A Polish startup has unveiled what it claims is the world’s first propeller-free hoverbike, straight out of a sci-fi movie and into real life.
Volonaut, a company based in Poland, recently revealed the AirBike, a sleek, one-person flying vehicle inspired by the iconic speeder bikes from Star Wars. According to MailOnline reporters Xantha Leatham and Jonathan Chadwick (May 11, 2025), the AirBike can reach speeds of up to 124 mph using jet propulsion, not traditional rotors or propellers.
The futuristic design appears to glide effortlessly, as shown in test footage released by Volonaut. One video captures a pilot hovering steadily mid-air, even waving to the camera. Volonaut describes the machine as a “superbike for the skies”, with a proprietary stabilisation system supported by onboard flight computers that make hovering and control intuitive.
Company founder Tomasz Patan spent months developing and refining the AirBike. The current model, unveiled in May 2023, is the result of multiple redesigns and trial-and-error testing. Patan’s team says the aircraft has just emerged from stealth development and is not yet available for purchase. No timeline or pricing has been disclosed.
“We designed this to make flight feel natural,” the company explained, noting that the rider should feel they are “one with the machine”. The frame is crafted from carbon fibre, making it seven times lighter than a standard motorcycle.
Online reactions have been enthusiastic. One user wrote, “The future is here! Best personal flying aircraft I’ve seen.” Another added, “The generation that grew up on Star Wars was waiting for you. Please work a little faster, we want a ride before we get too old.”
The AirBike’s aesthetic and function closely mirror the speeder bikes featured in several Star Wars films, most famously in Return of the Jedi (1983), where Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia dodge stormtroopers on high-speed hovercrafts across the forest moon of Endor.
Unlike their fictional counterparts, which use “repulsorlift” tech to float above ground, the AirBike relies on real-world jet propulsion. Jets of gas push the bike upward and forward, while stabilisation tech handles the balance.
While details are still scarce, Volonaut’s debut signals that flying personal transport may be closer than fans ever imagined. Just don’t expect it to hit forest trails anytime soon.
In the iconic Star Wars movie "Return of the Jedi" (1983), Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia are pursuing stormtroopers on speeder bikes around the made-up forest moon of Endor. Throughout the Star Wars movies, such as "The Phantom Menace" (1999) and "The Force Awakens" (2015), hover-based transportation plays a significant role.
