Polish startup Volonaut is preparing to bring its jet-powered flying motorcycle, the Airbike, to market with a price tag of $880,000. The single-seat aircraft can take off vertically, hover above the ground and fly at speeds of up to 102 kilometres per hour. Its futuristic design resembles vehicles seen in science-fiction films, particularly Star Wars. However, the Airbike is being developed as a real personal aircraft, with limited production and deliveries planned from 2026 onwards. Despite its advanced technology, the vehicle offers a maximum flight time of just ten minutes, making it more suitable for recreational flying than everyday transportation.
Volonaut Airbike Uses Jet Engines for Flight
Unlike traditional motorcycles, the Volonaut Airbike uses jet-powered propulsion to lift itself into the air. It features vertical takeoff and landing technology, allowing it to rise and descend without a runway. The aircraft uses an onboard flight computer and stabilisation system to maintain balance during hovering, turning and forward movement. Volonaut claims the controls are designed to be intuitive, even for people without previous piloting experience. Its open design provides 360-degree visibility, giving riders an unrestricted view of their surroundings. The turbine can reportedly operate on Jet-A fuel, kerosene, diesel or biodiesel. However, the maximum permitted pilot weight is 95 kilograms, limiting who can operate the aircraft.
Flying Motorcycle Reaches Speeds of 102 km/h
The production version of the Volonaut Airbike is expected to reach a maximum speed of approximately 102 kilometres per hour. However, prototype models have reportedly achieved speeds of around 190 kilometres per hour during testing. The lower production speed is linked to regulatory requirements. Volonaut aims to classify the aircraft as an ultralight vehicle, which could allow owners to operate it without a traditional pilot’s licence in certain regions. However, aviation regulations vary between countries, and buyers must comply with local flight and safety requirements. The maximum flight time remains limited to ten minutes, restricting how far the aircraft can travel before refuelling.
Volonaut Airbike Price and Reservation Details
The Volonaut Airbike costs $880,000, placing it among the most expensive personal mobility vehicles currently being developed. Interested buyers must follow a three-stage payment process. First, they pay a non-refundable reservation fee of $2,000. This is followed by an $80,000 deposit, while the remaining $798,000 is due before delivery. Reservations officially opened on August 1, 2025, and deliveries are planned from 2026 onwards. However, Volonaut has not announced a detailed production schedule or confirmed how many units will be manufactured. This means buyers may face uncertainty over delivery timelines despite making substantial financial commitments.
Tomasz Patan Leads the Flying Motorcycle Project
The Airbike was developed under the leadership of Polish aviation entrepreneur Tomasz Patan, who is also associated with the Jetson One personal electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Volonaut officially introduced the Airbike on April 30, 2025, although its first documented flight reportedly took place in Poland in May 2023. The project attracted further attention in May 2026 when Volonaut released a promotional video recreating a flying-bike scene from Star Wars. The video showed the aircraft’s unusual design and flight capabilities, drawing interest from aviation enthusiasts and technology observers.
Safety and Production Challenges Remain
Despite the Airbike’s impressive appearance, questions remain about its readiness for wider commercial use. Independent observers have not yet verified complete flight performance, thrust measurements or noise levels. Volonaut has also not publicly disclosed its suppliers or production capacity. Aviation certification could present another challenge, particularly because personal flying vehicles must meet safety requirements before operating in different countries. The aircraft’s high price, limited flight time and potential noise also restrict its practical applications. For now, recreational flights, private demonstrations and specialised entertainment experiences appear more realistic than daily commuting.
Flying Motorcycles Could Shape Future Mobility
The Volonaut Airbike demonstrates how aviation companies are experimenting with lightweight aircraft and personal flight technology. Its jet propulsion, computer-assisted stabilisation and compact design represent an unusual approach to vertical flight. However, flying motorcycles remain far from replacing conventional cars or motorcycles. Their future will depend on improvements in safety, affordability, flight duration and regulatory approval. For now, the Airbike is aimed at wealthy enthusiasts interested in experiencing personal flight. Whether Volonaut can successfully manufacture and deliver the aircraft at scale remains to be seen.
