The Panora store is located next to the Raccoon River Valley Trail, a popular path for pedestrians and cyclists.

By Rich Wicks | Panora Times, April 2025

If a new business attracts so many customers that expansion happens within the first month, that is a sure sign the business is providing something people are enthusiastic about. That is the situation that Tim Rietz, owner of Off Course Golf Carts and E-bikes, finds himself in. His first store opened in Grimes, and he has now opened a store in Panora.

“Our hard opening in Grimes was in mid-March, and that store really took off. We’re doing something that is fairly unique in central Iowa, in that our carts are made for whatever you want to do. You can play golf in them, you can go drive around town, if your town allows it,” Rietz said. “You can go camping, hunting, fishing. They’ve got all the safety features that you need to be on the streets in a golf cart.”

Each municipality has rules regarding the use of ATVs, golf carts, side-by-sides and similar vehicles, so customers are encouraged to check their local ordinances.

Rietz explained how the decision to expand to Panora came about.

“We had several customers from Panora and Lake Panorama purchase carts from us, and this building became available, so it was too good not to use it.”

The Panora store is located next to the Raccoon River Valley Trail, a popular path for pedestrians and cyclists.

“So, that’s when we decided to add the e-bikes. They kind of fit with our model of eco-friendly, sustainable, quiet transportation,” Rietz said.

Rietz is looking forward to upcoming bike trail events, such as the annual Bacoon Ride, which starts and ends in Waukee, taking cyclists on a loop through several local towns including Jamaica, Herndon, Yale, Panora and Linden. This year’s event is set for June 14. 

“We’re going to invite the bikers in here and have fun and games for them,” he said.

Rietz feels strongly about the brands he sells. Off Course in Panora sells Evolution brand golf carts and Lectric brand e-bikes. Evolution is a trusted brand that’s been around, especially in the southern states, but is fairly new to Iowa.

“Our golf carts are loaded with features,” Rietz said. “If you compare our vehicles to what else is available on the market, they have far more features, they have far more cool stuff, and at a lower price point than almost anybody. The value is so much greater in these because of the things you get.” 

Rietz commented on the company that makes his e-bikes.

“Lectric is an up-and-coming company. They’ve got a really good backstory. They are innovative bikes. They fold, so you can throw them in your trunk and drive to wherever you want to go. They’re powerful,” Rietz said. “You can pedal without any assistance; you can do pedal assist, and you can do full throttle.”

He added that price and battery life are excellent, as well.

“You can go anywhere from 45 to nearly 100 miles on a charge, depending on the rider and terrain,” Rietz said. “And they’re at a price point that is below most national brands.”

Besides sales, Off Course will soon also offer e-bike rental.

“They should start around May 1,” Rietz said. “I would say, 80 to 90% of the population has never been on an e-bike, so this will be an opportunity to take a trail ride, learn about e-bikes, and do something they’ve never experienced.”

Looking to the future, Rietz is open to adding or expanding, eventually.

“We’ve got a whole bunch of ideas, but we want to excel at what we’re doing now before we move on to the next thing,” he said.