Zapata Airscooter

Zapata Airscooter Introduction:

Zapata Airscooter enters 2026 as a rare bird in personal aviation. Built in France by inventor Franky Zapata’s aerospace firm, it arrives as a personal eVTOL aircraft that satisfies FAA Part 103 ultralight rules. That means recreational operation in the United States without a traditional pilot license. Starting at $250,000 USD ($209,850 EUR), it sits firmly in the premium tier of hybrid electric aviation. A 4.5 to 5 kWh hybrid buffer battery pairs with a thermal engine, enabling up to 120 minutes of flight and a 160 km range. With a maximum speed of 100 km/h, equal to 62 mph, it redefines what a single seat aircraft can deliver to everyday enthusiasts.

• Manufactured in France, unveiled as a 2026 model year ultralight aircraft.
• Designed to comply with FAA Part 103 for simplified ownership in the United States.
• Starting price positioned at $250,000 USD ($209,850 EUR) in the premium recreational segment.
• Features a hybrid electric and thermal propulsion system for extended endurance.
• Targets luxury commuters and adventure focused early adopters.

What Is the Price of Zapata Airscooter in 2026?

The Zapata Airscooter price starts at $250,000 USD ($209,850 EUR). That figure places it squarely in the luxury personal aviation niche. Buyers receive a hybrid powered ultralight aircraft with enclosed cockpit and two hour flight endurance.

Each configuration retains the same core specifications. The hybrid electric aviation system balances energy density and efficiency. The Performance Trim extends usable range for regional travel. The Experience Edition supports new owners with structured training. Pricing reflects carbon fiber construction, advanced fly by wire control, and distributed electric propulsion safety architecture.

Engine, Battery, and Performance Specs:

Battery & Charging Specifications

The aircraft employs a 4.5 to 5 kWh battery pack as a hybrid buffer. That equals roughly 4.5 kWh usable electric capacity paired with 18.9 liters of petrol for the thermal engine. Flying range reaches 160 km, equivalent to nearly 99 miles. Endurance peaks at 120 minutes under mixed conditions. Maximum flight altitude extends to 4,000 meters, about 13,123 feet. Charging occurs via standard AC electric input while refueling uses conventional gasoline.

• Battery capacity 4.5 to 5 kWh
• Flying range 160 km or 99 miles
• Flight endurance 120 minutes
• Hybrid refueling 18.9 L petrol plus AC charging
• Maximum altitude 4,000 m or 13,123 ft

Electric Motor Specifications

Propulsion relies on twelve electric motors arranged in a distributed electric propulsion layout. Each rotor contributes to stability and redundancy. Total system power remains undisclosed, yet thrust enables vertical takeoff with authority. The hybrid thermal electric powertrain supports sustained cruise around 80 km/h, about 50 mph. Triple redundant flight controllers process inputs 100 times per second for balanced lift.

• Twelve motor distributed electric propulsion system
• Hybrid thermal electric architecture
• Cruising speed 80 km/h or 50 mph
• Triple redundant fly by wire control

Performance Specifications

Top speed reaches 100 km/h, or 62 mph. Empty weight stands at 115 kg, about 254 lb. Maximum takeoff weight equals 235 kg, roughly 518 lb. Payload capacity allows 120 kg, or 265 lb, including pilot and gear. Acceleration into vertical climb feels brisk due to instant electric torque.

• Top speed 100 km/h or 62 mph
• Empty weight 115 kg or 254 lb
• Maximum takeoff weight 235 kg or 518 lb
• Payload capacity 120 kg or 265 lb

Advantages emerge quickly. Two hour endurance opens regional hops. Hybrid energy storage reduces range anxiety. Distributed propulsion enhances safety margins. And fly by wire logic makes entry level flying approachable.

Exterior and Interior Features

Exterior Design

The egg shaped carbon fiber fuselage defines its profile. Dimensions measure 340 cm by 340 cm by 256 cm, or 11.2 by 11.2 by 8.4 feet. Fixed tricycle landing gear supports operations on grass fields and private pads. Twelve propellers stretch across eight booms with a high rear tail boom. LED navigation lights integrate seamlessly into the composite frame. Panoramic glazing offers near 360 degree visibility.

Interior & Technology

The cockpit centers on a minimalist digital interface. Two joystick controllers resemble advanced gaming hardware. The fly by wire system corrects pitch and roll automatically. A four point harness secures the pilot. Smart device connectivity enables GPS planning and remote diagnostics. Weather resistant upholstery supports two hour missions in comfort.

Owners gain enclosed protection absent in open frame rivals. Carbon fiber construction lowers mass while preserving rigidity. Digital controls reduce pilot workload. And panoramic glazing amplifies immersion during sightseeing flights.

Pros and Cons:

Pros

• FAA Part 103 compliance for simplified operation in the United States
• Hybrid powertrain delivering 120 minute endurance
• Enclosed carbon fiber cockpit with 360 degree visibility
• Distributed electric propulsion with motor redundancy
• Premium construction and advanced fly by wire controls

Cons

• Entry price at $250,000 USD ($209,850 EUR) limits accessibility
• Single passenger capacity only
• Hybrid engine introduces higher acoustic output than pure electric craft

Market position & Expert Data:

Positioned within luxury recreational aviation, the aircraft benefits from FAA Part 103 classification. According to Reuters, global interest in personal eVTOL platforms increased over 28 percent in 2025. That momentum supports premium offerings focused on endurance and safety. Research from McKinsey indicates urban air mobility could reach a multi billion dollar valuation by 2030, driven by hybrid and electric architectures.

Franky Zapata, Founder of Zapata, stated in industry briefings that hybrid endurance remains central to adoption. Data reveals competitors often offer under 30 minutes of battery only flight. With 120 minutes endurance, the aircraft stands apart in practical utility. According to Harvard Business Review, consumer acceptance rises sharply when operational barriers decline. FAA ultralight classification lowers such barriers.

Conclusion:

Personal aviation takes tangible form here. Two hour endurance, hybrid propulsion, and enclosed comfort create a rare offering. Price positions it among luxury toys, yet performance justifies attention. For early adopters seeking freedom above highways, it delivers serious capability in a compact frame.