Because we are passionate above all:
Our mission is to develop the Waterbike sport and strive for our customers to enjoy it as much as we do.
ORIGIN
Who?
After working and traveling on 4 continents and years spent managing international sales for a motorboat manufacturer, Guillaume one day had a crush for a floating bike.
“I was a bit skeptikal at first, because for me – like most French people – paddling on water = ‘pédalo’. And then I got curious about the fast, silent and green aspect and I really dag into the concept.”
After being in touch with all manufacturers of the world, he decides to leave his job in the motorboat industry and creates Aqui Bikes.
“The Waterbike term has been a bit overused by homemade devices that were built for fun, but without really finalizing the product. After trying many of those, as soon as I tried one built by a pro, I immediately got the difference. Straight up, I wanted to ride far away and wouldn’t come back to land!”
Both traveler and eco-friendly, that is the beginning of his adventure:
“Not only the Waterbike is sport in which you can cycle without the roadbike inconvenience, but it is also an extraordinary exploration tool! With that bike that fits in a car trunk and can be launched on water from anywhere, I can explore all waters – and do it safely.”
Since the, Aqui Bikes’ mission is to initiate French people to Waterbike, do it in right conditions and with the right equipment.
ACTIVITY
HOW
FAQ:
How fast is that ?
Max speed will be between 10 to 15 km/h depending on your physical shape, weight, navigating conditions…
Is that stable? Will it capsize?
It is super stable, thanks to its catamaran structure. To make it short, it’s stable as a small boat, and much more stable than a kayak or a SUP for example.
Can we ride backward?
Yes, simply by cycling backward (like on a fixie bike).
Can we ride bare feet?
Absolutely. Just make sure the water temperature is toe-friendly. 😉
What is the minimal age to practice?
That will mostly depend on the child legs length. Typically 8-10 years old children.
Does it have any gears?
No. Unlike roads, there is no hills on water. The BikeBoat was designed to reach the optimal speed for an average cycling cadence.
Can we ride on sea / ocean? Must I stay close to shore?
In France waterbikes are considered by authorities as a “beach vessel” – just like paddle boats, rowboats, kayaks or SUPs.
Like for those, it is the user’s responsibility to carry the necessary safety gear to get away from the coasts.
Do you have any other models?
After testing almost all waterbikes available on the world market, we have selected the best manufacturer by taking many criteria into consideration.We keep monitoring the market and will add new model(s) in the future if they match the market expectations.
What colors are available?
The frame is black anodized aluminium. PVC tubes are red and are available in yellow upon request.
Is the recumbent version out?
The BikeBoat Rec – horizontal waterbike – is finally available! Please check the ‘Waterbikes’ section or contact us for more info.
Aqui Bikes, Waterbike, BikeBoat, Chiliboats... What’s the difference?
Waterbike is a generic term that defines a bike that cycles on water.
BikeBoat Up is the name of the model that is made by the Brazilian manufacturer Chiliboats.
Aqui Bikes is Chiliboats’ exclusive importer.
How hard is that to inflate the floats?
The floats have a volume of 140 liters each. The recommended pressure is 5 psi (340 mbar)
That’s a similar volume to 2 SUPs, but with a 3x-4x inferior pressure.
Can the floats get punctured?
It is very unlikely because the floats are abrasion resistant et touch land only when getting on board. However, like any rigid inflatable boat, it may be vulnerable to perforation so caution is always advised.
What maintenance is required?
Like any water vessel, it is recommended to rinse after use, especially after navigating on saltwaters.
The manufacturer recommends a lubrication process on the gearbox and propulsion system once every 3 months or 50 hours of use.
Does it come with a inflator?
Yes, the BikeBoat comes with a double action pump which helps assembling the waterbike in less than 5 minutes.
If you prefer an electric pump, we can supply one upon request.
How can I buy?
Please check the les waterbikes page, you can also buy it online on our partner website.
You may also buy it directly from us by check or transfer wire with no extra fees.
What is the warranty?
The waterbikes have a 6 months warranty in normal conditions of use.
Press releases (French):
Juin 2020: Du vélo sur le lac de Biscarrosse avec un guide virtuel
Nov 2019: Aqui Bikes expose ses vélos au salon Nautic de Paris
Sep 2019: Aqui Bikes participe au Grand Pavois de La Rochelle
Mar 2019: le waterbike disponible à la location sous la Dune du Pilat ou sur le lac de Biscarrosse
Mars 2018: Aqui Bikes lance le "Waterbike tour Pro 2018"
Septembre 2017: Aqui Bikes nommé distributeur exclusif de Chiliboats
Juin 2017: Aqui Bikes lance une base éphémère de vélos sur l’eau
Logos:
Partners and friends:
Camping Campéole Navarrosse: https://www.campeole.com/camping/landes/navarrosse-biscarrosse
L’office de tourisme des Grands Lacs: https://www.biscagrandslacs.com/
Les cadeaux uniques faits main pour événements uniques: https://www.lalchimiedeclemence.fr/
Our Aussie mate: www.aussiewaterbikes.com.
Le spécialiste du sac étanche pour nageurs: https://www.wickelfischfrance.com/fr/
La communauté autour du vélo couché: http://velorizontal.1fr1.net/
La communauté FR des véhicules à propulsion humaine: http://www.france-hpv.org/
Canoë indien avec assistance électrique: https://www.canoindien.com/
We always enjoy talking about our passion.
