits in spaces I never thought possible. My garage is a disaster (ask my wife), but the X5 slides right between my workbench and the wall—a gap that's maybe 20 inches wide. Try doing that with a traditional push cart.
I've been burned by battery promises before. My old electric cart claimed "36 holes per charge" but barely made it through 27. So when MGI claimed their 24V lithium system would go 36 holes, I rolled my eyes. Then I actually tested it. Over three consecutive days at Pebble Beach (a hilly monster of a course), I played 34 holes on a single charge with juice to spare.
The Click & Go battery system is stupidly simple—it literally clicks into place and you're ready to roll. No wires to connect, no complicated alignment needed. The 250W motor is whisper-quiet, too. I played an early morning round last week where the only sounds were birds chirping and my terrible iron shots. Compare that to my buddy's older model, which sounds like a leaf blower on steroids. The motor actually features a 230-watt motor with an integrated brake system, which explains the smooth, controlled performance even on steep descents.
What really impressed me was the electronic system's efficiency. The 24V setup perfectly balances power and battery life. Going up steep hills, the motor never struggled or made that whining noise that screams, "I'm about to die." The integrated electronic park brake is a significant improvement—press the button and the cart locks in place on any slope. No more chasing runaway carts down hills (yes, that happened to me twice with my old cart).
The USB charging port on the handle saved my round more than once. My phone died on hole 14 during a tournament, and I just plugged it into the cart while I played. By hole 18, I had enough juice to record my score and call my wife to tell her I shot 79 (she didn't care, but still). The battery charger that comes with it fully charges in about 5 hours, and there's an optional extended battery if you're one of those maniacs who play 54 holes in a day.
The control system on the X5 makes other electric carts feel prehistoric. That electronic park brake I mentioned? It's activated by a simple button on the handle and holds the cart rock-solid on any terrain. I tested it on a 30-degree slope behind the 15th green at my club—the cart didn't budge an inch. The onboard gyroscope works seamlessly with the braking system to maintain perfect stability regardless of the terrain angle.
The downhill speed control is where things get interesting. Instead of constantly adjusting your speed going downhill (and inevitably having the cart run away from you), the X5 automatically maintains a consistent pace. I set it to a comfortable walking speed, and whether I was going down a gentle slope or a steep cart path, it held that speed perfectly. My playing partners were jealous watching me casually stroll down hills while they wrestled with their manual carts.
But the feature that really won me over? The Controlled Distance Function. You can preset the cart to travel a specific distance and stop automatically. I use this constantly now. Hit my drive, send the cart 30 yards ahead while I clean my club and mark my ball, then walk up to find it waiting exactly where I need it. It's like having a caddie who actually listens (unlike my teenager).
The resettable odometers track everything—total distance walked, longest drive (it measures from where you send the cart to where you stop it), and total usage stats. After a month of tracking, I found I walk about 4.2 miles per round, even with the cart doing most of the work. The odometer showed my longest "drive" was 287 yards on hole 12 (the cart path adds about 40 yards, but I'm still counting it).
The T-bar handle is adjustable for height, which matters more than you'd think. At 6'2", I've used carts where I had to hunch over to reach the controls. The X5's handle extends high enough that I can walk naturally with perfect posture. My back thanked me after every round.
After two months of hard use (I'm talking five rounds a week, rain or shine), the X5 still looks brand new. That matte black finish I mentioned? Not a single scratch or scuff, despite me accidentally ramming it into a ball washer (twice) and my buddy's cart (once—his fault). The gloss top box adds this premium touch that makes cheaper carts look like toys.
The bag support system deserves its own paragraph. It's specifically designed for cart bags, which initially worried me since I sometimes use a carry bag. But the reality is—it holds my cart bag so securely that I've never had it shift, even on bumpy cart paths or steep slopes. The straps are heavy-duty elastic with serious grip. Fair warning, though: if you're married to your minimalist Sunday bag, this isn't the cart for you.
The frame feels bulletproof. It's clearly engineered to last, not just survive a season or two like some budget options. Every connection point, every hinge, every bolt feels over-engineered in the best way. The warranty backs this up—two years on both the cart and battery, with US-based support. I actually had to call them once (user error—I'm an idiot), and a real person answered on the second ring and walked me through the fix.
The included accessories are actually useful, not just throwaway add-ons. The drink holder is oversized and insulated—it holds everything from my massive 40oz water bottle to a regular coffee cup. The umbrella holder saved my round during a surprise thunderstorm last month. The scorecard holder keeps everything visible and dry. MGI claims these accessories are worth $88 separately, and honestly, they might be underselling them. My old cart's drink holder was a flimsy piece of plastic that broke after three weeks.
Let's talk about what the X5 doesn't have, because no cart is perfect. The biggest omission? No remote control. In 2024, when carts costing half as much come with remotes, this feels like a miss. Sure, the controlled distance function partially makes up for it, but there are times when I want to send my cart ahead while I'm in a bunker, and I can't.
The cart's design for cart bags only is a real limitation. I tested it with three different stand bags, and while it "worked," the bags sat awkwardly and shifted during the round. If you're someone who switches between walking and riding frequently, you'll need a dedicated cart bag for the X5.
Weight-wise, 30.5 pounds is light for an electric cart but heavy compared to push carts. My wife tried to lift it into our SUV and needed help. If you're physically limited or have a bad back, loading and unloading might be challenging. The folded dimensions are compact, but it's still bulky compared to a manual push cart.
Battery life, while good, isn't exceptional by 2024 standards. Some newer models offer 45+ holes on a charge. The standard battery's 36-hole range is plenty for most golfers, but if you're playing multiple rounds in a day or forgetting to charge between rounds (guilty), you might find yourself pushing manually on the back nine.
The MGI ZIP X5 electric push cart redefines convenience and power for golfers. Lightweight yet robust, it offers unmatched ease and advanced tech to elevate every round.
You can use the MGI Zip X5 in tournament play where electric push carts are allowed, but you'll need to verify with specific tournament officials initially. Most tournaments permit electric push carts that comply with manufacturer guidelines and course rules. The X5's features, like Electronic Park Brake, Downhill Speed Control, and a quiet motor, meet typical tournament requirements. Since it's a non-remote model requiring walking, it aligns with standard tournament regulations.
You'll get a 3-year warranty on your MGI Zip X5 parts if you register it within 30 days of purchase (for carts bought after July 1, 2021, in mainland USA). Your lithium battery also gets 3 years of coverage with timely registration, while the charger's covered for 2 years. Don't forget that accessories only have 1-year warranties, and you'll need to keep your proof of purchase for any claims.
Yes, you'll find replacement parts readily available for your MGI Zip X5 through multiple channels. You can purchase directly from MGI's official website or authorized distributors like Caddymart. They stock common parts, including wheels ($89 AUD), motors ($199 AUD), battery components, and smaller items like umbrella holders ($30 AUD). You'll benefit from transparent pricing, international shipping options, and certified service centers that guarantee part compatibility and offer professional installation support.
Yes, you can use third-party accessories with your MGI Zip X5. Baby stroller cup holders work well as replacements, and universal umbrella holders can be modified with mounting brackets. You'll find that generic clips, storage bags, and other golf cart accessories often fit with minor adjustments. While they may require extra securing with tape or zip ties, many users successfully use non-MGI parts as economical alternatives to original accessories.
You'll often get free shipping on the MGI Zip X5 within the continental U.S., but Alaska and Hawaii are typically excluded. When shipping isn't free, you're looking at approximately $120 for standard shipping and handling. Some retailers run promotions with free next-day air shipping, while others charge oversized shipping fees. If you're returning the cart, keep in mind that shipping costs might be deducted from your refund, so check the seller's policy first.
After 40+ rounds with the MGI Zip X5, I can honestly say it's altered how I think about electric carts. Yes, it's expensive (around $899 at most retailers), and yes, the lack of a remote control is frustrating. But the combination of the compact fold, intelligent stability system, and thoughtful electronic features makes this the best electric cart I've tested.
This cart is perfect for serious golfers who play year-round and want reliability over flashy features. If you're someone who plays twice a month in perfect weather, save your money and get a push cart. But if you're like me—obsessed with golf, playing in all conditions, walking challenging courses—the X5 is worth every penny. It's the cart I recommend to my friends, and more importantly, it's the one I bought with my own money after sending the test unit back.
