Developed over eight years, the Manta5 Hydrofoiler XE-1 is an electrically assisted bicycle with foils with which you literally pedal on the water.
We still haven’t managed to walk on the water, but we can now pedal there. Manta5 came to CES 2020 with its incredible electric assistance bike with which 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.
Imagine an exercise bike with a streamlined fairing and a crankset in the extension of which is a fin provided with a propeller powered by a 460 W electric motor. The secret of this bike lies in its foils , profiled fiber fins of carbon which allow it, once launched, to hover above water.
Up to 20 km / h above water
The principle of foils is well known in boating. It is used by certain multihulls in competition, notably for the America’s Cup. Kite surfers also often use boards with these fins which allow them to fly over the water. They are also found on the amazing Sea Bubbles developed by the Frenchman Alain Thébault who invented the Hydroptère .
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. Three assistance levels are available for spinning up to 20 km / h and the maximum autonomy is 60 minutes.
The Hydrofoiler XE-1 is used at sea and in fresh water, either for sporting while pedaling in a sustained manner, or for a ride. A really well thought out machine, which invents a new form of nautical sport respectful of the environment. It has only one fault: its price of 6,590 euros.