A Japanese flying bike — which recently took off for its public flight in the US — may soon be manufactured in the UAE.

“We are producing up to five units a month and plan mass production next year in Abu Dhabi in a joint venture with a (UAE) company,” said Yuma Takenaka, global marketing executive manager of Aerwins, the manufacturer of bike called Xturismo.

However, he refused to disclose the name of the UAE firm and how many units are to be produced.

A prototype of the hoverbike is being showcased at Gitex Global 2022, the world’s largest technology exhibition taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre. The expo is running from October 10 to 14, with more than 5,000 technology companies from around the world taking part in the exhibition.

The company also showcased Xturismo at the Detroit Auto Show in September and presented a live demo to the media.

Priced at $777,000 (Dh2.85 million), the single-seater flying bike weighs 300kg and has a maximum payload of 100kg. It cruises at a maximum speed of 100km per hour and a maximum range of 40km.

Since Japan doesn’t classify Xturismo as an aircraft, people don’t need a licence to fly the bike; however, they’re allowed to fly it only above racetracks.