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OTTER, the Swiss company behind the innovative ‘Otter Bike’, is expanding into the United States through a partnership with Florida-based Nautical Ventures.
Starting in September, Nautical Ventures will serve as OTTER’s exclusive reseller in Florida, stocking units, showcasing demo models, and featuring the Otter Bike prominently at the AquaZone, the interactive water sports area at major U.S. boat shows including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach.
This milestone marks OTTER’s first U.S. presence and an important step in their global growth strategy.
OTTER was first piloted in Switzerland and launched more widely in Europe earlier this year. Following strong adoption and near sell-out of its first production run, the U.S. was the natural next step. Florida emerged as the ideal entry point, with its year-round boating culture, extensive inland waterways, and strong appetite for new water sports innovations.
“After successfully piloting OTTER in Switzerland and then launching more broadly in Europe this spring, expanding to the U.S. was the natural next step.”
“We’ve proven the concept with customers, collected valuable feedback, and seen that the product delivers both on performance and on experience” comments OTTER founder Gian Zimmermann.
Widely recognised as one of the most forward-thinking dealerships in the U.S., and recently named Boat Dealer of the Year by the Boating Industry Top 100 Awards, Nautical Ventures brings both expertise and reach.
“Partnering with Nautical Ventures gives us an immediate foothold in the U.S. with a trusted and professional team that knows how to introduce innovative products to the market,” said Gian. “We also share a vision of making water recreation more sustainable and more accessible.”
For Nautical Ventures, OTTER adds an exciting new dimension to its portfolio of innovative watercraft. By showcasing OTTER in the AquaZone at the country’s largest boat shows, thousands of boaters and water sports enthusiasts will be able to experience the water bike firsthand.
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OTTER combines the health and sustainability benefits of cycling with the comfort and freedom of boating. Riders can explore waterways in an active, but not exhausting, way, making it ideal for wellness-focused and environmentally conscious consumers.
“Think of it as a personal mini-yacht that’s easy to handle and emissions-free,” said Gian. “It’s a new category of water recreation, and we believe it will resonate strongly in the U.S., especially in Florida where lifestyle, wellness, and water are so deeply intertwined.”
With its first production run nearly sold out, OTTER is preparing its next series, incorporating improvements and insights from its early customers. The product team is also developing new designs to expand the OTTER lineup in the near future.
“The U.S. launch is a major milestone, but it’s also a springboard for more innovation. We’re already preparing for the next series, with improvements and lessons learned from the field being implemented.”
To learn more about OTTER, visit: www.otter-bike.com
