E-Jetcycle: An Electric Hydrofoil That'll Make You Question Your Jet Ski Loyalty!
The world of aquatic adventures just got a shocking jolt of innovation! The French-developed Jetcycle has unleashed a recumbent hydrofoil water bike that'll make you question your loyalty to traditional jet skis faster than you can say "hydrofoil." Allow me to introduce you to the E-Jetcycle - a water toy that combines human-powered thrills with a touch of electric magic.
Now, I've written about everything on wheels, wings, or hulls for decades, but this electrifying contraption has truly left me with a raised eyebrow. The Jetcycle E-Jetcycle takes the concept of a recumbent hydrofoil water bike and adds a dash of electric assistance. Why, you ask? Well, because not everyone is cut out for the rigorous task of pedaling their way across the water's surface, and Jetcycle knows it.
Imagine the scene: you're out on the open water, feeling like James Bond in a submersible sports car, except you're the one providing the horsepower. The original Jetcycle was a recumbent hydrofoil that relied entirely on your leg muscles to soar above the water. But let's be honest, not everyone is an Olympic cyclist, and the thought of continuously pedaling while trying to maintain balance is enough to make even the most adventurous souls think twice.
Enter the E-Jetcycle, designed to address these concerns and cater to the vast majority of the world's population who may have never even dreamt of pedaling on water, let alone above it. Jetcycle has widened the platform into a trimaran setup, providing better stability and making boarding and disembarking a breeze.
The main central hull of the E-Jetcycle maintains the same 11 feet of length as the original Jetcycle, complete with a comfy padded bucket seat, intuitive steering controls, and an adjustable pedal box. The left and right side hulls give the E-Jetcycle the appearance of a sci-fi fighter jet, which might seem intimidating at first glance. However, these side hulls are not just for show; they provide essential stability and make the entire experience user-friendly.
Need a break from soaring above the waves? The wide arms connecting the side hulls double as swim platforms, so you can take a refreshing dip or quickly climb back onboard. It's all about flexibility, my friends.
The E-Jetcycle hides an integrated electric system within the pedal box, offering up to 200 watts of motor assistance. You can choose from different levels of electric assistance, and the battery is designed to give you up to three hours of runtime. That means less leg work and more time to explore the water at your leisure. Steering and foiling action are still at your fingertips, thanks to those trusty side levers.
But the real kicker is when this hydrofoil water bike hits the water. The E-Jetcycle will glide gracefully forward atop the water's surface, reaching a speed of 5 knots (approximately 9 km/h). And just when you think it can't get any cooler, it starts to rise and propels above the water on its carbon fiber foils. Cruise along at 8 knots (about 15 km/h) or push the boundaries with a top speed of 10 knots (approximately 19 km/h). This, my friends, is what we call a thrilling waterborne experience.
Now, before you get too carried away, let's talk specs. The E-Jetcycle weighs in at a reasonable 121 pounds (55 kg) and spans a width of 7.5 feet (2.3 m). It has a draft of 2.5 feet (75 cm), making it a versatile and manageable option for water enthusiasts of all levels.
Jetcycle is gearing up to launch the E-Jetcycle at this month's Düsseldorf boat show, and here comes the kicker - it comes with a price tag of €19,990 (approximately US$21,900). Unfortunately, that's double the price of the manual Jetcycle. But consider this: it's a watercraft that combines human-powered exhilaration with electric convenience, and that's worth its weight in gold. Or is it?
The E-Jetcycle may just be the aquatic adventure you never knew you needed. It's a water bike that combines the thrill of hydrofoiling with the convenience of electric assistance. So, if you're ready to trade in your traditional jet ski for a futuristic aquatic experience, the E-Jetcycle might just be your new best friend on the water. Dive in and ride the waves like you've never done before, and remember - it's okay to question your jet ski loyalty; change can be electrifying!
