AirBike, the 3D Printed Flying Motorcycle Reinventing Aerial Mobility

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, but it does seem to be a motorcycle straight out of a science-fiction movie. This week, Polish start-up Volonaut unveiled the AirBike, a flying motorcycle. Yes, you read that right: this vehicle is capable of soaring through the air and reaching speeds of 200 km/h. Designed using 3D-printed materials and parts, the AirBike represents a breakthrough in the field of aerial mobility, even if little information is yet available about its commercialization.

Volonaut sums up the project’s ambition with a clear promise: “To make human flight evolve.” This ultralight, single-seat flying scooter made from carbon fiber is a perfect illustration of the startup’s commitment to additive manufacturing technologies. While several initiatives have already integrated 3D printing into certain motorcycle parts, the AirBike stands out for its visionary nature.

What Do We Know About the AirBike?

Just out of the development phase, the AirBike is the brainchild of Tomasz Patan, a self-taught Polish inventor and entrepreneur with over 30 years’ experience in drone and aircraft design. His latest creation features a jet propulsion system, capable of propelling the machine at speeds of up to 200 km/h, without the need for visible propellers.

One of the AirBike’s major assets is the use of additive manufacturing combined with carbon fiber-reinforced composite materials. This technological choice has enabled us to design a vehicle that is both ultra-strong and extremely light. According to Volonaut, the AirBike is up to seven times lighter than a traditional motorcycle, thanks to this minimalist approach and 3D printing.

Unlike other VTOLs (vertical take-off and landing vehicles) designed to integrate urban traffic, the AirBike relies on an immersive, fun experience. The startup emphasizes open driving, 360-degree visibility and computer-assisted piloting, giving the user a feeling of total freedom and a direct connection with the air.

To date, no information has been released on the eventual marketing of the AirBike, nor on the legal or urban frameworks in which it might evolve. The project is still in its infancy, arousing both fascination and questions. One thing is certain, however: the AirBike illustrates the potential of 3D printing and advanced materials to transform fields such as mobility.

What do you think of the AirBike? Would you use it? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel. If you are interested in more 3D printing news in the automotive and transportation sector, visit our dedicated page HERE.

*All Photo Credits: Volonaut