Forget about biking on boring old roads. New Zealand-based company Manta5 has created a hydrofoil bike that allows cyclists to glide atop water. Equipped with a battery and a quiet 400-watt electric motor, the Hydrofoiler XE-1 is poised to make a splash in the cycling world.

Guy Howard-Willis glimpsed New Zealand’s coastline and waterways while riding his bike, and he dreamed of cycling right on the water. He met cycling enthusiast and bike designer Roland Alonzo and they set to work developing a water bike for six years. The Hydrofoiler XE-1 allows adventurers to glide through the water on rivers, lakes, or even the ocean.

The electric bike can be manually powered, or riders can get a boost from an electric motor. A single battery charge provides around an hour of pedal assistance. Manta5 says the battery and motor will last for a long time in both saltwater and freshwater due to cutting-edge waterproofing techniques.

A carbon fiber-reinforced nylon propeller produces thrust at low speed and reduces drag at top speed, according to Manta5. The bike’s frame is comprised of an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy chosen for its low weight and high strength. It’s simple to assemble and transport the Hydrofoiler XE-1 thanks to its modular design.

Manta5 is planning their pre-sale launch for February 2018; you can register here. They’ve priced the water bike at around $5,237. They plan to release a small number of limited edition models in New Zealand before going international, but those living outside the country can still register their interest. If you live in New Zealand, you can also enter the company’s competition to win the first Hydrofoiler XE-1 here.

Article from inhabitat.com

by Lacy Cooke