Personal eVTOLs and hoverbikes: aircraft you fly yourself
The 5 personal aircraft and hoverbikes we track: what each costs, how far it has got and whether you'd need a pilot's license. Checked October 17, 2026.
These are small vertical-takeoff aircraft that their owner flies, rather than an operator. Four of the five are designed to the US ultralight rules (FAA Part 103), so their makers say no pilot certificate is needed. Only the Jetson ONE is being delivered to owners. To try one first, the LIFT Aircraft HEXA is the option: you can book a $199 training session and introductory flight in Austin, Texas, and fly the HEXA yourself.
Pivotal Helix
From $190,000
LIFT Aircraft HEXA
Flights from $199
Jetson ONE
$148,000
Doroni H1-X
$400,000 (expected)
Volonaut Airbike
$880,000Compare price, flight time and license
| Vehicle | Price | Status | Seats | Flight time | License (US) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetson ONE | $148,000 | Delivering | 1 | About 20 minutes | None needed (maker says Part 103) |
| Pivotal Helix | From $190,000 | Testing | 1 | Up to 20 minutes (Pivotal) | None needed (maker says Part 103) |
| LIFT Aircraft HEXA | Flights from $199 | Testing | 1 | Up to 15 minutes with reserve (8 to 15 minutes typical); introductory flights last 3 to 5 minutes | None needed (maker says Part 103) |
| Doroni H1-X | $400,000 (expected) | Prototype | 2 | Not stated | Pilot certificate |
| Volonaut Airbike | $880,000 | Prototype | 1 | Up to 10 minutes, depending on rider weight | None needed (maker says Part 103) |
Questions people ask
What is a personal eVTOL?
A small electric aircraft that takes off and lands vertically and is built for its owner to fly, usually with one seat. Many are designed to the US ultralight rules (FAA Part 103): one occupant, recreation or sport only, under 254 lb empty, no more than 55 knots (63 mph), daylight only and never over towns or crowds. Within those limits no pilot certificate is needed.
Do you need a pilot's license to fly a personal eVTOL?
Not for a Part 103 ultralight in the US. The makers of the Jetson ONE, Pivotal Helix, LIFT Aircraft HEXA and Volonaut Airbike say their aircraft meet Part 103, which needs no pilot certificate; the FAA doesn't certify ultralights, so that is the maker's own declaration. The Doroni H1-X needs a pilot certificate. Rules differ outside the US.
What is the cheapest personal eVTOL you can buy?
The Jetson ONE at $148,000 is the cheapest with a stated price that takes orders, and it's being delivered. To try one first, the LIFT Aircraft HEXA is the option: you can book a $199 training session and introductory flight in Austin, Texas, and fly the HEXA yourself.
Are hoverbikes real?
Yes, as prototypes. Volonaut is taking reservations for the jet-powered Airbike and said in April 2026 that it had completed its first series of US test flights in California. Its preorder terms say buyers will be contacted once the production version is frozen. No customer deliveries or independent performance data have been published.
More guides
- Roadable aircraft: flying cars you can also drive
Every drive-and-fly car: price, status and the takeoff it needs.
- Air taxis: who's flying, where and when
Launch cities, fares and certification progress.
- How much does a flying car cost?
Prices from $148,000 to $1.2 million, and where each number comes from.
- Flying cars you can buy or pre-order
Who takes orders today, the deposit, and the license you'd need.
- Are flying cars real yet?
What's flying today and what's still a prototype.