South Africa-based Hydrofoil company Unifoil, in collaboration with Canadian Inventor Jerry McArthur, has announced the release of its new e-foil – the HydroFlyer. It is a combination of a motorcycle, hydrofoil, and personal watercraft. The designers have incorporated several new riding and safety features that now make e-Foiling safer and easier for all skill levels.
McArthur’s background of riding dirtbikes and snowmobiles led him to a 4 point of contact design that improves stability and control. The design also makes it easier to learn for beginners and enables the advanced riders to perform more extreme maneuvers.
What makes the HydroFlyer different from the other options already available on the market today is a set of detachable handlebars that offer more control and faster riding while also enabling a safer learning curve for new users.
HydroFlyer is based on lightweight carbon fiber construction and is powered by a supercharged lithium-ion battery that lasts for 2 hours of riding time at speeds of up to 35 mph (56 km/h) before a recharge is needed. The battery can be recharged in around two hours using a standard A/C power outlet.
The watercraft requires no fuel, creates no fumes or pollution, it recharges rapidly, and requires no maintenance. Designed for both beginners and professional thrill-seekers, HydroFlyer’s speed settings range from mild to wild. The rider can adjust the speed using a wireless controller built into the handlebars. The controller feeds the signal to the onboard computer to power on the silent motor built into the waterproof mast. Once the HydroFlyer hits about 4 knots (4.6 mph), the power of lift and thrust begins to work its magic, and the foil comes out of the water.
“That’s when it feels like flying. There truly is no feeling in the world quite like it. It’s environmentally friendly – No gas, no fumes, no wake, no noise, and requires no towing or trailers. The HydroFlyer has solved many of the issues facing the traditional watercraft such as a boat or jet ski,” says McArthur.
The HydroFlyer starts at $13,999 and can be purchased via the company’s website.
