Hydroflyer

Lore & Background

The Hydroflyer was developed by Jerry McArthur to create a more stable and accessible form of electric hydrofoiling. Unifoil partnered on the project, and production models were introduced in 2021. In April 2023, Uni Electric Vehicles Inc., co-founded by McArthur, was granted United States design patent D984,352 S for the Hydroflyer’s design. The vehicle uses a carbon-fibre board and keel with a submerged electric propeller powered by a lithium-ion battery. A wireless throttle on the handlebars controls acceleration and speed. At roughly 4 kn (7.4 km/h), the foil begins to lift the craft above the water’s surface, reducing drag and noise.

Reader's Guide

The Hydroflyer represents a notable attempt to lower the learning curve for electric hydrofoiling by integrating handlebars and a boat-style hull with additional volume in the bow, designed to prevent abrupt nose dives on touchdown. Its first consumer version, the Cruiser, was followed by the Sport, a shorter, snub-nosed model with a smaller foil for sharper handling. Additional model variations, including a beginner-oriented inflatable version, have been reported. Reviews from outlets such as Wired, The Inertia, Robb Report, Electrek, and Autoevolution noted its stability, accessibility for new riders, and combination of hydrofoil board and personal watercraft elements. The Hydroflyer’s significance lies in its attempt to make electric hydrofoiling more approachable through design innovations, though its impact remains tied to its niche market and relatively high price point of US$15,995.

Did You Know?

• The Hydroflyer was developed by Canadian inventor Jerry McArthur in collaboration with Unifoil.
• Production models were introduced in 2021.
• A United States design patent (D984,352 S) was granted in April 2023 for the Hydroflyer’s design.
• The Hydroflyer Cruiser can reach speeds up to 55 km/h (34 mph) and operates for approximately two hours per charge.