New electric flying motorcycle: 40 minutes of airtime and a higher price than a Mercedes or Audi.

Just a few months ago, in January 2025, we were introduced to the Skyrider X1 , Kuickwheel's first flying motorcycle that surprised with its revolutionary concept and advanced flight capabilities. Now, the Chinese brand is taking a step forward with the official launch of the Skyrider X6, a hybrid electric motorcycle and flying vehicle that promises to transform urban mobility and open a new chapter in the history of personal transportation.

The Skyrider X6, part of Kuickwheel's international high-tech range marketed under the Rictor brand, is now available for pre-orders. It's presented as a three-wheeled, tilting amphibious flying motorcycle that combines innovative design with cutting-edge technology. Its price is 498,000 yuan (about €59,890), higher than the starting price of premium models such as a Mercedes C-Class or an Audi A5 .

This dual-mode vehicle operates both on the road and in the air. On the ground, it features a mid-mounted electric motor that drives the rear wheels, reaching a top speed of 70 km/h and a range of up to 200 km under the CLTC cycle (more optimistic than the European WLTP). Its reverse tricycle design with a tilting mechanism allows for stable and agile handling, especially in curves.

In the air, the Skyrider X6 deploys a six-rotor, six-axis electric system capable of flight speeds of up to 72 km/h. The standard 10.5 kWh battery can stay airborne for around 20 minutes, but Kuickwheel also offers a 21 kWh version that extends flight time to 40 minutes or allows for travel of up to 200 km on highways. This dual configuration makes the X6 an adaptable solution for both rapid urban commuting and emergency transport or short-range recreational use.

To achieve this balance between driving and flying, the X6 is built with ultra-light materials. It uses carbon fiber and aeronautical aluminum alloy, which reduce weight without sacrificing strength or stability. The two-wheel front and one-wheel rear design improves stability on the road and allows for easier and safer cornering thanks to the system that tilts the vehicle when turning.

In terms of flight control, the vehicle offers automatic modes for takeoff, landing, cruise, and route planning, making it easy for less experienced pilots. However, it also allows manual flight via an integrated joystick for those who prefer to take control. Safety is beyond question, as each rotor has an independent motor, ensuring that if one fails, the vehicle can continue flying. The emergency parachute deploys in 0.3 seconds.

The 10.5 kWh battery supports DC fast charging and can be fully recharged in approximately one hour, enabling frequent use with minimal downtime.

Compared to the Skyrider X1, the X6 represents an evolution. The X1, unveiled at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, used an eight-rotor system on four axes, while the X6 simplified the design to six rotors on six axes, seeking greater efficiency and stability. The X1 was offered in two versions: one with a 10.5 kWh wet battery and 25 minutes of flight time, and another with a 21 kWh battery that reached up to 40 minutes and 50 km of range. Both had 50 kW fast charging.

Kuickwheel's proposal with the Skyrider X6 responds to growing urban congestion and the need for agile, flexible, and sustainable mobility solutions. For example, a car journey in Shanghai that can take up to 90 minutes could be reduced to 15 minutes with this flying vehicle, representing a considerable time saving for the user.

However, not everything is immediately beneficial. Current regulations in China impose strict restrictions on low-altitude flights, below 200 meters, which currently limits the Skyrider's real-life use in flight mode. To legally pilot it, it will be necessary to obtain an LSA license for light sport aircraft, a costly process that requires training.

In terms of operating costs, fuel consumption per kilometer in flight is 3 yuan (about €0.36), and annual maintenance costs range from 20,000 to 30,000 yuan (€2,400 to €3,600), amounts that reflect the high technological level of this type of vehicle, which is still beyond the reach of the general public.