In 2017 Brian Green spotted a scooter in a factory in China. It looked perfect for what his company, IM4 GOLF NZ Ltd, was trying to achieve with ‘all terrain’ mobility and golf scooters in New Zealand. Subsequently, he worked with the factory to upgrade many of the features, including a strong 1300w 4 pole motor, matched to a heavy-duty climbing ratio transaxle. He also had a 200amp PG S-Drive controller added as the “heart” of the scooter, making it one of the most capable, and reliable scooters on the market.
Over the next seven plus years, IM4 GOLF NZ tested a variety of battery options, and found that a single 24v lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery pack was the best option due to its non-toxic chemistry and its lack of cobalt and nickel. It is also the safest lithium available.
“The news has featured many stories about “lithium” fires, but articles often fail to mention exactly which lithium chemistry caused such fires,” Brian says. “Unlike the cheaper ternary lithium ‘ion,’ which is common in the ebike and mobility scooter market, lithium ‘iron’ phosphate (LiFePO4) is not as prone to thermal runway.”
Having seen far too many battery fires worldwide, Brian says the Chinese government is currently regulating ternary lithium ion in the hope that many companies will finally put safety before price.
“What’s more, the ternary lithium ion batteries don’t last much longer than sealed lead acid batteries, whereas lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) lasts at least four to five times longer than sealed lead acid batteries.”
He adds that the beauty of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) is that it will last for 10 plus years and still retain at least 80% of its initial range per charge. “So, our 100km plus battery will still provide at least 80kms per charge well after the warranty expires.”
IM4 GOLF NZ uses a premium battery manufacturing factory in China to produce its custom-built battery blocks which come with a five-year replacement warranty.
“We believe it is quite likely that these batteries will outlast your scooter, and you can just swap yours over to any new scooter purchase in the future.”
In addition, to its emphasis on battery safety, IM4 GOLF carries BLIZZARD scooters which have a very robust chassis/suspension, built to handle the rigours of uneven footpaths, gravel, paddocks, beach sand, or the golf course.
“Our testing with standard mobility scooters has shown that, in general, they just don’t stand up to this sort of use,” Brian says. “We have BLIZZARD Xtreme scooters around the country which have been going strong for seven years now, and one customer in Christchurch, who carries a wheelchair on the back, has covered 4000kms all around the city.”
The BLIZZARD’s massive 250kg loading capacity allows for the easy carrying of wheelchairs, walkers, grocery bags, or golf bags and IM4 GOLF NZ can provide dual bag holders if required.
The BLIZZARD comes in two versions, and by far the most popular is the wide seat LHD model. It provides for two adult riders without the driver having to reach across the passenger to steer. The wide seat is securely attached to the chassis for extra support, with the steering tiller control mounted on the left, in front of the driver.
The BLIZZARD features an all-weather canopy, and rain curtains if required. It is available in: Crimson Red, Silver, Flame Orange, Metallic Blue, White, Metallic Brown.
0800 354 837
brian@im4golf.co.nz
