Chinese Startup Unveils Drone You Can Fly Standing Up

Chinese startup CoolFly has unveiled an unusual aircraft called the Urban, which lets the pilot fly while standing. This single-seat electric drone is described by its developers as an "aerial skateboard." According to Global Times, mastering the controls takes about 10 minutes, reports infohub.kz.

The Urban doesn't look like a conventional airplane: it has no wings or cockpit. Instead, it features a circular platform about 3.5 meters in diameter, housing four fans protected by grilles. In the center of the platform is a spot for the pilot.

The device is designed for individuals up to 1.9 meters tall and weighing up to 90 kilograms. To take off, you simply step onto the platform and press the takeoff button; direction is controlled via a joystick. According to the company, the Urban can reach speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour and stay airborne for about 11 minutes. The price starts at approximately 6.3 million tenge.

The drone's key feature is its control system. As the pilot constantly shifts body position, the center of gravity changes. To prevent the aircraft from losing balance, sensors track the pilot's position and automatically adjust fan thrust. CoolFly explains that the system works on the same principle as a hoverboard, so no lengthy training is needed—just getting used to the aircraft's movements.

The developers have also focused on safety. The Urban is equipped with a redundant control system, a parachute, airbags, and protective elements around the fans. Lidar (a technology for measuring distances to objects using light pulses) and cameras help detect obstacles such as trees and power lines.

The company has already tested the Urban in extreme conditions: in February 2026, two units lifted performers into the air during events in Harbin. The flights took place at temperatures around -30 degrees Celsius and in heavy snowfall.

CoolFly is currently signing agreements with dealers and collaborating with tourist sites and flight camps in China. Outside the country, the Urban is planned to be sold as a personal aircraft.