Chinese company Kuickwheel has introduced the production version of an unusual vehicle – the Skyrider X6, a hybrid of a motorcycle and a drone. This three-wheeled electric bike with vertical take-off and landing capability is now available for pre-order on the Chinese marketplace JD.com for 498,800 yuan (approximately $69,000 USD).
The Skyrider X6 is not just a concept from an exhibition. It is designed for short city trips and can also be useful for emergencies or moving in hard-to-reach places. The uniqueness of this model is its dual-mode architecture: on the ground, the X6 moves as an electric tricycle with a speed of up to 70 km/h and a range of up to 200 km (according to CLTC), and in the air, it is a six-rotor aerobike with a maximum speed of 72 km/h and a flight time of up to 20 minutes.
The body is made of carbon composites and aviation aluminum to reduce weight. In flight mode, the Skyrider X6 is capable of automatic take-off, landing, and route building, although manual control via a joystick is also available for experienced pilots.
Safety has not been overlooked: the X6 features redundant control and power systems, independent motors on each rotor, and an automatic parachute that deploys in case of critical malfunctions.
Power is provided by a 10.5 kWh battery that supports fast automotive charging – a full charge takes about one hour. The average operating cost of the Skyrider X6 is about 3 yuan (≈$0.41 USD) per km in the air, and annual maintenance is estimated at 20-30 thousand yuan.
But there is one problem – legislative restrictions. Currently, in China, flights at altitudes up to 200 meters are not permitted for civilian use. Furthermore, the pilot of the Skyrider needs a license for light sports aircraft, the training for which costs about 50,000 yuan (approximately $6,900 USD). Well, and in Ukraine, as you know, flights are prohibited for obvious reasons. With the exception of the military and the State Emergency Service (we’re talking about drones and not only).