By the year 2035, for the first time in recorded history, the US will have more people of retirement age than children, according to the census bureau. In 2035, there will be 78 million people aged 65 or older and only 76.4 million under the age of 18. And the US is not alone. Nearly 60 other countries, including Germany, will soon have populations with more elderly people than youth.
What does this mean for the golf car industry? As our population ages, there will be an increased demand for adaptive devices and aids, not only for golfers, but also for those who use their golf cars to stay active. Manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers who provide product lines designed to accommodate various physical challenges and special needs associated with aging will have an advantage.
The growing aging population is predicted to bring an increase of golf car sales and we have already seen the sales trending up. Additional opportunity can be found in the following areas:
Wheelchair Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible golf carts that have a ramp, hand controls and room to easily store a wheelchair will become many aging peoples’ only way to get out and visit around the neighborhood. PHED Mobility has already developed a full line of innovative wheelchair accessible golf cars using a drop deck that lowers and raises with the touch of a switch. The ability to drive your wheelchair or powered scooter onto the mobility car extends the range or travel for those with special needs.
Their Dual Wheelchair golf car is capable of transporting two wheelchair passengers at the same time. This model is typically used by hospitals and organizations that transport special needs clients.
Special Needs Golf Cars
Solo Rider introduced a motorized car that is designed for golf courses and allows special needs golfers to continue playing the sport they love. Similar to stand up wheelchairs, they allow the golfer to stand in a position that allows them to golf, but the tires are large and easily maneuverable on the fairway.
The ParaGolfer brand has also developed a hybrid golf car that lifts the golfer to a semi-standing position and can cruise around the golf course or neighborhood.
A few other golf car options exist for special needs golfers including the E-Z-GO Eagle and Golf Xpress.
Golf Car Modifications
The above options may prove to be cost prohibitive for most people, although the ADA has already required golf courses to provide a similar option. Even with the legal requirements, only 4% of US golf courses currently offer accessible golf cars. For those who want to modify their own standard golf cars, options are currently limited.
Adding joysticks and other hand controls, motorized ramps, remote controls, swivel seats, and other add on accessories that ease the struggle of the aging population will increasingly become a popular market.
Consider These Factors
Manufacturers who develop accessible golf car products will want to keep the following in mind:
Damage to the Golf Course. There are five accessible golf cars on the market today and all are substantially lighter in weight than a standard golf car. Factoring in the weight of the accessible golf car with the weight of the motorized scooter or wheelchair will be important. If the golf car is too heavy or the weight is unevenly distributed, it could be damaging to the golf course.
Price Point. Today’s accessible golf cars range from $6,000 to $32,000. For accessible golf cars and modification kits to be widely used by those in need, they must be moderately priced. Some forward thinkers in the industry are already applying to Medicare for modification vouchers to offset cost.
Stability and Safety. Accessible golf cars must be stable and safe. Unlike the ANSI certified safety standards applied to standard golf cars, accessible golf cars do not current have established safety standards specific to them. Although, an effort led by Mobility Golf compelled ANSI to extend the standards for existing golf cars to the accessible golf cars.
Developing creative solutions to keep our fast-growing aging population active and participating in the activities they love is a unique opportunity that I hope to see the golf car industry leaders embrace.
About the Author: The Founder/Former Owner of WHEELZ Custom Carts & Accessories, Julie Starr, was one of the industry’s first online retailers of golf car products. The eCommerce store, www.WHEELZLLC.com, has served golf car owners since 2008 and remains a popular online shopping experience for golf car owners who want to take their golf cars to the next level.
