Flying Taxis and Electric Rickshaws Set To Change Tourist Travel In Bali

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To be honest, if you’ve kept up to date with the news in Bali over the last five years or so, did you roll your eyes at a headline about flying taxis?

Bet you did! Well, the wild idea is seemingly a little closer to becoming reality. With the Bali International Air Show in full swing, leaders have revealed that the island could welcome flying taxis as early as 2028. 

In just four years, flying taxis could be the norm in Bali.

The idea has been on and off the table for five years or so, with many Bali lovers dismissing the notions as another wacky solution proposed by leaders that could be seen to serve as a distraction to the island’s very real traffic congestion issues.

Yet, the idea is much closer to becoming a reality than we all might care to admit. 

Speaking to the press at the Bali International Air Show, the Business Development Manager of PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), Heber Panjaitan, showcased the flying taxi prototype to the world.

Created by Vela Aero, the flying taxi is powered by an electric battery, making it a sustainable vehicle is on display at the event.

Panjaitan told reporters, “This is Velo Alpha. Sometimes people say cars or taxis fly. The first target to enter the market, which we know is Bali.”

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He explained, “The plan is for daily public transportation, like a taxi that is flown. Later, [journeys] can be ordered online, and still have to have a pilot, not just anyone.”

Panjaitan is optimistic that the Vela will be an affordable option for tourists and high-income local residents in Bali.

He explained that for public transport use, a journey in the Vela will start at IDR 400,000. He noted that tourist flights, such as longer flight services and scene flights, would be priced higher.

The public transport using Velas will be able to seat 1 – 3 people, and the tourists using flying taxis will be able to seat 4-6 passengers. 

Panjaitan said, “Why Bali? Because this will be an experience to use new technology. After that, [we are aiming at] densely populated cities, which means that there are often traffic jams like Jakarta.” 

Currently, just one prototype unit has been completed and flown successfully, with a second prototype due to be completed in 2027 as part of the collaboration between PT Vela Prima Nusantara and PTDI.

If all steps go according to plan in the next 3-4 years, Vela will be mass-produced and first fly in Bali in 2028. When released to the market, the Vela is expected to cost around USD 2.7 million.

While flying taxis are still a few years away, local entrepreneurs in Bali have a transportation solution that will help both tourists and the community.

A new electric rickshaw has been launched in Bali by locally founded Paguyuban Becak Listrik Indonesia (PBLI).

The new electric rickshaw called Bali Eco Smart Tourist or BEST was launched at the Bali Transportation Office in Denpasar on Thursday 19th September.

The Chairman of PBLI, Glenny Kairupan, told reporters, “By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, astungkara, I officialize the launch of electric rickshaw in Bali Province. We hope this electric rickshaw can increase tourism and also make Bali environmentally friendly.”

The electric rickshaw, similar to the classic rickshaw design seen across India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and around the world, can travel at 15 kilometers an hour and a maximum distance of 40km before it needs recharging.

The electric rickshaw is estimated to be capable of operating a 6-hour shift in busy tourist areas. 

Kariupan added, “This is a sustainable program from President-Elect Prabowo Subianto. Hopefully, the presence of this electric rickshaw can support local wisdom tourism, which becomes the new attraction of Bali as the mainstay of Indonesian tourism.”

Initial plans show that PBLI wants to focus on offering electric rickshaw services to tourists in and around Denpasar and Kuta to help tackle the traffic congestion issues in these areas, help reduce pollution, and boost the local economy.