A new United Arab Emirates-based company is launching an environmentally-friendly, safety-enhanced personal watercraft (PWC) to address a gap in thepleasure craft market.

Historically, PWCs have received a negative response from beachgoers, environmentalists and regulators for their noise, emissions, frequent gasoline leaks and questionable safety issues.

However, with an 800km coastline in the UAE and a ban on traditional PWCs in place, the need for an alternative is pressing.

JetPad aims to meet this market demand with a game-changing design incorporating cutting-edge safety features, and featuring innovative lithium ion battery-powered technology that results in zero emissions and a virtually noise-free experience.

“Traditional personal watercraft, despite a poor safety record, remain a hugely popular adrenaline hit among UAE residents and tourists, so we saw a fantastic opportunity to provide an environmentally benign, family-friendly and safer alternative,” said Alexander Schellnast, Chairman, JetPad.

“The UAE’s hoteliers are craving this kind of addition to their watersportsoffering and we believe that JetPad is the guilt-free answer that can conform to all existing or pending environmental and safety legislation.  We are also delighted to be playing our part in adding to the country’s proud, emergent and increasingly diversified manufacturing sector.”

Weighting in at just 70kg, the versatile PWC is easily transportedor carried on a yacht, and capable of reaching speeds of up to 45 km per hour. It has a runtime of 60 minutes, charges in just 30 minutes, and requires minimal maintenance.

Hoteliers and regulators worldwide will be particularly enamored with the JetPad’s unique, programmable ‘geo-fencing’ system, which ensures that the craft only operates within designated areas. If a speed limit is surpassed or a boundary breached, the JetPad will slow down to idle-mode. Its innovative design also makes the craft 100 per cent flip-proof.

Other key features include a controlled speed limiter, and a navigationand on-board entertainment system.

Initially launching with the ‘Go-Kart’ edition, JetPad also plans to introduce the ‘Explorer’, which will appeal to budding marine biologists and oceanographers with its steering-wheel controlled fish-eye camera.

All JetPads will be manufactured in the UAE using top quality ConformitéEuropéenne (CE)-approved components on an ISO-certified assembly line. The first units are set to go on sale in May 2012 locally and internationally.

“JetPad is set to usher in a new era of watersports that are cleaner and greener without compromising on safe, fun-filled action for all of the family,” added Schellnast.

About JetPad
JetPad is a UAE-based company dedicated to developing a range of versatile, safety-compliant and environmentally guilt-free personal watercraft. All PWCs are manufactured in the UAE using top quality ConformitéEuropéenne (CE)-approved components on an ISO-certified assembly line.