If you’ve been out on the lake, you’ve likely seen them hovering a few inches above the water, rider atop gliding across the lake. For the past few years, hydrofoil boards have been a hit as far as lake toys go.
Now there’s a hot new toy taking the lake by storm — the hydrofoil ebike. These bikes let riders pedal across the lake, effectively providing a solid workout and a good time.
Thomas Peterson, who owns CDA Aqua Sports in Coeur d’Alene, learned about the bike seven years ago when it was an innovative product under development in New Zealand. Entrepreneur and inventor Guy Howard-Willis spent a decade turning his unusual dream of riding his road bike in the ocean into reality, calling his new water bike Manta5.
The part electric bike and part glider can hit speeds up to 12 miles per hour on a 3- to 5-hour battery. Depending on the rider, there are two styles: the XE-1, a trainer for elite athletes; and the self-launching SL-3, designed for just about anyone. Costs range from $7,500 to almost $10,000. Peterson, who sells both, said he’s hoping to rent SL-3s on Lake Coeur d’Alene this summer.
Peterson, who personally owns both models, said he likes them because they are great for diversity of work-out, building community and achieving personal goals.
They also provide a greater sense of safety, since serious cyclists know the hazards of long rides on busy roads. It’s not always easy to enjoy your surroundings when you’re watching out for other cyclists or cars.
“I like to say, ‘Explore responsibly, get out of the bike lane, and put joy back in your journey,’” he said.
How they ride
The 85-pound SL-3 is a blend of bicycle, airplane and motorized watercraft. It includes the main chassis, a rear and front foil and a removable lithium battery. It is designed to be taken apart and put together quickly and easily, and stores nicely in a small hatchback.
Getting started involves finding your favorite spot on the water and walking the bike into the water until it is submerged. Climb aboard, lean forward and start pedaling or squeeze the throttle, which propels you forward.
Leaning back causes the nose to rise and provides enough lift to start foiling, which can be done in about four seconds.
The throttle gives bursts of power to keep yourself moving if you want to cruise or give your legs a break.
The XE-1 trainer, on the other hand, requires riders to keep pedaling to keep the engine engaged. If you stop pedaling or start to tip, the engine cuts off, requiring a relaunch. Peterson compares it to starting in low gear on a mountain bike, facing uphill.
Getting it out of the water is similar to landing an airplane: reduce power, lift the nose and walk it out of the water and either take it apart there or carry it to your car.
The XE-1 has a learning curve of about 3 hours, less with coaching or videos. Manta5 claims you can be riding the SL-3 in about 40 minutes, provided you’re comfortable riding a bicycle and swimming.
“It really takes about 10 minutes to learn the basics,” Peterson said.
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Like a bike, you use your arms and shoulders to steer, and shift your weight and hips to add to turns. To speed up, press forward and to slow down, pull back on the throttle and shift your weight back, so the front foil starts to come out of the water.
Top speed is about 12 mph, or about 5 mph for throttle power only. If you lose your balance and fall off, the bike shuts down. The protected propeller on the SL-3 also prevents injury and can float on its own. Like its counterpart, the hydrofoil board, it takes practice getting up on the water and maintaining balance.
Responsible riders should be familiar with personal watercraft rules for their area, including registration, the need for a personal flotation device, and knowing proper right of way around other vessels.
Riding for fitness
Word is starting to get out about the bike’s potential for fitness and fun.
There are 18 authorized dealers in the U.S., mostly on the East Coast. CDA Aqua Sports is the authorized dealer for Idaho and the Inland Northwest.
Peterson, who has been following the company’s development, was able to try out a limited run of the XE-1 about three years ago. These can be custom-fitted for individual riders, like triathletes or Ironman-level competitors seeking a less crowded way to train.
Rob Liddicoat, race director of the Coeur d’Alene Triathlon, has become a fan.
“You can get cycling training without worrying about traffic or hectic roadways,” he said. “You’re able to get out on the water and get a work-out. Plus, I like anything with pedals.”
CDA Aqua Sports was a sponsor of the Coeur d’Alene Triathlon last year. During the planning, Peterson talked with Liddicoat about Manta5 products.
Liddicoat, who splits his time between Coeur d’Alene and Hawaii, thinks both places are great for Manta5s. He’d love to get some races going in Hawaii. He owns an XE-1, which he rides three to five days a week.
“These fit everything upcoming in water sports that I look for as a triathlete: the ability to get out, get exercise and have a good time,” Liddicoat said.
Peterson plans to spend this summer educating the community about Manta5s. He’s already received orders from local resorts wanting to expand guest experience.
He’d also like to create a local network of retail partners, where entrepreneurs can buy a SL-3 and set up their own rental operations on local lakes or rivers, while he provides sales and service.
“Eco-friendly engagement is gaining momentum, and conscientious explorers can demonstrate this commitment as they explore Lake Coeur d’Alene, Hayden Lake, Twin Lakes, or go up the Spokane River,” Peterson said. “It would be a fun way to embrace and immerse yourself in the area.” N
By Joe Butler
Photography by Joel Riner
As Featured In: Summer/Fall 2023