Back in August, we told you to be on the lookout for U.S. sales to begin soon for the Manta5 Hydrofoiler XE-1 bicycle.
And now, the time has come. Presales to U.S. residents just opened, with an asking price of $7,490 (slightly higher than the predicted price of $6,895 that we originally reported).
The Hydrofoiler XE-1 is designed to replicate the cycling experience, only on the water. It took seven years’ worth of prototypes and tweaking to come to fruition, and is built with three electric-assist modes: training, cruise and performance. There’s self-leveling design forward to handle light wind and chop, and the manufacturer says users can hit 13 mph on flat water.
Shipping of the first units is expected to start in late 2019. To reserve one of the bikes, buyers can place a 10-percent, refundable deposit now.
What yachties are saying: Company creator Guy Howard-Willis told us back in August that a yacht captain called him and said, “Every yacht owner is going to want a few of these. It’s almost like an adventure cycling sport.”