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Zapata Airscooter
- Battery Capacity:
- Propulsion System: Distributed Electric Propulsion (DEP)
- Service Ceiling (Max Altitude): 3,000 – 4,000 m
- Takeoff / Landing Type: Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL)
PROS
- High flight endurance relative to many electric VTOL concepts.
- No formal pilot license required under FAA ultralight rules for recreational use.
- Simple vertical take-off and landing without runway.
CONS
- Hybrid system adds mechanical complexity compared with pure electric aircraft.
- Safety and certification standards not matured for broad public use
Zapata Airscooter is a single-seat hybrid electric personal aircraft. It is a vertical take-off and landing vehicle (VTOL) with multicopter style design. You sit inside a small pod and lift straight up like a drone, then travel forward like a light aircraft. It targets the personal flying segment rather than cars, motorcycles, or full size aircraft.
It uses a hybrid powertrain combining electric motors with a small gasoline engine. Flight time is over two hours on a single mission and the range is around 160 km. Top speed is about 100 km/h with cruise around 80 km/h. Charging depends on hybrid design rather than pure battery recharge cycles.
Pricing sits near US$128,000 to US$250,000 depending on configuration and source. It fits pilots and aviation fans with budget above mainstream personal aircraft but below larger air taxis. Alternatives with different focuses include Joby S4 (high-end pure electric eVTOL) and Volocopter 2X (urban air taxi design). Compared with a pure electric VTOL, Airscooter uses hybrid power for longer flight time and simpler energy logistics.
Zapata Airscooter Images
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Full Specifications
Overview Electric Flying Vehicle
| Model | Zapata Airscooter |
| Manufacturer | Zapata (France) |
| Announced | June 2023 |
| launched | 2024 |
| Base Price | 128000 |
Electric Flying Vehicle Dimensions & Build
| Aircraft Type | Hybrid-Electric VTOL (Personal Flying Vehicle) |
| Length | 3.40 m |
| Height | 2.56 m |
| Empty Weight | 112 kg |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) | 232 kg |
| Passenger Capacity | 1 (pilot only) |
| Cargo Capacity | 120 kg (occupant + light cargo) |
| Landing Gear Type | Fixed tricycle gear |
Power & Propulsion
| Battery Type | Lithium-based (undisclosed chemistry) |
| Solar / Hybrid Assist | Hybrid system – electric motors with small combustion range-extending engines |
| Motor | Multiple electric motors (approx. 8) + 4 thermal engines |
| Propulsion System | Distributed Electric Propulsion (DEP) |
| transmission | Direct-drive electric propulsion |
Electric Flying Vehicle Performance
| Cruising speed | 80 km/h (50 mph) |
| Top Speed | 100 km/h (62 mph) |
| Maximum Range | 160 km |
| Endurance (Flight Time) | Up to 2 hours |
| Service Ceiling (Max Altitude) | 3,000 – 4,000 m |
| Takeoff / Landing Type | Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) |
| Flight Modes | Computer-assisted / stabilized modes (fly-by-wire) |
Safety & Systems
| Avionics | Computerized fly-by-wire flight control |
| Flight Control | Dual-joystick assisted control with auto-stabilization |
| Safety Features | Redundant propulsion (multi-motor DEP design) |
| Certifications | Designed for FAA Part 103 (ultralight category, U.S.) |
Interior & Comfort
| Seating Layout | Single-seat cockpit |
| Cabin Type | Enclosed, compact pod with wide forward visibility |
| Infotainment & Displays | Basic digital flight instruments; VR training available |
| Storage Compartments | Minimal / none specified |
| Other Features | Intuitive joystick control; VR simulator training; simple to operate |
Capacities
| Passenger Capacity | 1 |
| Payload Capacity | 120 kg |
Reviews
FAQ
What is the Airscooter range?
Do you need a pilot’s license?
How many people can it carry?
What is the charging process?
Disclaimer Note
We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct
