While snowmobiles have existed since the 1920s and standup jet skis have been around since the early 1970s, the two concepts have for, whatever reason, never before been merged. Canadian outfit Widescape is now changing this, however, with the debut of what’s being touted as the world’s very first standup snowmobile.
Constructed around an aluminum chassis, the WS250 features a custom-designed track with high 38mm lugs, a 1.57” stanchion setup, and a snowmobile-derived suspension affording nearly 4” of travel in back and 5.5” up in front. Powering the standup snowmobile is a liquid-cooled 242cc engine with electronic fuel injection and an electric starter that’s been mated to an automatic twist-and-go-style CVT transmission. And while its small-displacement engine may only generate 20hp, the WS250’s sub-200lb curb weight gives the model more than enough acceleration and oomph for some serious thrills in the snow.
The custom-designed bodywork on the WS250 is also crafted from lightweight high-density polyethylene — an advanced and ultra-rugged thermoplastic polymer. The WS250’s rider stands on a special ultra-non-slip platform that sits just behind its cockpit which features an onscreen speedo and odo, heated grips, and an optional USB port. Its lightweight nature and minimal footprint also mean the WS250 can easily be carried on the rear rack of a car or SUV without requiring a trailer to tow it.
The 2023 Widescape WS250 is currently available for preorder on the manufacturer’s website with pricing starting at $6,400 and deliveries scheduled to begin later this fall. Early parties that preorder the WS250 are also being offered what the brand has called the “ORIGIN EDITION” which comes signed by the vehicle’s inventor, Alain Aubut.
