Klepper offers paddlers the benefit of a solar-powered electric drive in its E-Kayak kit. The paddler can kick back and let the small motor take over. The design adds a little modern-day technology and convenience to Klepper’s classic folding kayak.
The kit includes a high-efficiency electric motor with carbon propeller, an 18 Ah 12 V sealed lead acid battery and a cockpit-mounted digital control unit hardwired to the motor by a 7.5-foot (2.3-m) cable. The motor is integrated into the foot-operated rudder, which allows the kayaker to quickly and easily lower and lift it out of the water from inside the cockpit. The rudder also replaces the paddle in steering the boat while using the motor.
As with any type of electric vehicle, a battery-powered motor only runs for so long. That’s why Klepper also offers both rigid and folding solar panels that mount atop the deck and deliver enough battery power for up to an entire day on the water.
Klepper estimates that an E-Kayak can travel up to 32 miles (52 km) when operated in slow, battery-saving mode (2.5 mph/4 km/h) with eight hours of sunlight. Alternatively, it can travel at speeds up to 5 mph (8 km/h) in top speed mode, slicing total range down to about 9.3 miles (15 km).
Klepper offers a number of motor kits and options, starting with the €2,329 (US$2,600) motor kit with 18 Ah battery (solar panels extra).
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