Yesterday (27th January 2008) was my first opportunity to test the prototype remote control electric golf buggy. Shannon and I played a round at Beresfield Golf Course (Newcastle NSW Australia) and I was quite impressed with the remote option.

The change to the base model includes a standard on/off remote control unit similar to the ones used for garage door openers or to disable security systems. It works as an override to the existing built in on off switch of the buggy. The remote is a simple keyring type control with two soft touch buttons.

Range was around 20m, once it exceeds this range the buggy will continue on its course, some care is required to ensure that it is not accidentally driven into a dam.

A few aspects which I would think worthy of revision if it ever reaches the production buggies are:

• a failsafe trip system so that if it gets out of range it automatically stops
• the aerial lead on the handle would be better incorporated into the chasis somehow. Perhaps it could be run down the inside of the handle tube though I’m not sure how that would affect the performance of the remote and its range.
• i found myself fishing around in my pocket for the remote often. After a while I attached it to my keychain and that made it easier however the positioning might be quicker to use as a wristband or as Shannon pointed out it works well when clipped to the belt guide on the top of ones pants.

Something cool we tried out which probably you wouldn’t do to a production buggy. We found that the buggies would drive quite well with us standing on the frame and motor housing. There wasn’t enough torque to go up much of a gradient but on the flat it moved along well. We’d already done 10 holes by that stage and there was plenty of power available. The golf buggies aren’t realy designed to carry a passenger but Shannon and Anthony make these buggies very strong and durable.