[imagesource: xturismo.com]

The electric autonomous vehicle bandwagon has just begun, but already there are new ideas flying in from all angles.

Technology moves quickly and all we can do is play catch-up.

Now, we can do so on a hovering, flying motorbike, or hoverbike.

Japanese start-up A.L.I. Technologies has just developed the first flying motorbike, the XTurismo Limited Edition.

It is very much targeted at only the wealthiest out there, with a price tag of $680 000 (around R10,2 million).

Moreover, it only seems possible (for now) to drive the hoverbike in Japan in specific areas as the law currently prohibits it from flying over Japan’s busy roads.

Besides sticking to the race track or a designated open area, A.L.I. Technologies chief executive Daisuke Katano hopes that it can be used in difficult to access emergency situations, reported South China Morning Post:

“Until now the choice has been to move on the ground or at scale in the sky. We hope to offer a new method of movement,” Katano said

…Strict regulations in Japan driven by safety concerns have hobbled the growth of sectors like ride-sharing. Pending rule changes could extend the bike’s potential applications, Katano said.

The start-up is backed by millionaire football player Keisuke Honda as well as electronics giant Mitsubishi.

Here’s the obligatory promotional video:

It comes packed with a conventional engine and four battery-powered motors, promising to fly for 40 minutes at up to 100 kilometres per hour:

The black and red hoverbike consists of a motorcycle-like body on top of propellers. The machine rests on landing skids when stationary.

The company plans to manufacture these single-rider hoverbikes in a limited run of 200, with each weighing 300 kilograms.

Look at it go:

Some are already on sale in Japan and will be on delivery in the first half of 2022.

Ben Gardner of Pinsent Masons told the BBC that futuristic vehicles that once seemed far-fetched are becoming more realistic as the days go by.

He also added that a focus on new technologies could be signalling a change for these sorts of vehicles being allowed in other countries, like the United Kingdom:

“Ultimately, there is scope for us to see the vehicle being deployed in the UK,” he said.

The hoverbike would not be considered roadworthy under current UK law.

“The current trialling of emerging technologies such as driverless cars, autonomous robots and drones shows there is a blueprint for new forms of transport to move out of the realms of science fiction and into the real world,” he said.

The only downside, apparently, is that the thing makes such a ruckus with its engine and six rotor blades that onlookers have to wear earplugs.

I already get an angry whiplash when a Harley-Davidson drives past, so I’ll give this one a pass for that reason, and that reason only.

[sources:bbc&scmp]