Humanity has always dreamed of flying. From Icarus, who had trouble melting wax, to us, who get stuck in endless columns of metal every morning and dream of the eject button. But what if I told you that the future is not in wings, but in something that looks like a floating game console? It is - the LEO Solo JetBike.
Let's be honest. When I first saw the photos LEO Solo JetBike, I thought it was an online prank. It looked like my office chair with industrial-grade hair dryers taped to it. It looked like a gaming rig that had gotten out of hand in some sci-fi enthusiast's basement. But then I took a closer look. And when I saw the video, my inner cynic—the one who believes that all modern electric vehicles are just refrigerators on wheels—shut down for a moment. This thing actually flies. And more importantly: this thing looks damn entertainingly dangerous, in a good way.
The world eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles) is full of promises and computer renderings that rarely come to fruition. But LEO Flight, a company founded by Pete Bitar and Carlos Salaff (the latter has a portfolio of Mazda concept designs, which gives the automotive part of my brain some hope), has created something tangible. Forget the wings. Forget the giant rotors that chop off the heads of passersby. This is the LEO Solo.
Technology: 48 anti-gravity fans
What makes the LEO Solo JetBike special isn't that it flies, but how it flies. Instead of relying on large wings or helicopter propellers, it uses an electric jet propulsion system. But don't imagine jet engines that will raise your eyebrows and destroy your driveway. It's a network of 48 smaller electric fans strategically placed across the front and rear platforms of the vehicle.
These fans are built into the structure itself, meaning there are no exposed blades. This is crucial. If you ever end up at a garden party, you won't turn your hedge (and guests) into lettuce.
“This is not an experimental facility for non-return missions, but a serious engineering achievement in a compact package.”
The specs are impressive considering the size of the device. The LEO Solo has a top speed of 96 km/h (60 mph). That may not sound like a record-breaking speed on a racetrack, but trust me, when you’re hovering 4.5 meters (15 ft) above the ground with no chassis around you, 96 km/h feels like the speed of light. There’s nothing separating you from the asphalt except the air and your faith in electricity.
Battery and range: Achilles' heel or reality?
Here's where I have to be a little cynical, but realistic. The LEO Solo JetBike has a flight capacity of between 10 and 15 minutes. Yes, you read that right. That's just enough time to take off, impress your neighbors, fly across a city block, and frantically search for a place to land before the power runs out.
But before you roll your eyes, think about its purpose. This is not a vehicle for a vacation trip. This is a vehicle for a quick “jump.” Its battery (solid-state battery technology) is designed for fast charging, and because the entire device is extremely compact—measuring just 2 x 2 meters (6.5 x 6.5 ft)—you can park it in a standard garage. It charges right there, probably next to your vacuum cleaner.
And speaking of vacuums: LEO Flight claims this thing is quieter than them. It's about 80 dB, which is less than the average Dyson vacuum. That means you can land in your yard at night without your neighbors calling the police or thinking there's an alien invasion.
Design: When functionality meets minimalism
Carlos Salaff did a great job with the design. The LEO Solo is not just a miniature helicopter. It's a whole new category. It's a hover motorcycle. The rider sits in a semi-recumbent position, which reduces drag and makes you feel like you're piloting something out of the futuristic movie Tron. There's no cockpit, no complicated instruments, just you and the wind.
The best news for most of us? The company's goal is that you won't need a pilot's license to fly this device. Since it's classified as an ultralight aircraft (under FAA Part 103 regulations in the US), theoretically anyone with enough courage and $999 to reserveOf course, I highly recommend at least a basic understanding of physics before you take off from the ground.
The safety system is based on redundancy. Since you have 48 fans, some of them could fail and you would still land safely. The ballistic parachute system is included as a last line of defense.
