Electric Jetboards & Bodyboards: Flat-Water Thrills Guide

Electric Jetboards and Bodyboards: Flat-Water Thrills Without Waves

Not every water sport needs waves, wind, or a boat. Electric jetboards and motorised bodyboards let you rip across flat water using nothing but battery power and your own body. They are smaller, simpler, and more affordable than eFoils, and they deliver a different kind of fun — face-down, close to the water, fast, and physical. This guide covers how they work, what to expect, and which brands are available to Australian buyers.

What is an Electric Jetboard

An electric jetboard is a compact, motorised board that you ride either prone (lying down), kneeling, or standing. A built-in electric jet drive propels the board across the water surface. You control the speed with a wireless hand-held throttle.

Jetboards differ from eFoils in that they do not lift out of the water. You ride on the surface at all times, carving turns and riding chop rather than flying above it. The experience is more like bodyboarding at speed or riding a motorised surfboard.

Most jetboards are smaller and lighter than eFoils — typically 120 to 180 cm long and 15 to 30 kg in weight. This makes them easier to transport, launch, and manage in the water.

What is an Electric Bodyboard

An electric bodyboard is the simpler, more compact cousin of the jetboard. It is designed primarily for prone riding — lying on your chest, holding the sides, and steering with your body weight. Some models have handles built into the nose or sides.

Electric bodyboards are generally smaller (80 to 120 cm), lighter (8 to 20 kg), and less expensive than full jetboards. They are a great entry point for powered water sports, especially for casual riders, kids (with supervision), and anyone who enjoys the feel of bodyboarding but wants motorised assist.

How They Work

Both jetboards and electric bodyboards use similar propulsion systems:

• Electric motor: Typically a brushless motor drawing 1 to 5 kW
• Jet pump or propeller: Draws water in and expels it at high pressure to create thrust. Jet pumps are safer because the moving parts are enclosed. Open propellers are less common on boards designed for body contact.
• Lithium-ion battery: Built into the board, usually sealed and waterproof. Capacity ranges from 1 to 5 kWh.
• Wireless hand controller: A small waterproof remote that you hold while riding. Squeeze for power, release to slow down.

The rider's weight, water conditions, and throttle use determine speed and battery life. Heavier riders and choppy water reduce both speed and range.

Speed and Performance

Electric jetboards span a wide performance range:

• Entry-level / bodyboards: 10 to 25 km/h. Fun for cruising, suitable for beginners and casual riders.
• Mid-range jetboards: 25 to 40 km/h. Enough speed for carving turns and riding small chop. Good for recreational use.
• Performance jetboards: 40 to 60 km/h. Serious speed. These boards are designed for experienced riders who want adrenaline on flat water.

At 40 km/h and above, hitting the water surface after a fall feels like hitting concrete. Performance jetboards demand respect, proper gear, and experience.

Battery Range and Ride Time

Ride time depends on speed, rider weight, and water conditions. General expectations:

• Electric bodyboards (1 to 2 kWh): 20 to 45 minutes at moderate speed
• Mid-range jetboards (2 to 3 kWh): 30 to 60 minutes
• Performance jetboards (3 to 5 kWh): 30 to 50 minutes (shorter because higher speeds drain the battery faster)

These times assume a mix of cruising and bursts. Constant full-throttle riding cuts them in half. Gentle cruising extends them.

Charging from a standard 240V outlet takes 1 to 4 hours depending on battery size. Some boards offer removable batteries, so you can swap a fresh one in and keep riding while the depleted one charges.

Brands Available in Australia

Radinn

Radinn is a Swedish company and one of the pioneers of electric jetboards. Their boards are built for performance, with a modular design that lets you choose different hulls, jets, and batteries.

• Speed: Up to 55 km/h depending on configuration
• Ride time: 25 to 45 minutes depending on speed and rider weight
• Weight: Approximately 30 kg (board plus battery)
• Pricing: Starting around AUD $15,000 to $22,000

Radinn boards are available in Australia through specialist dealers. Build quality and performance are high, and the modular system means you can upgrade components over time.

YuJet

YuJet is a Taiwanese manufacturer offering a more affordable entry into the electric jetboard market. Their Surfer model is one of the lighter and more compact options available.

• Speed: Up to 35 to 40 km/h
• Ride time: 20 to 40 minutes
• Weight: Approximately 18 to 22 kg
• Pricing: Starting around AUD $8,000 to $12,000

YuJet boards are relatively lightweight, making them easier to carry to the water. Australian availability is through online retailers and specialist water sports shops.

Jetsurf

While Jetsurf is traditionally known for petrol-powered motorised surfboards, they have moved into electric models as well. Jetsurf boards are designed for standing riding and carving at speed.

• Speed: Up to 45 to 55 km/h on electric models
• Ride time: 20 to 40 minutes
• Weight: 15 to 20 kg
• Pricing: AUD $15,000 to $25,000

Budget and Entry-Level Options

Several smaller brands offer electric bodyboards and entry-level jetboards in the AUD $2,000 to $6,000 range. These typically offer lower speeds (15 to 25 km/h) and shorter ride times (15 to 30 minutes), but can be a good way to try powered water sports without a major investment.

When buying budget boards, check:

• Is the battery properly sealed and certified for marine use?
• Does the brand have an Australian distributor for parts and warranty?
• Is the jet intake designed to be safe for body contact?
• Are there genuine user reviews from riders in similar conditions?

Who Are Jetboards and Electric Bodyboards For

These boards appeal to a wide range of riders:

• Bodyboarding enthusiasts who want motorised assist for flat water days
• Water sports beginners looking for something simpler than eFoiling
• Fitness riders who want a physical, engaging workout on the water
• Travellers who want a portable powered water sport (lighter boards fit in a car easily)
• Families with waterfront access who want a fun activity (with appropriate supervision for younger riders)

They are not ideal for very rough open ocean conditions, long-distance cruising, or riders who want the flying sensation of an eFoil.

Safety

Electric jetboards move fast and put you close to the water. Safety basics:

Wear a helmet. A water sports helmet protects against impact with the board or water surface during falls.

Wear a life jacket or impact vest. Even strong swimmers can be winded by a fall at speed. A PFD keeps you afloat while you recover.

Use the kill switch. The hand controller should cut the motor when released. Test this before every ride.

Avoid shallow water. The jet intake sits on the underside of the board. Running over sand, rocks, or reef damages the impeller and can stop the board suddenly, throwing you forward.

Stay clear of swimmers. Electric boards are quiet. Swimmers may not hear you approaching. Maintain a safe distance at all times.

Check local rules. Powered watercraft rules vary by state and waterway. Some areas restrict motorised boards or require registration above a certain power threshold. Contact your state marine authority for current rules.

Transport and Storage

One of the practical advantages of jetboards and electric bodyboards over larger watercraft is portability.

Most jetboards weigh 15 to 30 kg and fit in a car boot or on a roof rack. Electric bodyboards at 8 to 20 kg are even easier — some fit in a large backpack or board bag. No trailer needed. No boat ramp required — you can launch from a beach, dock, or bank.

For storage, keep the board out of direct sun when not in use, rinse with fresh water after every saltwater session, and store the battery at 40 to 60 percent charge if not riding for extended periods. Lithium batteries degrade faster when stored at full charge or completely empty.

Charging and Battery Care

After riding in saltwater, rinse the entire board, including the jet intake and outlet, with fresh water. Salt crystals corrode connectors and moving parts.

Charge in a well-ventilated area, not in direct sun, and on a non-flammable surface. Follow the manufacturer's charging instructions. Do not leave the battery unattended while charging if possible.

For boards with removable batteries, store the battery indoors at room temperature when not in use. Avoid leaving it in a hot car or garage during an Australian summer — heat accelerates battery degradation.

Is a Jetboard or Electric Bodyboard Worth It

If you have access to flat water — a harbour, lake, river, or sheltered bay — and you enjoy being on the water, these boards deliver a kind of fun that is hard to match. They are simpler and cheaper than eFoils, more portable than jet skis, and work without waves, wind, or a boat.

The main limitation is ride time. At 20 to 60 minutes per charge, you are not spending all day on the water. But for a quick session before or after work, a weekend activity, or a holiday accessory, that is often enough.

For Australian conditions — warm water for much of the year, abundant flat-water locations, and a culture that loves water sports — electric jetboards and bodyboards fit right in.