eFoil Riders can now be found on all lakes, rivers, and, of course, oceans. In this article, you will learn everything there is to know about eFoils.

The beginnings of eFoils

It all started with eFoil riders in 2018 with the first commercial eFoil from Lift Foils. Although there had already been homemade eFoils (so-called DIY eFoils) before (around 2016), it wasn't until 2018 with the introduction of the Lift eFoil that things really took off.

E-SURFER tip: Want to buy an eFoil but not sure which one is right for you? We're happy to advise you in our shop, by email, or over the phone. Our eFoil comparison is also a good place to start.

I myself brought a Lift eFoil to Berlin in the summer of 2018 and have been offering test rides and training courses on Lake Rummelsburg ever since. I had already tried a DIY eFoil in Los Angeles before that. This was captured on video for the E-SURFER YouTube channel at youtube.com/@electric-surfboard :

So I joined the eFoil riders community quite early on. In the summer of 2018, I had the opportunity to meet Fliteboard founder David Trewern in Spain and try out his Fliteboard Air and Standard models.
Right after that, I ordered a Flite eFoil and got the first Fliteboard in Germany. It was the exhibit at the boot trade fair in Düsseldorf in 2019. A 100-liter Series 1 board in ash.

eFoil riders community

Because I was able to bring the first eFoils to Berlin so early on, the eFoil riders community has a strong presence in Berlin. We have been offering eFoil courses and selling eFoils since 2018. Thanks to early availability through E-SURFER and the many lakes in and around Berlin, the eFoils riders community grew quite quickly.

By the end of 2021, we had sold the first 250 eFoils and became one of the largest eFoil dealers in Europe.

In addition to selling eFoils and offering eFoil courses, we were also able to grow the eFoil riders community through group rides. Here are a picture from 2021 on Lake Wannsee.

We have also set up various eFoil riders meeting places on social media, including a forum and dozens of Facebook groups. You can find an overview of the eFoil Riders channels in the article “eFoil News on Social Media.”

eFoil Shop

As one of the few e-foil dealers in Europe, we offer more than just one brand. Of course, every dealer who offers only one e-foil brand claims that this brand is the best. For me, there is no such thing as the best e-foil.

There is only the best eFoil for each individual customer. We offer eFoils from the brands Aerofoils (Audi), Fliteboard, Lift Foils, and Awake Boards.

You can find our selection online in the eFoil Shop and in our store in Berlin, where you can also test drive the different brands and models.

eFoil riders association

In 2025, we founded the “1st eFoil & Jetboard Verein Germany e.V.” in Berlin. Our aim is to give the eFoils riders community a voice with the authorities. As the eFoil riders association, we are a member of the Berlin Motor Yacht Association and the German Motor Yacht Association.

Here is an example: In Saxony, foiling was banned in 2022. Allegedly, it was too dangerous. No evidence was provided to support this claim. Through the German Windsurfing Association, wingfoilers and windsurfers were able to overturn this ruling.

However, since eFoiler were not organized in a club or association at the time, eFoils are still partially banned in Saxony. We will try to change this.

Our association has also set itself the task of promoting youth work and advancing inclusion in water sports. In addition, competitions such as eFoil races are planned.

How does an eFoil work?

An eFoil (short for electric hydrofoil) is an electric surfboard with a motor that you accelerate using a remote control. The flying height and direction of travel are controlled by shifting your body weight.

Underneath the board is a mast to which the motor and hydrofoils (underwater wings) are attached. These wings generate lift and allow the eFoil to take off.

We made the following video for the eFoil riders community:

How much does an eFoil cost?

The prices of eFoils have risen steadily since their introduction in 2018. While a premium carbon eFoil initially cost EUR 12,000, you now have to budget for EUR 16,000 or more.

Although there are cheaper eFoils available starting at EUR 5,000, they often disappoint in terms of performance.

We made the following video on this topic for the eFoil riders community:

The E-SURFER team will be happy to advise you on finding the right eFoil for you.

Are eFoils permitted?

In principle, eFoils are permitted, but they must carry a registration number on most bodies of water, as their power exceeds 2.21 kW (3 hp). A license is not required, as the power output is less than 7.5 kW (approx. 10 hp).

Many lakes are privately or publicly owned, in which case the owner determines whether eFoiling is permitted on the water. There are virtually no restrictions on federal waterways and at sea.

Do eFoils get boring?

Anyone spending €16,000 on an e-foil will certainly wonder whether the investment is worth it. It would be an expensive hobby if e-foiling became boring after a short time...

I've been eFoiling since 2018, so for a whole seven years (as of 2025), and I still really enjoy it! In the summer, I'm on the water almost every day.

We made the following video about it for the eFoil riders community:

How fast is an eFoil?

An eFoil can reach speeds of over 50 km/h, but the normal speed is between 20 and 30 km/h. Small racing wings are required for high speeds, which are actually only used for eFoil races.
High speeds make little sense. It would be like riding a snowboard at full speed. With eFoiling, as with snowboarding, it's all about turning (carving), and this is best done at speeds of around 25 km/h.

Is eFoil riding difficult?

eFoiling is not as difficult as some people might think. At our eFoil school, most students learn to foil in the air in a 2-hour course. Some can do it after just 20 minutes.

We have made the following video for the eFoil riders community: