When Sci-Fi Meets the Open Sky
Would you trade your Harley for a jet-powered bike that flies like a Star Wars speeder? That’s the question burning up motorcycle forums since Volonaut dropped its Airbike teaser—a sleek, wingless craft zipping through deserts and forests at 124 mph.
Designed by Tomasz Patan (the mind behind the Jetson One eVTOL), this “flying motorcycle” promises to revolutionize personal mobility. But as a rider who’s seen decades of vaporware hype, I’m here to separate Endor fantasies from asphalt truths.
The Jet Propulsion Mystery
Volonaut’s biggest flex? They claim that ditching propellers for “jet propulsion” is safer and faster. But here’s the catch: No one knows how it actually works. Patan’s team guards the tech like the Death Star plans, calling it “magical.”
Skeptics on Reddit aren’t buying it, stating: “Where’s the exhaust? The fuel burns? This looks CGI!”.
The teaser shows a plastic gas tank straight out of Home Depot, raising eyebrows about fuel efficiency. Jet engines are notoriously loud and thirsty, yet the videos are suspiciously scored with epic music—conveniently masking what’s likely a deafening roar.
7x Lighter Than a Harley?
Volonaut boasts the Airbike is “7x lighter than a motorcycle.” But motorcycles range from 300-lb dirt bikes to 800-lb touring beasts. Compared to a Harley Road Glide (838 lbs), that math suggests a 120-lb Airbike—lighter than a golden retriever.
Even Patan’s electric Jetson One weighs 190 lbs. Carbon fiber helps, but riders aren’t fooled: “You’re telling me a jet engine, frame, and fuel weigh less than my gym bag? Nah.” – ADV Rider Forum
Flying Without a Net (or Parachute)
Imagine cruising at 124 mph… with no seatbelt, airbag, or FAA-approved crash protection. The Airbike’s “proprietary stabilization system” is a black box with no details or crash tests. Unlike the Jetson One’s redundant motors and parachutes, this relies on hope and algorithms.
And let’s talk noise. Jetson’s electric whir is one thing, but a jet engine? Helicopters hit 90-110 dB—the Airbike could drown out a rock concert. Good luck convincing your HOA (or the FAA) that’s cool for suburban skies.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
The FAA’s rules for ultralight aircraft, limit them to 63 mph and 254 lbs. The Airbike goes over both limits, so it’s officially a certified aircraft, which means you need a pilot’s license, lots of testing, and big costs. Want to fly it legally? You’ll need:
- A private pilot license ($10k+ and 40+ hours of training)
- FAA airworthiness certification (think years, not months)
- Approval from local zoning boards for takeoff/landing zones
Even if you jump these hoops, cities like L.A. or NYC won’t let you buzz skyscrapers like Luke Skywalker. As one Rider joked, “DMV lines vs. FAA paperwork? I’ll keep my Road Glide.”
Price Tag: Luxury Toy or Harley Killer?
Volonaut hasn’t announced pricing, but leaks suggest $50K–150K. Let’s put that in rider terms:
- $50K: Two fully loaded Harley Road Glides + a trailer.
- $150K: A tricked-out RV and a Ducati Panigale V4.
The Jetson One—Patan’s last project—costs $92K and still has multi-year waitlists. But while Jetson buyers get a Part 103-compliant toy, the Airbike’s regulatory hurdles make it a garage queen for trust fund rebels. Harley loyalists aren’t impressed: “I’d rather mod my Fat Boy than beta-test a jet deathtrap.” – HDForums Rider.
Hype vs. Heritage
Motorcyclists live for throttle therapy, not algorithm-stabilized hover mode. The Airbike is compared to “a Tesla in a Harley rally”—flashy but missing the soul. The open-air thrill? Sure. But riders crave reliability, camaraderie, and the rumble of a Milwaukee-Eight engine—not jet-fueled FOMO.
2025 Reality Check
Patan’s Jetson One proves he can build buzz—but deliveries are backlogged to 2027, and BBB complaints cite defective e-bikes under his brand. The Airbike’s 2025 timeline feels optimistic, given:
- Zero disclosed patents for its “magical” jet system.
- No crash test data or independent prototype reviews.
- Radio silence on infrastructure (where do you park a flying bike?).
As one aviation lawyer told FLYER Magazine: “Certifying this would take a decade… if it’s real.”
Verdict: Keep Your Boots on the Ground
The Volonaut Airbike is a masterclass in viral marketing—a Star Wars daydream with slick visuals and vague promises. But for motorcyclists? It’s a solution in search of a problem. Until it survives FAA gauntlets, proves its tech, and justifies a Harley-tier price, this “speeder bike” belongs in a galaxy far, far away.
Would I sell my Harley for it? Not until it survives a Chicago crosswind… and a DMV inspection.
