Fliteboard’s market-leading safety features

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes 

Safety is our number one priority at Flite. We have invested heavily in research and development to develop the ultimate ride. Our passionate team is out riding most days so we are continually testing and refining every feature extensively. We are proud to be market leaders in safety. Because of how important battery safety is in particular, we’ve dedicated an entire article to outlining our market-leading Flitecell safety features.

1. Arming Procedure

Fliteboard uses a safety lock for arming the motor. To unlock / arm the motor, pull the trigger and release it. Then, press and release the minus button. From there, you have a five second window to pull the trigger. This feature removes the risk of accidentally pulling the trigger and running the motor when you don't want to.

2. Motor Test Mode

Motor Test Mode can be used on land before you ride to quickly test assembly and function. It runs the motor for a short time and at a low power, which helps prevent accidents and avoids overheating the seals or motor.

3. Automatic Tilt Detection

Every board has an Inertial Measurement Unit, which can detect the angle of the board. If the board goes beyond a certain angle, the motor cuts off. So in a crash, the board will typically cut out before you hit the water even if you’re still holding your finger on the trigger. Tilt detection cutoff is a really important safety feature.

4. Flite Controller

Flite Controller’s trigger position is measured with extreme accuracy and reliability, like the accelerator pedal in a car. The bluetooth signal between the Fliteboard and Flite Controller is continuously monitored. Fliteboard detects when the Flite Controller is submerged and immediately shuts down the motor to avoid injury.

5. Flitecell

We believe that our range of Flitecells are the safest portable marine grade batteries available in the market. You can read more about Flitecell safety here, including features such as Phase Change Material and premium 21,700 cells. 

6. Flitecell Low Charge

Flite Controller will alert you to a low battery status with a beep, vibration and message. This ensures that you will be alerted when it’s time to head back. There is also an automated ‘Limp Home’ mode, whereby Flitecell will operate at a minimum output in order to get you back to shore when the battery is critically low. 

7. Flitebox

Flitebox is advanced technology made simple. By housing the electronics in Flitebox, we’ve been able to remove all electronics from our boards. Only two cables are needed to operate it, so there is less chance of something going wrong. 

8. Unibody Fuselage

One of the innovations that holds Fliteboard above others in the market is our patented unibody fuselage. It is machined from a single block of aircraft grade aluminum during a 14 hour process. This gives the foil added strength, as we don’t clamp the motor to the mast like others do. Efficient design also removes the need for cumbersome cooling tubes, which can easily get blocked with sand and other debris.

9. Flite Jet 

Flite Jet is the safest, smoothest ride possible on a Fliteboard. Developed by expert hydrodynamicists and engineers, the fully shielded impeller reduces risk of contact for peace of mind. It’s the ideal propulsion choice for families, beginners, yachts and Fliteschools.

10. Motor Cool Down Mode

Advanced sensors identify if the motor starts running too hot and will initiate an automatic cooling procedure, limiting Fliteboard to only using low gears for a short period to preserve the life of the motor and components.

Pro Tips for Additional Safety

If you’re going on a long distance mission, you might consider getting a waterproof pouch for your mobile phone and flares in the case of an emergency. Always let someone know where you are going and when to expect you back, and follow the appropriate local laws. There are a number of apps available that can make your location visible to friends or family.

It’s also important to know your limits and be aware of conditions. If it’s too rough, don’t hesitate to turn back and save the adventure for another day. We put safety first at Fliteboard efoil, and encourage you to as well.