Flite, the Australia-based electric hydrofoil brand and creator of Fliteboard, just announced the launch of the Flitescooter… Not only do we have all the details, but we also have an exclusive interview with Flite CEO, David Trewern. Read on and discover…
With the addition of removable handlebars and new technologies, Flitescooter dramatically increases the ease of learning and riding. Now everyone can fly. The all-round model is perfect for beginners, families, and those looking for a more leisurely way to fly, with a more relaxed forward-facing riding position, mimicking that of a scooter or bike. The inclusion of handlebars provides greater stability and balance for the rider, whilst the large inflatable board has greater buoyancy making it ideal for launching from docks and boats.
Flitescooter offers riders with little or no watersports experience the chance to learn and master eFoiling, and be on the water in a mere few minutes, with minimal instruction required. The new Flite Jet propulsion system accompanying the Flitescooter offers a smooth and safe ride, and easy control via the built-in thumb control throttle.
Equally, for riders looking to develop their skills, the removable handlebars allows the Flitescooter to be easily converted into a conventional Fliteboard for surf-style riding.
The new model uses Fliteboard’s proven control software and App which has proven extremely effective at safeguarding riders. New technological innovations include Fly Zones and a wireless safety key that can be worn on the wrist or PFD. The wireless safety key ensures that Flitescooter can only be operated when a rider is present on the scooter.
Flitescooter is available in two colourways: Silver and Oyster.
Hey David. Congratulations on another innovation! Who first pitched the Flitescooter concept and what was the thought process behind it?
Ever since I developed the first Fliteboard prototype back in 2018, I have been working on ways to encourage my wife to join me on the water. Flitescooter is the solution. It’s so easy and forgiving to learn yet offers similar thrills to Fliteboarding.
Does previous board riding experience help here, or can anyone jump on these and get foiling?
Previous board riding experience is always helpful, but with Flitescooter anyone can hop on and get foiling. With a few instructions and the help of the handlebars, they can be flying smoothly in no time.
Do you have personal experience of watching people learn to foil on the Flitescooter? How long did it take them to get up and riding?
I’ve now watched over a dozen people learn to Flitecooter in Australia and Fiji. The majority of them were foiling in minutes. All of them could ride, even if the foiling didn’t come as naturally. The board is so buoyant and stable that you can step on and go. All you need to do is push on the thumb control to get moving. Gently lean forward to get planing. Once planing, gently pull back on the handlebars to take off. You might do a few kangaroo hops as you find the sweet spot. Hold on and keep going. Once flying, you can control your speed and start carving through turns.
The handlebars are removable. Tell us about the connection point here and is it pretty simple to convert the Flitescooter into a traditional eFoil? And does it then switch to a handheld control system?
It’s very simple to install and remove the handlebars. Remove the handlebar cap by gently pulling it up. Turn the handlebar lock counterclockwise and insert the handlebars. Turn the handlebar lock clockwise until it stops. The handlebars are now locked into place. It’s that easy.
Flite Controller can be fitted to the handlebars or removed if you want to ride like a Fliteboard. In that case, you’ll use the Flite Controller with the wrist strap the same as you would on Fliteboard.
Does having the handlebars installed make any difference to the amount of battery life?
The handlebars do not impact ride time. The most relevant factors to Flitecell battery life on Flitescooter are rider weight, how often you are starting and stopping, and the speed at which you’re riding. Flitescooter comes with Flite Jet and Cruiser 1800 wing, which are two of the other primary determinants of ride time (propulsion and wing choice). To learn more, you can visit our Ride Calculator.
To find out more about the Flitescooter, visit fliteboard.com
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