Fairway Bikes, a Seattle-based startup, has launched a 3-wheeled electric golf bike aimed at speeding up the pace of play on the golf course while providing golfers with a way to get some exercise. The bike features a detachable battery with a 20-mile range and golf-related accessories. Fairway Bikes operates on a revenue share model with golf courses, where they take a cut of each rental. Courses have the option to lease the bikes, with Bear Creek Country Club being the first to offer this mobility option to its members.
The electric golf bike has a top speed of 12 MPH and provides the option to use electric assist for a more leisurely ride or to turn it off for a more challenging workout. The bike is designed to do less damage to the turf on the course compared to traditional golf carts due to its weight distribution. However, there are a few improvements that could be made, such as the addition of a GPS unit or rangefinder to calculate distances for shots. Despite some minor issues, riders have found the bike enjoyable to use and it has improved pace of play on the course.
Fairway Bikes aims to have 100 courses signed up to receive their bikes this year, primarily in the Pacific Northwest and Arizona. They are also looking into offering the option for consumers to purchase the bike for personal use. The company faces competition from other electric mobility options such as GolfBoard and Finn Cycle, but believes their focus on exercise options and stability sets them apart. Fairway Bikes has not raised outside investment and has a team of experienced advisors and employees, including tech entrepreneurs and industry experts.
The golf bike was developed by founder Jim Billmaier, who funded several iterations of the product before landing on the current version. The company focused on using commercially available and easy to maintain components to keep costs low and ensure efficiency. As an avid golfer and former investment analyst, CEO Alex Wunderlich sees a growing trend in the market towards improving pace of play and providing new mobility options for golfers. The bike has received positive feedback from golfers and course managers for its innovative design and potential to create a buzz around the club.
Courses like Bear Creek Country Club see the electric golf bike as a unique offering that provides golfers with a fun and environmentally friendly way to navigate the course. Members have responded positively to the new mobility option, paying the same rate for the bike as they would for a traditional cart. With plans to expand to more courses and potentially offer bikes for individual purchase, Fairway Bikes is set to revolutionize the way golfers experience the course while promoting exercise and sustainability.
