In New Zealand, introduced an electric water bike (9 photos + 1 video)

New Zealand tech company Manta5 unveiled to the public an electric bicycle that can be ridden on water. A $9,000 Hydrofoiler SL3 glides over the surface with speed of 20 kilometers per hour. According to its creators, even a beginner can learn how to use it in just 40 minutes.





A new electric bike has entered the market, on which you can drive on water at a speed of 20 km / h. Its retail price is about 9000 dollars. Hydrofoiler SL3 is made by New Zealand Manta5, the world's first hydrofoil bike Hydrofoiler XE-1 back in 2017. Described as "half bikes, semi-planes", Hydrofoiler bikes work when the rider twists pedals. Thus it sets in motion the screw, which is complemented electric motor. When the bike is already moving fast enough, "hydrofoils" in front and behind make it rise and glide across the surface of the water.



The second generation version of the SL3 also has an engine-only driving mode, which does not require any initial pedaling acceleration. This makes it more comfortable for users and at the same time - more eco-friendly alternative to jet skis.

Its creators claim that this new feature, as well as others aspects of its design allow the user to learn how to use it in just 40 minutes, more than two hours less than the average time learning to ride the original XE-1.





, said: “The absence of a hull or pontoon is specially intended compromise, says Mark Robotham, CEO Manta5. - As with a land bike, the more you will train and the better you master the mechanism, the more fun get from skating. Falling off and getting wet at the start is part of the fun. It usually takes less than an hour with SL3 to go from beginner to confident. So now walks on the water are available to everyone.”



The SL3 is made from carbon fiber and aircraft-grade aluminum, which makes it buoyant and light enough to be carried to a place of water entertainment without a trailer. Its modular design makes it easy storage, while even an untrained user can assemble it without tools right on the beach. When assembled, it has a length of 2.2 meters, width - 2 meters, and height - 1.4 meters, and weighs about 40 kg. The difference in weight between bicycle varieties depends on the type of fenders and battery pack. Chassis and hydrofoils keep the bike in vertical position, even when stationary. To start, you can turn on the engine, and turn the pedals on your own.



The water bike is powered by a 2500 kW electric motor watts and has ten power levels that can be switched with one by pressing a finger. Its maximum speed is 20 km/h, working speed - 11 km / h, and at least it is able to move at a speed of 6 km/h Today, three models are available to potential buyers - SL3, SL3+ and SL3 Pro, where the base model is equipped with a lithium-ion battery at 600 Wh with a three-hour charge time, and the other two have 1000 Wh battery packs with a five-hour charge time.



All models can move on a full charge for 4.5 hours, which, according to according to the creators, is the longest travel time among water electric vehicles.

All the necessary mechanisms are involved in the water bike security, including a double waterproof layer of protection surrounding batteries, and a cover covering the screw. The large display shows important indicators such as engine speed and charge level batteries, and tilt sensors instantly cut off power to the propeller, as soon as a fall is recorded.



The cycling Hydrofoiler is described by the manufacturer as "a surreal experience" that gives "the feeling of flying fast over surface of the water." It can be used in salt or fresh water, and anyone who can swim and ride a bike can master it. Water bikes can handle a littlethem waves and restless water. According to the creators, they are able to endure tougher conditions than conventional surfboards, kayaks and most jet skis. They can ride on water one meter deep, but for launching underwater, it requires at least two meters of depth.



The first generation XE-1 has already gathered a lot of fans around it water bikes who love the feeling of flying over the waves, and also no noise and emissions. It was the popularity of the first model that gave the Manta5 team hope that their products will become the basis for a new look sports. “I want these bikes to go way beyond just leisure product - I want them to be a sports product, - says Manta5 founder and director Guy Howard-Willis. - If you can race them, so it's a competitive sport sport, and if it is competitive, then one day it may become Olympic sport."



“There is a group of hardcore superusers who make them amazing stuff,” said Louis Wilks, marketing manager. - We we see how social clubs and sports organizations are formed, how people make long journeys through canals, take pictures with water adventures that should be on the wish list of any avid traveller."