A while back, Volonaut—a Polish startup—somewhat broke the internet's brain with an e-VTOL motorcycle concept that was basically a speederbike from Star Wars. So many stories were written about our upcoming Star Wars future, it was hard to see how we'd escape that fate. We may not have, given the state of the world at present...
At the time, the Airbike, or so it was called, was powered by batteries and featured a handful of helicopter-esque rotor blades. While it was functional, it was sketchy as hell, didn't have much range, and led the designer to scrap the original design. But where would they go from that promise?
Now the company's back with a rotor-less prototype that's powered not by electrons, but good old-fashioned jet fuel.
Say hello to the Airbike 2.0. Please, someone at Volonaut, let me ride it.
Details on the design of the Airbike are scant, to say the least. According to the brand, "This 'superbike for the skies' is powered by jet propulsion and is designed to carry one person with speeds up to 200km/h or 124mph," adding, "The Airbike's proprietary stabilization system enhanced by a flight computer provides automatic hover and ease of control for its rider."
Volonaut somewhat addresses its prior concept, stating, "The unique riding position with unobstructed 360 degree view helps the rider to quickly become one with the flying machine and provides the sensation of complete freedom. Thanks to Airbike's extremely compact size and no spinning propellers it can travel through most confined areas with ease."
As for what powers it, that's unclear. There's nothing on Volonaut's website, and I'm also confused by why the test rider in the video linked above is wearing car racing coveralls instead of motorcycle ones with armor. I mean, you're flying around a far few feet above the Earth. Wouldn't you want some protection?
That said, I must make the following plea.
To whom it may concern at Volonaut,
I, Jonathon Klein, executive editor at RideApart, lifelong motorcyclist, die-hard Star Wars fan, and lover of brilliantly bad ideas, of sound mind and body, would like to make the case for me to ride your prototype jet-powered speederbike.
Truly, if there was ever a prototype machine further up my alley, I do not believe I've come across it.
Firstly, I have all my motorcycle gear washed and ready to go. I'll bring a photographer, a few action cameras, and I just updated my life insurance policy. I also recently spoke to Obi-Wan Kenobi himself, actor Ewan McGregor (stay tuned for that story soon), which links me further to the world of Star Wars.
It's high time I rode this thing, so let me do it.
