As people become more eco-conscious and prioritize sustainability in their daily lives, we are seeing a steady increase in demand for smarter and cleaner modes of transportation. Nowadays, e-bikes that run on rechargeable batteries are everywhere and have even become mainstream in many parts of the world.
But that's the way it is on land. On the water, on the other hand, we are still limited to purely human-powered, wind-powered, or engine-powered vessels. Driven by innovation and a commitment to sustainability, Otter, a Switzerland-based startup, aims to change that with an innovative product that takes the idea of e-biking on water to a new level.
Combining elements of cycling and water sports, the Otter is a uniquely shaped motorized water bike that brings all the benefits of electric cycling to the water, allowing active people to explore local waterways quietly and sustainably while enjoying a low-impact fitness workout.
Presented as the “the world's first electric bicycle designed for water”, The Otter boasts an aluminum frame, two ergonomic seats, adjustable pedals, and inflatable pontoons that allow it to float on the water. It also boasts a pair of launch wheels to easily slide into the water from any beach, shore, or boat ramp without any heavy lifting. In the cockpit, you’ll find the steering lever, cup holders, and a removable battery compartment.
Photo: Otter
The water e-bike features a unique series hybrid drivetrain and dual foldable motors, which combine electric power generated by the rider with battery assistance to provide smooth travel on the waterway of your choice. With a peak power of 1,500 watts (depending on local regulations) from the dual brushless DC motors, the watercraft allows riders to reach a top speed of 12 km/h (7.4 mph), with a more relaxed cruising speed of 8 to 10 km/h (5 to 6.2 mph). According to the watercraft’s makers, riders can reach a maximum electric assist of 500 watts in standard mode (up to 1,000 watts in boost mode).
But what gives this watercraft a competitive edge over human-powered vessels is its range of exploration. Equipped with a 48V, 34Ah, 1600Wh lithium-ion battery, the Otter promises up to 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) of range, or about three hours of driving in standard mode. That’s significantly more than traditional watercraft like kayaks, which offer a maximum of 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) of range, or stand-up paddleboards, which offer 1-3 kilometers (0.6-1.8 miles).
The battery fully charges in six hours, and the device features a “Return Home Mode,” an intelligent function that activates when the system detects a low battery. In addition to reducing energy consumption, this function also warns the rider that the battery is almost empty.
Photo: Otter
Featuring a maintenance-free steer-by-wire system that can be manually controlled by the rider via a pedal-boat-like lever, the water-based bike allows for tight turns and is easy to maneuver in tight spaces, meaning it can also be used to access hard-to-reach fishing spots. Plus, while it’s designed to offer tandem rides on the water, each rider has their own pedal generator, meaning they can enjoy independent pedaling.
In terms of dimensions, the Otter measures 140 x 114 x 60 cm in storage and 565 x 240 x 120 cm when assembled for riding. As mentioned, it boasts a durable body made from lightweight, corrosion-resistant aircraft-grade aluminum and has a total weight of 60 kg (132 lbs). The drop-stitch inflatable hulls can withstand pressures of up to 18 PSI and are reinforced with rub guards so you can keep it safely docked, while the drive components are all waterproof with a minimum IPX7 rating.
Although it only has two seats, the Otter can accommodate up to four people on board thanks to a small sun lounger in the rear, meaning it can be used by families or small groups of friends. The breathable mesh seats have reclining backrests and soft head cushions, while your feet can rest on a non-slip PE foam pad with a teak effect when you decide to take a break from the ride. The ergonomic seats, combined with the adjustable pedal spacing, ensure a comfortable driving position for people of different heights. A 70-litre splash-proof storage compartment is included under the seats.
Photo: Otter
The water bike is also designed to be easily portable. It can be transported like a trailer and can be easily assembled and ready to ride in just three minutes. All you have to do is unfold the seats, attach the crossbars and mount the inflatable hulls, and you are ready to go.
If you’re looking for an aquatic vehicle that lets you kick back and leisurely pedal along your local waterways or explore new bodies of water in a leisurely manner, you might want to contact Otter for a test ride. After several years of development, the company has finalized its launch product. It’s called the Otter OT4 and is available for pre-order, with pricing available upon request.
