Flying Bicycle Becomes A Reality = Paravelo

John Foden and Yannick Read live in the UK and love two things very much "“ bikes and flying.  Merge those two passions together and you have the XploreAir Paravelo flying bicycle.  Sure it is still not fully funded on KickStarter, Sure it costs about $16,000, but I seriously want one!  Read on for details and video of the Paravelo Flying Bike in action.

The XploreAir Paravelo flying bike that transforms from bike, to bike with trailer, to flying bike, to campsite, etc, super ingenious.  The Paravelo flies at 25 mph at altitudes of up to 4,000ft.  Don't feel like flying today, pedal.  Or turn on the fan for land speeds around 15 mph.  Need a rest, stop and set up camp with the built-in tent.

One vehicle – 4 ways to use it

1. Ride
Use the bicycle on its own as you would any other bike. Fold it up to store or carry on the bus, train or metro.

2. Tow
Hitch the air frame trailer to the bike and you’re ready for expedition, flight and adventure. Designed to carry the powerful motor, the air frame trailer also houses the wing, fuel and any additional supplies you’ll need.

3. Fly
The bike docks with its air frame trailer to form a para-trike configuration for optimum expedition autonomy. In this set-up you can carry all the equipment you need to ride, fly and camp.

Alternatively, detach the bike and air frame trailer and wear the powerful fan on your back for a foot launch. This set-up gives improved performance in the air and allows for take off in higher and changeable wind conditions. In most territories, no license required to fly in this configuration.

4. Flamp
Use the optional tent to fly / camp – we call it flamping. Ride your bike out of the city, fly, pitch your tent. Detach the bike to explore or fetch supplies.

The biggest flaw with their kickstarter pitch is that backers don't even get to buy the completed unit.  Bleh.