The race is on to create the first mass-produced Taxi Drone. Tech companies like Airbus, Ehang, and Intel all want to be the first to put their company flag into this endeavor. Even non-technology companies like Uber and Facebook aim for the same ground. While it is still expected to be at least a few years away, the world is awaiting the arrival of the next generation of public transport.
A smaller contender may satiate the world’s appetite until the big taxi drones arrive. The minds at Hoversurf are working on a single seat hoverbike – yes, just like in Star Wars. Hoversurf calls their newest creation the Scorpion 3, and it looks like it came straight from the future.
Hoversurf Scorpion 3 Review
The Scorpion 3 (alternatively named the Hoversurf S3) brags vertical liftoff and landing. This means you do not need a lot of space to get started, and you also do not need a landing strip to get back on the ground. In this regard, you can compare the S3 to a helicopter.
The Scorpion 3 features similar physical drone designs. Essentially, it is a larger-than-usual drone capable of lifting actual people instead of simply small packages. It has four arms with powerful rotors at the end of each. It runs on a battery that requires recharging before each flight. Controls are onboard, consisting of two joysticks for basic directional management.
It has user-friendly features as well, such as a detection system while flying to avoid obstacles automatically. This can make it easier for newer users to ride one, making it a possible option for public transport. It also has emergency landing options, and can warn the user on incoming dangers while flying, such as power lines or dangerous pathways.
The S3 is still not out on the market, so do not get your hopes up just yet. It is still in its early stages, and may not come out until 2019-2020. Tests have been quite positive, and the promises hold up to the actual product. The main hitch in this somewhat perfect device? Yes, you guessed it, the price. For something as futuristic as a hoverbike, you can expect to pay a futuristic amount. To get one, you have to put up a $10,000 deposit.
Now tell me. Is the future of travel worth that much?
Positives
- One-man flying hoverbike
- Flight time of 40 minutes on a single charge
- 50 mph (80 kmph) max speed
- Can reach over 12 miles on a single battery
- Safety features and programs for newer users
Negatives
- $10,000 deposit to even get through the door
- Not yet on sale
- Physically, it does not seem to have any safety features, which can be a problem when you are several feet up in the air
