An electric surfboard for lifeguards? Yes, exactly, an electric bodyboard, jet-board or jet boat for water rescue services.

According to a 2022 forsa survey initiated by the German Federal Association of Life Saving (DLRG), 3.5 million people in Germany, or 5% of the total population, cannot swim. And the trend is rising.

This is one of the reasons why, according to nationwide DLRG statistics, at least 378 people drowned in Germany in 2023 alone. Rescue is essential – and rapidly deployable, all-terrain technology that enables rescuers to reach people in danger quickly can be key.

Modular system

This is where the solution from the northern German company mo-jet can help with a new approach. Thanks to a modular electric drive box equipped with two lithium-ion batteries and a jet drive.

This drive can be operated with various modules, allowing the Jetbox to be converted into different water rescue vehicles.

Depending on the application, the flexible system can be configured into one of the following rescue vehicles within seconds:

• Electric inflatable boat with jet drive (mo-jet Tender)
• Electric surfboard (mo-jet Surf)
• Electric bodyboard with motor (mo-jet Body)

As the system can be easily dismantled and reassembled, it is easy to transport (even in a small car). The individual components can even be carried on foot over rough terrain. Neither a trailer nor a delivery van is required.

The mo-jet team came up with the idea of an electric surfboard for lifeguards several years ago, and this jetboard was already market-ready and partially in use.

What is new, however, is the modular approach, which allows an electric surfboard for lifeguards to be converted into a jet boat or electric bodyboard in seconds.

For our E-SURFER YouTube channel, we recorded the following video with one of the mo-jet founders, which shows how easy it is to switch between models:

The two lithium-ion batteries have a range of up to 40 minutes. Each battery weighs only 8.5 kg. The batteries can be charged within 45 minutes using a quick charger.

Although the system was originally designed for private use as a “water toy,” and is certainly fun, discussions with water rescue services (e.g., DLRG) have shown that this solution is also ideal for lifeguards.

Let's take a closer look at the three configurations.

Electric inflatable boat with jet propulsion

The so-called tender module turns the drive box into an electric inflatable boat with jet propulsion. Even though this version is the largest solution (up to two lifeguards plus the person to be rescued), it is still small, handy, and easy to store.

The tender modules are available in different sizes. The smallest model is only 180 cm long, while the largest model currently available is 238 cm long. There is even a version with a steering position.

Thanks to its 100 kg thrust, speeds of up to 50 km/h (one person) or 35 km/h (two people) are possible. The travel time for the jet-powered inflatable boat is between 15 minutes and approx. 1 hour, with a range of up to 15 km.

The boat is very light and can be launched anywhere by two people. This means that the boat can be carried directly to the launch site and does not require a slipway. The absence of a propeller reduces the risk of injury to people in the water.
The shallow draft also makes the vehicle attractive for use in shallow water, whereas boats with propellers must take special care in shallow areas to avoid damaging the propeller.

In addition, the electric drive requires less maintenance than a combustion engine.

Electric surfboard for lifeguards (jetboard)

The next smaller version of the mo-jet solution would be the SURF module, i.e. the actual electric surfboard for lifeguards. Similar to a traditional surfboard, it can be ridden while lying down, kneeling, or standing.

However, this electric surfboard for lifeguards has a powerful 19 hp and can reach speeds of over 50 km/h. This ensures that the lifeguard can reach the scene as quickly as possible.
The board can be carried by one person and is easy to operate. And, of course, maintenance and starting are very easy thanks to the electric drive.

Electric bodyboard with motor

The smallest version in the mo-jet range is the electric bodyboard with motor, which uses the body module. Even easier to transport and even more maneuverable.
The bodyboard is ridden lying down or kneeling. Very intuitive and easy to use.
We have another video on this. Although this is the version for private users, it clearly shows how powerful the mo-jet solution is:

There is even a DIVE module that turns the system into a diving scooter.

Water protection & environment

Thanks to its purely electric drive, there is no risk of contamination from leaking mineral oils. This means that the boat can also be used on waters that have special protection status.

Due to its size and the fact that no odorous fuel is required for propulsion, the boat can be easily stowed and transported in a vehicle. Unlike combustion engines, the electric drive is highly reliable even after long periods of non-use and starts immediately.

Test drives

Dias electric surfboards for lifeguards and the various mo-jet modules are not only on display in our Berlin shop, but can also be test driven there. Please make an appointment by email or phone (top right of this page).