This is the AERWINS XTurismo, a flying motorbike that could soon reach the market

At motor shows you can see the latest developments in mobility, but also other things that are far more curious. For example, it is increasingly common to see flying vehicles, halfway between a car (or a motorbike) and a drone. The Detroit Motor Show could not be without an example of this, so we were able to see a flying motorbike, which could soon reach the US market.

The AERWINS XTurismo aims to become both a recreational vehicle and a surveillance vehicle for government institutions. It is capable of carrying one person and is equipped with a wide range of sensors and state-of-the-art technology to offer different mobility solutions that could become a reality in a short time.

A hybrid engine

Unlike other similar models, the AERWINS XTurismo features a hybrid engine. So it runs on both electricity and petrol. This gives it a greater range than other similar vehicles. The power output of its engines has not been announced, but it is known that it can fly for up to 40 minutes, with a top speed of 100 km/h, carrying one passenger.

This vehicle weighs 299 kg, something to consider because this is important when it comes to being able to move around freely. But this type of vehicle has several problems for real-world use. To begin with, there are several legal obstacles. A flying vehicle needs a special permit in many countries. This may limit its use to enclosed spaces, which would not be bad news.

Its use as a surveillance vehicle would be a good option and would pave the way for its commercialisation. The other problem is the price. This model costs 777,000 dollars, so it is only within reach of a few lucky people. Those who can drive a hypercar, for example.

In Japan no special permit is required, so it could be deployed more widely in that market. In the United States, on the other hand, training is required to be able to pilot one of these flying vehicles. To improve its launch in the United States, a smaller version with less range is expected to be released. This could be priced at 50,000 dollars and make it easier to acquire one.

In Europe it will be more difficult, but this kind of initiative certainly opens up very interesting possibilities that will surely be increasingly present. It was not the only drone on display at the Detroit Motor Show, but perhaps it is the most interesting because its motorbike-like appearance, instead of having a more traditional cabin.