Foiling water bikes - as exotic as that may sound - are no longer an absolute exception. After Manta 5 with an upright seat, there is a recumbent version from France. We will not be discussing recumbent vs. upright bikes here. It should just be mentioned that the low air resistance with a horizontal body position is particularly advantageous for foiling watercraft. Aerodynamics are very important in flight mode because the water resistance is greatly reduced thanks to the foils.
Jetcycle takes off from five knots
The start-up from Annecy developed and tested the 3.40 metre-long recumbent foil bike on the lake of the same name. Its first model, JetCycle Max, relies one hundred per cent on muscle power. The necessary transmission efficiency is provided by a drive train with a patented controllable pitch propeller. Once the balance has been found and sufficient pedal power has been applied, the 35-kilogram, 80-centimetre narrow vehicle takes off at five knots and can reach speeds of up to ten knots. Two carbon wings are responsible for this, the rear one with a wingspan of 2.30 metres.
Jetcycle also with e-support
The latest creation is called the E-JetCycle, is the same length and has a 200 watt support drive. The level of pedalling power can be adjusted in stages. Additional stability is provided by two floats, which bring the take-off weight with the battery to 55 kilograms and the width to 2.30 metres. The top speed remains unchanged.
Foil control via lever
Levers on both sides regulate the control via the rear foil and the flight altitude via the front foil. The French company promises minimal familiarisation time and maximum training success. JetCycle produces in France and offers the purely mechanical model for 9,990 euros. For a surcharge of 10,000 euros, the electric version rolls into rear garages at least 1.20 metres high on the supplied slip carriage.
