The Hydrofoil Bike was born from Guy Howard-Willis' imagination for cycling and water sports. With the advent of hydrofoil technology in 2010, he saw the equipment that would allow him to make cycling on the water a reality. It was in 2011, in collaboration with Roland Alonzo, a cycling designer, that he was able to put his dream into shape. After years of research, the Manta 5 Hydrofoiler XE-1 was born, an electric hydrofoil bike for gliding over the surface of the water.
The Manta5 Hydrofoiler XE-1 uses two carbon fiber hydrofoils that provide enough lift to lift the bike out of the water. The goal is to replicate the experience of cycling, but on the water, whether on a lake, shoreline or in the waves. You can easily reach the speed of 15/20 km, but you will need to train a little first. A program is integrated into the bike and allows you to become familiar with the practice. It can accommodate a person weighing between 70 and 100 kg.
The Hydrofoil XE-1 - entirely made of carbon fibre - is equipped with a silent electric motor so as not to disturb the marine environment. The latter can be used as assistance for a period of 1 hour. Its waterproof battery can be easily removed and recharged from any power outlet. Floating, it can be easily recovered. On the other hand, with one person on it and without pedaling, the bike will submerge up to chest height. It will nevertheless be possible for the "cyclist" to get out of the water easily, even when submerged.
To facilitate handling and transport, the bike folds up easily and fits in the trunk of a car. Lightweight, it can also be transported by hand from the trunk to a water point.
The most recent prototype called "Proto6" has won New Zealand's 2017 "Best Design Awards". The bike is now in the marketing phase and, for the first time, the company is opening up to external investment to prepare for production and international distribution. The first bike will have its world premiere in its country of design, Auckland, during the Big Boys Toys event, to be held from 10 to 12 November.
The first hydrofoil production model in limited series, the Manta5 Hydrofoiler XE-1, will be available for pre-sale in late 2017 / early 2018 in New Zealand (delivery planned for mid to late 2018). The price has not yet been revealed, but the New Zealand company has announced a price similar to those on the market.
