Walk On Water? Well, You Can Cycle On One With This E-Bike!

Manta5, a New Zealand-based company has come up with an e-bike, called Hydrofoiler SL3, to experience cycling on water!

Walking on water is passé, have you ever imagined cycling on water? Well, enter the Hydrofoiler SL3, an electric bike designed to run on water, made by New Zealand-based startup, Manta5. 

The Hydrofoiler SL3, as its name signifies, is a two-wheeled hydrofoil. Hydrofoils are a type of vessel that is equipped with shaped vanes that cut through the water, generating enough upward force to literally lift the hull of the vessel above water while it moves. This helps in minimizing friction while the vessel moves on water. The Hydrofoiler SL3  functions very similarly to a pedal-assisted e-bike, with the exception that it is used on water rather than on land. 

Manta5 claims it's simple to put together and take apart, allowing you to transport it in your car to the water park or beach.

Manta5 also claims that learning to ride the SL3 is as simple as learning to ride a bicycle and that beginner may become familiar with skilled riders of the SL3 in as little as 40 minutes. Largely thanks to the lowered center of gravity, high buoyancy and mechanically self-leveling tiller (front vane) which automatically keeps the SL3 afloat while you mount it, and also allows the e-bike to punch through and rise up on the surface as the person starts pedaling. It also has tilt sensors that cut off the power when it notices a tip-over.

You can accelerate with the trigger throttle, and there are 10 levels of aid based on your skill level. A 2.5kW electric motor enables this ocean-e-bike to reach a top speed of 20kmph. The standard model's battery capacity is 600Wh, but the more expensive SL3+ and SL3 Pro models have bigger 1,000Wh battery pack, all encased in water-tight housing. There’s also a digital display showing the throttle and assist level, battery status, and range. The company claims it can offer up to 4.5 hours of run time.

What’s even more interesting is that this unique mode of transport was also unveiled on our shores at India Boat and Marine Show 2022 in Kochi. Navinit Marine, the exclusive distributor of Manta5 in India, has set the price for this e-bike at Rs 12 lakh. Such hydrofoil e-bikes are a lot friendlier way of enjoying water sports compared to jet skis as the latter is much heavier, not to mention being difficult to transport. With enough adoption, this could go a long way in enhancing the coastal tourism experience.