If the vision of these Kiwi entrepreneurs is realised, then commuting could be about to get a whole lot different – with the upcoming release of the world’s most advanced hydrofoil bike. 

Proclaimed as “the next frontier on water”, the Manta5 has an electric motor that you can glide over the water using a pedal assist or simply throttling with no effort at all. The carbon fibre hydrofoils make it impressively lightweight, with the motorised version coming in at 20kg and the manual 14kg. A streamlined profile makes the bike hydro and aerodynamically efficient, and although Manta5 believe it can go faster with more R+D, at the moment it can reach an impressive 20km/h.   

Manta5 car.png
Manta5 car (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
A modular design means the Manta5 is easily transportable

Manta5 say they are now in the final stages of development to “enhance the ride experience”, and although there is no official pricing information or release dates at the moment, we understand via an article on stuff.co/nz that the bikes may be available in their native New Zealand before the end of the year. You can visit the Manta5 website and join their mailing list for updates.