Thanks to the brand new partnership between Manta5 New Zeland, creator of World’s first Hydrofoil Bike, and Italian start-up Aquaride a new path for Hydrofoil Cycling throughout Europe was drawn.
Manta5 Hydrofoil eBike is half-bike, half-plane and replicates the intuitive cycling experience on water using carbon fiber foils (the wings) and a fully waterproof eBike battery and motor. After 8 years of development and experiencing viral coverage of the prototype in 2017, the bike is now available in Italy and Switzerland via Aquaride.
The New Zealand-based company sold out the initial pilot production run in six months, after a short video of the hydrofoil prototype went viral, amassing more than 350 million views on Facebook.
The Hydrofoiler redefines cycling and watersports by enabling riders to launch and plane through open bodies of water – from ocean shorelines to lakes and rivers. Cyclists can reach speeds of up to 22kph, comparable to traditional sailboats. The bikes are made of strong carbon fiber and aircraft-grade aluminium, making them buoyant and light enough to carry.
In three years time, Manta5 sees Hydrofoiling as its own sport and fitness category. Company Founder, Guy Howard-Willis already has his sights on the Olympics.