Formula 1-inspired eVTOL AirKart for airborne racing
Meet AirKart, the single-person eVTOL that flies in the sky as a personal racing vehicle, inspired by Formula 1. Designed by the UK-based startup Elevate Racing, the concept hovers at a low height and can be used both for personal flying and racing. The team attempts to combine the features of a typical racing car with those of an aircraft so that the Formula 1-inspired eVTOL AirKart can fly as a personal vehicle for air transport and circuits.
The control system uses GPS and LiDAR, with the former helping track the vehicle’s location while the latter uses laser signals to measure its distances to objects. The flight computer runs safety programs, and there are two main flight modes. The EasyFly Mode is for beginners, where the controls are limited to avoid sudden or unsafe movements. The system can detect and avoid obstacles, and landing can be done by pressing one button. For experienced pilots, they can activate the Sport Mode, where there are no electronic limits on maneuvers, giving the pilot full manual control. This is the mode meant for racing or advanced flying.
all images courtesy of Elevate Racing
Personal vehicle made of natural flax fibers and bio-based resins
For the safety design of the Formula 1-inspired eVTOL AirKart, the design team uses eight electric motors, arranged in a ducted co-axial quadcopter design. This means each of the four positions has two motors stacked vertically and that the propellers are surrounded by protective ducts to avoid debris from entering and hitting the blades. The ducts also improve airflow efficiency and reduce noise.
The personal racing vehicle is fully electric and produces no emissions during flight, and the materials used include natural flax fibers and bio-based resins, combined with aerospace-grade alloys, carbon fiber, and Kevlar. The frame comes from carbon fiber monocoque so that the body and frame are formed as one single shell, similar to what is used in Formula 1 race cars. The propulsion system, called the Double Ducted Coaxial Propulsion System, has each propeller pair enclosed in ducts, the parts designed to improve thrust efficiency during flight and racing.
the concept hovers at a low height and can be used both for personal flying and racing
AeroKarting Tracks in US and EMEA Regions from 2027
The startup says that the Formula 1-inspired eVTOLAirKart’s design focuses on three main areas: safety, performance, and environmental impact. The safety comes from the redundant motors, ducted propellers, and monocoque structure. Performance is from the lightweight frame, aerodynamic ducts, and high-power electric motors, while the environmental considerations focus on using renewable materials and having zero emissions. Elevate Racing plans to position AirKart between traditional drones and larger eVTOL aircraft.
It is small enough for single-person use and short flights, but large enough to carry a pilot with a strong safety system. So far, its top speed is 100 km/h, which is about 65 mph. The highest altitude is 400 meters, which is about 1,300 feet (both speed and altitude are limited by the electronics). The flight time is about 15 minutes on a full battery. AirKart is offered for use at tracks called AeroKarting Tracks. A person can rent the vehicle for about 15 minutes for 249 USD. The tracks are designed for low-altitude courses, and at the time of publishing, Elevate Racing plans to launch its AeroKarting Tracks across US, the Caribbean, and EMEA Region, from late 2027.
the team attempts to combine the features of a typical racing car with those of an aircraft
the design team uses eight electric motors, arranged in a ducted co-axial quadcopter design
the personal racing vehicle is fully electric and produces no emissions during flight
rendered view during air racing
project info:
name: AirKart
startup: Elevate Racing
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