The world of mobility is changing faster than we can get used to the new innovations. Five years ago, electric cars seemed exotic, but today they are an everyday occurrence. But what lies ahead in the next 5-10 years? Flying taxis, personal drones, bike overpasses, and underground rockets. By 2026, many of these technologies have moved from the realm of fantasy to the stage of test operations. Let's figure out what people will be moving around on tomorrow.

Electric scooters and micro-mobility

Electric scooters have become a common means of transport in megacities. But the future of micro-mobility lies in more sophisticated devices. In 2026, "smart" scooters that come to you on call (like robot lawnmowers, only with a handle) are being tested on the streets of Berlin and San Francisco. They already have off-road suspension and large wheels (to avoid getting stuck in tram tracks). Electric skateboards with auto-balancing (like improved hoverboards) are still expensive, but will become cheaper by 2030. The main trend is devices that fold up and fit into a backpack.

Electric flying taxis (eVTOL)

Companies like Volocopter, Lilium, and Archer are already conducting test flights over Paris and Miami. By 2026, commercial routes have been launched in Dubai and Los Angeles. Flying taxis are designed for 2-5 passengers, with a range of 100 km. Speed is about 150 km/h. This is 3-5 times faster than ground transport during rush hour. The cost is currently exorbitant (200-300 dollars per flight), but will decrease with scaling. Tickets can be purchased in an app. Problems: noise (although new propellers are quieter) and safety (unmanned modes are not yet approved by regulators).

Autonomous shuttles (robo-buses)

In 2026, driverless micro-buses are operating in the suburbs of Las Vegas, Singapore, and Tokyo. They travel on designated lanes, with a speed of up to 40 km/h. Their task is to take passengers from the subway station to their homes. Inside, there is an emergency stop button and a monitor with the route. Passengers are still skeptical, but accidents are rare. By 2030, robo-buses should replace many municipal transport routes.

Personal drones (single-person helicopters)

The most ambitious form of mobility is a single-person flying vehicle. The Chinese company EHang received a certificate in 2025 and began selling the single-person drone EH216. It resembles a large coffee maker with propellers. Control is through a tablet (the passenger is the pilot, with minimal involvement). The price is 400,000 dollars. For now, it's a toy for billionaires. But in 10 years, such drones may become more affordable. Unfortunately, in Russia, legislation is against it (permits are needed, as well as helipads).

Hyperloop vacuum trains

Elon Musk's idea of trains in vacuum tubes moving at speeds of up to 1200 km/h is closer to realization. Virgin Hyperloop has built a test track in the Nevada desert. In 2026, the first commercial route (a short one in Dubai) is expected. Passengers sit in capsules for 20 people. Acceleration to 1000 km/h takes a minute. Problems: the cost of building the tube (billions of dollars), vibrations, and safety (how to evacuate in case of a breakdown?). But if Hyperloop works, you can travel from Moscow to Saint Petersburg in half an hour.

Cargo drones for delivery

Today, Amazon and Walmart are already testing drone deliveries. But by 2026, the carrying capacity of drones has increased to 5 kg, and the range to 30 km. Regular deliveries of medicines, pizza, and packages have been launched in the suburbs of London and Seattle. The drone is controlled by AI, avoiding collisions with birds and airplanes. In 2026, the Russian Aviation Authority allowed flights of cargo drones over sparsely populated areas of Russia (Kaluga Oblast). Delivery takes 20-30 minutes. The next step is drones for transporting organs for transplantation.

Underground roads (tunnels)

Traffic jams can be overcome by hiding the transport underground. The Boring Company's system in Las Vegas is already working: tunnels for Tesla electric cars on autopilot. The car descends on a lift, travels 40 km under the city, and rises. In 2026, such a system appeared in Los Angeles and Miami. There is no such system in Moscow due to geology and the metro. However, this is not a replacement for the metro, but a way for car owners to bypass traffic jams (paid). Environmentalists say that there are unjustified energy costs for lighting and ventilation.

Solar panels on bicycles

Bicycle mobility is also developing. In the Netherlands and California, electric bicycles with built-in solar panels (in the basket or on the spokes) are being sold. They add 10-15 km of range on a sunny day. This is enough for the city. Manufacturers are also experimenting with bicycles that generate energy from pedaling and feed it into the grid (energy-efficient transport). In 2026, such models are available in Germany.

The latest forms of mobility are not just speed and comfort. They are also ecology. The world is moving towards giving up personal cars in favor of services and sharing. The future has arrived. The question is, will we adapt in time.

Permanent link to this publication: