From the outset, the Power Transporter looks almost identical to the standard Matrix Transporter, keeping all the familiar features. The height-adjustable handles, adjustable seatbox locking clamps, rear bag with drainage holes, and the extending frame are all present. What’s different, though, is the addition of a discreet but powerful motor system hidden inside the pneumatic front wheels, a digital display with a thumb controller, and a battery compartment neatly tucked away at the bottom of the frame.
Putting it together was impressively simple. From unzipping the storage bags to fully assembling the barrow, it took less than five minutes. With a bit of practice, I reckon I could do it even quicker. The whole thing packs down surprisingly small, and Matrix even includes a separate bag for the wheels—ideal for keeping the muddy parts away from your clean car boot. However, it’s worth noting that the battery does add some extra weight, so if you're lifting it in and out of a car, you may want to remove the battery first, which thankfully takes just a few seconds.
At £899.99, it’s at the cheaper end of the motorised barrow market, which is a huge plus. Another major advantage is the plug-and-play design of the motors, battery, and controller, meaning if anything goes wrong, parts can easily be replaced under warranty or purchased separately.
Verdict
So, how does it handle? Well, I wasn’t going to go easy on it. I loaded it up with two poles, 30 top kits, six made-up rods, three pole rollers, my usual gear, and 15kg of groundbait, more than most anglers would take on a session. Even with this insane amount of weight, the Power Transporter effortlessly powered forward, to the point where I had to be careful not to spin the wheels! It comes with three speed settings, and even at speed two, it was comfortably fast. Crank it up to speed three, and you’ll find yourself jogging to keep up.
Tough terrain wasn’t an issue either. Bumps, potholes, and uneven ground were handled with ease, and the barrow remained stable even when fully loaded. The real test, however, was the steep hill between car parks at the fishery. With a ridiculous amount of gear piled on, the Power Transporter did manage to crawl up, albeit slowly. With a more reasonable load, it would have climbed with no problem, but common sense should prevail here—if you’re tackling seriously steep slopes, it’s wise to give the motors a bit of help to avoid overworking them.
Battery life is another big selling point. After two hours of near-constant use, including a full lap of an eight-acre lake, it had only dropped one bar of battery. Matrix reports that on a full charge, you can expect up to four miles of travel before it starts running low, which is impressive.
The Matrix Power Transporter is a brilliantly designed, well-thought-out piece of kit that does exactly what it promises. It’s not just good, it’s seriously good. If you need a little extra help getting your gear to the bank, this is probably one of the best investments you could make.
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Tech Spec
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It’s powered by two 130 watt in hub motors combined to make 260 watts of drive.
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The digital panel displays speed, distance travelled and battery life.
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Three, easy to control, speed settings.
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Powering the wheels is a moulded power box with external charging port and power button
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IP68 rated waterproof connection cables to enable compact break down and protection from the elements.
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The main cables runs internally in the main frame to prevent wear or interference.
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The front tyres are pneumatic and the rear tyres are solid.
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It’s provided in two heavy duty storage bags which allows you to keep the dirty wheels separate from the main transporter frame.
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Includes 2x 9AH 12V batteries and charger cable.
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Storage size – Main bag 85 x 55 23cm Wheel bag 48 x 40 x 30cm
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Imagine getting to your peg effortlessly with all your gear. The Matrix 4 Wheel Power Transporter powered by the might of two 130-watt in-hub motors no payload is too heavy to bear.
Using the transporter is as simple as a flick of the thumb, thanks to the intuitive digital control panel. Choose from three settings to adjust the pace you find most comfortable.
The motorised front wheels ensure the trolley is manoeuvrable and offer great traction reducing and slippling on soft surfaces. Built to last, the sturdy hi-tensile steel frame serves as the backbone of the transporter.
The detachable power box, complete with an external charging port, can be detached and charged easily. With IP68-rated waterproof connection cables, you have no need to worry about wet conditions if any wet weather comes your way. The rear storage bag will swallow all your essentials. Plus, dismantle and store in the supplied cases for the wheels and frame, your equipment remains pristine and primed for your next trip.
The Transporter comes equipped with two 9AH 12V batteries and a charging cable, make your fishing more about the catching than the carrying.
Pros
- Effortless transport gear to your peg
- Detachable battery for ease of charging
Cons
- Does take a while to setup, so is best left constructed where possible
Our pick of the alternatives
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The Fox Transporter Barrow has more than enough room for all your kit as well as being equipped with a 250w motor to effortlessly transport all the gear you could possibly need to your peg and back.
Not only does it come with the battery option, you get under barrow bags, buckets and side pouches too, allowing you ample room store all your cooking equipment, bait and accessories. This is a seriously well thought out barrow and it takes a lot of tackle, in fact, it is hard to believe how much it does take and even when you think you've overloaded it, a simple push of a button and it is away!
Pros
- Seriously powerful motor
- Impressive strogae space
Cons
- One wheel can affect stability paricularly if you press the button by accident
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If you want reliability and have tonnes of gear to take to your swim, the Nash Trax Evo Barrow is tough to beat, and while it is at the higher end of the price range, it is a great bit if kit! The barrow comes with guards around the sides to prevent your gear from falling off, also allowing you to stack various items on top, creating even more room! Underbarrow bags come as standard and there is even scope to add a conversion kit to add extra wheels to the barrow if you struggle to lift the rear end.
The barrow can withstand a load of upto 110kg, so you can get on as well if you need to!
Pros
- Huge loading capacity
- Great battery life
Cons
- Rear wheel kit does help but it is an extra
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If you dont need power and prefer human power then the Matrix Four Wheel manual barrow is an excellent choice with an extending frame and adjustable handles allow the Matrix Four Wheel Transporter to be customised to the angler’s height and tackle carrying needs. Also coming with adjustable support arms, any make of seatbox can be held securely in place.
A waterproof zip-topped storage bag with drain holes gives even more capacity to the huge 100cm-long load area.
To store, remove the handles and four wheels using the thumb screws, collapse the frame and place in the provided 75cm x 60cm x 25cm storage bag.
Pros
- Very stable.
- Hard wearing wheels.
Cons
- Can be noisy on rough terrain.
Author Dan Webb first became involved in angling journalism in 2015 and has worked as Tackle Tester at Angling Times since April 2021. He is a fanatical all-round match angler and former England Youth International.