Hoverbikes - next leap for modern-day transport
What's the story
The 21st century may have hugely disappointed nerds with limited modes of transportation but there is salvation at hand.
Hoverbikes are slated to be the next big leap to tackle the transportation problem.
Although pitched as "extreme sports instrument", these may turn out to be the way to travel, as numerous firms are now delving into the "transportation potential" of these futuristic machines.
Do you know?
How does a Hoverbike work?
A Hoverbike uses four giant air propellers that lift it by exerting force against the solid surface. It has a seat mounted in the centre of the craft giving the rider an aerodynamic stability and the ability to manoeuvre the craft towards the intended direction.
Potential winner
Hoversurf's latest Hoverbike makes its debut
Scorpion-3: The latest Hoverbike from the Hoversurf stable, is a single-seater complete with an in-house software to give the rider options to choose between an automated mode and one with fully-manual control.
The founders of Hoversurf state that the electric version is capable of a 30-minute flight, but the hybrid version, which comes with a petrol engine, has the capacity of a whole hour.
Defense purposes
United States Department of Defense opts for Hoverbikes
Malloy Aeronautics has signed a deal with US Department of Defense to develop Hoverbikes for the military.
The DoD has shown interest owing to the ability of Hoverbikes to navigate within tight spaces and can be operated remotely.
The developers believe that the product would be an excellent fit to carry out search and rescue operations or cargo delivery missions for the military.
On-demand aviation
Uber has a flying car project in pipeline
Nicknamed Uber Elevate, the firm is exploring possibilities of having an "on-demand aviation" service for its users.
The firm plans the service to comprise a network of lightweight, electric aircraft operating from pre-existing urban heliports to skyscraper rooftops.
In order to realize their dream, they have recently hired 30-year NASA veteran Mark Moore to develop this project from its nascent stage.
Passenger on board
When in Dubai, opt for flying drone taxi
According to Dubai's Roads & Transportation Agency, the city will introduce a special airborne passenger service from July on select routes.
Officials will monitor the Ehang 184 autonomous quad-opener electric drone, capable of carrying a singular passenger from a centralized command platform.
City officials have already started testing the vehicle so there are no unwanted surprises when the project is on in full swing.
2030 plans
Singapore's 2030 plan involves flying taxis
The Ministry of Transport of Singapore has pegged flying taxis as one of the few goals that they aim to achieve by 2030.
According to the authorities, they are already in the process of talking to manufacturers about conducting passenger-carrying drone trials to explore the possibility of using the same for urban transportation.
Hyperloop
India's Hyperloop collaboration
India might not be getting a Hoverbike anytime soon but thanks to the collaboration between the Indian government and Hyperloop One, we may soon have five high-speed corridors connecting all the major cities in India.
Hyperloop Technology makes use of magnetic levitation in low-pressure tubes allowing pod-like transportation vehicles to travel with zero turbulence at 1000 kmph speed.