Gosh Babe! Can I Get One?
When I was coming of age during the 1960s, we drew sketches of machines like this, but the closest thing were Formula One cars and Grand Prix motorcycles that mostly raced on the European circuits. We have a few untralights that fly along the coast here in Oregon, the wildest being a powered parachute. I had several motorcycles and always wanted to fly a plane. This machine was front page at Global Times, “China's first fully electric single-seater flying 'go-kart' set for production in March 2025,” and the short article says it will be sold, meaning it’s been tested and licensed for production by China. It’s electric, so it can’t go very far. But the payload’s just right for the weekly grocery errand trek—50-mile roundtrip.
Yes, it’s material and somewhat frivolous. But it’s a reminder of what we once thought probable. And it’s a marker of decline: We in the Empire await something similar to Japan/China’s High Speed Rail, and now this “toy” will soon appear.
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It's an absolute nightmare.
Shenzhen has a population approaching 14 million and a very high proportion owns an electric scooter. Think about that. Millions of silent chunks of metal infesting the pavements riding in both directions at remarkable speeds ignoring all traffic rules, swarming across green-lit pedestrian crossings while watching their phones so that walking anywhere in town is a constant battle to avoid glancing blows. I have been bruised several times and friends have suffered injuries needing hospital treatment. The idea that in a few years they will have taken to the air around us as well makes me glad I shall not be around much longer!
I want a marine version to cruise my waterways and fish occasionally. That rig with pontoons would do. I am sure to get into strife at my age ;))