Rp9.6 Billion Hoverbike Officially Launched In Japan, But Can't Be Used On Highways

JAKARTA - A Japanese startup backed by footballer Keisuke Honda, hopes to persuade wealthy consumers to swap their supercars for hoverbikes for 77.7 million yen or 680,000 US dollars, equivalent to Rp9,666,370,000 which went on sale on Tuesday.

The 'XTurismo Limited Edition' from Tokyo-based drone startup ALI Technologies is equipped with a conventional engine and four battery-powered motors, promising a 40-minute flight to 100 kph (62 mph).

"Until now the choice has been to move on land or on a large scale in space. We hope to offer new methods of movement," Chief Executive Daisuke Katano told Reuters, as reported by October 27.

The black and red hoverbike consists of a motorcycle-like body on a propeller. The engine rests on the landing slip when stationary.

The startup, backed by some of the biggest names in the industry such as Mitsubishi Electric and Kyocera, demonstrated the bike on a short flight, a few meters off the ground on a race track near Mount Fuji.

Katano said in the near future its use would be limited to certain locations, and would not be allowed to fly over Japan's congested highways. However, the hoverbike could be used by rescue teams to reach hard-to-access locations, he said.

Japan's stringent regulations, driven by security concerns, have hampered the growth of sectors such as ride-sharing. The pending rule changes could expand the bike's potential applications, Katano said.

Funding is pouring into startups from California-based Joby Aviation to AIR Israel, which pledge to usher in an era of private air transport from jetpacks to flying taxis.

The commercial success for ALI Technologies, whose suppliers include engine maker Kawasaki Heavy, will help cement Japan's industrial advantage amid a generational shift towards new technologies such as autonomous and electric vehicles.