TOKYO — A historic day for technological innovation has arrived from Japan. This morning, a group of visionary engineers presented to the world a prototype that could revolutionize the way we get around: a flying scooter with a starting price of $2,999.

The announcement has created a stir on social media and in the transportation industry, with experts proclaiming that this development could mark the beginning of a new era. Designed to be affordable, efficient and environmentally friendly, this vehicle promises to transform not only urban mobility, but also the very concept of personal transportation.

The prototype, developed by a Japanese startup that has been working on futuristic solutions for years, combines drone technology with advanced electric propulsion systems. According to the creators, the scooter can reach a maximum height of 3 meters and a speed of up to 60 km/h, enough to navigate urban traffic and cover short distances quickly and efficiently.

“Our goal is not just to create an innovative vehicle, but to democratize personal air travel,” CEO Takumi Nakamura explained at the press conference. “That’s why we’ve worked hard to keep the price as affordable as possible.”

Simplicity is another of the design’s strong points. With intuitive controls and a light weight of just 30 kilograms, the scooter is ideal for beginners and tech enthusiasts alike. Plus, it runs on rechargeable batteries that offer a 30-minute runtime, enough for most urban commutes.

The announcement has not come without criticism. Some transportation experts have pointed out that there are still significant legal and infrastructure barriers to mass deployment of flying vehicles. “This is just the beginning. Airspace regulation will be a critical challenge that will determine the success of these types of technologies,” said Keiko Tanaka, a transportation analyst.

Despite the doubts, social media is alight with excitement. Users around the world have flooded platforms like Twitter and Facebook with comments and memes about the future of flying scooters. “Imagine getting to work on a flying scooter while everyone is stuck in traffic!” wrote one user.

Japan is known for being at the forefront of technological innovation, and this prototype reinforces that reputation. While it still needs safety testing and government approval, the flying scooter is already setting trends and attracting the attention of global investors.

“This is an exciting time for humanity. We are seeing dreams that once existed only in science fiction becoming reality,” Nakamura concluded with a smile.

The world will be watching closely as Japan leads this new technological race. If this scooter lives up to its promise, it will undoubtedly be the first step towards a future where flying is no longer just for airplanes.