JAPONIA —The first flying bike has been unveiled by tech startup Aerwins Technologies, which is a revolutionary step that might alter the personal transportation industry.
Inspired by the “Star Wars” film series, the new innovation, which weighs over 661 pounds and is dubbed the XTURISMO “luxury air cruiser,” is here.
The four fans add stability and power to the bike’s 228-horsepower engine.
The project’s backers claim that XTURISMO may be put to good use in many different areas, including entertainment, infrastructure assessment, and disaster relief.
“It is a manifestation of the dream of air mobility that endeavors to create a completely new way to experience the world, enabling users to feel the joy and pleasure of moving freely in space,” the business said in a press release.
The unveiling of XTURISMO took place in October 2021 at Japan’s Fuji Speedway. Aerwins Technologies made an announcement about their global launch at Top Marques Monaco in June 2022, and in September, they performed at the Detroit Auto Show.
Japanese Flying Bike ‘A new journey begins’
The order of Japanese businessman Yoshiyuki Aikawa is the first known purchaser.
The bike has other potential uses, including assisting rescue workers, inspecting infrastructure, and serving as a public entertainment piece, according to the company’s marketing.
Envision a society where pilots are not constrained by any laws governing the air. A more carefree existence, surely! the business exclaimed.
“Pioneer the transportation of the future while expanding your horizons and experiencing the world in a way you’ve never imagined. That’s why we made XTURISMO. Let the adventure commence.
Although the bike is now only compatible with a confined racetrack, the manufacturer is holding out hope that future legislation will permit more unrestricted use.
United States Expansion
Some attendees, including the auto show’s co-chair Thad Szott, got behind the wheel of the bike for its U.S. debut in September 2022 at the Detroit Auto Show. “I mean, it’s awesome!” Szott said to Euronews. Sure, you’re nervous, but I was genuinely thrilled. I felt like a young kid and got goosebumps.
By 2023, XTRUSIMO will have a price tag of $777,000. Shuhei Komatsu, CEO of AERWINS, has stated that the company’s goal is to reduce the price of a smaller electric model to $50,000 by the year 2025.
The official merger between AERWINS Technologies and Pono Capital Corp., a special purpose acquisition firm, took place in February 2023, adding to the company’s global expansion. After that, the Nasdaq became the company’s trading platform. The CEOs of the combined company released a joint statement expressing their appreciation for the merger and their enthusiasm for the Nasdaq listing.
Taking the bike for a test drive
But now Euronews has stated that those who tried out the bike had nothing but praise for it.
One of the early testers, Motor City auto show co-chair Thad Szott, said, “I mean, it’s awesome!” Sure, you’re nervous, but I was genuinely thrilled. I felt like a young kid and got goosebumps.
He also added that he sees great potential in the bike: “Possibly using drones, we will begin by delivering goods and services. For those who prefer to travel by air, it is fully equipped for the modern world. I can’t wait, though, to find out when we can start visiting different neighborhoods. Alright, let’s figure it out.
Those who are eagerly anticipating the release of this hoverbike can buy one in Japan right now; a more compact model will hit American shores in 2023, priced at $777,000.
A smaller electric model is also in the works for 2025; the projected price is $50,000, which is reasonable considering the craft can fly, if only for a brief while.
Explain the bike’s operation. To generate thrust, it makes use of a 228-horsepower gas-powered Kawasaki motorbike performance engine, which powers two massive center rotors. The vehicle’s outside edges additionally feature four smaller electric support rotors for stability.
