Legal Implications of Remote Controlled Golf Trolleys in Europe

Golf is no longer a game of just trying to hit the ball in the right place. It requires a great deal of concentration, calculation and thinking. There are plenty of decisions to be made and accuracy to be mastered in order to excel in the game of golf. To help a golfer stay focused on the game and eliminate other hazards like injury and fatigue, remote controlled golf trolleys have emerged.

Remote controlled golf trolleys are assistive golf equipment that reduce much of the stress by carrying the heavy golf bag, which often weighs thirty to forty pounds, and other accessories around the course at the push of a button and at the convenience of the golfers. As the game of golf calls for more strenuous efforts from its players, these remote controlled golf trolleys have become a real necessity for serious golfers around the world. However, not all remote controlled golf trolleys are legal. So it is always better to check before purchasing one, especially if you are in the European Union.

Many remote controlled golf trolleys are being imported into the European Union as their demand increases. However, not all these trolleys abide by European standards. Hence they are illegal. In order to be legally marketed within the EC, the products need to pass the R&TTE test. This test is to ensure that the transmitter of remote controlled golf trolleys abide by the strict guidelines and maintain European standards. It ensures that the transmitter is within safety limits and would not interfere with other devices in the area. OFCOM, the regulatory body for communication devices in United Kingdom has banned several products for failing the test.

The products also need to pass an EMC test in order to be legally marketed in the European Union. This test checks the other mechanical parts of remote controlled golf trolleys like the motor, power source, electrical equipment, etc. This test ensures that the products are safe, without any electrical noise or chance of interference with other devices in the area.

Moreover, it is required that the European Union retailer or wholesaler properly labels the transmitter and the trolleys, and to ensure in the packaging that the products are certified for use in the market.

In order to market remote controlled electric golf trolleys legally in the European Union, it is essential for the products to pass the R&TTE and EMC tests. Any other product will be marked unsafe and can be banned from use. It is always better to check if the products are provided with the Declaration of Conformity, a document that provides the details of where the product was tested, thereby making it traceable. A mere CE certificate from a foreign test house does not prove the product to be legal in the European markets. Always check for the legal documents while purchasing remote controlled golf trolleys in Europe.