Fairway Bikes, a Seattle-based startup, has introduced a 3-wheeled electric golf bike designed to speed up the pace of play on the golf course while providing golfers with a way to incorporate exercise into their rounds. The bike features a detachable battery with a 20-mile range and golf-related accessories, making it a unique option for getting around the course. The company believes that the bike fills a gap between walking and using traditional golf carts, offering a fun and efficient mode of transportation during a round of golf.
The bike has a top speed of 12 MPH and allows users to choose between using electric assist or pedaling manually for a more intense workout. It is designed to improve the pace of play on the golf course, especially at locations where cart path-only rules are in place. Although there are some challenges, such as navigating rough terrain and the lack of a built-in GPS unit, the overall experience of riding the bike is enjoyable and provides a unique combination of biking and golfing.
Fairway Bikes operates on a revenue-sharing model with golf courses, taking a percentage of each bike rental without any upfront costs for the courses. They have partnered with Bear Creek Country Club near Seattle to offer members the option to use the bikes at the same rate as traditional golf carts. The company is aiming to have 100 courses signed up to receive bikes this year, primarily in the Pacific Northwest and Arizona. While there is interest from consumers to purchase the bikes individually, Fairway Bikes currently has no plans for direct sales to customers.
The startup faces competition from other companies like GolfBoard and Finn Scooters, which offer similar electric transportation options for golfers. Fairway Bikes’ founder Jim Billmaier began developing the product in 2021 and has funded several iterations of the bike before finalizing the current version. The company has kept costs low by using commercially available components and has not raised outside investment. Their team includes industry veterans like COO Frank Paganelli and CTO Alex Millie, who bring valuable experience to the development and operation of the business.
Fairway Bikes aims to capitalize on growing trends in golf, including a focus on improving the pace of play and environmentally-friendly practices on the course. The lightweight design of the bike reduces damage to the turf compared to heavier motorized carts, making it a sustainable option for golf courses. By offering a unique and innovative product, Fairway Bikes hopes to create a buzz in the golfing community and provide golfers with a fun and efficient way to navigate the course. With plans to expand to more courses and potential interest from individual consumers, the company is poised for growth in the golf industry.
