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Pilotless egg-shaped taxi drones to ferry passengers around Dubai by JULY — so would you give it a try?

Chinese-made EHang 184 fits one person and can fly for half an hour at a time

DUBAI'S dramatic skyline will soon be filled with buzzing passenger drones ferrying tourists and commuters.

The 100mph pilotless electric single-seaters, unveiled during the World Government Summit in the city in the United Arab Emirates, will start operating as taxis in July.

A passenger drone soars over a city in a 'science-fiction' scene that will be reality in months
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A passenger drone soars over a city in a 'science-fiction' scene that will be reality in months
Dubai will start operating these electric helicopter taxis in July
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Dubai will start operating these electric helicopter taxis in JulyCredit: EPA

The Chinese-made EHang 184, unveiled last month in Nevada, fits one person and can fly for 30 minutes at a time.

Passengers of up to 16st will use a touch-screen to choose a destination up to 31 miles away and then be whisked off automatically by a command centre.

Passengers will use a touch-screen to control the pilotless vehicles
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Passengers will use a touch-screen to control the pilotless vehicles

The chopper will be monitored at all times from a ground control room.

The propellers fold inwards so it can land in a standard parking space.

Dubai’s transport head Mattar al-Tayer confirmed: “We have experimented with this vehicle in Dubai’s skies.”

A model of the aerial vehicle was unveiled at the World Government Summit 2017 in Dubai on Monday
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A model of the aerial vehicle was unveiled at the World Government Summit 2017 in Dubai on MondayCredit: Getty Images
The EHang 184 fits one person and can fly for 30 minutes at a time
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The EHang 184 fits one person and can fly for 30 minutes at a timeCredit: AP:Associated Press

Each tiny egg-shaped drone has four legs sticking out, with two small propellers on each leg.

French plane maker Airbus will begin testing flying taxis this year.

Last month an Israeli firm announced a military passenger drone, which can carry 78st at up to 115mph, could be in use by 2020.

An artist’s impression of the multipropeller CityAirbus vehicle
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An artist’s impression of the multipropeller CityAirbus vehicleCredit: AIRBUS
Airbus will begin testing by the end of 2017, according to its CEO
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Airbus will begin testing by the end of 2017, according to its CEO

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And last year Airbus formed a division called Urban Air Mobility that is exploring concepts such as a vehicle to transport individuals or a helicopter-style vehicle that can carry multiple riders.

Customers could book a seat using an app similar to Uber.

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