For escapades demanding the shelter of a turtle and the speed of a hare, a quirky new mode of transport has just hit the adventure market.
The Z-Triton is a peculiar meld of trike, boat, and camper van, designed by the Latvian company Zeltini. Although this invention might seem wacky, it’s not the most peculiar item in their portfolio.
Zeltini builds sustainable, fun, ethical products that “better the world”. So far, they’ve created a carrot-looking helmet, built for “safety and futuristic looks”; a boat-trailer-tinyhouse named the Z-Nokomis, which is a fully off-grid mobile home; and a compostable “temple of poop” complete with roof garden. (This last one is rather hard to explain; see it here.) But the Z-Triton is possibly their most revolutionary product yet.
The Z-Nokomis. Plants not included.
Ultimately, the Z-Triton is an amphibious camper with a built-in tricycle that folds up neatly to allow a transition from land to water. Measuring a compact 3.6m long by 1.2m wide, it sleeps two people comfortably. Well, sort of. Maybe.
The Z-Triton sleeps two. Dog not included.
Two 250-watt motors with an electrical outboard engine provide power for lighting and temperature control. Specs include a cockpit with two mirrors, a horn, and an umbrella for rainy days.
It has a 26-inch front wheel and two 20-inch rear wheels in trike mode. When converted into a boat, the back becomes the front — stay with me — while the two smaller wheels fold up at a 90-degree angle. Smaller details such as the cup holder, passenger seatbelt in trike mode, and ample interior storage make it almost luxurious.
Z-Triton in boat mode. Dog still not included.
The unmissable aesthetic will, at the very least, be a conversation starter out in the bush. Especially when accompanied by the carrot-helmet.
“An essential accessory” to the Z-Triton, assures the company. Plant included. Matching shirt not included.
For about $12,000, the Z-Triton could be yours. While that might seem a little steep, wouldn’t it be handy to have one craft to travel on land, across water, and also to sleep in?
Z-Triton’s creators say they build “amphibian mobile homes and vehicles for human resilience and fun, aiming to make products that create unique experiences/emotions.” If nothing else, the company has a waggish sense of humor.
