Electric Kayak: Water's E-Bike

author: FutureCar Staff    

Active mobility has been on the rise in urban areas worldwide, with e-bikes and e-scooters becoming increasingly popular. 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.

An 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. 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 manually pedaled without the motor or even paddled with oars.

In terms of 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. The kayak also offers five cruise control speed presets, making it easy to set and go. Its 36-volt 20-ampere-hour lithium battery pack provides a range of up to 46 hours at level one or three hours at level five, depending on factors like current, wind, and pedaling speed.

Measuring 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, suitable for two adults or a single person with fishing equipment. Additionally, it comes with 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 open, with shipping expected to begin in early 2024.

FutureCar Staff