Japanese start-up AERWINS Technologies made a splash at the Detroit Auto Show as they unveiled the world’s first flying motorbike on Sept. 16. The XTURISMO, which is technically classified as a hoverbike, is reportedly capable of flying for 40 minutes with speeds of up to 62 mph. Detroit Auto Show Co-Chair Thad Szott had the privilege to take the vehicle for a spin, and the executive claims that the experience was similar to being on “Star Wars.”
The current model of the XTURISMO hoverbike costs over $700,000, but AERWINS has plans to make it smaller, more affordable, and more eco-friendly in the future. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming futuristic vehicle, and when it will be available in the market.
A Futuristic Ride
The makers of the XTURISMO hope that the vehicle can be adopted worldwide to help ease heavy traffic in major cities in Japan, the UK, and the USA, among others. However, as with all new vehicles, the adoption of hoverbikes will need adjustments in infrastructure, as well as a major change in legislation. Moreover, as world leaders are currently working together to solve the climate change problem, the XTURISMO, as well as other similar vehicles, may need to be reconfigured in order to meet sustainability goals. Apart from the XTURISMO, other hoverbikes such as the Lazareth LMV 496, also known as La Moto Volante, and Jetpack Aviation’s Speeder have already been unveiled to the public.
Experts believe that a solid strategy for an all electric vehicle future should be in place to stop global warming caused by vehicle emissions, and many countries are already pushing for an all-EV landscape within a few years. AERWINS is onboard with this eco-friendly goal as they plan to release an electric model of the XTURISMO. The next iteration of the hoverbike, according to AERWINS CEO Shuhei Komatsu, will be smaller than the current version, and the company will reportedly keep the cost down to $50,000. The compact and affordable version of the hoverbike is likely to create a huge demand for the vehicle as industry experts predict that the global flying bike market is set to reach $306 million in 2030.
The Specs
Before its debut, vehicle fans and tech watchers alike got a glimpse of the XTURISMO in October 2021. Back then, it was priced at approximately $680,000, and people marveled at the futuristic looks of the hoverbike, which was painted in matte black with deep red accents. The bike measures 12 feet long, 8 feet wide, and about 5 feet high, and its evident that its dimensions makes it larger than the average motorcycle. In appearance, it resembles a high-tech motorbike atop a large drone, and it’s powered by a combustion engine and four motors. The hoverbike can also carry as much as 220 pounds, or about 1 to 2 persons per ride. For now, the XTURISMO isn’t allowed on the streets, but owners in Japan are permitted to use it on racetracks. The XTURISMO is now available for those who want to experience a futuristic way to travel. AERWINS is currently working on the smaller, electric-powered version and the updated hoverbike is expected to be released in 2025.