Where to buy Bixpy K-1 Outboard Kit:
Amazon
This is a review of the Bixpy K-1 Outboard Kit, which we tested on a paddle board in stand-up form and in kayak mode. It’s not a game-changer for electric paddle boards as much as it is an example of expanding on the success of a great platform.
The K-1 does everything that the earlier J-2 motor did. The newest Bixpy motor just does it smaller and better.
With 33 pounds of thrust or about 1 horsepower, this compact electric motor won’t beat outboard motors on speed. The value of this is in portability, runtime and it’s pleasant yet easy operational experience in more ways than one.
Great wireless control, hours of runtime and versatility–detailed below using videos from our test sessions–make the K-2 a pretty good prospect for kayak fishers, SUP tourers (yes, we know it’s cheating a bit), and for a lake house or yacht looking to spend casual time enjoying a day.
Things we like:
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The battery life is impressive. We got about 80 minutes at top speed and much longer at slower speeds.
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It's super light. The whole setup, including the battery and motor, weighs just 10 pounds.
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The quick-release motor is a breeze to remove with only one bolt.
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We loved the warp speed feature. A double click gets you to max speed fast.
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The wireless remote control is handy. It offers 12 forward speeds and 3 reverse speeds.
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Reverse options come in handy for tight maneuvering
Things we don't like:
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$1000+ isn’t for casual SUPpers and kayakers.
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It's not as powerful as some might expect.
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A very slight pull to the right when mounted on the fin box
Where to buy Bixpy K-1 Outboard Kit:
Amazon
Overview of the Bixpy K-1 Outboard Kit
The Bixpy K-1 Outboard Kit is a top choice for anyone wanting to add power to their SUP or kayak. With the kayak adaptor, we could mount the K-1 on the Isle Switch Pro in addition to just the fin box.
Paddle-assist on a 12-foot paddle board makes touring more leisurely-like.
With engine and battery alone it’s very portable and the performance provides a great experience. The wireless controls, including forward, reverse and stop buttons are simple and well-thought out. The double-press forward function, skipping to the fastest setting is a nice feature here too.
With the kayak adaptor, the K1 tracks and maneuvers easily.
We found the battery life impressive. In comparison sessions with other electric paddle boards, it wasn’t the fastest, topping 5 mph (8+ km/h). At top speed, it runs for about 80 minutes depending on the weight of the rider and cargo.
Paddling with the K1 turned on can get speeds up to 6-7 mph.
Running at the lowest speed, while paddling, it can last up to 12 hours. There’s also a heck of a lot of value here as a trolling motor on SUP or kayak.
We were using the kayak mount and the US fin box adaptor mount on hybrid SUPs. The Isle Switch Pro is one of the best in this class and demonstrates how the K-1 performs as a kayak motor.
We didn't put the fin on, which turns turning into a drift.
The whole kit is super light, weighing just 10 pounds with the battery and motor. It’s easy to install and remove and it’s amazing for those who want and like to SUP and kayak. It’s also amazing for different riders.
We found it easy to use with the wireless remote control. The motor proved to have amazing runtime for its size. At only 10 pounds total, it’s very portable.
The battery is something else, on the other hand. Launching is always a bit of an awkward experience. With the battery in back cargo strings and the motor on the bottom, dragging the SUP into the water takes some experimenting to find a way to make it work. Kayak carts can be the answer.
Setup and removal of the engine in the SUP fin box is easy-peasy. The aluminum housing seems durable. While lightweight, it’s not as fast or powerful as larger trolling motors.
The battery life was solid in our tests. Overall, the K-1 kit works well for adding electric power to human-powered boats.
Powerful Jet Propulsion
We were impressed by the K-1’s strong jet propulsion system. This motor packs a punch, pushing kayaks and inflatables through the water with ease.
We found it moved our kayak faster than expected for its compact size. The 768-watt output provides plenty of power for most conditions we encounter.
There is a noticeable pull to the right on account of the rotational forces of the propeller.
It handled choppy water and light currents well during our tests. The electric motor runs quietly too. We liked that we could chat normally while cruising along.
For most trips lasting two hours, the 378 Wh battery lasted long enough with two extra power level lights to spare.
Overall, the K-1’s jet propulsion delivers a nice balance of power and efficiency for small watercraft.
Wireless Remote Control
The remote control for this motor impressed us with its smart design.
We found the watch-sized controller easy to use while paddling. It connects via Bluetooth and offers 12 forward speeds plus 3 reverse options.
A double click activates “warp speed” to quickly reach top speed. The transmitter doubles as a kill-switch, attaching to the included leash for safety.
This wireless setup gave us full control without messy wires. We appreciated being able to adjust speed on the fly as conditions changed.
The responsive controls made maneuvering easy. I found using the stop button followed by going into reverse an easy way of making fast maneuvers when approaching the dock or another kayak. While we liked the convenience, the small size could make it easy to misplace if you’re not careful.
Extended Battery Life
We put the Bixpy K-1 through its paces and were impressed by its long-lasting power.
The 378 Wh battery keeps this motor running long after other modular motors that have batteries connected to the propeller run out. As noted earlier, running on low speed, using it like a bike assist motor (see Swytch e-bike kit) will get several hours of use.
Charging is quick and easy with the included wall charger. While the battery life is solid, very heavy use might require a backup for all-day excursions.
Lightweight and Portable Design
We found the Bixpy K-1 Outboard Kit to be surprisingly easy to carry around. At just 10 pounds total, it’s not as cumbersome. But it might require some tinkering to find the best method.
The motor and battery are compact enough to fit in a large SUP backpack or an additional duffel bag. I found carrying the set in it’s box easy-enough on its own.
Setting up can take a bit of time due to the screws involved. Once it’s ready, though, moving it is simple.
We noticed it can throw off the balance of inflatable boards when attached, making the back end quite heavy. For longer walks to the water, kayak carts could be helpful.
The quick-release feature is handy. We can remove the motor with one bolt, making storage and transport even easier. This design lets us switch between powered and manual paddling quickly when needed.
Ease of Installation
Setting up the Bixpy motor isn’t too tricky, but it’s best to do it at home before heading out.
We found that mounting it on our kayak took about 15 minutes the first time, 10 minutes on the second session and quicker thereafter. The quick-release feature is handy – just one bolt to remove the motor.
The wireless remote paired easily with the motor. While it’s not hard to install, doing it at the beach or on a dock can be a bit fiddly due to the small screws.
A view of the K1 and battery kit along with the two main pieces of the kayak adaptor.
It’s smart to practice the setup a few times in advance. The lightweight design is still trammeled by finding the right screws. There’s also a plastic piece that needs to be used on the fin box and removed when using the kayak or transom adaptors.
A Versatile SUP Motor
The Bixpy K-1 kit gives our SUP a solid boost of power when we need it. That counts for encountering wind or strong currents.
It’s super light at just 10 pounds total, so it doesn’t weigh us down. The quick-release design lets us pop the motor on and off easily.
We love having 12 forward speeds to choose from. It’s nice to cruise slowly in calm waters or zip along at top speed when we want to cover more distance.
The long battery life keeps us going for hours. We can even use it on our kayak or inflatable boat.
The wireless remote is handy for adjusting speed on the go. While it works great, the motor can be a bit noisy at high speeds.
Still, we think it’s a solid choice for adding power to a SUP or small boat. In fact, it’s our Editor’s Choice for an electric paddle board setup.
Things we like:
-
The battery life is impressive. We got about 80 minutes at top speed and much longer at slower speeds.
-
It's super light. The whole setup, including the battery and motor, weighs just 10 pounds.
-
The quick-release motor is a breeze to remove with only one bolt.
-
We loved the warp speed feature. A double click gets you to max speed fast.
-
The wireless remote control is handy. It offers 12 forward speeds and 3 reverse speeds.
-
Reverse options come in handy for tight maneuvering
Things we don't like:
-
$1000+ isn’t for casual SUPpers and kayakers.
-
It's not as powerful as some might expect.
-
A very slight pull to the right when mounted on the fin box
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