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Manta5 Hydrofoiler XE-1 is the e-bike of the seas

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Sold on the idea of cycling on water, but the traditional cycle-boat isn’t doing it for you? Maybe you need a hydrofoil. Specifically, the Manta5 Hydrofoiler XE-1. More than seven years in the making, this e-bike/hydrofoil hybrid is set to take to the seas early next year.

Like other hydrofoil watercraft, the XE-1 relies on submerged wings that create lift in the water and raise the hull out of the water. This decreases drag and increases speed, which for a pedal-powered watercraft are both good things. According to Manta5, the XE-1 tops out at 13 mph, and cruises between 7-8 mph.

Manta5 Hydrofoiler XE-1 is the e-bike of the seas

Manta5 claims that their ability to perform a submerged launch is a “first of its kind for any hydrofoiling watercraft.” That’s important in case you want to stop somewhere along the ride, or you lose your balance and fall off in deep water.

Manta5 Hydrofoiler XE-1 is the e-bike of the seas

Essentially an e-bike for the water, the XE-1 offers three levels of assist to either go faster or allow you to get more of a workout. Manta5 claims up to an hour of assisted run time on maximum assist from the 460w motor. The battery system is fully submersible with an IP68 rating, and recharges in 5 hours.

Manta5 Hydrofoiler XE-1 is the e-bike of the seas

Manta5 Hydrofoiler XE-1 is the e-bike of the seas

To provide lift, the XE-1 uses a 4′ front wing with a 6.5′ rear wing, and the modular design allows it to be disassembled and transported inside your vehicle. Built with a 6061-T6 aluminum frame with vacuum formed ASA plastic buoyancy modules, the hydrofoils are crafted from carbon fiber. Claimed weight is 64lbs including the battery and the motor. Suitable for fresh or salt water, the XE-1 can be used on rivers, lakes, or the open ocean with the ability to handle moderate chop and swell. The XE-1 can travel in water as shallow as 3′, but submerged launches require 7′ depths.

Manta5 Hydrofoiler XE-1 is the e-bike of the seas

Priced at $7,490, Manta5 is taking preorders with a 10% refundable deposit that will guarantee your spot for the May 2020 delivery window. Check the order page for additional information on shipping, taxes, and more.

manta5.com

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14 Comments
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Marc Smith
Marc Smith
5 years ago

The talibans have won… no question.

Heffe
Heffe
5 years ago

Other sites are covering the new Time gravel pedals, but here we have a hydrofoil e-boat.

preston
preston
5 years ago

I thought it was pretty cool until I got to the motor powered part

JBikes
JBikes
5 years ago

I love biking, but kayak, paddleboard, swim. Heck, go for a run. Get some variety. You’ll be healthier and happier for it. Cycling is great aerobic exercise. Its fun. Its horrible full body exercise and done 100% will result in imbalances. Now if someone is paying you…

Tun
Tun
4 years ago
Reply to  JBikes

Im from Malaysia.. Were can i buy this waterbike? How much?

Huffagnolo SuperMagna
Huffagnolo SuperMagna
5 years ago

Oh no…a free website we like is posting more content on a product I have never ridden or seen in real life but because has a motor is evil. /sarcasm

This actually kind of looks neat though would love to see the ability to use higher capacity batteries. Yeah it is an oddity but think about Ye Olden Penny Farthing Rumour when the article came out on the safety bicycle. Technology changes and new things come out and sometimes they aren’t traditional bikes that we normally think of but might still be awesome or could be complete and utter crap but are at least neat to read about and maybe one day get a chance to test!

Greg
Greg
5 years ago

This is a great application of e-assist.

Eggs Benedict
Eggs Benedict
5 years ago

I wonder if you can get going fast enough to jump a shark on this thing.

JNH
JNH
5 years ago
Reply to  Eggs Benedict

Only if you’ve got a black leather jacket and enough Brylcreem to put a mohawk on a Newfoundland.

markogts
markogts
5 years ago

What happens if you accidentally slow down in less than 7 feet depth? Are you stuck since you can’t launch again?

Eric || 505
Eric || 505
5 years ago

Four comments:
1) Safety issue: No helmet; …’what about the children?’
2) I am concerned about loss of trail (beach?) access…
3) No mention of dropper post compatibility
4) Is there an available Enduro version?

Dominic
Dominic
5 years ago
Reply to  Eric || 505

#2 is actually a legit concern, as far as boats go. 7′ of draft when stopped means you cannot access most beaches. And you have to be ready to swim just to get on it. It’s basically a shit boat when it comes to actually using it.

Pierre
Pierre
5 years ago
Reply to  Eric || 505

As an answer to Eric 505, 4) : water is flat. Always … 🙂
Question : can you adapt wheels on the Manta ? …

David R.
David R.
5 years ago

Let the innovation begin…

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