Electric Kayak: The E-Bike for Water

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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 system, allowing for manual pedaling or paddling with oars. Equipped with a backlit LCD screen, it offers five levels of pedal assistance and five cruise control speed presets. The kayak has a range of three to 46 hours depending on the level of assistance, and can carry up to 500 pounds. Priced at $5,999.

FutureCar Staff Aug 28, 2023 4:16 PM PT

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

Introducing the Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL + 132, an electric vehicle that may sound like a mouthful but is actually quite simple. It is a motorized kayak that operates similarly to an e-bike, except it doesn't have wheels and is designed for water use. With a propulsion system powered by pedals, it can be considered an aquatic e-bike.

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 pedaled manually when the motor is off or even paddled with oars for those who prefer traditional methods.

When it comes to technology, the Sportsman BigWater ePDL + 132 is impressively equipped. It features a backlit LCD screen and push-button controls to choose 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 to an impressive 46 hours at level one, depending on factors such as current, wind, and pedaling speed.

Measuring 13 feet and two inches in length and 35 inches in width, this kayak weighs 122 pounds, making it relatively easy to load onto a pickup truck or van. It has a maximum load capacity of 500 pounds, suitable for two adults or one person with plenty 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, and it is currently available for pre-order with shipping expected to start in early 2024.