Japan Startup Unveils $920K Hoverbike for Supercar Fans

From Supercars to Sky‑Skitters: A Japanese Hoverbike Is Taking the Leap

Picture this: a fancy wheeled‑wonder of a supercar, ¥77.7 million (about $920,000 in Singaporean terms), replaced by a sleek, black‑and‑red hovercraft that can fly 40 minutes at a cool 100 kph (62 mph). That’s the headline of the latest buzz from A.L.I. Technologies, a Tokyo‑based drone start‑up backed by soccer star Keisuke Honda.

Meet the “XTurismo Limited Edition”

Hybrid Power: One traditional engine + four battery‑powered motors for that extra lift.
Sky‑Glide Duration: 40‑minute flight time—thanks to efficient batteries and a lightweight frame.
Top Speed: 100 kph (62 mph) – think of it as the “fast lane” up to the clouds.

Why Switch?

“So far you had to choose between staying grounded or using giant aircrafts for large‑scale travel,” said CEO Daisuke Katano in a press chat. “We’re giving you the best of both worlds—high‑speed ground cruising and a gentle, humming glide through the sky.”

Design Details

Imagine a motorcycle in a black‑and‑red paint job, but with a set of propellers tucked beneath its body. When it lands, landing skids keep it stable like a hoverboard for a car. It’s a perfect blend of thrill and practicality—a ride that literally feels like you’re slicing through the air.

Bottom Line

For the ultra‑wealthy looking to upgrade from the old road to an aerial lifestyle—or simply to impress their friends at parties—this hoverbike could be the next big thing. It’s pricey, but it’s also a bold step into a future where the highway and the horizon meet.

Meet the Sky‑Biking Startup of 2025

Why the bike’s only flying a few metres? The devil’s in the regulations

Backed by Mitsubishi Electric and Kyocera, the company rolled out a short‑range hover‑bike that took a shaky hop off a track just a stone’s throw from Mount Fuji. It’s like a bicycle but with a rocket‑boost, and it’s still twirling at ground level.

What does that mean for everyday commuters?

Katano, the chief wizard behind the design, says: “Right now we’re just doing the local demos. No flying over Japan’s packed roads is on the menu.” In other words, folks can’t hop into the kitchen traffic, but the bike could swoop in if you’re stuck on a cliff or a buried bunker.

Could it become Uber‑for‑the‑sky?

Japanese safety rules currently block sectors like ride‑sharing from taking off.
Future rule changes might open up new leagues for the bike.
We’re not sure yet, but the next season could bring rooftop taxis.

Takeaway

While the bike’s first flight was more of a trampoline than a plane, the journey is still underway. And if the upcoming regulations loosen, maybe one day you can ask the bike to “scoot us to the top of Mount Fuji” while you’re stuck in traffic. Until then, it’s a tiny trinket that’s making people smile and raising eyebrows. Onward and upward!

High‑Flying Startups Are Catching Investors’ Attention

Joby Aviation from sunny California and Israel’s AIR are grabbing cash to build up the next generation of personal flying gear, ranging from jetpacks to sleek air taxis.

What’s the Rub?

Funding streams are nonstop for these sky‑innovators.
They’re hoping to make everyday air travel as normal as hopping onto a bus.
Investors see a golden opportunity in the dream of personal drones and commuter‑aircraft.

Japan’s Tech Revival: A.L.I. Technologies

The Japanese company A.L.I. Technologies is looking to turn its ambitious plans into commercial reality, with key players such as Kawasaki Heavy Industries supplying engines.

Success here would:

Bolster Japan’s manufacturing reputation.
Offer a solid foothold as the new decade emphasizes autonomous and electric vehicles.

All in all, the skies aren’t just the limit—they’re the new highway in the age of tech transformation.

Japan Startup Unveils $920K Hoverbike for Supercar Fans