Lago Boat Rental: First-Season Review of the OTTER

This summer, the OTTER made its debut at Lago, a popular boat rental in the heart of Zurich. I had the chance to sit down with Stefan, Lago’s operator, to hear his thoughts on the first season with the OTTER and the types of guests drawn to this electric watercraft.

Stefan, you had the OTTER in your fleet for the first time this summer. What’s your verdict?

Very positive! We kicked things off in July. People were curious from the beginning, but they had to experience the OTTER in person. Once it got some visibility, things really picked up. Our location on the promenade helped a lot, and word of mouth started to spread.

What was it like to handle the OTTER operationally, day to day?

It’s a bit more involved than a traditional pedal boat, sure. We don’t keep it docked directly at the pier; we bring it in from a mooring. It needs to be inflated and cleaned regularly, but we do that for our other boats too. If you’re organized, it takes less than 10 minutes to prep it for the day. The battery and systems ran smoothly, with no issues at all.

What kind of feedback do you get from guests?

They’re absolutely thrilled! We hear “Wow!”, “Fantastic!”, and “So cool!” in every language. Some guests come back the very next day, while others bring friends later in the week. The reactions have been overwhelmingly positive.

How does the OTTER fit into your overall fleet?

We have a mixed fleet: traditional pedal boats, small petrol-powered motorboats, and now the OTTER as a sustainable electric option. It complements our lineup well. It’s battery-powered, quiet, and ideal for guests who want a little support, experience something new, or simply seek a more comfortable way to explore the lake.

Who typically rents the OTTER?

Honestly, everyone! Young and old, locals and tourists from all over: Asia, America, Europe. It appeals to a really broad audience.

What stands out about the OTTER to you personally?

The electric assist makes it great for all age groups, especially older guests who appreciate the E-Bike-style support. But it also appeals to sporty guests who want a bit more speed. The adjustable assist levels and independent pedaling for each rider make it super flexible. That’s part of what makes it so accessible and fun.