Flying water taxis begin carrying passengers in France

SeaBubbles' 5-seat electric flying water taxi model equipped with hydrofoils has begun operating commercial passenger services at Lake Annecy .

SeaBubbles is the first electric hydrofoil boat licensed to transport passengers in France. First launched in 2017 as a pilot electric hydrofoil water taxi in Paris and beginning test operations in 2018, SeaBubbles has now achieved its goal of conducting commercial passenger service, Design Boom reported .

SeaBubbles flying water taxi will start carrying passengers from July 2023. (Photo: Design Boom).

The vehicle picked up the first passengers at the port in Veyrier-du-Lac and sailed to Annecy les Marquisats in early July 2023. From July 1 to August 31, 2023, the Grand Annecy association and SeaBubbles Mobility Solutions will collaborate to operate a zero-emission electric hydrofoil boat model as public transportation in the city.

Operating eight hours a day for two months, SeaBubble's flying water taxi model allows you to enjoy the scenery on the water without creating noise and pollution. This sustainable waterway transportation initiative will help reduce CO ₂ emissions on Lake Annecy by 100 tons, while also limiting congestion on the shore. Passengers can enjoy the scenery thanks to the design of doors and windows that can be opened at many angles. The door can be opened to the sides before being pushed upward. The roof above the head can also be folded to allow more wind and natural light to enter the cabin, so passengers' vision is not obstructed.

The company did not reveal many technical specifications of the vehicle. The 4-5-seat SeaBubbles model operates 100% on battery power, moving at a cruising speed of 22km/h. Taking only 3 seconds to emerge from the water, the 5 x 2.5m boat uses an electric propulsion system and hydrofoils, helping to significantly reduce drag and improve speed. This vehicle is ideal for running in areas that require low speeds and less disturbance on the water surface.

After introducing SeaBubbles, the company is developing SmartBubbles , a larger version of its electric water taxi. The next version still uses hydrofoils but with a retractable design and a capacity of 8 - 12 people. SmartBubbles are being tested and evaluated on Lake Annecy. The second SeaBubbles model is also about to be completed with many upgrades to help fully charge the battery in just 4 minutes.