Electric Kayak: A Waterborne E-Bike

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【Summary】Old Town has introduced the Sportsman BigWater ePDL + 132, an electric kayak that functions like an e-bike on water. It features a pedal-assist propulsion system, allowing users to cover more distance. The kayak is equipped with a backlit LCD screen, push-button controls, and five levels of pedal assistance. It has a battery life of up to 46 hours and can be manually pedaled or paddled with oars.

FutureCar Staff Aug 29, 2023 6:24 AM PT

Active mobility in urban areas is seeing a rise in popularity with the use of e-bikes and e-scooters. However, pedal assist technology found in electric bicycles is now paving the way for a new type of recreational vehicle that goes beyond land transportation.

An example of this is the Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL + 132. Despite its long name, this electric vehicle is actually quite simple. It is a motorized kayak that operates similarly to an e-bike, but on water instead of land. It features a propulsion system powered by pedals, making it an aquatic e-bike of sorts.

The Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL + 132 is based on the non-electric Sportsman BigWater PDL kayak, so it's not a completely new concept. However, the addition of electric assist makes it much more versatile than a standard kayak, allowing users to venture further into the water. Similar to most e-bikes, the Sportsman BigWater ePDL + 132 can also be manually pedaled without the motor. It can even be paddled with oars if desired.

In terms of technology, the Sportsman BigWater ePDL + 132 is well-equipped. It includes a backlit LCD screen and push-button controls to select from five levels of pedal assistance. It also offers five cruise control speed presets, making it easy to set and go. The battery is a 36-volt 20-ampere-hour lithium pack, providing a range of three hours at level five and an impressive 46 hours at level one, depending on factors like current, wind, and pedaling speed.

The kayak measures 13 feet and two inches in length, with a width of 35 inches. Weighing 122 pounds, it can be easily loaded onto a pickup truck or van. It has a maximum load capacity of 500 pounds, suitable for two adults or someone with a lot of fishing equipment. Additional features include rod holders, cup holders, and a sealed cargo compartment at the front. The price for this high-tech kayak is $5,999.99 USD. Pre-orders are now open, and shipping is expected to begin in early 2024.