Awesome Mobility

The Volonaut Airbike is a jet-powered hoverbike built for solo flight at speeds up to 124 mph. Designed by inventor Tomasz Patan, this sci-fi-inspired “superbike for the skies” brings personal air mobility into reality with sleek looks and serious speed. Our fingers are crossed that this thing is real, but we’re struggling to understand how it works.

Motorcycle and ATV maker Kawasaki is headed to Osaka, Japan’s Expo 2025 with a concept that looks 25 years into the future of mobility. The hydrogen-electric CORLEO is a quadruped robot that’s designed to carry one or two riders. Thanks to its articulated, motorized legs, it’s able to amble across challenging terrain for a fun, open-air experience. (Thanks, Rick!)

Engineer James Bruton expands on his collection of unique vehicles with an impressive electric two-wheeler, er two-baller that balances itself and can even drive sideways. He started with a pair of circus balance balls and built a mechanism that pushes them around with motors and omni-wheels. Can you imagine people riding around town on these things?

Engineer James Bruton adds to his collection of unusual vehicles with the creation of a single-seater that rolls on four 3D-printed mechanum wheels. The not-quite-a-bike uses motors and an inertial measurement unit to remain balanced. By changing the speed and direction of each wheel, it can move forward, backward, sideways, and spin around on a dime. Its agility is quite impressive.

VinFast Auto didn’t just stand out at CES 2024 for its unexpected reveal of its futuristic VF Wild electric pickup truck concept. The young Vietnamese company also launched its DrgnFly electric bike just one year after its initial showcase.

While an all-terrain personal mobility device sounds like a good idea, we’re not sure that boots that drive like tanks are the best way to get around. Joel Creates shows off his design for a wearable off-road vehicle that’s totally impractical yet extraordinarily cool to see in action. They’d balance way better if they had longer tracks.

While so-called hoverboards don’t hover how we want them to, they’re still fun to ride. James Bruton thought he could make something more interesting than an off-the-shelf balance board. So he got to work making a hoverboard with 3D-printed omni-wheels. His chunky machine is built for a seated rider, and he plans to upgrade it to make it more agile.

This unique, 4-wheeled electric scooter features an engaging lean-to-steer mechanism and can hit speeds up to 25 mph. Unlike other scooters, your feet never need to touch the ground when stopping. Its battery pack sends power to dual 550-watt motors with a 50-mile range. It also can be outfitted for off-roading.

This unique folding scooter features a flexible frame and suspension system that can lean up to 40 degrees. Its dual front wheels and springs provide stability and absorb shocks, while its hydraulic disc brakes stop with confidence. The 250-watt EU version tops out at 22 mph, while the 500-watt US version can hit 25 mph.

This Class III E-Bike is ideal for rides to work, running errands, and speedy cruising. Its 500W rear motor can hit 28 mph and offers pedal-assist and throttle modes. A wide seat, fat tires, and front fork suspension provide a comfortable and stable ride. Its battery pack is removable for charging and juices up in 3 to 4 hours.

Cars aren’t the most efficient way to get around cities. They cause traffic jams, and are bad for the environment. Not Just Bikes takes a look at an alternative mode of transportation called a Bakfiet. These cargo bikes are popular in the Netherlands and offer a fun ride for kids. They come in 2- and 3-wheel varieties as well as eBikes.

Developed by the makers of the GolfBoard, this personal mobility device is designed for getting around large resorts, campgrounds, and other places with a lot of ground to cover. Riding on all-terrain tires with undercarriage protection, it can ride on- or off-road. It runs up to 15 miles per charge on-road, and 12.5 miles off.

This unusual bicycle can expand to carry up to 180 kg (about 396 lb) of cargo at its center. Its rear wheel and drive chain fold down and out to provide extra space as needed. It’s also available with a pedal-assist electric motor to give you added momentum when carrying heavy loads.

This one-wheeled electric vehicle not only can ride over city streets but can handle rugged, off-road terrain. It has an air-spring suspension system with 3.3″ of vertical travel and an 18″x3″ tire for absorbing shocks. Its 2200W motor can hit speeds of 30 mph or more, and can climb angles up to 35 degrees.

Wheelkinetic claims their electric scooter is the most portable and lightweight model you can buy. The BooZter folds to just 10″ x 18.5″ – small enough to fit into a backpack – and weighs just 6.5 kg (14.3 lb). Despite its size, its makers say it can run up to 20km (12.4 mi) on a 2-hour charge. It has a 100 kg (220 lb) weight capacity.

This electric mobility device folds up to a ridiculously small size, making it easy to carry just about anywhere. It rides like a bike, but with scooter-sized wheels. Its battery provides 30 km (~18.6 mi) of range, with a top speed of 18 km/h (~11.5 mph). It weighs just 32 lb, and measures 455 x 320 x 230 mm (~ 17.9 x 12.6 x 12.6″ ) when folded.