New Zealand company Manta5 introduced its innovation back in 2017 at the Best Awards 2017 exhibition. The Hydrofoiler XE-1 water bicycle attracted the audience’s attention. However, as a means of water transportation, it did not become popular.
Company Manta5 decided to promote its creation independently on the global market. Initially in its homeland, New Zealand, then in Europe and America. Recently, the water bicycle was spotted at Caribbean resorts and even in Asia.
What is the Hydrofoiler XE-1 water bicycle
Externally, the device resembles a jet ski, where the drive is not a jet pump, but a propeller with foot control. The design combines:
- The lightweight and stable watercraft body (only 20 kg). The span of the water wings has been increased (rear up to 2 meters, front up to 1.2 meters).
- The drive of a motorboat. Only the propeller does not push away from the water, but attracts it. This increases the stability of the structure on the water, albeit at the cost of speed.
- The mechanism of bicycle movement. Simple cranks with pedals and gears with a chain to transfer rotation to the propeller.
- An electric motor. The improved Hydrofoiler XE-1 model features a 460 W electric motor. There is even a battery for energy storage. Pedal rotation generates electricity that powers the motor. The motor then spins the propeller. Excess energy is stored in the battery, providing the user with time to rest when signs of fatigue appear.
Features of the Hydrofoiler XE-1 bicycle
The frame of the water bicycle is assembled from aviation aluminum and carbon fiber, making the Hydrofoiler XE-1 quite lightweight both on water and for transportation. All elements of the hydro bicycle, including the motor, are IPX8 protected. Full waterproofing. Moreover, the design can be used in freshwater and saltwater, meaning rivers, lakes, seas, and oceans.
The bicycle’s transmission is modular and hybrid. It allows quick disassembly or assembly if maintenance is needed. Overall, the entire Hydrofoiler XE-1 structure is serviceable, similar to a regular mountain bike.
The steering column and saddle are adjustable. According to height, the water bicycle suits people of various heights. It cannot be said that a two-meter-tall man would find it comfortable to pedal the Hydrofoiler XE-1, but for most people, it is suitable.
The motor has 7 speed settings. The maximum speed (20 km/h) can be reached with a fully charged battery and high pedal rotation intensity. There is a gear switch on the handlebar. But the manufacturer offers a more interesting solution with the GARMIN® eBike Remote. Besides gear shifting, it provides information on battery charge, distance traveled, and speed.
Where to buy the Hydrofoiler XE-1 water bicycle
Manta5 promotes its creation quite unusually on the global market. You cannot just go to a store and buy the Hydrofoiler XE-1. You need to contact their office in New Zealand and sign a contract. The feature of these water bicycles is that they rarely reach private users. They are mostly used in rentals by Manta5’s business partners.
On the other hand, this is advantageous for beginners who are simply interested in trying out a new type of transport. The price of the Hydrofoiler XE-1 water bicycle is €12,000. This includes the full package, remote control, and official manufacturer warranty. For business, the hydro bicycle is more interesting than for an ordinary consumer, as it is seasonal entertainment transport. The owner might quickly get tired of it, but in rental, it will be in constant demand.
