World's First Hoverbike Unveiled!

Australian inventor Chris Malloy has built a hoverbike from motorcycle parts and claims it can fly up to 173 mph, at an altitude of 10,000 feet. The designer says the one-person vehicle could replace conventional helicopters for tasks over rugged terrain, such as aerial surveys, search-and-rescue missions and cattle roundups.

Along with two Tasmanian Oak propellers, the 240 pounds hoverbike has a 1,170cc 4-stroke engine and carbon-fiber driveshaft. To lift off, the driver increases thrust with the right hand via a throttle grip, exactly like that of a motorcycle. At 21.8 miles per gallon, one full tank of gas will take you 92 miles.

In regards to safety, Malloy plans to add a pair of explosive parachutes or require riders to wear one. He also plans to cover the propellers with a mesh to prevent limbs from being lopped off. Implementing gyroscopic controls with on-board overrides should prevent the craft from tipping over.

Once the safety tests on the hoverbike are completed, Malloy plans to sell them at $40,000 a piece. He and his partners are currently trying to raise 1.1 million Australian dollars to push the project to the next level. Contributors have so far pledged $70,000 toward his goal.