Aero-X hoverbike goes on sale in 2017: Star Wars racing in your own back yard

Well this is cool, Aero-x is going to start selling a Star Wars like hover bike in 2017.

It will be capable of carrying up to 310 lbs, at an altitude of 12 feet at speeds of up to 45 mph. Not for everyone as the price is going to be $85,000.

But maybe we will be able to just rent one for the day seems like so much fun.

The video is of the prototype, the one that goes on sale is going to look a lot better.

Aerofex first demonstrated its prototype hoverbike back in 2012. Back then, the prototype (embedded below) was little more than two huge ducted fans — like you might find on a hovercraft — with a bike- or quad-like frame and seat. The commercial version, the Aero-X, which is scheduled to begin flight tests in 2016, will look a lot slicker and feature an all-carbon-fiber-composite chassis, resulting in a rather lithe dry weight of just 356 kg (785 lbs). It’ll be powered by a normal gas-powered three-cylinder engine, which will allow it to carry up to two people (as long as they weigh under 140 kilos (including baggage) at speeds of up to 72 kph. It doesn’t mention it anywhere on the Aero-X website, but it will probably be very, very noisy. The fuel tank is good for 85 minutes of operation. The Aero-X is capable of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL).

link< br />

They are $85,000 now, but in about 10 years or so, these will be commonplace

I want one. Do these things travel on land and water like a hovercraft I wonder.

originally posted by: HomerinNC
They are $85,000 now, but in about 10 years or so, these will be commonplace

If it takes off yeah (see what i did there).

After a while, the 12 feet altitude should be 1000's of feet.

It doesn't appear to be very efficient or particularly useful really with such a low cargo capacity and short runtime.

It will more than likely be one of those things people with excess disposable income will have to impress one another with their displays of trinkets and other useless junk like I see everywhere here and now.

Just another toy to be incorporated into the brush and bramble out back after the thrill of riding it fades and the cost of it doesn't any longer justify it's use.

Junk nobody needs.

Finally! I want one!

I assume that if you fall into one of the turbines then you get 'minced'……

a reply to: HomerinNC

Quite tempting indeed, the later prototype will be cheaper, lighter and faster, much fun in perspective. But in 10 years you know...

We're getting closer to the flying cars!

85,000. thou. whew... I would rather buy landed assets.

Cool find though OP. S & F

a reply to: MyHappyDogShiner

I agree, but it is an awfully cool piece of junk no one needs.

That has to be one of the most retarded vehicles I have ever seen. Big and bulky, can only run for under 90 minutes on fuel, can only carry 310 pounds total weight and costs $85K? Buy a motorcycle for a LOT less and do the same for longer. They can't cut the size on this thing down because they need the stability of the large turbines to keep it up and keep it from tipping over. These things are going to be a death trap in the making for the rich and stupid. Could be a good way to get rid of many of the celebs that we are all sick of as they will most likely be the only ones that can afford it or would want one....maybe Biebs will fall into one of the turbines....

Their design needs to be based on some drone models that have the 4-6 smaller blades. That would give better balance and more precision. But I doubt this would ever catch on because too much wind = too much dust/debris. I can see someone flying by and a bystander getting something in their eye, then lawyering-up.

Hope they also have some safety built in for coming in for a landing from 12 feet up....better make sure the surrounding watchers/family/friends are not under you or they will be headless....talk about ruining your new hoverbike fun....

the question is would you still have to obey road signs? You're going to be floating 12 feet in the air so I don't think road rules would apply?

a reply to: muse7

From what I understand, these craft would not be street legal.

They must be operated on private land or perhaps specially-designated tracks. So I wouldn't expect to see them out and about on the streets.

originally posted by: MysterX

originally posted by: HomerinNC
They are $85,000 now, but in about 10 years or so, these will be commonplace

If it takes off yeah (see what i did there).

After a while, the 12 feet altitude should be 1000's of feet.

I'd guess that the 12 feet of altitude probably keeps it under some minimum requirement for FAA approval.

I like the idea in general, not too sure about this implementation though. Could be fun for a bit!

a reply to: alienjuggalo

The only thing this thing will be good for is lawsuits.
Can they not see that some idiot will put his kid on it, he or she will break his or her back or neck, and all their hard work will be lost in massive law suits.
This thing is an accident waiting to happen. I can already imagine the creative way people are going to hurt themselves on this abomination.
Lets not forget how many people will get run over by this thing because someone loses control.
Some people have good intentions , but don't really think their ideas through properly.
Only bad will come from this idea...and one day it will be in the museum for failed inventions.

a reply to: mark1167

The only thing this thing will be good for is lawsuits. - See more at: www.abovetopsecret.com...

LOL, OK Grandpa, is this what you said when them young whippersnappers brought home a motorcycle back in '29? :p

Have you seen what people do with dirt bikes, quads, snowmobiles, dune buggies, race cars? Just because your scared doesn't mean everyone else is. My only gripe would be this thing seems noisy as hell, the aforementioned quads and dirt bikes already drive me crazy with their noise. Nice quiet Sunday afternoon my ass.

V

a reply to: Variable

I'm not a grandpa and I didn't say anything about being scared.
God...I love how people twist words. Grow up kid.
All I said was it will only be a matter of time before some idiot does what idiots do.
They take something that has been built for the purpose of having fun and turn it into something it wasn't built for.
I have ridden dirt bikes and sleds all my life so I know what people can do and will do.
Sometimes things that people think should be built shouldn't be built and this is one of those things.
Remember the three wheeled trikes Honda came out with in the eighties?
It sounded like a good idea at the time. Now we all know where that ended up. How many dead and crippled?

originally posted by: HomerinNC
They are $85,000 now, but in about 10 years or so, these will be commonplace

all that money constantly being wasted to repair roads.

No need to buy tires again either.