Finnscooter: gimmick or game changer?

[Petethreeput]

Just some first impression thoughts.

First, I am not an SM employee so I don't necessarily know any of the specs off the top of my head, I can only relay what I have been told. Second, SM came out with the stand bag years ago, and because I am who I am, I was pretty sure it was a short lived gimmick because who would want that convenient addition? Then they came out with the easily pushed and very stable Speedcart, and again I asked myself who would buy that? I apparently liked my Sisyphian task of pushing the two wheel trolleys and couldn't figure why anyone would want the Speedcart. I only mention this so you know who I am before I start. I am oftentimes wrong, but eventually I learn and now own a stand bag and a speedcart and love them, even though the stand legs come into use infrequently.

I recently got to ride the Finnscooter and here is my impression. When they come to market for personal purchase, sign me up. When I have to rent a cart, and they are available, I will rent these instead. I don't think they are going to be like the riding lawnmower when you first get one. You know, super excited to be on it but then 20 minutes into it you realize you are still mowing the lawn and it sucks and all the excitement is gone.

It is quick, light, and fun. I think if cart riders adopted these wholeheartedly the length of a round would drop very quickly. To rent one, you have to watch a short video presentation about the "how-to" of the thing, and then off you go. The throttle doesn't just jump, it slowly speeds up to allay any mishaps at take off, and it is very maneuverable. The battery life is reported to easily be good enough for 36 holes if you choose and the handbrakes are just like a bicycles. I believe max speed is 15 mph. The bag sits below you and the clubs point out the front off the handle bars for easy access. Really, no detail was missed, and you will notice this when you go to put down the kickstand and notice it is a driver clubhead.

So, if you see one at your local course, I strongly encourage you to rent one just to see if you like it.

Also, I realize if it is raining it might not be so enjoyable, but overall I really like the idea and hope they catch on.

http://www.finnscooters.com/

[JAMH03]

Nice post. @Petethreeput

 

First take is yes this is inspirational so it's GREAT! I've always wanted to ride one of those scooter things so why not this?

 

The way I read your post was saw top... then thought this is worthless w/o pics. I read fast. Scanned to bottom watched video and thought... Boring!.... then I saw end of video and thought fun!

 

Wonder would be getting off and on be a hassle? Yeah I'm chubby but I wonder?

 

Obviously it looks fun

 

For ease of off and on I like this Harley scooter. Also really like the fat tires I have to imagine they are better for the golf course. Now I'm going to look for more vids of finn scooters Below that is a pic from a PGA show not sure if Finnscooter or not. I especially like the kickstand. And I really like QUIET! Electric is nice for that.

 

Thanks for the fun topic I vote NO not a gimmic by any means. How long till it catches on? No idea and doesn't really even matter to me. As an example electric carts with GPS or the ability to order a sandwich built in are a technology most of us both notice and enjoy when we use them in spite of the fact that they are far from ubiquitous.

 

 

 

 

[JAMH03]

@Petethreeput when pushing my Clicgear I've often "wished" that it had a stand pedestal that I could step on to and "ride" even if it was by my own momentum. Reason what I haven't built something like that is...

* 1 procrastination

* 2 where is the counterbalance of weight?

 

With me standing on the back all the weight would be back there front wheel lifts and no roll.

Maybe a perfect place for a Segway single wheel type addition???

 

Where did you get to ride the finnscooter? How was getting on and off? I really like the governor on acceleration you mentioned. Makes a dookey ton of sense.

 

 

Far as propulsion I have no idea what might work well?

One wheel? Segway? Scooter? No idea but seems fun. And yes I do like to walk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Petethreeput]

@JAMH03

They did a "demo" day at our course.

It was very easy to get on and off of, and the second picture of the prior post is the Finnscooter. Word is they sold out of production on the first or second day of the show because they were so popular at the show. They really are fun, and because we are lucky enough to have a few at the course we see people driving around on them. And, everyone has a HUGE smile on their faces. Like I said, if they are ever available for individual purchase, I suspect I will have one... which means my wife will have one... which means the kids will want one... Now that I think about it, maybe I like them just being available for rent.

I hope they catch on. The rental rate is good, $20 for 18 and I believe SM set the rate, so it isn't much more (if at all) from half a cart.

Also, SM is a MT company, so being in the state, we may have gotten a sneak peak before the rest of the country.

[dcmidnight]

It looks interesting but I would really wonder about the balance of the whole thing for *most* golfers. The Golfboard was interesting but it was also very sturdy in my experience - and the first time I tried one I was purposely trying to tip it over.

 

In our area there was a lot of initial interest in the Golfboards and a couple of courses did buy a few. But given how expensive golf is already, I dont see a ton of people *regularly* wanting to pay $20-25 more on top of the riding rate? Dont know. At least for the Golfboards, you paid full riding rate plus the extra fee - it wasnt like you got a break on the riding rate. But it is fun at least once or twice.

 

Would people pay that every time though?

 

And I know their marketing is all about speeding up the pace of play - but I really dont understand how they think this will improve the pace of play. If the 20 groups in front of you are on 5 hr pace, I dont see how this will help your group pick up the overall pace. Maybe if a club rents them out only to the first group off the tee? I dont know.

 

I'm mostly a walker since our club is a small one but if nothing else, I like to see companies trying new things like this. And for a course that only buys a handful of these, they might work out just fine.

[Petethreeput]

@dcmidnight

The wheels are very wide, so the balance aspect is really simple, in fact, easier than a bicycle (though faster). I think the price point is derived from the average cart rate being $35-40 for 18 so there isn't really a premium for riding the Finn, unless the carts are less expensive in your area.

As for the pace, most cart delays are two people in the cart and the cart doesn't drop off and go to their ball but sits and waits for the shot then both players drive to the next shot. By eliminating this because it is just you, I think 4 players on Finns would take off probably a 1/2 hour from the round. The cart is now ubiquitous on US publics, and this is why I think it has a place. Though I agree, if my group were on Finns and the group ahead were in traditional carts it would just mean longer wait periods on each shot.

Just a couple of thoughts on the idea, and my thought was also, if they aren't throughout the course, it will not speed up play.

Thank you for your thoughts.

 

[trigolf]

i enjoyed reading through these comments.

@JAMH03 - those skateboards with the big wheel in the middle look like fun but im sorry to say i dont have the coordination or daring to make them work. same goes for the GolfBoard. the company folks make it look like so much fun and so easy but i try to turn and end up going straight into something i was trying to avoid. and im not alone. you ever watch those at demo events? it's a good bit of comic relief. those phat scooters and finn's seems to strike a better balance of fun and different while still user friendly. i watched a finn demo and even the most timid and nervous were all smiles within a couple seconds of realizing how easy it is to ride. i have not yet played a round on one. the 4 at my course have been out with others every time i've tried. i was on the website http://www.finnscooters.com/ today and it looks like a lot more info and details available compared to PGA Show time when i first read about it. i say what the heck, give it a try. it looks like fun! it doesnt cost any more than a two person cart so whattaya have to lose - your frown? :)

[linkerpan]

Is a fad.

- Ask a golf course owner about the liability and reputation of the course once somebody has an accident (it will happen eventually, even if is not the bike’s fault). Golf course income is peppered by drinks, so there you have it.

- Ask most of over 40 golfers that makes most of golf population if they will do it. Maybe once for some, but that is it. Nobody over 55, nobody with any knee or hip surgery, not many with their kids...

 

Just too many questions to make it sustainable on a big scale. The board came out years ago and only 3-4 courses in Minnesota use them that I know. Out of like 700.

 

[caniac6]

> @Petethreeput said:

> @dcmidnight

> The wheels are very wide, so the balance aspect is really simple, in fact, easier than a bicycle (though faster). I think the price point is derived from the average cart rate being $35-40 for 18 so there isn't really a premium for riding the Finn, unless the carts are less expensive in your area.

> As for the pace, most cart delays are two people in the cart and the cart doesn't drop off and go to their ball but sits and waits for the shot then both players drive to the next shot. By eliminating this because it is just you, I think 4 players on Finns would take off probably a 1/2 hour from the round. The cart is now ubiquitous on US publics, and this is why I think it has a place. Though I agree, if my group were on Finns and the group ahead were in traditional carts it would just mean longer wait periods on each shot.

> Just a couple of thoughts on the idea, and my thought was also, if they aren't throughout the course, it will not speed up play.

> Thank you for your thoughts.

>

 

Carts around here are about $20. I've never seen cart rate $35-$40. I think these things are a gimmick. I prefer the stability of 4 wheels, and a roof for shade and rain protection. I see these as an accident waiting to happen.

[sirukuma]

> @linkerpan said:

> Is a fad.

> - Ask a golf course owner about the liability and reputation of the course once somebody has an accident (it will happen eventually, even if is not the bike’s fault). Golf course income is peppered by drinks, so there you have it.

> - Ask most of over 40 golfers that makes most of golf population if they will do it. Maybe once for some, but that is it. Nobody over 55, nobody with any knee or hip surgery, not many with their kids...

>

> Just too many questions to make it sustainable on a big scale. The board came out years ago and only 3-4 courses in Minnesota use them that I know. Out of like 700.

>

My entire regular group of 12-16 players is in the over 55 with surgery group and every one of us is all in on these scooters. I think the phat scooter (https://phatscooters.com/products/hd-golf-electric-scooter) looks to be a more robust scooter.

[JAMH03]

> @sirukuma said:

> > @linkerpan said:

> > Is a fad.

> > - Ask a golf course owner about the liability and reputation of the course once somebody has an accident (it will happen eventually, even if is not the bike’s fault). Golf course income is peppered by drinks, so there you have it.

> > - Ask most of over 40 golfers that makes most of golf population if they will do it. Maybe once for some, but that is it. Nobody over 55, nobody with any knee or hip surgery, not many with their kids...

> >

> > Just too many questions to make it sustainable on a big scale. The board came out years ago and only 3-4 courses in Minnesota use them that I know. Out of like 700.

> >

> My entire regular group of 12-16 players is in the over 55 with surgery group and every one of us is all in on these scooters. I think the phat scooter (https://phatscooters.com/products/hd-golf-electric-scooter) looks to be a more robust scooter.

 

Looks great have y'all tried em yet or know anyone that has? How is the balance with the bag in the rear? I really like the low rise foot rest.

 

 

[JAMH03]

Couple of pics from Sun Mountain

[Petethreeput]

All I can say is, it was really fun to ride. I don't know about the phatbike. I have seen one, but never ridden on it. Pat seems to like it, but I like the club access on the SM Finncycle myself.

[North Butte]

Good lord. No.

Looks like a toy for someone who'd rather be riding a motorcycle than playing golf.

[ibradley]

I contacted Sun Mountain and they said the Finnn Scooter will be available for individual purchase soon. $3700. I am very tempted!

[caniac6]

> @ibradley said:

> I contacted Sun Mountain and they said the Finnn Scooter will be available for individual purchase soon. $3700. I am very tempted!

 

You better be sure courses in your are allow personal riding carts.

[ibradley]

> @caniac6 said:

> > @ibradley said:

> > I contacted Sun Mountain and they said the Finnn Scooter will be available for individual purchase soon. $3700. I am very tempted!

>

> You better be sure courses in your are allow personal riding carts.

 

My course does so I'm good. I don't think I would take it anywhere else but good point. It would be fun if I could!

 

 

[JAMH03]

 

 

[ibradley]

Darn. 15 MPH is too slow. I wonder if you can speed them up if you own them.

[Petethreeput]

I also confirmed they will be for sale next year for $3699 next year. I would expect you could increase the speed if you are technically inclined, or know someone who is, though I have seen one on our local bike paths riding to the golf course, so in a relative sense it is quite quick. And it feels quicker than a golf cart.

[farmer]

Just what golf courses need. Tiny motorcycles zipping around.

[marmaduk]

I love the idea of these bikes and would definitely try it myself. I can see how some demographics might be less likely to want to try it. The only drawback I can see with motorcycle style golf carts is that it would be very difficult to park on a slope. A golf cart you just activate the break and it’s fairly stable on a hill but the motorcycle style would be a bit more difficult to park. I can also see why a golf course would not want to buy them. The argument about drunk people can be dismantled by a quick YouTube search of drunk people in golf carts. Just as easy to flip one into a lake as the cycle would be.

[caniac6]

> @Petethreeput said:

> I also confirmed they will be for sale next year for $3699 next year. I would expect you could increase the speed if you are technically inclined, or know someone who is, though I have seen one on our local bike paths riding to the golf course, so in a relative sense it is quite quick. And it feels quicker than a golf cart.

I see that these are now available. I'll need to buy a truck to haul it to the course. So, I guess it will pay for itself by the time I'm 117. Believe I'll keep walking.

 

[JAMH03]

Update:

 

We're getting closer and this market is definitely changing!

 

[Petethreeput]

That is an interesting machine there. Not sure I would buy one, but definitely very interesting and innovative

 

[Philomathesq]

> @JAMH03 said:

> Update:

>

> We're getting closer and this market is definitely changing!

>

>

 

Not to rain on your parade, but that contraption looked like it was barely able to make it through that grass. I'm not sure if the rider just went slow because he knew he was going to be stopping in short order, but I'm definitely concerned with speed and comfort after watching that video. Any videos showing the vehicle heading toward the ball after a 250 yard drive?

[Z1ggy16]

I think it's a game changer at a private course, with members who might be required and/or voluntarily all use it. Will make 0 change on a public since you can only go as fast as the group in front of you.

 

I see 3 main things causing slow play, which I had first hand witness to during my 5 hour round this weekend (talking casual rounds only):

 

1) Players searching for their ball for a ridiculous amount of time. No Steve, your 50 yard banana slice into the trees is not going to be found. Drop in the fairway or where ever and move on with things.

 

2) Players who ride together not separating to go play their balls. Player one hits to spot A and they both ride to it, player one hits his ball, then they go drive to player two's ball in spot B. Meanwhile, player two should have gotten out of the cart and if reasonable, walked over to his ball, prepared for his shot and hit it immediately after player one. Player one then goes to pick up player two at spot B.

 

3) Players taking many practice swings. Yo Steve! You're not on tour bud, you don't need 3 practice swings and a Justin Rose pre shot routine after you just chunked one 30 yards.

 

What stinks the most is your group might not do any of this but you end up waiting on every tee box because the group, or two groups in front of you are. I've actually started to avoid playing weekends altogether because of this. I'll play 9 holes twice a week after work instead. Slow play really did start to take a toll on me.

 

 

[meliason_14]

Would love one if the courses allowed

[Dagoof]

I'm 56 and I just ordered one... Atomic Yellow! My course allows it so I cannot wait to get out there on the Finn! Also, It only weighs 80 pounds and in talking with the SM folk, they said to throw it in the back of my SUV. No trailer required! - Well, we'll see about that once I get it! I think at worst, you can loosen the bolts to the handle bars and they will swing down. The SM rep also mentioned that there is an accessory for a car carrier in the works.

[roadrelics]

has anybody tried both , The Finn Golf scooter & The Phat Tire Golf scooter ???  I am wondering if one is better than the other?? any input would be appreciated.....Thanks DT