Golf Cart Bent...

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Good morning to all you great bike people. I am a golfer and probably don't belong here. And I have the crazy idea that golfers are ready for a peddle-powered golf cart. Also, I have purchased the EZ-3 to test out this theory. Here's my story...

1. I have run smack into the bike culture and mindset. I have been laughed at and a few bike shops have hung up on me. Fortunately, I found one great bike shop who does NOT HAVE BLINDERS on and is interested in other applications for bikes, such as a golf cart.

2. J&B Importers restricts their Sun bike line sales to shops only. They will not sell directly to any customer. They are fearful of litigation issues in selling directly to the public. Understandable as that is, it restricts sales to the "shops" who are not all that interested in "thinking outside the box" and working with people like me, the golfer. Many don't care about bents or trikes and will NEVER care to carry them They are ROAD and SPEED types and won't work with you.

3. Here's where I really get in trouble with all you great folks...A golf cart bent should not look like a bicycle. Spokes are cheap looking to us. Solid wheels would be better, such as the BMX wheels. Huge big tires are needed, such as those that come on a wheel barrow (this really gets em laughing at the bike shops). And those chains...whoo boy does that have bicycle written all over it. A drive shaft would best fit the needs of a golf cart bicycle.

4. And the final thing...the thing that will really agitate everyone here...the price tag. Wow! Is the bike industry nuts? Why are bikes so expensive? (Warning: I've seen the J&B price catalogue and compared those to the retail price at many bike shops. Some of those bike shops are ripping the customers with 1000% profit.)

Anyway, I am the golf guy and apologize in advance for my presence and words here. I've been looking for a golf cart bent for 3 years and after finding none (the Rhoades car in not acceptable) have settled on the EZ-3. After we modify the heck out of it, make it ready for the golf course, e.g., big tires, get rid of the spokes, get rid of half of the high-end gears, create some ground clearance, etc., we hope to spur a new industry. Golfers are wanting something more from golf and peddling themselves around for exercise might work. Golfers are nuts too and will buy anything new or gimmicky. We've already approached many golf pro's who are looking for other sources of revenue. A rentable golf cart bike might work for them.

the Golf Guy

P.S. Go ahead...beat me up...call me names...I know I don't belong here.

Good morning to all you great bike people. I am a golfer and probably don't belong here. And I have the crazy idea that golfers are ready for a peddle-powered golf cart. Also, I have purchased the EZ-3 to test out this theory. Here's my story...

1. I have run smack into the bike culture and mindset. I have been laughed at and a few bike shops have hung up on me. Fortunately, I found one great bike shop who does NOT HAVE BLINDERS on and is interested in other applications for bikes, such as a golf cart.

2. J&B Importers restricts their Sun bike line sales to shops only. They will not sell directly to any customer. They are fearful of litigation issues in selling directly to the public. Understandable as that is, it restricts sales to the "shops" who are not all that interested in "thinking outside the box" and working with people like me, the golfer. Many don't care about bents or trikes and will NEVER care to carry them They are ROAD and SPEED types and won't work with you.

3. Here's where I really get in trouble with all you great folks...A golf cart bent should not look like a bicycle. Spokes are cheap looking to us. Solid wheels would be better, such as the BMX wheels. Huge big tires are needed, such as those that come on a wheel barrow (this really gets em laughing at the bike shops). And those chains...whoo boy does that have bicycle written all over it. A drive shaft would best fit the needs of a golf cart bicycle.

4. And the final thing...the thing that will really agitate everyone here...the price tag. Wow! Is the bike industry nuts? Why are bikes so expensive? (Warning: I've seen the J&B price catalogue and compared those to the retail price at many bike shops. Some of those bike shops are ripping the customers with 1000% profit.)

Anyway, I am the golf guy and apologize in advance for my presence and words here. I've been looking for a golf cart bent for 3 years and after finding none (the Rhoades car in not acceptable) have settled on the EZ-3. After we modify the heck out of it, make it ready for the golf course, e.g., big tires, get rid of the spokes, get rid of half of the high-end gears, create some ground clearance, etc., we hope to spur a new industry. Golfers are wanting something more from golf and peddling themselves around for exercise might work. Golfers are nuts too and will buy anything new or gimmicky. We've already approached many golf pro's who are looking for other sources of revenue. A rentable golf cart bike might work for them.

the Golf Guy

P.S. Go ahead...beat me up...call me names...I know I don't belong here. Bicycles command high price points because they are very finely crafted very hi-tech machines built to very exacting and tight tolerences; spoked wheels are made for maximum pedalling efficiency and light weight: they are quite strong and durable; derailleur-geared cassettes offer wide ranges of spin-cadence efficiency over all levels of terrain, and it seems, generally speaking, of course, that we cyclists tend to be a wee bit skinnier than most golfers! You know, we generally have much smaller tummies as it would appear that we who ride those oh-so-expensive bicycles cannot help but improve our fitness level by orders of magnitude! Your idea of using the Sun EZ-3 recumbent delta trike is interesting; yessir, interesting indeed!:D

My new Sun EZ-3 came with problems. First off, the instructions were vague. I had to figure some of the installation out myself.

Also, the frame was bent. The entire bike leans to the left side as a result. Hopefully, we will not have too much trouble getting a new frame. This bike is made in Taiwan. They are most likely mass produced.

The bike shop says that all the components are low-end and cheap. We will be upgrading.

We are not impressed with the quality of the construction. As a welder, I can see issues with the welds and construction. The paint job is super cheap and chips easily. I can't help but think that many of the $99 Wal Mart bikes have better construction.

Yes, golfers can be fat. The sport of golf is not that demanding physically. One can play the game and not sweat. Beer is also a big part of the game to many. I'm glad bikers are not fat.

At this point, I feel the $800 price tag for this EZ-3 trike is way too much. If bikes are high-tech and supposed to be pricey, then they could at least have some quality control. To me, it's a $300 bike at best.

But we will work with this bike, get it's frame replaced, repaint and upgrade components. I have fabricated a golf bag support already. Also, the wheels will be replaced with mags. Tires too (as fat as possible). Hopefully 4 inch wide tires.

P.S. We look forward to the day when some American company starts making a rock-solid golf cart trike. No chains, no spokes, fat tires and reasonably priced.

I like the way you're thinking! Although it may be difficult to gain enthusiasm from the bike community and the golf community at first. I think that you may have to do it yourself and then see if it catches on.

good luck, I'd like to hear more about it after you're finished with the upgrades.:)

I like the way you're thinking! Although it may be difficult to gain enthusiasm from the bike community and the golf community at first. I think that you may have to do it yourself and then see if it catches on.

good luck, I'd like to hear more about it after you're finished with the upgrades.:) Methinks the gentleman is making a bit of mirth and, at our expense. But not to worry, it's all good fun! :D

Solid wheels? Fat tires? No spokes? Hahahahaha. Thing would peddle like a pig. Then you are running this racer's delight on grass. Well, you'd sure get your exercise in! Only thing, you'd be too tired to hit the ball! Ha!

Laughing all the way to work,

Charles

My new Sun EZ-3 came with problems. First off, the instructions were vague. I had to figure some of the installation out myself.

Also, the frame was bent. The entire bike leans to the left side as a result. Hopefully, we will not have too much trouble getting a new frame. This bike is made in Taiwan. They are most likely mass produced.

The bike shop says that all the components are low-end and cheap. We will be upgrading.

We are not impressed with the quality of the construction. As a welder, I can see issues with the welds and construction. The paint job is super cheap and chips easily. I can't help but think that many of the $99 Wal Mart bikes have better construction.

Yes, golfers can be fat. The sport of golf is not that demanding physically. One can play the game and not sweat. Beer is also a big part of the game to many. I'm glad bikers are not fat.

At this point, I feel the $800 price tag for this EZ-3 trike is way too much. If bikes are high-tech and supposed to be pricey, then they could at least have some quality control. To me, it's a $300 bike at best.

But we will work with this bike, get it's frame replaced, repaint and upgrade components. I have fabricated a golf bag support already. Also, the wheels will be replaced with mags. Tires too (as fat as possible). Hopefully 4 inch wide tires.

P.S. We look forward to the day when some American company starts making a rock-solid golf cart trike. No chains, no spokes, fat tires and reasonably priced.
Hey Golf Guy, you're not Mookie by any chance, are you?

Charles

Well...we test rode the golf cart trike yesterday on the golf course for the first time. Here are the results...

...We had so much fun that we over did it. Went faster than the motorized golf carts. Rode on the fairways too. Got used to the gearing stuff (21 gears on this darn thing). Don't need more than 14 gears, 7 of which are granny gears for the hills. All in all, it was a bunch of fun. Shot 73 too.

I can see that this will kick your butt, especially all those fat golfers who will overdo it. Possibly a few heart attacks will happen.

I went through a gallon or more of water and never stopped to take a leak. It was hot (100 degrees) and that was totally ignored because of the fun we had riding this thing.

Next step...add the bigger tires and try it again. I will throw some pictures up soon.

(No, I am not Mookey. Just a golfer with a 4 handicap who is truly interested in staying in shape while enjoying my sport.)

(No, I am not Mookey. Just a golfer with a 4 handicap who is truly interested in staying in shape while enjoying my sport.)

OK, your postings reminded me of a bit of a wit I know from another list. I would stay with the spoked wheels. They are much lighter and just as strong as disk wheels. Its one thing to have solid wheels when you have a motor driving them, but spoked wheels were developed to get the weight of the wheels down as much as possible. Lighter wheels equal faster, further distances for equivalent effort.

I am genuine when I say I found the concept of solid wheels amusing. I have ridden mountain bikes off-road on spoked wheels with big fat knobby tires. The effort is there. Add to that a heavy frame and accommodation for golf bags and you've got a pretty heavy vehicle.

I wish you the best and I would love to see a picture of what you eventually come up with. There could be a cross-over market here.

Cheers

Charles

Of course, if you were Mooky you would deny it, wouldn't you? :p

We have been researching this golf cart bicycle for 3 years. The Rhoades car was the only thing out there that actually advertised that it could be used on the golf course. Our continued research resulted in nothing for the course specifically, but pointed to the recumbent trike as a possibility. Eventually, we found the EZ-3 and concluded it could be the closest thing to a golf cart bike.

So we bought one, strapped on a golf bag and gave it a try. And it worked.

However, for us fat golfers, it's not about speed or high tech stuff. Additionally, we are not bikers and probably will never be. We see bicycles as super-high-maintenance items with their spokes that can get caught in a bush and break and chains that need constant care. We know that a heavy-duty frame and mag wheels will be a sacrifice but at least they will survive the riggers of a golf course terrain with all it's hazards. We don't need 21 gears. Just a few granny gears and one high speed gear for a 12 mph max speed (occasional) sprint from tee box to tee box. And finally, we also are aware of how things get priced by all the middle men. The EZ-3 is way overpriced. Even my bike shop person admits to that.

One final note...I am fully aware that forums can be a great place to be misunderstood by the seasoned people who frequent them. I knew as a golfer on a bike forum that I would be misunderstood, laughed at and even ridiculed. This has once again come true hear with this thread. But that's ok and expected. Yes, forums can be viscious and mean to the honest person.

In short, here's my motive...

The golf industry is looking for any way to enhance profits. Golfers are looking for more reasons to go spend 4-6 hours on the golf course. Exercise and Golf at the same time? Wow! That's a new idea. A golf cart bike seems right for this time when golfers find themselves too fat and not necessarily enjoying their sport the way they used to. Unfortunately, the current bicycle business is too narrow minded and not thinking outside the box. So guys like me go hunting down parts, researching recumbents, pricing things and put together something that might work.

Well...that wore me out. Sorry for the soapbox stuff above.

We have been researching this golf cart bicycle for 3 years. The Rhoades car was the only thing out there that actually advertised that it could be used on the golf course. Our continued research resulted in nothing for the course specifically, but pointed to the recumbent trike as a possibility. Eventually, we found the EZ-3 and concluded it could be the closest thing to a golf cart bike.

So we bought one, strapped on a golf bag and gave it a try. And it worked.

However, for us fat golfers, it's not about speed or high tech stuff. Additionally, we are not bikers and probably will never be. We see bicycles as super-high-maintenance items with their spokes that can get caught in a bush and break and chains that need constant care. We know that a heavy-duty frame and mag wheels will be a sacrifice but at least they will survive the riggers of a golf course terrain with all it's hazards. We don't need 21 gears. Just a few granny gears and one high speed gear for a 12 mph max speed (occasional) sprint from tee box to tee box. And finally, we also are aware of how things get priced by all the middle men. The EZ-3 is way overpriced. Even my bike shop person admits to that.

One final note...I am fully aware that forums can be a great place to be misunderstood by the seasoned people who frequent them. I knew as a golfer on a bike forum that I would be misunderstood, laughed at and even ridiculed. This has once again come true hear with this thread. But that's ok and expected. Yes, forums can be viscious and mean to the honest person.

In short, here's my motive...

The golf industry is looking for any way to enhance profits. Golfers are looking for more reasons to go spend 4-6 hours on the golf course. Exercise and Golf at the same time? Wow! That's a new idea. A golf cart bike seems right for this time when golfers find themselves too fat and not necessarily enjoying their sport the way they used to. Unfortunately, the current bicycle business is too narrow minded and not thinking outside the box. So guys like me go hunting down parts, researching recumbents, pricing things and put together something that might work.

Well...that wore me out. Sorry for the soapbox stuff above. Hey,

Don't take any mind of things said here. We all poke good natured fun at each other all the time. You want mean-spirited lists check out QRZ.com. That is a ham radio list and some of the people posting there are downright mean, nasty and vindictive.

As for spokes vs disk wheels the problem is the rolling weight. I hear you when you say you don't need to go fast, but you will wear yourself out propelling a heavy vehicle along with solid wheels and a driveshaft. The friction losses associated with the driveshaft are high and I think folks would soon tire of riding it around. It may be ok on pavement, but get it on the fairway proper and you will soon see what I mean.

Mountain bikers ride routinely in brush and on trails littered with stumps, rocks and logs. They don't have any problem with either spokes or chains.

Anyway, again, best of luck and I'd love to see what you come up with.

Cheers

Charles

We've been told by the manufacturers of mag wheels and drive shafts that chains and spokes are outdated. Not necessary. High maintenance.

Those manufacturers advocate that mag wheels are lighter and stronger. Certainly less maintenance.

The same holds true with drive shafts.

This is all according to those manufacturers.

We've been told by the manufacturers of mag wheels and drive shafts that chains and spokes are outdated. Not necessary. High maintenance.

Those manufacturers advocate that mag wheels are lighter and stronger. Certainly less maintenance.

The same holds true with drive shafts. Hmm, if that were true then all of us enthusiasts would be using them. Truth is, nothing can beat a chain for efficiency, and while there are alternatives to spoked wheels, they are either heavier, flexier, or way more expensive. Or all three.

I think a self-powered golf cart is a noble idea, but here's a novel concept: why not walk? I know a lot of golf courses mandate using a golf cart to help speed up play, and that's where the real problem lies. How much does a 2-wheel cart for your golf bag cost? They were quite popular back when people used to play golf for exercise. It would be a simpler and less expensive solution, and it doesn't require reinventing the wheel.

We've been told by the manufacturers of mag wheels and drive shafts that chains and spokes are outdated. Not necessary. High maintenance.

Those manufacturers advocate that mag wheels are lighter and stronger. Certainly less maintenance.

The same holds true with drive shafts.

This is all according to those manufacturers. Oh yeah, they would say that, wouldn't they? Anyway this thread is becoming way to TROLLISH for me. :D I'm outta here.

'night Mooks

Here are the results of DAY 2 on the golf course with the EZ-3...

The High School golf team kids went nuts over the EZ-3. They all want one and asked where to find the EZ-3. Many sat on the bike and said "cool, I want one." The Coach gave it a test run and concluded that this is the next gizmo to catch on with any golfer wanting to get some FUN on the course. It was a hit with both the kids and Coach.

Technically, we had trouble with the chain. We let a couple of golfers try the trike. They did not know how to operate the shifters correctly and as a result, the chain popped off and had to be reinstalled. Conclussion: for the general public, we would need only one main gear in front and 5 gears in back. Or, a shaft drive instead of a chain.

The head golf pro sat in the bike with his super long legs and looked like a adult trying to ride a kids tricycle. We adjusted the seat all the way back and that helped. He says he would purchase 4 EZ-3's to start and rent them out at $10 each for a round of golf. He was pleased that the small bike tires did no damage to his grass.

It became clear throughout the day that we need only one main gear in the front and 5 in the rear. We were outrunning the motorized golf carts with ease and never needed the other two front gears. We further realized that going into high gear was WAY TO FAST for safety reasons. Those three wheelers are unsafe at high speeds.

The big realization or selling point is this: It is FUN. Golfers are going to get a kick out of running themselves around the course in the EZ-3. They will be having so much fun that they will not realize that they are overdoing it. Many will get sore as a result. It's just plain FUN and that will be the big selling point. Getting exercise will be the second selling point.

And one other point...It speeds up the game! Traditional motorized golf carts contain two golfers. That means you must first drive to the first ball and hit then drive to the second ball and hit. Not any more. With both golfers in an EZ-3, they go directly to their ball. Everyone is independent of the time involved to drive over to the other golfer's ball. It speeds up the game.

That's the report. This idea is already making an impact. One golfer made a comment that "It's about time." We are confident that the world needs a golf cart bicycle.

OK, so maybe you ARE mooky! Sorry for my lapse!

OK, so maybe you ARE mooky! Sorry for my lapse!

I'm not so sure now. He writes better than Mooks! About the independence of people on their trikes speeding up the game, he has yet to discover "sociables." Watch now, he is going to ask what they are! :)

Charles

We are in El Paso. Franklin Mountain Cyclery is our preferred bike shop. The owner is Darrel and he would be happy to talk to anyone about the golf cart bike we are promoting in the El Paso area. Their number is 915-757-8585.

This is my final report on our experience with the EZ-3 as a golf cart...

...We purposely went to the Fort Bliss Golf Course to test the EZ-3. This course has dirt/gravel cart paths with lots of potholes. Also, water was everywhere and standing in every pothole.

The bike did very well. We had to pay attention to our speed. Never could get up to high gear because of the potholes. In many instances, we drove down the middle of the fairway instead of the cart paths.

The standard "road" tires that came with the EZ-3 did well. I feel that going to a fatter tire is unnecessary. However, we will install fatter tires anyway just to test the ride.

Now that we've learned to shift properly, we are no longer popping the chain off the rear sprockets. We now realize that one cannot shift under torque conditions. One must hesitate a bit with the peddling when shifting.

Final conclusion: We dream of a shaft drive and think that's the ultimate way to go. Fatter tires may not serve any purpose other than to look good. Our home-made golf bag rack bolts onto the frame and existing supports so no need to worry about the warranty. Weight seems not an issue as our golf bags weigh in around 21 pounds. It feels as if we could haul a refrigerator around with ease.

We are pleased with the EZ-3 as a golf cart bicycle. Many, many people are asking where they can get one.

OK, so maybe you ARE mooky! Sorry for my lapse!
I am sure he's Mooky. The writing style is pretty much the same. He has better material here than the tired Rebike stuff he's been pushing elsewhere.

This is going to sound like a commercial...

The Japanese golfers all went crazy and pulled out their cell phones to call someone.

We can only guess they called home to their parent companies and told them to start mass producing a golf cart recumbent.

This happened at the Painted Dunes GC during a big tournament.