Jetcycle, a French startup that specializes in designing and manufacturing innovative and eco-friendly hydrofoil boats for both watersports and leisure, has unveiled a new addition to its lineup - a hydrofoil boat with a trimaran hull and electric assistance.
The company was founded in 2020 and entered the personal watercraft sector in 2022 with the JetCycle Max, a single-seat recumbent hydrofoil water bike designed for leisure, sport, and mobility. The water toy captured the interest of many with its ability to cruise above the water, but its rather unstable monohull design and the fact that it was 100% human-powered was an inconvenience for some potential water cyclists.
For those who don't want to exert too much effort but still want to enjoy the open waters in a small, eco-friendly personal watercraft, the French startup has introduced the E-JetCycle, a new and improved version that addresses those issues by switching to a trimaran form factor and adding electric assistance for a "sustainable and unprecedented nautical experience."
The electrified foiling boat/bike keeps the same sit-atop kayak-like recumbent layout and two carbon-fiber hydrofoils but features a widened platform with a pair of stabilizing hulls flanking the main cockpit that enhances accessibility and stability. The addition of two small floats greatly improves lateral balance, while two inclined daggerboards provide additional lift. Combined, all these improvements to the design soften the learning curve for those new to foil-cycling.
Two wide arms connect the side hulls to the central one, and they also double as swim platforms so the rider can easily jump into the water and then re-embark on the foiling boat.
Photo: JetCycle
"Our new boat is a game-changer in the world of water recreation. The E-JetCycle, with its sleek design and cutting-edge mechanical technologies, truly breaks the mold!" the company comments. "It offers a unique water flying experience and uncompromised sailing pleasure while ensuring accessibility for a wider audience, thanks to its trimaran hull and electric assistance."
The central hull measures 3.4 m (11 feet) long and 2.3 m (7.55 feet) wide and houses a bucket seat similar to that of a recumbent bike, placing the passenger in a laid-back reclining position. Steering controls and an adjustable pedal box are also part of the cockpit design.
The E-JetCycle is equipped with a 200-watt for pedal assistance, which is integrated within the pedal box. It is fed by a battery that promises to provide up to three hours of autonomy.
The electric foiling bike/boat also features a side stick to control steering and an incidence lever that allows the rider to adjust flight altitude. Different levels of e-assist are also available. The two lateral floats with foils are meant to help the watercraft remain stable both in water and during flight.
In terms of performance, JetCycle says the electrified hydrofoil trimaran will glide atop the water's surface at a speed of up to 5 knots (5.7 mph or 9 kph). Once it takes off, it will reach a cruising speed of 8 knots (9 mph or 15 kph) and a maximum speed of 10 knots (11.5 mph or 19 kph).
Despite its imposing appearance, the e-foiling boat tips the scales at just 55 kilos (121 pounds). Fully assembled, the E-JetCycle looks like a robust sci-fi fighter jet, but the company says it can easily be disassembled for transport, with the central hull mounted on a gallery, and the fenders, stabilizers, and foils stored separately.
Jetcycle first presented the brand-new E-JetCycle at the Cannes Yachting Festival in 2023 and is now preparing to launch it at the Boot Düsseldorf international boat show, which is set to take place between January 20 and 28. In terms of pricing, the electrified JetCycle will cost double the price of the manual watercraft at €19,990 (about US $21,900 at current exchange rates).
After spending a few years as a copy editor, Ancuta decided to put down the eraser and pick up the writer's pencil. Her favorites subjects are unusual car designs, travel trailers and everything related to the great outdoors. Full profile
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