LONDON, July 26 — You've seen them in science fiction films, but the hoverbike could soon become a commercial reality.

The brainchild of British designer Chris Malloy, “the world's first hoverbike” combines “the freedom of a helicopter with the simplicity of a motorcycle” to offer a whole new way to fly.

The bike is currently available as a 1/3 scale hoverbike drone, which is listed on crowdfunding website Kickstarter as a means of funding the full-size version. The inventors claim the drone will allow users to see and feel exactly what flying the hoverbike would be like.

Featuring a multipurpose platform suitable for transporting a variety of objects, the drone comes with colourful LED lights framing its wheels.

The full-sized hoverbike, currently in the final prototype stages, could be flown manned or unmanned, whilst its smaller version can fly on a pre-determined fight path as well as “follow” and “loiter.”

There was excitement earlier this year when it was announced that Aerofex would start shipping its own hovercraft in 2017.

The drone versions of the hoverbike cost from £595 (RM3,200) and are expected to ship this November. — AFP-Relaxnews