M & K Aerobic Golf Cart
Human Powered Hybrid Could Transform The Links
There is a segment of golfers that appreciate the invigorating exercise that walking eighteen holes of golf can provide, but are inhibited from doing so by some type of infirmity or disability. M & K Enterprises recognized the need for an alternative mode of traversing a golf course for those golfers, who for one reason or another are unable to walk, but wish to maximize the cardiovascular experience that a round of golf can offer. M & K retained IDE to complete a feasibility study for developing a vehicle that would be as much like a standard golf cart as possible, except that it's primary source of power would be "human pedal power".
IDE began by analyzing the needs of the potential users as well as the established norms and conventions within the golf
industry. This data was then considered based on IDE's expertise in Human Factors Analysis, Industrial Design and
Design Engineering to determine whether this type of vehicle was possible. To be successful, it was imperative that
the geometry, the materials, and the mechanisms all be thoroughly analyzed and tested to insure that the vehicle
would perform safely, efficiently, and cost effectively. The vehicle would have to be as light-weight as possible
while neither compromising vehicle stability nor comfort and leg room for the rider.
Based on available data it can be assumed that each rider will contribute 100 W of energy while pedaling the vehicle.
This is considered a comfortable limit of power that an average person can provide for long hours without suffering
fatigue, and will move the cart along at speeds up to 3 mph. While pedal power will be adequate on most areas of
the golf course, power assist will be necessary in certain situations such as when a rider is too exhausted to
pedal or a hill is too overwhelming to climb with mere human strength. A 3 hp (2200 W) DC motor, powered by 3 lead
acid batteries will provide the extra energy when needed. Power assist is activated by turning a lever located
between the seats.
The Aerobic Golf Cart achieves a balance between appearance and function, combining new utility and means of exercise
in an unobtrusive package. It satisfies the basic requirements of the golf cart: a place to sit and rest, a means of
getting around between shots, sun shade, personal storage, and a place to converse with other players.
Seats are adjustable to fit 95% of riders, and the high canopy height allows for easy entry, and except for the optional
pedal power it features, it is not much different than what is now widely accepted by golfers, course owners and
maintenance people.
Blending The Best of Both Worlds
IDE concluded that a human powered Aerobic Golf Cart was indeed feasible and proceeded to create a design that blends
lightweight materials commonly used in bicycle construction with standard golf cart materials to achieve a vehicle
that gives the outward appearance of a conventional golf cart but provides the rider(s) with an exercise opportunity
and the satisfaction of moving around the course under their own power.
Upon completion of the feasibility study, IDE's prototype facility was able to build a usability test mule of the
Aerobic Golf Cart by modifying a standard golf cart with a custom engineered three speed bicycle drive train to
simulate the original feasability study. The prototype performed as expected, and is currently being tested by
M & K to determine if there is a market for the product.
