Parmaker buggies, batteries and extras that are made in Australia
Parmaker set out in 1979 to build the best electric golf buggies in the world. To achieve this Parmaker’s buggies had to be stronger, lighter and more reliable than other companies. We had to use the latest materials and manufacturing techniques and they had to run, and run, and run.
The only way to achieve our objectives was to control every step in the process. From design and engineering, to manufacturing, to field testing.
This commitment to excellence has been a significant factor in Parmaker’s continued success. While other companies continue to import key componentry and materials from overseas, Parmaker remains resolutely ‘Australian-made’.
Scout
The PARMAKER Scout is the most intelligent walker made today. Read on and we’ll tell you why.
Handling
The Scout’s handle is better.
It offers more comfortable speed control, meaning that you don’t have to constantly be ‘fiddling’ with it.The ability to position the handle for left or right handers is a real bonus too. Though not a big deal for right handers, left handers will be very aware of the difficulty finding products built for ‘molly-dookas’. Parmaker has responded to this ‘need’ and has designed the Scout’s clever handle accordingly.
Controller
The Scout has a remarkable electronic controller which emits a series of beeps to keep you informed on how your Scout is ‘feeling’. If you have a flat battery, reversed battery connections or problems in the motor, handle or electronics, this handy little piece of componentry will be sure to let you know.
Wheels
The Scout has solid, rubber wheels that can’t get punctured and will give you years of trouble-free cruising (there’s no spokes to catch sticks either).
Suspension
The Parmaker Scout is the first electric walker golf buggy to feature reliable front wheel suspension.
As you know, golf courses aren’t supposed to be flat. Hills, bunkers, gullys and rough are all designed to make your game more interesting. Unfortunately they don’t make the going very easy for a golf buggy.
But with front wheel suspension your Scout will glide quietly and easily over the roughest terrain.
Box seat
The Parmaker Scout comes with a handy compartment to store your tees, balls, pencils, scorecards or lollies to celebrate each shot.
Power
The Scout has a whopping 200 watts of power at your disposal. This is more than any of our competitors and makes some of them (at just 90 watts) look positively puny.
Lighter
Parmaker uses space-age materials to build the Scout. This means that it is extremely light and easy to manage, without sacrificing frame strength.
Price
You’d think with all of these obvious advantages the Scout would be the most expensive walker on the market. But amazingly the opposite is true - no other buggy comes close to the Scout’s low price.
This is because the Scout is 100% designed and manufactured by Parmaker. This allows us to avoid the costly process of importing componentry and lets us pass these savings onto you.
Easy pull apart
The Scout pulls apart in seconds to get you packed up and into the 19th hole faster.
Fit
The Scout not only packs up fast, it also packs up ‘small’. This means that it will fit into even the smallest car boot without any trouble whatsoever. The Scout also is thankfully free of the dangerous or loose hinges that plague fold-up golf buggies.
See how easily they fold away!
See how easily the Scout folds away into a car boot by watching this movie.
Optional extras
You can customise your Scout with the following optional extras:
Click here for Scout technical specifications (PDF)
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Scout SE
The Scout SE is testimony to Parmaker’s commitment to innovation and improvement. Despite the Scout being our most popular product, we decided to add all the best options available to produce a special edition ‘super-value’ walker. The amazing Scout SE is still priced below our competitors, yet is world’s ahead in terms of features and value. Here’s what we’ve done...
Warranty
A Parmaker Scout SE is the best built buggy on the market.
We know this because we build them from the ground up in our Melbourne factory. But to provide our customers with even greater peace of mind and security on the course we have provided a 3 YEAR WARRANTY* from your date of purchase.
What this means is that should your Scout SE develop a problem of any sort as a consequence of inadequate workmanship or component failure for up to 3 years after purchase, return it to us and we’ll fix it for free. Golf may have its ups and downs, but thanks to our 3 YEAR WARRANTY, your Scout SE never will.
*warranty covers machines only. Batteries and chargers are covered by the suppliers warranties
T-Handle
The Scout SE comes with a T-Handle for easy manoeuvring and comfort.
Umbrella holder
The Scout SE comes with a handy umbrella holder. This is great on both wet and sunny days, and leaves your spare hand free to write down all the birdies you’ll be making.
The 4th wheel
The Scout SE has the added advantage of a handy ‘anti-tip 4th wheel’ to keep your golf bag and clubs on an even keel at all times.
Bigger battery
The Scout SE has a bigger battery. This means that it will handle big bags and hilly courses with greater ease, and will last longer than standard batteries.
Battery bag
This useful battery bag is exclusive to the Scout SE. It protects the battery, while also adding a nice touch to the look of the unit.
Price
Despite all these added extras the Scout SE is still priced below competitive walkers.
Click here for Scout technical specifications (PDF)
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Spirit
The PARMAKER Spirit is a no-nonsense, hard working golf buggy designed for use by those who need to cruise the course in style.
Power
The Spirit is perfect for people weighing less than 100 kilograms (16 stone) who play on moderately hilly courses. If you weigh more than 100kgs, or frequently play on extremely hilly courses, then you should consider the Spirit Ghia.
Renowned PARMAKER reliability
Everything written so far about the use of space-age, lightweight materials and sophisticated manufacturing techniques for the Scout is equally applicable to the Spirit. It is is strong, light, simple, reassuringly sturdy and will fit into almost any car boot.
Break it down
Despite its power and strength the Spirit is still incredibly easy to fold up and stash away in the boot of your car. Even the smallest car boots can usually accommodate the Spirit.
See how easily they fold away!
See how easily the Spirit folds away into a car boot by watching this movie.
| 1. Remove batteries and hinge down the tiller. | 2. Lift Spirit into boot with ease | 3. Tucked away in the car, even a small one. |
If you don’t wish to place the Spirit in your boot you can purchase a Parmaker ‘Car Carrier’ (see below).
Optional extras
You can customise your Spirit with the following optional extras:
Click here for Spirit technical specifications (PDF)
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Spirit Ghia
The Spirit Ghia is built on the foundation for the Spirit, but is a high powered version.
Slightly longer, marginally heavier and designed for people who weigh more than 100 kilograms, or play most of their golf on excessively hilly courses. If you fall into either of these categories the Spirit Ghia will offer you the additional power to cruise the course with ease.
Car carrier
The ‘Car Carrier’ was specifically designed for people who find it difficult placing the Spirit, Spirit Ghia or Explorer Ghia in the boot of their car. The Car Carrier is bolted to your car’s tow bar. Then it is a simple process of lifting the Parmaker a few inches and then swinging the front wheel into the vertical position. Insert the retaining bracket, screw down the wingnuts, close the padlock and you’re away!
| 1. Lift onto car | 2. Connect bracket | 3. Screw down | 4. Close padlock | 5. And off you go! |
Optional extras
You can customise your Spirit Ghia with the following optional extras:
Click here for Spirit Ghia technical specifications (PDF)
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Explorer Ghia
The Explorer Ghia is Parmaker’s top-of-the-range 4 wheeler buggy. It is simply the safest, easiest and most secure way to play golf without the inconvenience or expense of 2 seater carts.
Ease of use
The Explorer Ghia allows you to follow your own ball with the quiet satisfaction and comfort only an electric buggy can offer. There’s no more of the zigzagging fairways and falling behind that you experience with 2 seater carts.
Power
2 x 500 watt motors ensure you cover the course without breaking into a sweat. The Explorer Ghia also comes with reverse gear built in, a larger seat and a foot-operated brake.
Break it down
Like all Parmaker products, the Explorer Ghia folds down with ease and, with a Parmaker Car Carrier, can be easily transported from home to course and back again (alleviating any problems with parking or storing a trailer).
See how easily they fold away!
See how easily the Explorer attaches to the back of your car by watching this movie.
Quiet
Being electric, conversation is never in danger of being drowned out with an Explorer Ghia.
Car carrier
If you prefer to keep your boot free for other things, just get a Parmaker Car Carrier and your Explorer Ghia will neatly fit on the back.
Value
An Explorer Ghia is still approximately half the price of conventional 2 seater golf carts (and without any of the 2 seater hassles).
Standard extras
Your Explorer Ghia comes with a larger seat and reverse gar as standard.
Optional extras
You can customise your Explorer Ghia with the following optional extras:
Please note
In line with our policy of continuous improvement, we reserve the right to amend specifications without notice.
Parmaker Products Pty Ltd does not guarantee that a Car Carrier fitted to every type of tow bar on every make and model of vehicle conforms to the legislation of the Road Traffic Authority (or similar) in your State or region.
It is the purchaser’s responsibility to ensure they meet all governmental requirements and abide by all relevant laws.
Click here for Explorer technical specifications (PDF)
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Extras and Batteries
PARMAKER buggy extras
Customise your Parmaker Buggy
Parmaker buggies are designed for strength, durability and unrelenting reliability. But on top of this quality foundation you may wish to ‘tweak’ your buggy and customise it with a range of available options such as...
Umbrella holder
Standard on the Scout SE, but an option for all other Parmakers, including "ride-on" vehicles.
Great for keeping your hands free for steering your ride-on, swinging a club or tucking cold hands into warm pockets.
Optional Down Hill Brake
By squeezing a lever on the handle, you can slow your Scout down steep hills.
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Battery prices & information
Prices guaranteed to be current.
Wet Batteries |
Spirit |
Spirit Ghia |
Explorer Ghia |
Machine |
2260.00 |
2580.00 |
3240.00 |
Golf Bag Carry Frame |
75.00 |
75.00 |
75.00 |
Chargers (x2) * |
160.00 |
160.00 |
160.00 |
Freight |
80.00 |
80.00 |
160.00 |
Batteries (x2) # |
300.00 |
350.00 |
350.00 |
Car Carrier ^ |
not needed |
not needed |
175.00 |
Total |
2,875.00 |
3,245.00 |
4,160.00 |
Dry Batteries |
Spirit |
Spirit Ghia |
Explorer Ghia |
Machine |
2260.00 |
2580.00 |
3240.00 |
Golf Bag Carry Frame |
75.00 |
75.00 |
75.00 |
24v Charges x 1 |
350.00 |
350.00 |
350.00 |
Freight |
80.00 |
80.00 |
160.00 |
Batteries (x2) |
700.00 |
1,000.00 |
1,000.00 |
Car Carrier ^ |
not needed |
not needed |
175.00 |
Total |
3,465.00 |
4,085.00 |
5,000.00 |
* Assumes 2x 4-amp automatic chargers.
# Parmaker cannot ship wet batteries. They must be bought locally. The prices illustrated are those charged by Parmaker in Melbourne. We cannot guarantee the prices for batteries bought locally.
^ Three-wheelers will go into most car boots, although they can be used with a car carrier if desired.
A 4-wheeler will almost certainly require a car carrier.
Wet or dry (sealed) batteries
The choice of wet or sealed batteries is perhaps the oldest unresolved argument surrounding electric golf buggies. We believe both offer particular advantages and disadvantages. You need to make your own choice based on what is right for you.
Wet Batteries
Advantages
There is no doubt that wet batteries provide the best "value for money". That is to say they are cheaper than sealed batteries and they last at least as long. Simple, inexpensive "car battery" type chargers can be successfully used on wet batteries. Wet batteries tolerate abuse through over and undercharging better than sealed batteries. It is relatively simple to diagnose problems with wet batteries. Any battery merchant can unscrew the caps on the battery, and use a hydrometer to test each individual cell. It is harder to diagnose problems in sealed batteries.
Disadvantages
Good quality wet batteries can be too heavy for some people. Wet batteries must be kept upright. If allowed to tip over they can leak acid. Wet batteries require periodic inspection and topping up with water.
Sealed Batteries
Advantages
Sealed batteries used in walkers are lighter, do not require topping up with water and do not need to be kept upright.
Disadvantages
Sealed batteries are expensive, especially when considering the larger sizes used in the ride-on machines. Overcharging sealed batteries will quickly ruin them. Automatic chargers regulated to precise voltages must be used to obtain acceptable battery life. (Each battery has different charging requirements). Some sealed batteries are only warranted when used with particular expensive chargers.
Charging batteries
Good battery charging technique is almost always the difference between people who enjoy long battery life and those who do not. There are a few simple rules, which if followed, should save you a small fortune over the years.
All Batteries
Put your battery (wet or sealed) onto charge as soon as possible after a game. Deep cycle batteries deteriorate quickly when left for prolonged periods partially charged. Even being left partially discharged overnight will reduce battery life. Don't try to play more than 18 holes on a charge. The deeper the discharge, the shorter the life of the battery.
Wet Cell Batteries
Wet batteries can be charged with inexpensive 4 amp non-automatic chargers. At the end of the charging cycle the charger should be disconnected from the battery. The time the charger is left on the battery varies according to the machine being used.
Scout
9 hours after 18 holes of golf (1/2 hour per hole)
Spirit
18 hours after 18 holes of golf (1 hour per hole)
Spirit SE & Explorer Ghia (3&4-wheelers)*
24 hours after 18 holes of golf (1.3 hours per hole)
* Non-automatic chargers of at least 8 amps should be used on the large 75Ah batteries. 4 amp chargers will not be adequate.
For convenience automatic chargers may be used. These chargers may be left connected to the battery and left on when not being used. They are designed to charge the battery to the correct level, and then either turn off, or provide a small maintenance charge. It is important that automatic chargers be set correctly. Every brand of battery has a different point at which it is full. Most automatic chargers can be "tuned in" to charge at a certain maximum voltage. Overcharging or undercharging any battery will shorten it's life. Check the levels of the electrolyte each month, adding only sufficient water to cover the plates by 5mm (1/4"). Don't worry if too much water is added accidentally. It will eventually be driven off through subsequent charging.
Sealed batteries
Sealed batteries should only be charged with properly regulated automatic chargers. Overcharging a sealed battery will drive off moisture, which is impossible to replace. Every brand of sealed battery has a different charging requirement. Suppliers of sealed batteries are very specific about how their battery must be charged and using the wrong type of charger (even if it has been correctly modified) can void the battery warranty.
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Buyers Checklist
Parmaker Free Info Kit - Golf Buggy Checklist
Here are a few questions you should ask when buying an electric golf buggy.
- Is the machine fully electronic?
- Does it have infinitely variable speed control or only 3 or 4 set speeds?
- What is the size of the motor? The more watts, the more uphill power.
- What type of gearbox does it have? Helical gearboxes are more efficient that worm-drive gearboxes.
- Can it be driven without you having to hang on all the time?
- Are you offered a choice of regular or T-handle?
- Can the operation be altered to suit left handers?
- Do you get a box type seat as standard?
- Does the seat go to ground or are you resting your entire weight on the frame?
- Do you get a hook for a sand bucket?
- Does it have solid or spoked wheels?
- How wide are the front a rear tyres? Wider tyres do less course damage in the wet and give you better traction.
- Do all the wheels have bearings or just some of them?
- How big are the clutch bearings? Bigger ones last longer.
- What is the diameter of the axle? Thin 12mm ones can break.
- How long has the brand been on the market? We believe it takes 5 years to develop a buggy to an acceptable standard.
- Does it fold up or come apart?
- Does it have fail-safe battery connection or risky crocodile-clips?
- Is it imported or made in Australia?
- What is the cost of replacement parts?
- What is the average repair time at the factory?
- Do you get a choice of wet or sealed battery?
- Will the machine accommodate different sizes of battery if you opt for a different battery in the future?
- Where do all the hard-to-make parts come from? i.e. motors, gearboxes, wheels etc.
- What proportion of the machine is Australian?
- Does the machine have a front suspension to absorb shock?
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