Pre-orders for the Velocitor X-1, a single-seater electric aircraft capable of taking off directly from the ground and lifting you above the traffic jam on the road, have just opened. This compact wonder from Michigan startup Velo X Aerospace just happens to arrive at a time when EV vertical take-off alternatives remain extremely limited for the typical buyer. The company has received dozens of reservations for its initial production run, which is set to launch in early 2027.
Eight electric motors power propellers installed at each end of four arms, allowing the creature to take off vertically and land with the same ease as it glides forward. By distributing power over numerous separate units, they avoid having the entire system fail if one engine fails. It also has a system that mixes user inputs with automatic modifications to keep the thing steady even when you’re hovering and taking it hard. GPS helps maintain the aircraft level without the need for constant stick manipulation, and the controls are designed to be familiar to anyone who has piloted side-by-side automobiles, snowmobiles, or motorbikes.
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Safety is a top priority here, with a LiDAR system ahead of the plane constantly monitoring for obstructions such as power wires and trees and assisting in their avoidance. If the pilot loses control, a ballistic parachute can release quickly and easily, even from as low as 50 feet. The aircraft’s body is made of durable composite materials, with a strengthened seat and a four-point harness to keep the pilot safe in the case of a difficult landing.
The X-1’s performance is geared at shorter excursions, as it can cruise at 70 mph, leaving traffic in the dust. Flight time is approximately 45 minutes with a 15-minute reserve on a full charge, while some people have claimed getting an hour total with reserve. Recharging to 80% takes around an hour, and the maximum payload is 260 pounds for the pilot and gear. It’s not particularly large, measuring 91 inches wide and 100 inches long, so owners can launch from their driveways or tiny clearings.
Velo X Aerospace is based on the skills of founders Jeff Williams and Galen Geigley, who have worked on light aircraft and powered parachutes. The team is aiming for certification under the FAA’s MOSAIC guidelines, which expedite approval of lighter, more creative aircraft. They also have three test platforms that have actually been in the air, with ongoing work to ensure that the propellers and motors are functioning perfectly.
The initial 100 units will be priced at a cool $156,000. They require a $5,000 payment to reserve your spot, and over half of the original spaces were filled immediately after pre-orders went live. Following that, they require 50% payment well in advance of production, with the remainder required once the plane is ready to fly.
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