Image Source: XTURISMO by AERWINS

Built using lightweight materials and electric power, hoverbikes aim to provide efficient and eco-friendly mobility solutions for cities. Computer-controlled stabilization systems and laser scanners for obstacle detection ensure safety and precision in hoverbikes.

Propeller

A blade propeller consists of a rotating hub with radiating blades set at a pitch, creating a helical spiral that generates linear thrust. It reduces drag and enhances efficiency.

Multiple propellers are strategically placed to overlap, reducing the vehicle's footprint. A ducted fan design is employed to enhance efficiency and minimize noise.

Motor

A brushless motor efficiently converts electrical energy into mechanical energy using an electronic controller that switches DC currents to motor windings. It achieves precise control and high rotational speeds.

Battery

With electrification all around in mobility, hoverbikes are most likely to use battery-based electric propulsion systems, though some can be hybrid with internal combustion engines to improve the range.

Large-capacity batteries, typically lithium-based like LiPo, are used to extend flight time due to their high energy density. They power both propulsion and onboard systems.

Electronic Speed Controller (ESC)

ESCs manage motor speed based on user input and include a Battery Eliminator Circuit (BEC) to reduce voltage for other devices. They provide precise control of hoverbike propulsion systems.

Transmitter and Receiver

Transmitters and receivers enable wireless control on the 2.4GHz radio frequency, reducing interference and extending the range for remote operation. They are essential for piloting hoverbikes from a distance.

Flight Controller

The flight controller integrates with sensors like accelerometers and gyroscopes to stabilize the hoverbike. It processes user input and sensor data to ensure stable flight and safe operation.

On the Market, Now or Soon…

Disaster Relief

• Provide emergency food supplies to trapped flood victims.
• Rapidly evacuate people from disaster areas.
• Rescue people stranded in mountains.
• Support wildfire fighting operations.

Police and Enforcement Agencies

• Surveillance of and help in capturing absconding suspects.
• Emergency airlift for accident victims.
• Maintenance of law and order in large mass gatherings.
• Wildlife monitoring at national park services.

Military

• Border surveillance.
• Clean up areas with landmine and unexploded ordnance.
• Rapid transport for weapons, food, drinking water, fuel and medicine to frontlines.
• Selectively and rapidly target enemy assets.

Energy and Utilities

• Visit remote pumpjacks in oil fields.
• Inspect oil pipelines passing through rough terrains.
• Check hydropower dams from outside.
• Inspect and power wash solar power plants.

Transportation

• Personal transport vehicle for individuals.
• Urban commute options.
• Food and package delivery services.

Agriculture & Ranching

• Manage herds of livestock in large, spread-out ranches.
• Spray fertilizer and pesticides on crops.

Recreation

• Sport racing and X Games.
• Recreational flying.
• Tourism.

Legal and Operational Considerations

Flying Regulations and Air Traffic Control

While there is no specific mention of hoverbikes in regulations in India, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are likely to regulate the operation of airborne vehicles like hoverbikes.

The regulations would cover issues such as airworthiness, personnel requirements, vehicle registration, permitted flight altitude, security, airspace management, and prohibited uses. For instance, drones are permitted to fly up to a vertical distance of 400 feet for all unrestricted ‘green’ zones, but are prohibited to fly in zones that are close to airports, international borders, defense areas, key government sites, etc.

At some point, a similar regulatory framework may be considered for hoverbikes. Depending on the category of hoverbikes, certain technologies may also be required based a risk-level analysis, such as surveillance cameras, anti-collision technologies, speed restrictions, etc.

Safety

Perhaps, the biggest concern with hoverbikes is safety. Regulators need to develop safety regulations and an enforcement mechanism to ensure hoverbikes meet safety standards. At minimum, hoverbikes need to have their own enveloping airbags and rescue parachutes that may automatically activate when any malfunction happens.

Torts and Liabilities

There may be numerous chances of misuse of hoverbike capabilities, attracting existing tort laws, criminal laws and consumer rights laws. It may also be argued that harm is caused by damage to land or interference of peaceful enjoyment of property. The regulations should address liability assignment in the case of accidents or falling of a failed hoverbike on people or property.

Privacy and Surveillance

Hoverbikes can fly very close to buildings. Flying a hoverbike over private property may be deemed as trespass. There will be a need to address concerns about privacy, especially with surveillance-equipped hoverbikes. Other claims such as breaches of privacy, harassment, hurt and negligence may also arise.

Data Protection

Hoverbikes have technological equipment, sensors and software that collect varied amounts of personal data including location data. In India the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) would govern the treatment of data. Similarly, considerations under geospatial laws would also have to be factored in relation to processing of data.

Cybersecurity

Since hoverbikes would rely extensively on advanced technology for navigation, communications, and governance, they may be vulnerable to cybersecurity incidents or breaches, especially hacking. The Indian cyber security laws prescribe that certain category of cybersecurity incidents must be mandatorily reported within a prescribed timeline. Therefore, incidents such as malware attacks and hacking into systems controlling hoverbikes may also trigger such reporting requirements.

Environmental Impact

Electric powered hoverbikes have zero emission, so they are environment friendly and produce relatively low noise. However, some hoverbikes have hybrid engines, with internal combustion engines and electric battery powered motors, so noise pollution and energy consumption are important considerations.

Zoning and Land Use

To ensure safety of people, properties and hoverbikes, local governments need to designate areas for hoverbike landings. To avoid undue intrusions and safeguard security, they should also establish fly and no fly zones..

Pilot Training and Licensing

Just as in the case of motorbikes and automobiles, special licensing agencies need to be established to assess the skills and abilities of the hoverbike drivers. Registration agencies should also issue licenses to operate. Special courses and training programs may also need to be developed for hoverbike drivers.

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• Flying Bikes (Hoverbikes) Market. Precedence Research. January 2023.
• Hoverbike. Skyfi Labs. 19 May 2022.
• Flying Bikes (Hoverbikes) Market Size by Application. The Brainy Insights, February 2023.
• XTURISMO Hoverbike steers a sci-fi dream, realises the future of air mobility. StirWorld. 31 Oct 2022.
• World’s first rideable hoverbike looks cool as hell but will probably kill you. The Verge. 20 Feb 2017.
• India’s first flying motorcycle made by Delhi-based engineers! Trackbike to hovercraft. The Times of India. 13 April 2022.
• Futuristic hoverbikes set to join Dubai’s police fleet. SpringWise. 1 Nov 2017.
• Icon/Cliparts: https://www.pngkit.com/ .

• AERWINS Technologies - https://aerwins.us/
• Malloy Aeronautics - https://www.hover-bike.com/hoverbike/
• Aerofex - https://aerofex.com/
• LaZareth - https://www.lazareth.fr/
• Volocopter - https://www.volocopter.com/
• Ehang - https://www.ehang.com/
• Hoversurf - https://www.hoversurf.com/