Stand-up paddling boards with a motor? Yes, they do exist and the technology has continued to develop over the last few years. More manufacturers are launching their SUP motor or models including drive.
Buy or retrofit a SUP with a motor?
For a better overview, we present and review the best SUP motors 2024 in our recommendations. Our checklist tells you everything you need to know when buying a SUP motor. In our guide, we also explain everything there is to know about SUP motors and look at the advantages and disadvantages of retrofit and integrated SUP motors.
Contents:
- Review: The best SUP motors 2024 in review.
- Checklist: These features are important.
- Bestseller: Overview of the most popular SUP motors.
- Guide: What you need to know about SUP motors!
- FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about SUP motors.
The best SUP motors 2024 in review
Whether as a drive or for support, with these SUP motors you are sure to move forward.
1. the best electric SUP motor
This motor from Aqua Marina weighs around 6 kilograms and is made of nylon and fiberglass. It has 12 V, 8.8 Ah and can reach a speed of 4 to 6 kilometers per hour.
Why we like it: The motor is very well made and makes a high-quality and stable impression. It is very easy to control using the remote control supplied, which can be carried in a pocket on the arm.
Recommended for: The motor is an efficient and reliable support for kayaks and SUPs in counter-current.
2. the best SUP motor set
In addition to the board and the motor, the set includes a transport backpack, a repair kit, a double-stroke pump, the leash and a four-piece kayak paddle. The board can carry up to 130 kilograms.
Why we like it: The highlight of this set is the powerful fin motor with 240 W and 12 V, which takes the strain off paddlers and provides effective support in currents. It reaches a speed of 4 to 5 kilometers per hour. The set weighs around 8 kilograms and can be easily transported with the rucksack.
Recommended for: This set is suitable for all water sports enthusiasts who are looking for a SUP with extensive accessories. The SUP can be used by up to 2 people at the same time.
3. the best high-quality SUP motor
In addition to the electric fin, this SUP motor comes with a remote control, adapter, power supply unit and charging cable. The motor offers an output of up to 400 watts and, depending on the level of assistance, has a battery life of up to 6 hours.
Why we like it: Both installation and control of this motor are simple. A controller is used to set the speed to be reached and the e-fin automatically assists with every paddle stroke. Several of the fins can also be used in combination to increase performance.
Recommended for: This motor is perfect for people who want to extend their range with the SUP board.
4. the best SUP motor with fin
The motor has 200 W and 36 V. It takes around 6 hours to fully charge the battery. The set consists of the fin, a waterproof battery, a remote control and a charging cable.
Why we like it: This electric fin provides stability, speed and lots of fun. It has 3 different gears. Driving in a lower gear can save battery power and thus extend the journey time.
Recommended for: The motor is suitable for SUPs and canoes. When buying, you should make sure that the product is suitable for your own board’s connector system.
SUP motors in the test: These features are important
- Retrofit or buy a SUP motor: You can either retrofit your SUP board with a motor or buy a SUP board including a motor.
- Battery life: The batteries of most SUP electric motors have a runtime of 30 minutes to several hours. The bigger the battery, the longer the SUP board can travel.
- Mounting: The motor is either already integrated into the SUP board or can be retrofitted. To do this, the motor is mounted on the fin box or glued to the underside of the board.
- Battery size and attachment: A battery that is too large restricts freedom of movement on the SUP board. You should therefore consider how much space is available for the motor when purchasing. The battery is secured with tensioning straps.
- Propulsion: SUP motors can be powered by either a jet drive or a propeller. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. In general, it can be said that jet propulsion is used for expensive SUP motors and propellers are used for cheaper SUP motors.
- Motor power/speed: Different speeds can be achieved depending on the motor power and board. Most SUP boards with an electric motor travel between 5 and 10 km/h.
- Control unit: The control unit is used to regulate the motor and therefore the speed. You can easily switch between different levels using a Bluetooth remote control.
- Compatibility: If the SUP board is retrofitted with a motor, it must be ensured that the corresponding motor is also compatible with the fin box on the board.
Also interesting: The most popular SUP boards 2024.
Bestseller: The most popular SUP motors on Amazon
(**Last update 2024-09-18)
The best SUP accessories on the market?
Buy a SUP motor:
How to make the right decision
If you want a SUP board with a motor, you have two options: upgrade your existing board or buy a new SUP with a motor.
What are the advantages and disadvantages?
- Retrofitting the SUP motor: Retrofitting the motor is a lot cheaper than buying a SUP board with a motor. However, not every board is compatible with every motor, let alone ideally matched to it.
- SUP including motor: Boards that are specially designed for or with a SUP motor are perfectly matched to the motor. As a result, these boards have a good riding feel, but are also a lot more expensive.
When buying a SUP motor, it is essential to pay attention to the following features:
Battery life:
Battery life is one of the most important features of SUP motors. You should ask yourself how long you will be using your SUP board and whether the motor will be used for propulsion or just for support.
The longer the battery life, the higher the price of the SUP motor. With most motors, the running time is between 30 minutes and several hours. Of course, this also depends on any currents and wind conditions.
Fastening:
SUP motors are either already mounted in/on the SUP or can be retrofitted. When retrofitting, the motor is either inserted into the fin box or glued to the underside of the board.
Battery size and mounting:
As the battery is attached to the top of the tail, it should not take up too much space. A battery that is too large is a hindrance and may restrict freedom of movement. The battery is attached using the straps supplied.
Drive:
SUP motors work with either a propeller or jet drive.
SUP motors with propeller drive:
- Inexpensive
- Large
- High water resistance
These motors are inexpensive, but still have a more than acceptable performance. However, SUP motors with propeller drive are large and therefore have a high water resistance when the board is paddled without a motor.
SUP motors with jet drive:
- High quality
- Low water resistance
- Partially integrated in the SUP board
- Expensive
Most SUP motors with jet propulsion are high-quality and durable, which justifies the high price of the models. The compact motors have low water resistance and are less noticeable when paddling.
On some SUP boards, for example from SipaBoards, the jet drive with compressor for inflating the board is already integrated.
Motor power/speed:
Depending on the motor power, the board can reach different speeds. The higher the power, the faster the engine can be driven. However, speeds of over 10 km/h are rarely reached.
How fast you can go on a SUP with a motor also depends on the battery charge, load, current and wind conditions.
Compatibility:
Not every SUP motor can be attached to every board. When retrofitting, make sure that the motor is compatible with the fin box of the SUP board.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions to see whether the fin box and motor are compatible. If in doubt, it is best to ask the manufacturer directly. Adapters are also available in some cases.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers
Are SUP boards with a motor allowed?
Which is the best SUP board with motor?
How do you attach a SUP motor?
How fast is a SUP board with a motor?
What does a good SUP motor cost?
Can I build a SUP motor or E-SUP myself?
Where can I buy a SUP board?
What is the difference between a SUP and a foil motor?
What brands and manufacturers of SUP motors are there?
Are there also non-electric SUP motors?
What alternatives are there to SUP motors?
Is there a test from Stiftung Warentest or Ökotest for SUP motors?
*Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.
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