It flies: Dubai Police unveil new hoverbike

Dubai: The city's tech-savvy police force recently unveiled a number of gizmos, including a flying motorbike.

The new crime-fighting "hoverbike" is part of the impressive display of advanced technology unveiled at the on-going Gitex, the region's biggest tech show.

The battery-powered flying bike, co-developed with Russian drone manufacturer Hoversurf, is being eyed for use in responding to emergency situations, said a Dubai police officer.

It can fly five metres above the surface and carry a policeman during emergency situations and heavy traffic.

The hoverbike is currently undergoing tests. Here's a video of the flying bike's test flight in Dubai.

With a pilot, the hoverbike can fly for up to 25 minutes, move up to 70 kph (43mph) and carry up to 300kg of weight.

It can also fly without a pilot and can cover up to 6km, First Sergeant Ali Ahmad Mohammad from the VIP Security Department in Dubai Police told Gulf News.

The vehicle was shown off to onlookers at the on-going tech show alongside a prototype robotic car. Gitex runs until Thursday, October 12.