Ethan Wolff-Mann of Supercompressor fills us in.
To stay afloat, the Schiller X1 water-bike uses inflatable pontoons and is propelled by twin oscillating props, which enable steering—using the handlebars—without a rudder. The X1 internals are sealed off and can be easily maintained by anyone who knows their way around a bike, but Schiller says they shouldn't need much upkeep...
...Capable of hitting 10 mph, this really isn't anything like a paddleboat. And with completely interchangeable handlebars, cranks, saddles, and more, you have most of the same customizability as an actual street bike.
...The best part? The 45-pound X1 can easily be tossed in the trunk of a car and fits in a closet. And it can go in reverse. So, two best parts.
The price?
Uhm, it's a tad more expensive than I would care to pay at $6,500. But, then again, if you've got your own lake house and have ever thought about biking across a large body of water, this would seem to be a bargain.
Hat tip: BadBlue Tech News.
Does the Coast Guard require the rider to wear a flotation device?
ReplyDeleteNo PFD, but a helmet is required by federal law.
ReplyDeleteOh no... Now there are going to be bike lanes on lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams.
ReplyDeleteIs there a kickstand?
ReplyDeleteWouldn't you love to put Obama on it, and point him toward Indonesia?
DrSandman, what Federal law is it that requires a helmet? Surely not the Children's Bicycle Helmet Safety Act of 1994 which merely directs the CPSC to develop a standard for helmets. Not the 1989 Federal act withholding monies from states failing to enact mandatory helmet laws - that was for motorcycles only and was defeated in '95 anyway. There is no federal law in the U.S. requiring bicycle helmets. To which law do you refer?
ReplyDeleteWas your funny bone surgically removed?
DeleteErmagerd, DrSandman, it's really THAT obvious, isn't it? Perhaps if I combed my hair over the scar the OTHER way...
ReplyDelete