The amphibious car that wasn’t permitted to be

Would you believe that someone invented a convertible that could, at the push of a button, quickly transform into a speed boat? Believe it. It is called the Aquada and you can watch a video of it in action.

But do not get too excited. The Aquada is currently illegal. Why? Because it violates a number of regulations. For instance, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requires every automobile to be equipped with airbags. Problem is, the Aquada’s airbags would likely be triggered by waves while it is in watercraft form. The EPA also requires all automobiles to use a standard catalytic converter to control emissions. But such equipment operates at 1,500 degrees, which is well beyond what is permitted or likely desirable on a boat.

There are multiple issues here, but let’s focus on the issue of safety regulations. In a free market, companies would have their own safety standards and consumers would not be banned from using products that they know involve certain risks. Faced with the choice of purchasing an amphibious car that can’t have airbags and not having one at all, many individuals may still reasonably prefer to have the vehicle while understanding the risks entailed—say if they just want it for recreational use on a lake or beachfront property. However, in today’s mixed economy, regulations override the judgment and preferences of such individuals—even the ones who are not reckless.

The fact that an amphibious car—an amazing feat of engineering—is blocked by regulations makes me wonder how many other inventions have been delayed or abandoned due to red tape.

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