Chinese firm launches flying bike with 44.7 mph speed, 31-mile flight range

According to reports, when in ground mode, the bike has a top speed of 43.5 mph (70 kph) and a maximum range of 124 miles (200 kilometers), and is powered by electric motors. When in flight mode, the bike is uses a 6-axis, 6-rotor electric system. In the air, it has a maximum speed of 44.7 mph (72 kph).

Larger variant capable of 40 mins of flight

The bike comes in two main variants, with the first featuring a 10.5 kWh battery that supports fast direct current (DC) charging. This means the battery can be fully charged in about 1 hour or to 80% capacity in 30 minutes. There is also a larger 21 kWh variant, capable of 40 minutes of flight or a 31-mile (50 km) range.

Reports suggest the Skyrider X6 is capable of both automated takeoff, landing, and route planning, as well as manual joystick control. The bike is made from carbon fibre composites and aviation-grade aluminum alloy, resulting in a lightweight design.

For safety, the Skyrider X6 comes equipped with a series of features, including redundant motors and control systems. It also has a ballistic parachute for emergency deployment and backup flight control logic for stability.

The Skyrider X6 was first unveiled at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES), with earlier prototypes featuring eight rotors instead of the current six. Operating costs are expected to cost around 3 yuan (approx. 0.41 USD) per km in flight mode, with annual maintenance likely to cost in the region of 20,000 to 30,000 yuan ($2,800 to $4,200).

Regulatory, legal barriers to overcome

Although promising, the Skyrider has some challenges to overcome before it can be mass-produced. This includes regulatory barriers, the most notable of which is that low-altitude civilian airspace (<200m>200m>

Furthermore, the firm has some serious competitors, such as the XPeng AeroHT, which features a flying car priced at approximately 1.2 million yuan ($166,000). Use cases for the vehicle include short-range urban commuting and, potentially, emergency transport. It could also be popular as a form of luxury or recreational vehicle for early adopters.

The Skyrider X6 is a bold, Jetsons-style innovation that blends drone technology, electric vehicle (EV) mobility, and urban air transport. While its tech and pricing are appealing, real-world use is limited in the current scenario by airspace laws and pilot licensing requirements.

The flying bike is more proof-of-concept and a luxury toy than mass commuter solution. But it reflects China’s growing ambition in personal aerial mobility.