We live in an amazing time of technological innovation. AI, Machine Learning, and natural language models are infiltrating every aspect of our lives from the jobs we do to our leisure time activities. Many see AI as evil and not all that useful. I would absolutely be in that camp.
The advancements in robotics, I must admit, are jaw-dropping. The things these engineers and scientists can do seem like a science fiction story. That is especially true with drones. Their presence is everywhere, especially in sports. Now you can even have your own personal drone, thanks to HOVERAir, and use it to record your bike rides or whatever activity or adventure you like.
Who Is HOVERAir?
HoverAir was created by the company Zero Zero, founded in 2014 by two Stanford Phds: MQ Wang and Tony Zhang. According to the HOVERAir website, the two cofounders specialize “in embedded Al technology to create intelligence devices characterized by machine vision and high precision control systems.”
The company states it has over 140 patents for consumer-level robotics, and that it has received industry attention. Maybe that’s due to the design awards the company has won for its development of the propeller system in its hover products and its “dual rotor propeller system in the v-Coptr Falcon…”
HOVERAir’s Drones and How They Work
The drone folds down for storage, but when opened, it fits in the palm of your hand, as you can see in the image above. With many flight patterns available at the touch of a button, HOVERAir can also generate high-resolution video. Here is just a short list of its abilities.
- Follow
- Side Track
- Bird’s Eye
- Zoom Out
- Orbit
- Dolly Track
- 360 Spin
Currently, HOVERAir offers three personal drones: the X1 ($349), X1 Pro ($499), and the X1 Promax ($699). All three drones are available on the HOVERAir website, but the drones can also be purchased on Amazon. The company recommends the X1 Pro or the X1 Promax for use in cycling.
HOVERAir for Use in Cycling
You wouldn’t think even the most advanced drone could keep up with a fast-moving sport like cycling with its changes in speed, tight collection of riders in the peloton, and the varied terrain it covers. The HOVERAir seems to be able to react to and adjust for all these factors.
The device will supposedly follow a cyclist with speeds up to 26 mph. However, there’s no information as to what happens if a cyclist achieves faster speeds than this stated limitation, such as if the video becomes choppy, blurs, or just stops recording.
HOVERAir recommends either the X1 Pro or X1 Promax for use in cycling. At a weight of 192 grams and with advanced built-in image stabilization, the HOVERAir (X1 Pro model) is a sleek flying machine with eleven flying modes. It’s designed to take on tricky areas, to adjust to harsh conditions, and to withstand crashes, which probably occur more in mountain biking than road cycling.
The HOVERAir is a Drone Built For Cycling
While HOVERAir doesn’t state who can benefit from the use of its drones, the company’s website makes it pretty clear that it gears its devices toward cycling and bicyclists. That’s why the X1 Pro and X1 Pro max both have a cycling mode.
If this mode is selected, a cyclist can choose from three follow distances and two height perspectives. If you’re not satisfied with any of those, you can also tell the device in what way you want it to follow you. Perhaps that’s why USA Cycling partnered with HOVERAir for use in its races and cycling events.
HOVERAir offers lots of accessories for its drones. However, one accessory that will appeal to cyclists is the Cycling Combo Kit, which includes a beacon that can be mounted on your handlebars. The beacon will also allow you to view the image the drone is seeing.
Last Thoughts
Some may think the use of a personal drone to record a bike ride is a bit self-indulgent. Others may think it allows you to appreciate the location you are riding in. The truth is, a personal drone can be a security blanket if you are ever involved in an accident or crash, such as an altercation with a car. True, there are tail lights that record riding video, but not the way a drone can in the way it can follow and move around you.
HOVERAir’s devices are relatively affordable based on the cost of a lot of other cycling-specific gear. For $500 (almost the cost of a high-end cycling kit), you can have a constant, mobile video companion that launches from and lands in your hand. That seems like a small investment to add a layer of protection while you are out on your road ride. Maybe the video the drone records will make you fall in love again with the sport.
The original source from：https://bicycledaytrip.com/2025/08/14/video-your-cycling-travels-adventures-with-a-personal-drone-from-hoverair/
