Electric caddies are becoming increasingly popular, with more golfers worldwide enjoying the benefits of walking the golf course without carrying their golf bag or pushing their cart. As a user of an electric caddy for the past four seasons, I can confirm that the experience is undoubtedly better. MGI positions itself as the #1 electric caddy brand in the US, and today, they are announcing a new member of the family, the all-new MGI Ai 500.

“With the Ai 500, we are pushing the boundaries of what golfers can expect from their equipment,” said Miranda Turner, CEO of MGI Golf Inc. “Our mission is to transcend traditional golf caddy expectations. The Ai 500 is engineered to enhance every round with precise navigation, reliable performance, and unmatched convenience, setting a new benchmark in the world of golf.”
These days, the term “AI” seems to be included quite a bit in products, but its meaning sometimes gets muddied. With the Ai 500, AI essentially means the inclusion of a 4-inch full-color, all-weather touchscreen GPS. This GPS connects to over 40,000 golf courses worldwide and provides hole overlays with interactive maps, allowing golfers to easily plot their way around the course. There is also a green view mode which gives front, middle, and back distances. For stat tracking, the GPS allows for individual hole scores and includes the ability to track putts and fairways hit. It also integrates with the SureShot App, which can be downloaded for both Android and iPhone. Additionally, if you prefer to keep your smartphone in your bag or pocket during the round, you will be able to see your text messages, emails, and incoming phone calls on the screen, thanks to the Ai 500’s Bluetooth connectivity.

The Ai 500 is not MGI’s first Ai-branded product; they previously released the Ai Navigator GPS+. However, there are several differences between these two products. The Ai Navigator GPS+ costs an extra $450 and has some notable differences. For instance, the Ai 500 does not use a remote control, has one front wheel as opposed to two on the Ai Navigator, and weighs 8 lbs less at just 31 lbs. Options are a great thing, and with the Ai 500, golfers can take advantage of the 4″ touchscreen GPS without having to spend the extra money to go up to the Ai Navigator GPS+.

When MGI designs an electric caddy, they aim to ensure a convenient user experience, including the ease of preparing the cart for the round. As mentioned, the Ai 500 weighs 31 lbs (with battery on board), making it manageable for a majority of golfers to take it out of the trunk. They have also implemented a single-action easy fold mechanism, which simplifies opening and closing the cart after the round. Additionally, the Click and Go 24v 250Wh lithium battery should provide enough power for golfers to play 36 holes easily.

Those considering replacing their current golf caddy or wanting to join the #ElectricCaddyMafia can purchase the new Ai 500 for $1,449. The purchase includes essential accessories such as a drink holder and umbrella stand, and MGI offers various other accessories on their website.
Additionally, MGI is introducing the new Ai 500 in the MGI Fleet Program, which currently features five electric caddy models available for ordering in quantities as small as four. Those involved in club decision-making or interested in subtly suggesting the addition of electric caddies to their course can find more information at www.us.mgigolf.com under the Fleet Program.
Seems like a solid product, but is it Ai if it has a Bluetooth connection to your phone and a GPS?
Sounds like a cool cart, but I’m not sure I’m seeing the AI aspect of this so I don’t love the branding. Very feature rich though for sure!
Great addition to the lineup and very thorough write-up [USER=782]@ddec[/USER] .
Question – [USER=782]@ddec[/USER] , is there a annual subscription fee to use the GPS and stats or is it plug n’ play?
Marketing meeting
What’s the hot button word to make people take notice.
Well some brands use Ai or machine learning to help creation.
That’s gold, slap it on the name.
Just remember, Allan Ingersol works here, we will just say its his signature edition.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 12577222, member: 3″]
Marketing meeting
What’s the hot button word to make people take notice.
Well some brands use Ai or machine learning to help creation.
That’s gold, slap it on the name.
Just remember, Allan Ingersol works here, we will just say its his signature edition.
[/QUOTE]
It sounds like a great cart, but to me AI means it’s taking that data and using it to think like a golfer and automatically pilot the cart in such a way.
A few examples…
“Cart approaches the green from the left side because it knows statistically using the shot scope data on that hole the golfer has a common miss left”
“Cart approaches green from right side because it can see the next hole and knows that will be the quickest path to the next hole”
“Cart recognizes the golfer is playing blue tees and automatically proceeds to the next hole and parks at blue tees”
Like to me that’s tapping into AI. I don’t really see any of the data being utilized to actually provide golfer AI…I just see a feature rich cart?
Your point about it being created through AI could be spot on though, that’s a fair point.
I see it as Ai as [USER=3]@JB[/USER] said, marketing hot buzz words in the current and at least short to mid term marketplace. That said, having the built in GPS may allow for some actual Ai at some point. Perhaps touch the screen to send your cart where your ball went (and it then has to navigate there, maybe has a sensor or 2 to minimize possible issues with water or roots or holes/dips, and also tracks where the owner/golfer is to reduce lag and not get too far ahead. I love the screen/GPS and have actually played a number of rounds with walkers who added their own ‘screen or yardage tool’ to their own carts – this is the future.
Anyway, looks good and nice to see MI add to their stable of carts. Still, the price given some newer items on the market is a bit of head scratcher.
I believe the sweet spot for golfers new to the electric caddie market is right around 1k throw in all you can for that price becuase many won’t buy another for a while. Sure, there will be outliers to this, but I think a lot golfers see walking as an ideal but once they start they realize that it may not be for them – or it’s too hot too long – or something, now they are stuck or looking to flip that $1500 cart.
On the other hand others will embrace it. I love walking and am closely watching the market but I still have the seemingly indestructible Alphard V2.
Dubious name aside, I’m personally not interested in a cart without a remote at this price point
[QUOTE=”JimmyDee, post: 12577220, member: 16050″]
Great addition to the lineup and very thorough write-up [USER=782]@ddec[/USER] .
Question – [USER=782]@ddec[/USER] , is there an annual subscription fee to use the GPS and stats or is it plug n’ play?
[/QUOTE]
No subscription fee…so 40k courses for free.
[QUOTE=”willplaysgolf, post: 12577229, member: 61852″]
Dubious name aside, I’m personally not interested in a cart without a remote at this price point
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That’s kind of where I am, but I’ve been using the remote style for 4 seasons now and haven’t used anything else. But options are good.
No remote would be a pass. I don’t want to throttle/dial/steer having to hold the cart. Would have to be well below $1K to consider it.
GPS makes it look like a value possibly, but a lot of words to describe what most people have on their wrist or phone already.
I’m in the market for a push cart. This is really cool, but probably out of my price range.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12577573, member: 1193″]
I’m in the market for a push cart. This is really cool, but probably out of my price range.
[/QUOTE]
are you still at that same course you joined last year? How is it to walk?
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 12577644, member: 782″]
are you still at that same course you joined last year? How is it to walk?
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No, I dropped my membership knowing that the first half of the golf season was going to be a complete wash for me with sports.
It’s not a walker’s course though. The place I might join next year is not an easy walk, but it’s a walking course if that makes sense. A good push cart would make it much easier.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12577658, member: 1193″]
No, I dropped my membership knowing that the first half of the golf season was going to be a complete wash for me with sports.
It’s not a walker’s course though. The place I might join next year is not an easy walk, but it’s a walking course if that makes sense. A good push cart would make it much easier.
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That’s kind of what I thought going off memory of some pics.
Push carts definitely help(though I wouldn’t have wanted one at Ballyhack). Electric carts…so much more enjoyable.
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 12577669, member: 782″]
That’s kind of what I thought going off memory of some pics.
Push carts definitely help(though I wouldn’t have wanted one at Ballyhack). Electric carts…so much more enjoyable.
[/QUOTE]
I bet if Ballyhack sold these, they would have been sold out of them the first morning ?
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12577672, member: 1193″]
I bet if Ballyhack sold these, they would have been sold out of them the first morning ?
[/QUOTE]
damn straight. I wonder how many courses take advantage of their fleet system. I haven’t been to a course yet that offered an electric caddy. But I’ve been to courses that offered the surfboard.
[QUOTE=”Dougie, post: 12577556, member: 10934″]
No remote would be a pass.
[/QUOTE]
Yeah this is confusing. Seems like it would be a bit awkward to say the least. Maybe I’m missing something here.
Probably a solid product otherwise, but no remote is a big deal.
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 12577681, member: 782″]
damn straight. I wonder how many courses take advantage of their fleet system. I haven’t been to a course yet that offered an electric caddy. But I’ve been to courses that offered the surfboard.
[/QUOTE]
Seems like it could be a great way for some clubs to make a little money.
[QUOTE=”JetSpeed, post: 12577687, member: 78465″]
Yeah this is confusing. Seems like it would be a bit awkward to say the least. Maybe I’m missing something here.
Probably a solid product otherwise, but no remote is a big deal.
[/QUOTE]
On paper it’s pretty similar to the Motocaddy M5, which I think was a pretty popular model for them. I mean you aren’t going to go full send with it like you can with a remote. I’d be curious to hear from these companies what the sales split is between remote and non-remote.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12577690, member: 1193″]
Seems like it could be a great way for some clubs to make a little money.
[/QUOTE]
absolutely.
Like Dean said it’s a similar operation to the 5. Personally I’m just not a fan of the push (or hold in this case).
I need my arms free for full motion and one of the reasons I went with an ecart. Pushing up these hills out this way was taking a toll. Without the free motion of just an unhindered walk, I don’t think my back/core/arms would like it either even though I wasn’t actually pushing. If that makes sense.
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 12577699, member: 782″]
On paper it’s pretty similar to the Motocaddy M5, which I think was a pretty popular model for them. I mean you aren’t going to go full send with it like you can with a remote. I’d be curious to hear from these companies what the sales split is between remote and non-remote.
absolutely.
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I’m still new to the e caddy thing. I thought the categories were basically follow me, or not (both of which still use remotes). Honestly didn’t realize there were non remote models. Mind blown.
I’ve looked at the M7 but never the M5.
I love the product, but agree AI here is a little bit overblown. This device doesn’t do anything by itself.
[QUOTE=”JetSpeed, post: 12577724, member: 78465″]
I’m still new to the e caddy thing. I thought the categories were basically follow me, or not (both of which still use remotes). Honestly didn’t realize there were non remote models. Mind blown.
I’ve looked at the M7 but never the M5.
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I feel like the categories are…
manual
manual with GPS(like this one)
remote
follow me
I read @DDec’s great write up and noted that having owned a couple of these electric carts, there is no way I would purchase one without a remote. At a $1500 price tag, I am going to choose something different. The remote is much more important to me than the GPS feature.
I don’t get this product release. In essence, for about a $50 difference between the Ai500 as the Zip, your choice is either remote (Zip) or GPS (Ai500). Perhaps it’s me and the folks that I see at my clubs, but pretty much everyone seems to have either a rangefinder or GPS on their phone/watch. I don’t see the appeal of a touchscreen on a cart at all.
I totally get that Ai is the current buzz word in marketing these days but to me this makes no sense with this cart. It’s just a motorized push cart with a GPS. There’s no added intelligence in its operation. It doesn’t remote operate. I don’t understand why someone would spend that kind of money for a cart with so many limitations compared to the competition.
My R2 I can remote to around the course. It will follow me all day long. Hills are no issue. Super stable. It hauls around 50+ lbs of clubs, cooler and beer (12 pk) without a whimper. All that at 2/3rds the price.