Marine

Power-sensing, electric pedal-assist comes to boating with the Bionx SeaScape 12

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The SeaScape 12 is a four-seat, power-sensing, proportional pedal-assist watercraft with low-maintenance, no noise and no pollution. It will run at 5 knots for around 4-5 hours. It's a human-electric hybrid.
The Bionx-powered SeaScape 12
Bionx power-sensing technology is used in many brands of e-bike
Bionx power-sensing technology is used in many brands of e-bike
Bionx power-sensing technology as applied to pedal-power for the water
The Bionx-powered SeaScape 12
Bionx SeaScape 12 uses proportional assist technology found in pedal-assist bicycles
Bionx SeaScape 12 uses proportional assist technology found in pedal-assist bicycles
The Bionx-powered SeaScape 12
The Bionx-powered SeaScape 12 can act as a water-platform for children, adults and many forms of water activity
The Bionx-powered SeaScape 12
Bionx SeaScape 12 uses proportional assist technology found in pedal-assist bicycles
Bionx SeaScape 12 uses proportional assist technology found in pedal-assist bicycles
Bionx SeaScape 12 uses proportional assist technology found in pedal-assist bicycles
Bionx SeaScape 12 uses proportional assist technology found in pedal-assist bicycles
The SeaScape 12 is a four-seat, power-sensing, proportional pedal-assist watercraft with low-maintenance, no noise and no pollution. It will run at 5 knots for around 4-5 hours. It's a human-electric hybrid.
The Bionx-powered SeaScape 12
The Bionx-powered SeaScape 12
The Bionx-powered SeaScape 12
The Bionx-powered SeaScape 12
The Bionx-powered SeaScape 12
SeaScape 12 specs
The Bionx-powered SeaScape 12
The Bionx-powered SeaScape 12
The Bionx-powered SeaScape 12
The Bionx-powered SeaScape 12
The Bionx-powered SeaScape 12
The Bionx-powered SeaScape 12
The Bionx-powered SeaScape 12
The Bionx-powered SeaScape 12
The Bionx-powered SeaScape 12
View gallery - 30 images

Electric assist is very useful on a bicycle, so why not take that concept and put it in a boat? Bionx has done just that with the SeaScape 12 - a low-maintenance, no noise and no local pollution craft for four that deliver a speed of 5 knots (5.8 mph) for around 4-5 hours.

Bionx is best known for its proportional power assist technology used in pedal-assist bicycles. The company's power measurement system can gauge the user's input and multiply it by 50%, 100%, 200% at the rider's discretion.

Bionx power-sensing technology is used in many brands of e-bike

Now the technology has been applied to electric leisure craft for the water, offering a turnkey human-electric hybrid that you pedal yourself at speeds up to 5 knots (5.8 mph or 8.1 km/h). Designed for salt or fresh water, the initial version of the SeaScape 12 offers seating for two adults and two children, very low-maintenance, and a craft that will cruise along silently for up to 5 hours on one battery charge.

The Bionx-powered SeaScape 12

Not surprisingly, there are special versions coming, with a specialist fishing package first, and no doubt diving and other versions somewhere in the wings. Having a silent watercraft that can move you through wilderness at 5 knots for five hours gives you access to all manner of recreational opportunities and an opportunity to witness nature close up.

As such, it's an ideal base craft for resorts as it can support multiple activities and has great novelty value for the guests.

For eco-resorts, the Seascape 12's no-emission and completely silent running make it a highly appropriate addition to the fleet.

The Bionx-powered SeaScape 12 can act as a water-platform for children, adults and many forms of water activity

The combination of pedal power and electricity means the SeaScape 12 is cost effective to run, low on maintenance and it is sustainable. Two 12 volt batteries provide 250 watts of power to supplement the power provided by the boat's occupants.

The Bionx-powered SeaScape 12

At 12 feet long, the SeaScape 12 is small enough to be trailered behind a compact vehicle and can significantly extend your exploration capabilities with its range and speed.

You can purchase extra batteries and charge them ready for a quick swap if you have a day in the wilderness planned. A standard 110V / 24V charger plugs directly into the dashboard.

The Bionx-powered SeaScape 12

The unit is built in Austria at present, but plans are to take manufacturing to the same Canadian Aurora plant where the BionX e-bike system is assembled.

Hence there's limited availability of the SeaScape 12 during 2012. It costs US$6000.

The BionX video below runs us through the key features of the SeaScape 12.

Source: BionX

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1 comment
Slowburn
These boats need ether a more upright peddling position or peddles that will hold onto your feet.