Here is a piece of news that seems to come straight out of a film in the "Back to the Future" trilogy. Waiting for the Speeder ends on the market (in 2023), the pre-orders of Hoverbike, a real “flying GT bike”, have officially started. Set aside the approximately 650.000 euros that you will need if you want one.
The Japanese start-up ALI Technologies presented this amazing aircraft in a limited version called Hoverbike XTurismo Limited Edition. The goal is to produce and sell the first 200 single-rider hoverbikes (weighing approximately 300 kg each) by mid-2022.
The presentation of the technological start-up took place two weeks ago at the Fuji Speedway Racecourse event.
Some data on the Hoverbike
How does what will go down in history as the first mass-produced flying motorcycle work? Well, ALI Technologies claims that the hoverbike can fly for 40 minutes at 100 km per hour on a single electric charge.
I quote the company presentation made by the president and CEO Daisuke Katano on the occasion of pre-orders:
We will enable the emergency use of hoverbikes in times of disasters, and at the same time, promote the use of hoverbikes in entertainment in times away from emergencies. To implement this technology in society, we feel the need to first develop rules and promote social acceptability. We will develop this technology as an industry that can contribute to society.
Exhibition, demonstration, pre-orders
The presentation featured a manned demonstration of the XTurismo Limited Edition, featuring one conventional engine and four battery-powered motors, and the display model that will be sold.
At present, despite the start of pre-orders, the Hoverbike is not yet considered suitable for civil flight under current legislation, but ALI Technologies aims to become the global standard for air mobility.
The first deliveries are expected in the first half of 2022.
