French pedal kayak powered by solar panels

L’Aquaphile has announced the launch of its Pedayak Solar. This is described as a hybrid pedal kayak with electric drive, powered by solar panels.

According to David Adrian, owner (and former officer of the French Navy’s special forces, combat swimmer and engineer), it’s the world’s smallest solar-powered boat, can be transported on a roof rack, and can carry passengers on some versions (it comes in four models with different positions for the solar panels).

Adrian believes it will appeal to “all the sea lovers, particularly those who are more sensible to environment.” Over the past 12 years his French company has sold 120 models of the Padayak in various iterations. He came up with the idea because of his desire “to go to sea easily, not only close to the beach.”

The design is simplified for ease of use, and enjoyment, says Adrian. There are no tricks, and no need for lessons.

From €4650, it’s billed as ‘hands-free’, with muscular (pedals and propeller) and electric propulsion powered by 400 Watts photovoltaic panels.

With a tiller and rudder, Adrian says the combination and power “allows for surprising autonomy and agility in forward or reverse.”

The self-emptying hull is roto-moulded polyethylene, weighs 55kg and can take a max load of 170kg. It can reach 9km/h, and its ‘autonomy’ depends on the sun, speed and pedalling. But, for example, at 6km/h – with no pedalling – the battery’s expected to last five hours.

This isn’t the only model of the Padayak. There are also versions with sails, extension platforms and more.