What Is the Difference Between Foil Assist and eFoil?

Electric hydrofoiling has changed watersports. Two systems dominate the market: eFoil and foil assist. Both let you glide above water using electric power, but they work differently and serve different riders.

An eFoil is a complete, self-contained system with a motor built into the mast. A foil assist is an add-on motor that attaches to your existing foil setup. The eFoil provides continuous propulsion for the entire ride. The foil assist gives you power only when you need it—during take-off, pumping, or catching waves.

This guide breaks down both technologies so you can decide which suits your skill level, budget, and riding goals.

What Is an eFoil?

An eFoil is a motorised hydrofoil board designed for autonomous flight above water. You don't need waves, wind, or a boat. The motor does all the work.

Core components include:

• Rigid board with integrated battery compartment
• Complete foil assembly (mast, fuselage, wings)
• Electric motor housed inside the mast
• Wireless handheld remote for throttle control

The motor runs continuously while you ride. You control speed with the remote. Most eFoils reach speeds between 35-50 km/h and run for 60-90 minutes per charge.

eFoils work in flat water—lakes, calm seas, lagoons. You can ride in zero wind conditions. The board is heavy (around 30kg) but offers immediate sensations. Beginners can often fly within their first session.

The riding experience feels motorised. You're not reading the water or generating lift through technique. You're steering a powered craft that happens to fly.

What Is Foil Assist?

Foil assist is an electric motor kit that mounts onto your existing hydrofoil. It's not a standalone product. You need a board and foil already.

Core components include:

• Small motor unit that attaches to or integrates with your mast
• External battery pack (waist-mounted or board-mounted)
• Wireless remote for power control

The motor doesn't run constantly. You activate it during key moments—paddling to the line-up, getting onto foil, pumping between swells, or maintaining speed in light conditions.

Battery runtime varies. Used as an eFoil replacement in flat water, expect 15-30 minutes. Used properly with intermittent bursts, you'll get 60+ minutes per charge.

Foil assist weighs less than an eFoil. The motor adds 2-4kg to your setup. You can remove it completely when you want a pure foiling session.

The riding experience stays natural. You're still foiling. The motor just helps when your technique or conditions fall short. Systems like the Loco Foil Assist V2 offer excellent value for riders looking to add electric assistance to their setup.

Key Differences Between Foil Assist and eFoil

The fundamental difference is continuous versus intermittent propulsion.

An eFoil motor runs the entire time you're riding. The foil assist motor runs only when you trigger it. This affects everything—battery life, weight, riding style, and cost.

Motor placement matters. eFoils integrate the motor into the mast. Most foil assist systems mount the motor externally on the mast or inside a drive pod. This changes drag, swing weight, and how the setup feels during turns.

System completeness is the obvious divide. eFoils are all-in-one packages. Foil assist requires you to already own a hydrofoil, or purchase one separately. This makes eFoils easier for absolute beginners but limits versatility for experienced riders.

Weight and portability differ significantly. A complete eFoil weighs 28-35kg. A foil assist setup weighs 18-24kg total, depending on your board and foil choice. The eFoil is a single heavy item. Foil assist breaks down into modular pieces.

Runtime comparison isn't straightforward. eFoils offer 60-90 minutes of continuous powered flight. Foil assist gives 15-30 minutes if used like an eFoil, or 60+ minutes if used for intermittent assistance during wave riding, wing foiling, or downwind runs.

Performance characteristics vary by design. eFoils prioritise speed and stability. They use larger, more stable foils. They're built for powered cruising. Foil assist preserves the nimble, responsive feel of performance foiling. You can use high-aspect wings, short masts, and aggressive setups.

The eFoil delivers a motorised experience. The foil assist delivers an assisted foiling experience. That distinction defines who should choose each system.

eFoil Advantages

Beginner accessibility is the standout benefit. You don't need prior board sports experience. You don't need to read waves or understand wind. You press the throttle and fly. Most people get airborne in their first hour.

Independent operation removes all variables. No waiting for wind. No paddling for waves. No tow rope needed. You ride whenever water is available. Flat calm days become perfect sessions.

Flat water capability opens new locations. Lakes, reservoirs, sheltered bays, marinas—anywhere with deep enough water works. You're not limited to surf breaks or windy coastlines.

Immediate sensations provide instant gratification. Flying above water feels incredible. An eFoil gives you that feeling without the learning curve of traditional foiling. This makes it brilliant for one-off experiences, holidays, or casual riders.

Longer continuous runtime suits cruising. If you want to explore coastlines, cover distance, or just enjoy sustained flight, 60-90 minutes of power beats intermittent bursts. The experience is relaxed and meditative.

eFoils work best for riders who want simplicity, guaranteed sessions, and don't care about wave riding or traditional foil sports progression.

Foil Assist Advantages

Lighter weight transforms handling. A 4kg motor addition versus a 30kg all-in-one system makes a huge difference. Carrying gear to the water is easier. Car packing is simpler. The board carves and pumps more naturally because it's not front-heavy.

Compatibility with existing gear saves money and preserves your setup. If you already wing foil, surf foil, or SUP foil, you keep your board and foil. You just add power when needed. When conditions improve, remove the motor and foil normally.

Natural foiling feel maintains skill development. You're still learning to pump, read swells, and generate lift. The motor assists but doesn't replace technique. This means you actually improve as a foiler, unlike eFoil riding which teaches you throttle control, not foiling.

Multi-discipline use is a major strength. One motor works for surf foil, wing foil, SUP foil, prone foil, and downwind. The same system adapts to different boards and riding styles. An eFoil only does one thing.

Skill progression remains organic. Beginners can use full power to learn balance and flight. Intermediate riders use bursts to extend sessions. Advanced riders use minimal assist to unlock new spots or catch difficult waves. The motor grows with you instead of replacing you.

Cost efficiency matters long-term. A foil assist system costs £1,800-£3,500. An eFoil costs £8,000-£15,000. If you already own a foil setup, the decision is financial as much as functional.

Foil assist suits riders who want to progress in actual foiling, maintain a natural feel, and use one system across multiple disciplines.

Which Should You Choose?

Absolute beginners with no foiling experience should consider an eFoil if budget allows. The learning curve is gentler. You'll fly in your first session. If you just want to experience hydrofoiling without commitment, eFoil delivers.

However, if you plan to progress into wing foiling, surf foiling, or pump foiling eventually, starting with foil assist makes more sense. You'll learn proper technique from the beginning. The motor bridges the gap while you develop skills.

For beginners starting their foiling journey, pairing a foil assist system with a beginner-friendly inflatable hydrofoil board provides excellent stability and forgiveness during the learning phase.

Intermediate riders who already wing foil or surf foil should choose foil assist. It integrates with your existing gear and enhances your current discipline. You'll catch more waves, pump farther, and session in marginal conditions. The motor helps progression rather than replacing it.

If you're looking to expand your foiling capabilities, the Loco Switch 4-in-1 board works brilliantly with foil assist systems, giving you versatility across surf, SUP, wing foil, and assisted foiling.

Advanced riders exploring downwind or long-distance foiling benefit from foil assist. The motor extends your range and lets you access swells farther offshore. You still pump and glide naturally—the assist just reduces fatigue and opens new possibilities. Dedicated boards like the Loco downwind hydrofoil board pair perfectly with assist systems for extended sessions.

Budget plays a major role. eFoils cost £8,000-£15,000 for quality systems. Foil assist costs £1,800-£3,500 plus your board and foil. If you're price-sensitive and already own foiling gear, foil assist wins.

Riding goals matter most. Want to cruise calm water and enjoy powered flight? eFoil. Want to improve at wing foiling, catch more surf, or develop pumping skills? Foil assist.

Location and conditions are practical factors. Live near flat water with no surf or wind? eFoil makes sense. Live on a coast with waves and wind? Foil assist complements your existing sessions.

Cost Comparison

eFoil pricing in the UK:

• Entry-level systems: £8,000-£10,000
• Mid-range models: £10,000-£13,000
• Premium setups: £13,000-£15,000+

Prices include board, foil, motor, battery, charger, and remote. Everything you need to ride.

Foil assist pricing in the UK:

• Motor and battery kits: £1,800-£3,500
• Board (if needed): £600-£1,500
• Foil (if needed): £800-£2,000

Total cost for a complete foil assist setup: £3,200-£7,000 if starting from scratch, or £1,800-£3,500 if you already own a board and foil.

Long-term value depends on use. An eFoil is a dedicated toy. Foil assist enhances multiple disciplines and adapts as you progress.

For riders building a complete foil assist setup, browse the wingfoiling collection to find compatible boards and complete systems that work seamlessly with electric assistance.

Popular Systems in the UK

Foil Drive dominates the foil assist market. The Gen 2 system offers reliable performance. The Assist Max provides higher power output. UK availability is good through watersports retailers.

Duotone Foil Assist integrates with their foil lineup. It's a solid choice if you already ride Duotone equipment.

Waydoo makes both eFoils and foil assist products. The Flyer EVO is their popular eFoil. The Foil Boost is their assist option. Both are available in the UK with growing dealer networks.

Prices for these systems range from £1,895 for basic foil assist up to £12,995 for premium eFoils. The Loco Foil Assist V2 offers competitive pricing with features comparable to more expensive systems.

Conclusion

eFoil and foil assist serve different riders. An eFoil is a self-contained electric hydrofoil that provides continuous powered flight. It's ideal for beginners, flat water cruising, and riders who want guaranteed sessions without wind or waves.

Foil assist is a motor kit that adds to your existing foiling setup. It provides intermittent power during take-off, pumping, and challenging conditions. It suits riders who want to improve at foiling while benefiting from electric assistance.

Choose eFoil if you want simplicity, immediate results, and don't plan to pursue traditional foiling sports. Choose foil assist if you're developing foiling skills, ride multiple disciplines, or want to enhance your current setup without replacing it.

Both technologies work. Your choice depends on budget, skill level, and what kind of rider you want to become.