Hey y’all, Jameson here with Road Trip Angler— I had the chance to try out something I’ve been really excited about, the ePropulsion eLite 500W electric outboard motor, a compact, quiet, and lightweight electric outboard motor perfect for small boats, kayaks, and inflatables.
Testing Setup for ePropulsion Elite 500W Motor
Right out of the box, ePropulsion’s lightweight electric outboard keeps things clean and simple. Inside the included carrying case, you'll find the motor itself, user manual, quick start guide, charger, Allen key, magnetic kill-switch wristbands (two of them), and the quick-release transom mount—a key piece of this compact ePropulsion motor system.
I have also reviewed other electric motors like the Torqeedo Travel Ultralight, Newport Vessels NK 300, and the Bixpy K1. Be sure to check out those blogs too.
The ePropulsion eLite Electric Outboard Advantage
One of the most impressive things about the ePropulsion eLite electric outboard is its size and weight. The entire motor—with the integrated 378Wh lithium battery—weighs only 14.7 lbs. Even with the transom mount attached, it stays under 18 lbs. That makes it an ideal match for anyone using a kayak, canoe, or other small watercraft.
Installation of the ePropulsion
The ePropulsion eLite shines when it comes to setup—it's quick, intuitive, and requires almost no effort. With the battery and throttle are built-in, the only separate part is the transom mount, which clicks in place tool-free. Just drop it in, press a button to remove, and you’re done. It’s light enough to carry one-handed, making transport and indoor charging a breeze.
Power and Performance
On the water, the eLite performed efficiently—3.7 mph at 176 watts, up to 4.9 mph at 500 watts. Sport Mode briefly hit 750 watts and 5.1 mph before reverting to protect the system. Even small speed gains are noticeable, and the output feels well-tuned for small boats.
Maneuverability
The motor rotates 90° each way, allowing tight turns and full pivoting—great for tight spots. Steering is easy from a seated position, though a tiller extension and longer kill switch are helpful for kayaks or canoes without swivel seats.
Fishability
Quiet, precise, and easy to adjust at low speeds, the eLite is great for holding position, drifting, or sneaking up on fish. It’s efficient enough to replace a trolling motor on many small boats.
Hitting an Obstacle
I intentionally hit a submerged wooden object to simulate an accidental impact. On first contact, the ePropulsion eLite motor kicked up just as it should, but it threw an E25 error and shut off. I reset it by powering off and back on. The second attempt went more smoothly—it hit and kept running without issue.
Specifications and Pricing for the ePropulsion
According to ePropulsion’s website, the ePropulsion eLite is designed as a lightweight, all-in-one electric outboard for small boats. Here are key performance estimates based on power output:
- 250W (Half Power): ~3.7 mph | ~1.5 hours run time | ~5.6 miles range
- 500W (Full Power): ~4.7 mph | ~45 minutes run time | ~4.7 miles range
- 750W (Sport Mode): ~5.2 mph | Up to 1-minute burst | Ideal for short boosts in current or tight maneuvers
At $999, the eLite delivers strong value with a 500W motor, built-in battery, display throttle, and tool-free mount—perfect for small boats and inflatables.
Will this work for your set up?
At under $1,000, the ePropulsion eLite 500W electric motor is one of the most accessible and well-designed compact outboards on the market. It’s ideal for paddlers, anglers, and recreational boaters who prioritize quiet, efficient propulsion.
Lightweight, compact, and easy to set up with built-in controls and quiet performance, the eLite offers great simplicity—though it lacks a swappable battery, GPS, app support, and upgrade options.
If you want to explore other options, check out my comparison blog post and video of the Newport, Bixpy, and Torqeedo kayak motors. But for this boat—the Fish 1210—this motor just makes sense. It’s staying on the back of mine for a while.
