A house, a bike, a boat: The Z-Triton 2.0 is ready for series production
What do you get when a camper merges with a bike and boat? The sky-blue wonder "Z-Triton 2.0".
Even among alternative means of transportation, this construction is something special: It drives, floats and fascinates at first sight because it is clear that a bird of paradise is behind it. Or at least a person with visions who dares to do something. Aigars Lauzis is not only behind the Z-Triton 2.0, he also sits on it or in it - depending on whether he is cycling, swimming or camping. The designer spent a lot of time in the saddle when he set off from London to Tokyo a few years ago on a regular bike. He came back not only with 30,000 kilometers in his legs, but also with an idea in his head. What if you had everything in one: bike, boat and accommodation. In 2020, he presented the prototype of the Z-Triton. Now he has refined the model with his company until it is ready for series production.
An adventure vehicle for two
The 2.0 version is fully electric and has room for two people, including luggage, who want to drift in their free time. On the lake or river, where the spring-mounted 24-inch wheels are folded up and an 1150-watt electric motor is launched. It can reach speeds of up to 5 km/h and provides a range of over 20 kilometers before you have to reach for the oars, which are also included. Or you can let yourself drift until the solar cells on the roof provide new energy. After all, the inventor is not interested in going higher, faster and further, but in living in harmony with nature. The Z-Triton 2.0 is designed to let you discover nature in a different way. With his company Zeltini, Lauzis focuses on sustainable living. Creative and with a love of detail. On the roof of the Z-Triton 2.0, which is made of environmentally friendly or recycled materials wherever possible, there's even a plant pot - so if you personally want to offset CO2, you can always plant a tree along the way.
With the vehicle you are not only close to nature, but also to your companion. With a lying area of 1x2 meters, you must like to have each other to look out of the mini mobile home into the stars together. Everything is kept compact and practical. But folding table and luggage compartment, cooking facilities, radio and air conditioning ensure that nothing is missing. At 1.45 m, the 2.0 version is slightly wider than the prototype, 1.72 m high and 3.90 m long. It is considered a "three-wheeled moped" (L2e) in the EU on land, which is equivalent to a small motorcycle in Switzerland. Aigars Lauzis has already ventured onto Swiss lakes and through the Alps with the vehicle.
DIY version to follow next year
With a 7-speed hub gear and hydraulic disc brakes, steep climbs and descents are apparently no problem. The accompanying person finds place on a passenger seat inclusive safety belt and the 1000-Watt-Elektromotor of the Bikes is to have a range of well 50 kilometers. Given the bike's own weight of 200 kilograms and the same maximum payload, that's not bad. But this type of travel is not about facts and figures. It's about the feeling of being on the road and at home everywhere. In an optimistic and fun-loving vehicle that would make me smile at any time. Even when it's blocking the road in front of me.
Lauzi's rolling and floating statement for a different way of traveling is now available to order and will cost around 14,500 euros. Taxes and shipping will be added. A slimmed-down DIY kit will follow in late 2023, at an estimated 4 500 euros, much more affordable and easier to ship. And if you're heading to Valmiera in Latvia this summer, you can rent the Z-Triton 2.0 for 60 euros a day. Otherwise, it's mainly sold directly. But, the website says they are open to collaborations. I think I need to talk to some people at Galaxus.
Simple writer and dad of two who likes to be on the move, wading through everyday family life. Juggling several balls, I'll occasionally drop one. It could be a ball, or a remark. Or both.