My Modern Metropolis

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.









Hoverbike website
via [Wired], [Cnet],

Views: 9493

Tags: Chris Malloy, Hoverbike, Introducing the Hoverbike!, technology

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Comment by Lincoln L H Ho on June 26, 2012 at 3:38pm

I don't think it works as well as it looks. The bike in the picture is always strapped, so it's an indication that it's probably not very stable, nor safe from debris. Flying 10000 feet with this thing when the engine goes out is death. Not even a chance to glide down like an airplane.

Comment by sAm on June 17, 2011 at 3:35pm
No way! Gotta check out the manufactures website...
Comment by Alyssa Anda on June 17, 2011 at 11:09am
Wow! That is AMAZING! I never thought I'd see the day this happened!
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