Paddle optional: electric motors for kayaks and SUPs

Picture a dawn patrol on a lake. Glassy water, mist on the surface, and a long paddle to the far shore. Lovely, until you have to paddle back into a headwind.

That is where a small electric motor earns its place on a kayak, canoe or SUP. Not to turn it into a speedboat, but to extend the range, carry you home when your arms give up and leave your hands free for fishing.

We compared the motors sold in Europe for paddle craft, from tiny clip-ons to trolling motors for fishing kayaks.

The line-up: kayak and SUP motors compared

Sources: MBY, Plugboats, Kayaks & Paddles, Skroutz, Field & Stream, Torqeedo.

Touring and SUP: light is everything

For touring kayaks, canoes and SUPs, weight and simplicity matter most. You carry the motor to the water and you do not want it to take over the boat.

The Thrustme Kicker at 4.4 kg and the TEMO 450 at 4.9 kg are the lightest in the line-up. Both have integrated batteries, so there is nothing to wire up. The Bixpy K-1 is heavier but modular, with a separate 768 Wh battery and adaptors for different craft.

Fishing kayaks: the trolling quiver

Anglers want steady, slow control and hands free for the rod. That is what trolling motors are built for.

The MotorGuide Xi3 Kayak adds 55 lb of thrust and GPS anchoring that holds the kayak on a spot (Field & Stream). The Minn Kota Endura C2 is a simpler transom motor. Torqeedo's Ultralight is designed specifically as a companion for fishing kayaks (Torqeedo).

Trolling motors usually run from a separate 12 V or 24 V battery, which adds weight but gives longer runtime.

Runtime: how long is the session?

Small motors can run a long time at a gentle pace. The Bixpy K-1 is rated for over 2 hours at top speed and up to 24 hours at slower speeds (Kayaks & Paddles).

The pattern is the same as on bigger boats: ease off the throttle and the battery lasts far longer. See electric outboard battery life.

Lake rules: where kayak motors shine

Here small motors have a real advantage. Many Alpine lakes that ban combustion engines allow small electric motors. In Tyrol, electric motors are allowed up to 500 W on the listed lakes (Tyrol regulation).

The TEMO 450 and Bixpy K-1, at 450 W, fit under that limit. A 1 kW motor does not. Check each lake before you go, and remember that some lakes ban all motors, even on a kayak. See electric outboards for lake power limits.

Before you buy: check the fit

1. Mounting. Does it fit your kayak, canoe or SUP? Many makers sell specific adaptors.
2. Weight. Can you carry the whole setup to the water in one trip?
3. Battery. Integrated is simpler; separate gives more runtime.
4. Power limit. Does it fit the lakes you use?
5. Rudder or steering. Kayaks steer better with a rudder when a motor pushes them.

Our verdict: a paddle with a boost

So, should you put a motor on your kayak or SUP? If you paddle long distances, fish, or want a safe way home when the wind turns, a small electric motor is a brilliant addition.

Go light for touring and SUP, go trolling for fishing, and pick a motor under 500 W if you want to use the strictest Alpine lakes. Browse them all in trolling and kayak motors.