The inventors of the Paravelo flying bicycle, Reid and Ford. Rex Feature
Two British inventors have created a flying bicycle that transforms an ordinary bike into an aircraft, capable of flying at altitudes of over 1,200 meters for up to three hours continuously. It’s easy to operate and doesn’t require a pilot’s license. The inventors say this flying bicycle can help commuters avoid traffic jams and is also convenient for leisure travel.
Up to three hours of flight time
John Ford and Yannick Reed spent two years developing this flying bicycle, named “Paravelo.” The vehicle consists of a standard two-wheeled bicycle with a two-wheeled trailer attached, which houses a fan, motor, and parachute. On any open area, the motor is activated, the fan spins, inflating the parachute to act as wings, gradually lifting the bicycle into the air.
The flying bicycle uses biofuel and can reach a maximum altitude of 1,219 meters, with a top speed of up to 40.23 km/h. When fully fueled, it can fly for up to three hours. On the ground, its top speed reaches 24.14 km/h.
Unlike regular bicycles, the handlebars of the flying bicycle are equipped with flashlights containing xenon gas, visible up to 3 kilometers away in the dark. The flying bicycle is also fitted with a GPS tracker that records both ground and aerial routes.
The flying bicycle is foldable
In designing the flying bicycle, Ford and Reed adopted a “door-to-door” concept, making the bicycle foldable for easy storage and transport.
The duo believes this invention could completely transform people’s commuting habits. Commuting to work with a flying bicycle costs about the same as driving a small family car, and afterward, it can be folded and stored in the office, eliminating troubles such as traffic congestion, searching for parking, and parking fines. Moreover, no pilot’s license is required to fly the bicycle. Ford and Reed hope it will one day become a mainstream mode of transportation.
The UK’s Daily Mail reported on the 18th, quoting Reed as saying: “If you’re adventurous, lack storage space, or can’t afford a helicopter, the Paravelo is perfect.” This flying bicycle costs £10,000 (approximately $15,700).
The development of this flying bicycle has been supported by the Environmental Transport Association, a UK charity dedicated to promoting green transport. The association’s president, Andrew Davis, is optimistic about the market prospects of the flying bicycle.