replicating the cycling experience on water, the manta5 hydrofoil bike creates a thrilling world’s first watersport. the vessel pairs hydrofoil – a lifting surface in water – and electric bicycle technology with a propeller to allow riders to glide across the surface. furthermore, if fallen off, which may happen on the first few rides, the bike can be relaunched from deep water. the new zealand-based product design firm, manta5, is set to release their first production model, the ‘hydrofoiler XE-1’, in november 2017.
its front tiller allows riders to carve down steep ocean swells and over rough chop
all images courtesy of manta5
with the ‘hydrofoiler XE-1’ in its final stages of development, a six year project by manta5 has almost been completed. led by guy howard-willis, their founding director, with the help of roland alonzo, an accomplished bicycle designer, the hydrofoil bike is ready to cycle on lakes, rivers and oceans. its 400-W motor not only delivers all the propulsion a rider may need, but also ensures silence for use in all environment settings. forged from carbon fiber, the hydrofoil reduces drag whilst remaining strong and lightweight. additionally, it benefits from a modular design to allow quick assembly and transportation.
the pedal-electric, 400-W motor propels the user across the water
‘developing a hydrofoil bike has been a rewarding, yet extremely challenging journey, requiring highly technical capabilities to overcome design challenges‘ explains guy howard-willis, founding director of manta5. ‘we’ve had so many people tell us that what we’re trying to achieve can’t be done. I just love working with a design team who redefine what’s possible – it’s always great to see those people’s reactions when we show them video of what we’ve achieved‘.
after a six year development, the ‘hydrofoiler XE-1’ is set for release in november 2017
the ‘proto6’ edition of manta5’s hydrofoil bike
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I saw that ‘qualifier’—deep water. It’s counterintuitive, most newbies will stick to water they can walk back to shore in. …perhaps they need a battery-assist re-start.
Jim
I would love to promote your product here in the Seattle region.im 46 years of age and retired but it seems I would love to go to work promising this wonderful product here in Seattle..I’ll work for peanuts .I’m just would love to sell this great water transport toy good time…Talk to you soon…. Bertram
… once upon a time
at Sea of Galilee
What’s the Maximum weight it can support? Thank you
I’m from French Polynesia, Manta5’s hydrofoil bike is perfect for here. Please tell me when it’s possible to buy this product. Thank you
Very innovative product. I like to buy 2 for personal use. How to proceed ?
And I like to sell your product in Singapore. Is that possible ?
I’m from Barcelona, Spain. Great innovation, I’m interested if it would possible to promote your product here. Thank you.
Open ocean version for Hawaiian islands AKA channel crossings?
Hello. I live by the bay. How would the local sports store purchase a few Manta 5 cycles so they could rent them out? They would fit in well with the local paddleboarders and the many on their kayaks and canoes.
Hi i am a small but motivated entrepreneur a d would like to add this beautiful and functional watersport experience to my existing jet ski business as a alternative to tourist that enjoy a different type of fun.