SEBASTOPOL, Calif., Jan. 22, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- ZAP (Nasdaq:ZAPP), the company that brought you electric bicycles, scooters, motorbikes and other forms of alternative transportation, today announced it is now offering a personal hovercraft. The Northern California Company has signed a distribution agreement with Australia's Arbortech Industries for the right to distribute its personal hovercraft technology in North America.
Called AirBoard(r), the hovercraft is now available for sale and is on display at its Sebastopol, California location. Test flights are available by appointment.
The AirBoard is similar to hovercraft technology seen in film and used by the military, but is designed for use by a single rider. You stand on top of the saucer-shaped disk, about five feet across and weighing in at 76 kg, which flies free of the ground on a three to four-inch cushion of air. Using elements that contact the ground gives you control similar to snow boarding, surfing, or skate boarding -- you lean and the AirBoard moves with you. The sensation and control feels something like a combination of flying and skiing. Handlebar controls create lift and initial take-off speed. For more information, visit http://www.zapworld.com/airboard.htm.
ZAP retains the right to distribute AirBoards to its ZAP dealer network and through independent auto dealers. The AirBoard will also be sold through the Hammacher Schlemmer Catalog.
Founded in 1994, ZAP is a leader in the market for electric bicycles, scooters, motorbikes and other low-speed, efficient electric transportation and recreational vehicles. For further information, visit http://www.zapworld.com or call 800-251-4555.