After revealing its Hoverbike to the world last year, Hoversurf’s flying motorbike was quickly inducted into Dubai Police Department. Fast forward to today, the company is taking pre-orders for what it called Hoverbike S3 2019 Limited Edition in the U.S. And the asking price? A grand $150,000 net. For that princely sum, you will get a rideable man-size drone with a carbon fiber monocoque frame wrapped in a body that resembles a sport bike, quad rotors with newly developed 3-blade carbon propellers, and a 12.3 kWh lithium manganese nickel (LiNiMnCoO2) hybrid battery system that affords up 25 minutes flight time on a single charge.
This flying bike touts a passive cooling system and new motors, each offering 33 KW. The bike itself weighs in at just 253 lbs (114 kilograms) and it is capable of reaching a top speed of 60 mph (96 km/h). Hoversurf said Hoverbike S3 2019 has a “safe flight altitude” of 5 meters (16 feet), but the pilot has the liberty to adjust the limit if he/she so desire. So, basically, this thing is also a light sport aircraft, less the proper cockpit. It has altitude hold function too, just in case you need it.
Other worthy mentions include improved stability, a new portable home charging pack with quick charge support, auto takeoff and auto landing, and leather-wrapped “anatomical arm-adjustable joysticks,” a glove-friendly dashboard (touchscreen, I supposed?), and a suite of safety features, including emergency landing, mechanical kill switch, and more.
Pre-order is happening now which will require you to drop 10 grand as a reservation deposit. Delivery is expected to happen in 2-6 months time. TBH, I am kind of surprise this contraption is approved because, it does look a little dangerous to the rider and everyone that is around it. While I dig the look and also embrace the idea of flying around in a wheel-less bike, I can’t help but to see it as a weapon that can potentially maim or kill. I mean, seriously, it doesn’t take a genius to know what will happen if this thing runs into someone. Also, I foresee that many folks will not be please when dust and debris are being kicked into their faces when you fly past them.
Images: Hoversurf.
Source: The Awesomer.