Electric Paramotor FAQs

Answers to these questions are based on the first practical prototype designed, built and flown by Csaba Lemak of Canada. Mind you, he's working feverishly to improve these numbers, but I believe that, when it's all said and done, these will be close.

How much does it weigh?

With enough batteries for a 30 minute flight, about 45 pounds. Each additional 10 minutes of flying will require about 5 pounds of batteries. It is, in fact, this efficiency that has made the biggest strides towards success. Using lead-acid batteries were allow only about a 10 minute flight for a 90 pound machine.

How long will it fly?

An hour should be no problem for a pilot up to 200 pounds. As mentioned above, it just depends on how much weight in batteries you want to carry. An efficient wing will help dramatically.

How much will it cost?

As with any new technology, it will be more. If priced to recoup development costs, they would necessarily cost around $8,000 but may be priced less to compete with gas motors.

How much thrust will it have?

The batteries have amazing capability to produce current but the motor is limiting since windings melt with too much current flow. Expect to have bursts of 120 lbs of thrust and 100 pounds continuous. That will, of course, increase. 

How big a pilot can fly it?

The question really is about thrust since, with skill, a 200 pound pilot can fly 100 pound thrust machine under an efficient wing. One major value, however, is that the electric loses very little power with increased elevation. Where a 100 pound thrust machine may only put out 85 pounds at 5000 foot elevation, the electric machine would put out 95 pounds. The only loss is from the propeller.

Where can I get one?

Right now, nowhere. As soon as a production model comes on the market, you'll read about it here!