At CES, revolutionary methods of transportation are presented every year. Last year, it was a Hyundai car with wheels on its wheels. This vehicle was designed for the user, once mounted on top, to drive and ride on any surface, as well as for climbing. At the last CES, however, the surprise was given by an electric bike. But not just any. The XE-1 Hydrofoiler is designed to pedal in water.

Manta5 was developed by the New Zealand company and was on display from January 7 to 10 at CES in Las Vegas, the world’s largest consumer technology fair. “Users can explore the shores of the ocean, and train along river paths or sail along the lake with friends and family,” the company says on its website.

This water bike uses the same technology as America’s Cup boats. To float, it has carbon fiber wings that act like an airplane. As soon as the user presses the pedals, the electric motor activates the propeller that propels the vehicle forward.

With a little practice, cyclists can get to 13 miles per hour - 20 miles per hour. The battery lasts about an hour and the price reaches $ 7,490, which is about 6,700 euros. The company distributed a limited number of bikes in New Zealand in the summer of 2019. Starting in April 2020, it planned to expand these ships worldwide.
In short: America’s Cup sailboat technology itself; seven levels of electrical support; designed to fit in the back of most vehicles; it is suitable for many fitness levels and body types.

Manta5

Located in New Zealand, Manta5 was founded in 2011 by Guy Howard-Willis and was given life by bicycle designer Roland Alonzo. Both are passionate and committed cyclists
A noticeable lack of opportunity to be a water cyclist had long been in Guy’s head until he decided to take action one day.

The original design was no easy task. Like a high-performance bike, the pair envisioned a concept that was lightweight, fast, easy to transport and assemble. In addition, the cyclist should be thrown from the beach or from deep water without much buoyancy or settling for helmets.

The early prototypes revealed a number of subtle complexities, most notably the hydrofoils and propeller profiles, and the position between them. With no real precedent for drawing, the successful equation of an “underwater shot” constantly eluded them.

The design thinking approach with low-resolution prototypes allows for quick iterations, as it is essential to achieve the optimal balance between low-speed rise and maximum thrust while minimizing drag at maximum speed. The team knew they had developed something special when they managed to dive from deep water.

Manta5’s profile exploded internationally when their prototype won the Golden Concept Category at the 2017 Best Awards.

Teammates

The Manta5 team is a small team, and they all show up to drive collectively with the goal of becoming the New Frontier of Cycling. They hire culture and extraordinary talent in the company, bringing together skills in product design, design thinking, production management, digital marketing and brand development.

We are proud to be a little different. They believe in collective genius in the face of functional groups. They are obsessed with the customer when it comes to creating experiences; and they dare to be different in their way of thinking, how often they fail and learn, and innovate without fear.