The multifunctional Kahe Pod 600 can propel small watercraft or even snorkelers underwater. Courtesy of Motion Concept Group
The recreational water vehicle industry, like its land-based counterparts, is striving to adopt zero-emission propulsion technology to lessen its impact on the environment. And plastics are aiding the cause.
A French startup called Motion Concept Group has developed a lightweight, compact, electric outboard motor that can be used on boats up to 1,320 pounds. It also is designed to be attached to dinghies, surfboards, stand-up paddle boards and canoes. Snorkelers can even use the device to propel them underwater, to a depth of up to 16 feet.
Co-founder Nicolas Quendez demonstrates the versatile motor at his firm’s CES trade show exhibit in Las Vegas. Photo by Robert Grace
The company describes its mission as being “dedicated to technological assistance in the field of water sports.”
Co-founder and manager Nicolas Quendez said at the CES 2024 show in Las Vegas in early January that the firm is using ABS overmolded with a thermoplastic rubber for the motor’s enclosure and the front cap. “For now,” he explained in a later email interview, “the plastic parts are molded in Asia by a Taiwanese company. We own the molds, and final product assembly is made in France, by Swisstools in Marnaz.”
With the appropriate accessories, the pod becomes a small outboard motor capable of powering boats up to 1,320 pounds. Courtesy of Motion Concept Group
The Asian firm molds the rear propeller duct as well as snorkeling handle and rear grid from 20 percent fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene. It makes the sub-fin 15 percent glass-filled polycarbonate, and the propeller from 30 percent glass-filled nylon.
The entire device measures 23 inches long with a diameter ranging from 4.7 inches at the front to 7 inches for the rear propeller faring. It weighs just under 10 pounds with the battery.
This YouTube video (in French, with English subtitles available) helps to demonstrate the product. Users can easily remove and recycle the battery, if necessary. The battery, remote and entire device are waterproof and can float.
Just 23 inches long, the device’s primary enclosure is molded from ABS and then overmolded with thermoplastic rubber. Courtesy of Motion Concept Group
Based in the Bordeaux region of southwestern France, the company –– co-founded in 2018 –– launched a Kickstarter campaign late last November and by Christmas had 20 backers pledging more than $14,000. Quendez says the firm will begin selling its Kahe Pod 600 model this May, at a pre-order price of $995 (reduced from its eventual price of about $1,460).
The snorkeling handle is made from glass-filled polypropylene. Courtesy of Motion Concept Group
“What has been achieved in the bicycle market (electric assistance) will gradually find its way into the water sports and leisure market,” Motion Concept Group says on its website. “What is happening in the automotive sector (migration to electric propulsion) will also apply to marine travel. We want to be part of this transition.”
The Asian manufacturer molds the propellers from 30 percent glass-filled nylon. Courtesy of Motion Concept Group
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