Shropshire Star

Dubai Police begin training on futuristic hoverbikes

US-supplied hoverbikes that can reach 60mph and fly at 16ft are being tested by Dubai Police

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Hoverbike patrols could soon be a common sight in Dubai, with police beginning training on the futuristic vehicles.

Built by Californian firm Hoversurf, the all-electric Hoverbike S3 weighs just 114kg thanks to its carbon-fibre monocoque frame and can reach speeds of up to 60mph – while also being able to fly at 16 feet. Response times are boosted by automatic take-off and landing as well.

Motorcycle News reports that Dubai Police plans to introduce hoverbike patrols in otherwise hard-to-reach areas of the UAE city. However, it is believed the vehicles can only achieve a flight time of 10 to 25 minutes with a rider on board, making them impractical for use on a wider scale.

A video shows Dubai officers undertaking training on the machines, although there will be some modifications ahead of their use on patrol. Khalid Alrazooqi, chief information officer for Dubai Police, said in a tweet that the final versions will have a safety ring around the blades to eliminate the risk of injury or damage.

You don’t have to be a Dubai police officer to try a hoverbike, though. Hoversurf is taking orders for a mainstream version of the S3, with a price tag of $150,000 (circa £116,000). Deliveries are expected to begin next year.

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