Electric Kayak: A Waterborne E-Bike

author: FutureCar Staff    

Active mobility has seen a rise in popularity in urban areas worldwide, with e-bikes and e-scooters becoming common sights. However, the pedal assist technology found in electric bicycles is now paving the way for a new category of recreational vehicles that go beyond land.

One example of this is the Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL + 132. Despite its lengthy 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 pedal-powered propulsion system, 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 an entirely 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. Like most e-bikes, it can also be manually pedaled without the motor or even paddled with oars.

Technologically, 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. There are also five cruise control speed presets, providing convenience for users. The battery is a 36-volt 20-ampere-hour lithium pack, offering 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.

Measuring at 13 feet and two inches long with a width of 35 inches, the kayak weighs 122 pounds. This makes it relatively easy to load onto a pickup truck or van. It has a maximum load capacity of 500 pounds, accommodating two adults or one person with fishing equipment. Additionally, it features rod holders, cup holders, and a sealed cargo compartment at the front. The price for this high-tech kayak is $5,999.99 USD, and pre-orders are now available with shipping expected to start in early 2024.

FutureCar Staff