'Underwater bicycle' propels swimmers forward at superhuman speed (newatlas.com)

Article summary

A French company called Seabike has developed an underwater swimming device that uses leg power to propel swimmers through the water at superhuman speeds. The device, which resembles an underwater unicycle, has a crank-driven propeller and can be used with or without a SCUBA setup. It is designed to be fun and easy to use, and can be packed down for storage. The device is available for purchase starting at EU€290 (US$310).

Main themes

• Underwater mobility devices
• Swimming technology
• Water sports
• Innovative propulsion systems
• Recreational water activities

What commenters say

• The concept of motorized propellers for swimming is not new and has been used in spearfishing for over 20 years.
• The Seabike device may not be suitable for use in local pools due to safety concerns and potential damage to the propeller.
• Some commenters believe that the device is more efficient and faster than using fins, while others argue that it may cause more drag and be more cumbersome.
• The device's ability to provide extra power and ease of propulsion could be a significant advantage in certain situations, such as navigating strong currents.
• There are existing alternatives to the Seabike, such as monofins, that may be faster, cheaper, and more accessible.
• The idea of using a catamaran with rowing shells and a road bike on top to create a fast and efficient watercraft has been explored, but may have its own set of limitations and drawbacks.