Navee Birdie 3X Electric Push Cart: Affordable, But is it Good?

You know those electric scooters the neighborhood kids are cruising around on? There’s a good chance they came from this same company.

That’s where Navee made its name, building reliable e-mobility gear for the masses. Scooters, e-bikes, even an electric wagon. Golf, though? That’s new terrain for them.

The Birdie 3X is their first serious move into that world. It’s a full-featured electric push cart that tries to bring their tech DNA to golf. And right away, it’s clear that this thing has undeniable potential. There’s huge upside, and there’s already a lot that’s going well.

The Birdie 3X even comes with an auto-follow mode that lets the cart trail you down the golf hole, hands-free. Like much of the cart, it’s equal parts impressive and still evolving. I’ll get into all of that.

The whole experience is a reminder that blending scooter tech with golf nuance is trickier than it looks. The Birdie 3X definitely nails a lot of the big stuff, but some of the smaller details and overall refinement still feel like they’re learning the language of golf.

Unboxing and Setup: It Really Doesn’t Get Any Easier

The Birdie 3X folds and unfolds faster than any electric caddie I’ve tested. One pull of a toggle, and it practically does the job for you. It actually rivals the easiest and fastest of the manual push carts. I love that about this product.

Once it’s standing, the whole build feels solid and well-balanced. You’ve got 11-inch rear wheels and two swiveling front wheels, plus a fifth stabilizing wheel. As we’ll get into, the design and the wheel construction definitely make the cart nimble and easy to maneuver.

Assembly is incredibly simple. Basically, you’ve just got to snap each of the wheels into place. Literally takes a couple of minutes at the most.

One thing I noticed right away, in comparing this Navee cart with the ones I’ve tested from MGI, is that there’s no option to invert the back wheels for more compact storage. That’s a handy feature on the MGIs, especially when you get into tight trunk or closet space scenarios.

As it is, the Birdie 3X folds down to 27 x 22 x 15 inches. Still compact enough for me to fit in the back of a small SUV with a cart bag, sharing the same space. But if you’re taking multiple bags and this cart, you’re probably going to have to put a seat down or take a bigger ride.

Weight is 38 pounds with the battery in place. You can remove the battery to make it more manageable. It’s definitely not light, but with the compact, cube-like dimensions, lifting and placing it was really no big deal for me.

Worth noting that this is 6 pounds heavier from the other true follow cart we’ve tested in the Stewart Golf Q-Follow.

The cart includes a remote control, which we’ll talk more about as we go. It’s paired at the factory with the cart, so setup there is pretty much instantaneous.

There’s also a built-in display on the handle. It shows your current speed setting (there are nine levels) and the cart’s battery status at a glance. Nothing fancy, but it’s exactly the info. you actually need while you’re playing.

The App Is a Good Start but Feels Like a Beta

Navee also offers a companion smartphone app for the Birdie 3X. It’s a clever idea that lets you monitor battery status, track distance, and even steer the cart through your phone.

But, in practicality, I really didn’t see any point in using it.

You can already see the battery status on the cart itself. You’ve already got a remote control. And, personally, I don’t care much about distance traveled. Or at least it’s not something I’m going to check often.

Anyway, I guess there’s no harm in having an app that you can interface with. And it shows that this is a tech-forward company interested in innovation. But as it stands, the app to me is more novelty than necessity.

The Handle: Maybe My Favorite Feature

The biggest attention-getter to me upon first viewing of this Navee electric caddie was the handle design. It looks and feels kind of like something you’d see in one of those commercial arcade-style racing video games. It’s pretty sweet.

After the main stem, the handle splits into a right and left grip that’s just very ergonomically satisfying. And on each grip is a little hand-activated acceleration trigger. Pull them both and the cart starts moving forward in the power-assist mode at whatever speed you’re set on.

I didn’t fully appreciate the hand operation of an electric caddie when I first started testing this kind of product. I used to think the whole point of going electric was to stop pushing the thing. But the more I’ve used these handle-driven carts, the more I understand the advantage.

You can reposition easily. Steer precisely around greens or hazards. Move short distances in parking lots without fiddling with a remote. There’s something effortless about it. It’s like the perfect blend of physical control and motorized assist.

Another big advantage of handle control is on hills. Going uphill, the cart actually helps pull you up, just like a self-propelled lawnmower. You fall into a natural, athletic stride, and it feels like the cart is working with you.

I will say that there’s a bit of slop or play in the handle’s connection to the main frame. Just enough to notice. Doesn’t hurt performance, but it slightly dulls the premium feel.

You’ve got three ways to run the Birdie 3X.

First, handle control. As I mentioned, squeeze the two hand triggers, and the cart moves at whatever speed level you’ve set.

Second, you can drive the cart with the remote control, using the directional pad.

Third, there’s auto-follow. Clip the remote to your belt and let the cart trail you hands-free. I’ll discuss more below.

One important note, no matter which mode you’re in: You can’t change the speed while the cart is moving. You need to stop, adjust the speed level on the handle, then go again. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it does take a little rhythm adjustment during a round.

Battery Life and Everyday Performance

Navee claims the Birdie 3X battery can handle 36 holes on a single charge, and I believe it. I haven’t yet pushed it beyond one round, but even after 18, it seems like there’s more than enough juice to go around again.

The removable 220Wh lithium-ion battery pack charges fairly quickly. It took probably five hours the first time I charged it, and a couple of hours on subsequent charges when the battery was maybe halfway drained. You can check your remaining power on the built-in display on the handle.

The twin motors deliver even power, which is great, especially on hills. But I will say that this cart does not self-correct itself and continue on a straight path in quite the same way that the MGI carts do.

The anti-tip wheel is a must and does its job perfectly. I’ve yet to get the cart to tip over, even on some pretty steep up- and downhills where the stabilization wheel was fully engaged.

There’s no “free-wheel” mode, though. On the MGI cart axles, there’s a second position where you can place the wheels so that they spin freely (like in neutral). No such option with this cart, which could be an issue if you ever got stuck on-course with a dead battery.

Another thing I noticed is that Navee doesn’t include any axle lubricant or instructions to apply anything. Possibly an oversight? I mean, I would think some proactive lubrication would only help longevity.

It’s these kinds of small details that start to pop up continuously the more you use this cart. The further I went, the more it became apparent that while there is a ton of great execution here, some of the fine points are just a little less refined than with more established brands.

Auto-Follow Mode Is Brilliant In Concept, But Still Needs Work

The follow-me mode (or auto-follow, as Navee calls it) is the Birdie 3X’s headline act. It’s the feature that separates it from the less-expensive Navee Birdie 3, which at $1,399 costs $300 less (either of which you can save 10% on by using the code SEANOGLE.)

And I’ll say this: It works. Sometimes beautifully. But it also asks a lot of the golfer.

When the connection is clean and the signal is strong, it’s very impressive. You walk, and the cart stays right behind you.

Interestingly, in auto-follow mode, the cart drives backwards, with the handle-side leading the way. In the handle-engaged or remote-controlled modes, the cart moves with the bag side leading the way.

You’re supposed to clip the remote to your belt for best results. When I did that, auto-follow worked perfectly. But when I kept the remote in my pocket, which would be my personal preference, the cart would lose track and act drunk and just spin around with no idea of which way to head.

The activation process also takes some patience. You have to hold the remote button for three seconds to enter follow-me mode, then another three seconds to exit. Add in the fact that there’s no geo-fencing (so it can’t detect when it’s approaching a green or hazard), and you end up toggling in and out of the mode a lot. Six seconds at a time.

That friction makes it less of an everyday feature and more of an occasional novelty, at least for me. I tried it, I enjoyed it for a bit, and then I went back to using the remote or the handle.

And honestly, there’s something psychological, too. Having a cart follow me made me weirdly self-conscious, like I was showing off. Plus, I can’t help but to constantly look behind me to make sure the cart is still on track. Maybe that fades with more use, but for now, it’s just part of it.

So while the technology is solid, it’s not yet seamless. At least for me. Which is why I think that for many golfers, the Birdie 3 (the same cart, minus follow-me) probably makes more sense.

If you really like the idea of the follow feature, the Stewart Golf is significantly more expensive, but it also performs much better in this capacity. So I’d check that one out if you’re looking for the best device with this feature.

Navee Birdie 3X Remote and Controls

The remote is definitely responsive. Maybe even too much so. More than once, I had it in my pocket and noticed the cart creep forward unintentionally. Fortunately, movement requires you to hold the button, so accidental taps are most often harmless.

Locking the remote, however, takes multiple clicks. A dedicated lock button — like the MGI models include — would be much cleaner.

Charging the remote is via USB-C, which is convenient enough. But the cart doesn’t include a cable. Not a big deal considering most people have a bunch of these laying around the house already, but it’s another one of those small details that, again, start to add up.

Overall, the remote works well. Steering is smooth and accurate, and once you get comfortable, it’s a natural way to control the cart. Just a little more refinement, and it could be excellent.

Storage and Accessories

Storage is minimal. There’s a small mesh pocket under the handle. You also get a cup holder and an umbrella mount. There are additional a la carte add-on options, like a phone holder that you can purchase.

But that’s it. In other words, not much in the way of storage. The included mesh pocket is tiny. I slipped my phone in there, but I didn’t find a ton of use for it otherwise.

Then again, if I’m using a cart like this, I’m going to play with a golf bag that’s got plenty of storage, so do I really need a bunch of additional pockets on the cart itself? Probably not.

Price and Perspective

At $1,699, the Birdie 3X sits in a tricky spot. 

The MGI Zip Navigator AT is the same price and feels more refined, even though it doesn’t include a follow-me feature.

The Stewart Q-Follow, at $2,999, is significantly more expensive. But it delivers a more seamless “follow” experience.

I don’t think the Birdie 3X is priced incorrectly. The performance and some of its clever features are commensurate with what they’re asking.

The Navee coupon code SEANOGLE does drop it down to $1,530 – which does make it more compelling when compared to these other options.

But either way, you’re paying for technology that still has room to mature. My expectation is that Navee is going to continue to refine this product, especially the auto-follow feature. And when that happens, this may go from a “fair” price to an awesome value. But until then, the picture is a bit muddier.

If you’re the type who enjoys new tech, doesn’t mind a few quirks, and appreciates the fun of being an early adopter, this is going to be a great option.

But if you just want reliable simplicity, the more stripped-down and less-expensive Birdie 3 might be the better buy.

Final Thoughts on the Navee Birdie 3X

The Navee Birdie 3X is an easy product to like. It does what it’s supposed to, and I’m a sucker for the handle design in particular.

But there’s still some work to be done to make this a no-brainer recommendation. To me, the follow-me function just isn’t practical enough to use regularly. Personally, I don’t want to pay a premium for a feature I’m not sure I’d use very often.

And some of the other small details — the looseness in the main frame, the lack of any lubrication for wheel axles, the hair-trigger remote sensitivity, the lack of a USB-C cable in the packaging, the somewhat gimmicky app experience — show that Navee just hasn’t fully nailed the nuances that make a golf-specific product feel complete.

But if this is where they’re starting, I’m genuinely excited to see where they go next, because the foundation is absolutely there.

For now, I’d say:

• Get the Birdie 3X if you love experimenting with new tech and want a glimpse at where the category is heading.
• Get the Birdie 3 if you want the same great Navee design, minus the follow-me feature, at a more palatable price.
• Consider something like the MGI Zip Navigator AT if you want a more refined, polished product, or the MGI Ai Navigator GPS+ if you want built-in GPS functionality.
• Or, if you want a more advanced follow-me feature and are willing to pay for it, go for the Stewart Q-Follow.

And if you’re still not sure? Check out our list of best electric push carts.

In any case, Navee has definitely arrived on the golf scene. And it’s clear they’re going to be a player.

It’s also clear that this is a product class that’s growing. Look around your own home course. I’m sure you’re seeing more electric caddies in use. And if you think they look pretty sweet, you’re right, they are. Choosing the right one is probably a bigger challenge than deciding if you should get one.

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A promising debut, with just a few quirks left to iron out.

8.8 Great

For a first-generation product, the Navee Birdie 3X makes a strong impression. It's fun to use, easy to set up, and full of clever design touches. The handle operation is fantastic. The auto-follow feature is impressive but not quite refined enough to be an everyday tool. Still, it's an exciting option at a reasonable price.

The Good

1. Folds and unfolds in seconds
2. Excellent handle ergonomics and hill performance
3. Smooth, reliable remote control
4. Strong battery life

The Bad

1. Auto-follow mode still needs work
2. Can't adjust speed while cart is moving
3. Slight looseness in handle connection
4. Missing some small touches

• Presentation 8.5
• Performance 9
• Price 8.5
• Personal Affinity 9