Calf-powered flight over water
Gone are the old pedal boats, and now the Jet Cycle brand is offering a new generation of calf-powered leisure craft, with foils for flying over the water. After launching the JetCycle Max, a foil-powered monohull that requires, let's face it, a fair amount of balance and explosive pedaling to get off the ground, the French manufacturer is now offering a second, more physically accessible model. The new e-Jetcycle responds to these issues by adding electric assistance, like a bicycle to help take off, and by switching to a trimaran format. By adding two small floats, lateral balance is now assured, with two inclined daggerboards providing additional lift.
Autonomy and ease of operation
Measuring 3.4 m long and 2.3 m wide, the eJetCycle can be disassembled for transport, with the central hull mounted on a gallery. Fenders, stabilizers and foils can be stored separately. The total weight of the boat is 55 kilos.
Once on board, the rider settles into a bucket seat comparable to a recumbent bike. The pedals and 200 W motor are fitted with a battery which, according to the manufacturer, provides 3 hours of autonomy. Altitude control is achieved by pulling a handle on the left hand that tilts the front foil flap. A second handle on the right serves as a steering stick.
Take-off speed is 5 knots. The manufacturer indicates a cruising speed of 8 knots and a maximum speed of 10 knots.
While the first JetCycle required a good pedaling speed and a bit of skill, the new model promises greater ease of use, especially for rental bases.
