You’ve seen the world’s first electric flying boat, now meet the “flying jet ski” called Valo Hyperfoil. This unique personal watercraft (PWC) is a perfect marriage between a jet ski and a hydrofoil craft that lets you “fly” above the water. Thanks to hydrofoil technology, your jet skiing experience won’t be dampened by water resistance or waves. It just cuts through the water like a hot knife through butter, and apparently, you can carve sharp turns that regular jet skis can’t.
But I think the most exhilarating part of this PWC is how it gets from 0-45 mph (39 knots/72 km/h) in just 8 seconds and rises above water, giving you an experience akin to flying. It sounds like a lot of fun. The Valo Hyperfoil is still in development and is expected to go into production this year, with delivery in 2025.
The production Valo Hyperfoil will have two inline hydrofoils that can be retracted for transportation on a launch trailer. It’s worth noting that the functional alpha prototype has double struts on the front hydrofoil.
The production Valo Hyperfoil has a vegan leather seat for two, and the craft is made from high-modulus carbon fiber composites, titanium, and ultra-high-strength stainless steel.
It is 100% electric. However, the motor and battery details aren’t disclosed. All we know is that it has a cruise speed of 25 mph (22 knots or 40 km/h) and maxes out at 45 mph (39 knots or 72 km/h).
The battery offers up to 2.3 hours of operation on a single charge, at cruise speed. It has a cruise speed range of 68 miles or 107 kilometers. The battery recharges in 3 hours on a level 2, 240V car charger.
Valo Hyperfoil has a max takeoff weight of 1,100 pounds or 500 kilograms.
Aesthetically, it is very futuristic-looking with a sleek, streamlined silhouette and an integrated motor at the rear. The seat, like on all jet skis, resembles that of a motorcycle, and it has everything you’d expect of a jet ski, including a stepping board on either side, a digital dash, and a flight yoke-style handlebar/steering wheel.
The books for Production Block 1 have closed. I don’t believe it has seen any deliveries yet, even though the first reservation campaign promised delivery by the end of 2023. It was listed as ‘SOLD OUT’. However, the books are opened for Production Block 2, which will be delivered in 2025.
You can reserve a unit now by putting down a 500 bucks fully refundable deposit. But be warned. A big boy toy like this never comes cheap (like, duh…). For about the price of a 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE, or around 56,000 USD, you can get your hands on the base model. The price is not the worrying part, to be honest. It is the delivery – if it ever does. Falling behind dates is the most concerning thing and not uncommon when it comes to new tech implementation.
Images: Valo.
