Chinese company Kuickwheel has announced the release of a hybrid flying motorcycle Skyrider X6. It is important that this is not another concept or prototype, but a real vehicle that can already be ordered on trading platforms. It is capable of moving both on the ground and in the air.
On the ground, the Skyrider X6 behaves like an electric tricycle and can accelerate to 70 km/h. The range in this mode is 200 km. But the main feature is the ability to switch to flight mode. Then the motorcycle turns into a multi-rotor drone with six propellers and can reach speeds of up to 72 km/h in the air.
There are two versions of the motorcycle available: with a 10.5 kWh battery and a 21 kWh battery. The older version can fly for up to 40 minutes and travel up to 50 km on a single charge. Fast charging is supported – up to 80% of the energy can be restored in just half an hour. To reduce weight, all structural elements are made of carbon fiber and aircraft aluminum.
You can control it manually using a joystick or completely trust the automation: the system itself takes off, lands and plots a route. There are also safety systems, including backup engines and a parachute. In case of malfunctions, Skyrider X6 will not just fall – it will try to “plan” and minimize the risk.
The flying tricycle can be purchased in China for 498,800 yuan, which is about $69,000.