We still hardly manage to walk in the water, but we can now pedal there. A New Zealand startup Manta5 has recently presented in Europe the Hydrofoiler XE-1, an electric bike to ride on the water. With its incredible electric pedal assist, you can really pedal on the surface of the water.
Founded in 2011, this New Zealand company spent eight years working on its Hydrofoiler XE-1, whose international marketing will begin in April.
Hydrofoiler XE-1 for water sports
Boat, plane, or an e-Bike? The Hydrofoiler XE-1 confuses – and manages to make you curious.
According to the manufacturer, the Hydrofoiler XE-1 faithfully replicates the cycling experience, but not over hill and dale, but through the water. For this, it has a design similar to that of a conventional electric bicycle, with its engine, its pedals, and its battery. But, of course, no wheels are used here. Wings, so-called hydrofoils, which row beneath the surface, provide the buoyancy – almost like the movement of a manta ray.
The frame of the e-Bike is made of aircraft quality aluminum; the wings are made of carbon fibers. This makes the eBike buoyant and light enough to slide on the water.
Up to 20 km/h above water
To set a decent pace and to keep it going for a long time so as not to go under is exhausting. That is why the Hydrofoiler XE-1 has a 450 watt motor on board, which also provides thrust. Three assistance levels are available for spinning up to 12 mph (20 km/h), and the maximum autonomy is 60 minutes.
In the case of the Hydrofoiler XE-1, the large rear foils, which are two meters wide, help stabilize the bike when it is stationary in the water, thus helping to “take off,” which is done in pedaling. The electric assistance then comes into action and facilitates the support of the foils so that the bike rises above the waves with a few pedal strokes.
Manta5 has a lot of fun to be had: the eBike can be pre-ordered on the company’s website for $7,490.00 USD, and the deliveries are scheduled for June 2020. Manta5 hopes that the Hydrofoiler XE-1 will establish itself as a separate sport and fitness category.
