Kayak anglers have traditionally relied on paddles, pedal drives or the occasional bolted-on petrol engine to get about. ePropulsion reckons there's a gap for something cleaner and considerably lighter - and the kLite 750 is its answer.
The new outboard takes the groundwork laid by the portable ePropulsion eLite and shrinks it down for kayaks and small fishing craft. At under 6.8kg with a 378Wh battery built in, it's designed to be carried, mounted and forgotten about rather than fought with on the water. Anyone wanting more range can pick up optional accessories to top up the battery from a separate power source while out fishing.
Three modes, one motor
Rather than a single fixed output, the kLite 750 switches between three settings depending on what you're doing:
- Go mode - a steady 500W for general cruising
- Sport burst mode - a short 750W boost, available for up to 60 seconds when you need a sudden burst of speed
- Fish mode - low-speed, fine-tuned control for holding position or tracking slowly along a drift
That spread covers most of what a kayak angler actually needs: getting to the mark quickly, then slowing right down once you're there.
Built for shallow water
One of the more useful details is draft. The kLite 750 is rated to work in under 18cm of water, with settings that adjust for deeper conditions too. That opens up skinny water and margins that bigger boats simply can't reach. The housing itself is shaped like a rudder, so steering stays responsive even when you're not on the throttle - handy if you're drifting and adjusting course at the same time.
Reverse comes from a spring-tensioned mechanism rated to 300W, which ePropulsion says is designed to minimise disturbance in the water as well as push you backwards. The same give in the system means it should yield rather than jar to a stop if it clips a rock or other obstacle, or when it's lifted out by hand.
Display and controls kept separate
Rather than building everything into the motor head, ePropulsion has gone with a standalone colour display that can be mounted on the console, deck or a track system. It's sun-shaded for visibility on bright days, and pairs with a low-profile throttle that's meant to stay out of the way during normal paddling and fishing movements. Fitting it is reportedly a case of attaching the motor, then connecting the steering lines and cables - no major surgery required.
What ePropulsion are saying
Tom Watson, president of ePropulsion Americas, said the early reaction to the kLite concept had been strong, adding that the team expects it to "open up new possibilities for kayak anglers looking for a lightweight, efficient and easy-to-use propulsion solution."
When you can get one
The kLite 750 is set to make its public debut at ICAST 2026 in Orlando, Florida, running from 14 to 17 July 2026. US buyers will be able to order from August 2026, with other markets to follow once the initial rollout is established.
Worth keeping an eye on if you're after a quieter, lighter alternative to a small petrol kicker on your kayak setup - we'll update once UK availability is confirmed.
