Personal aerial transit is shifting from high-altitude concepts into compact, individual aircraft. Aviation startup CoolFly has introduced the Urban, a standing-position electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle built to function like an airborne hoverboard.
CoolFly’s Urban is a $99,999 personal standing eVTOL designed for short-distance individual flight. Powered by the proprietary NA80 flight control system, the aircraft offers an 11-minute flight time and a top speed of 43 mph. It targets recreational users and low-altitude tourism, requiring minimal training without traditional piloting complexity.
| Feature / Metric | Specification |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Category | Standing Personal eVTOL (“Air Skateboard”) |
| Retail Price | $99,999 USD |
| Maximum Flight Duration | 11 minutes |
| Top Speed | 43 mph (approx. 69 km/h) |
| Flight Control Technology | In-house NA80 System |
| Integrated Safety Features | Radar auto-landing, fan protection, backup controller, parachute |
| Estimated Delivery Timeline | 2027 (2025–2026 production runs sold out) |
How the CoolFly Urban Controls Flight
Unlike traditional multicopters or enclosed cabin aircraft, the Urban requires the rider to stand upright on a central platform. Operating the craft involves pressing a primary takeoff button and guiding direction with a single control stick.
Operational stability relies on CoolFly’s proprietary NA80 flight control hardware and software. Body-tracking sensors monitor the pilot’s posture in real time, automatically adjusting fan output to rebalance the center of gravity during maneuvers.
Safety Engineering and Testing
Operating an open-air standing platform introduces unique safety considerations. CoolFly has addressed these by equipping the Urban with protective shrouding over the lift fans alongside redundant flight control systems.
The craft incorporates a radar-assisted automated landing routine and an emergency ballistic parachute. Environmental testing included demonstrations in severe cold conditions during February 2026 to verify component reliability in adverse weather.
Commercial Release and Regulatory Status
With a retail price set at $99,999, initial production units allocated for 2025 and 2026 have completely sold out. Customer deliveries are planned for 2027, with early commercial rollouts expected across tourist destinations in China.
CoolFly states that the ultralight aircraft can be learned in 10 minutes and operated without a formal pilot’s license. However, formal flight authorization and low-altitude airspace classification in overseas jurisdictions like the United States remain under review.
The Evolving Landscape of Personal Aviation
The launch comes amid rapid expansion in single-rider eVTOL development, joining platforms such as the Pivotal Helix, Jetson, and XPENG. Regional governments in China are actively developing low-altitude infrastructure to manage incoming low-altitude airspace traffic.
Industry safety protocols remain under intense public observation following high-profile flight test incidents in 2025. Despite regulatory and technical hurdles, consumer demand for compact personal aircraft continues to build globally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a pilot’s license to fly the CoolFly Urban?
CoolFly has designed the Urban as an ultralight vehicle that does not require a formal pilot’s license. However, operational restrictions and flight permissions will depend on local aviation authorities in each country.
How long can the CoolFly Urban remain airborne?
The aircraft provides up to 11 minutes of continuous flight time per charge, reaching maximum speeds of 43 mph. It is built primarily for short, controlled recreational trips.
What emergency systems are built into the craft?
Safety equipment includes a backup control unit, fan protective shrouds, radar-assisted auto-landing, dynamic center-of-gravity auto-balancing, and a deployable parachute.