CES 2024: The Best in Travel Tech, From Personal Planes and a will.i.am.-Designed Mercedes-Benz Sound System to an AI-Enabled E-Bike

Design legend Hartmut Esslinger (known for his work at Apple and Sony) is behind Urtopia’s sleek, futuristic Fusion. Touted as the world’s first dual-motor, dual-battery e-bike, this carbon fiber electric bicycle boasts an onboard AI assistant.

The frame is made of top-of-the-line carbon fiber, and riders can go up to 15mph with a range of up to 124 miles with the battery extender (or a 75-mile range without). It features dual-drive 500w front and rear motors, dual drive and throttle modes, a Shimano CUES derailleur, all-terrain tires and an air suspension fork — all so you can ride through the city, suburbs or trails.

Riders can ask the e-bike’s ChatGPT (through the built-in speaker) for route information and more. The Fusion comes with Urtopia’s standard bike features such as phone-free navigation and GPS, Bluetooth, a biometric lock and a movement alarm. An upgraded version, the Fusion CVT, offers premium features such as an Enviolo stepless shifter.

The bike can sync with Urtopia’s soon-to-launch smart ring that tracks wearers’ fitness and health; both will be available starting in July.

The Land Moto District is an electric eMoto that’s part e-bike, e-moped and e-motorcycle all in one stylish and powerful design. It’s made with a waterproof and backlit LCD display for gauge readouts, while it has a total range between 40 to 120 miles with a top speed of 70 mph. The bike’s battery is swappable too, which means you can use one while the other is charging.

The Land District weighs up to 230 pounds, depending on which model and which battery size you pick, while it comes in two styles — The Scrambler for off-roading and The Street for city use. Both models start at $6,995.

From the effortless self-attaching “magic hitch” and the 270-degree panoramic views inside, to the aerodynamic design and EV battery that lets travelers stay off the grid for up to seven days, there are many things to love about the Pebble’s all-electric Flow RV. Per the company, it’s equipped with the world’s first dual-motor active propulsion assist system, which automatically maximizes the vehicle’s range by making it more aerodynamic and easier and safer to tow.

It sleeps up to four and powers all of its appliances (a full-sized fridge, a removable induction cooktop and a four-in-one convection microwave), while rooftop solar panels allow the vehicle to self-charge under direct sunlight. The vehicle can be charged at home or at public charging stations and campgrounds, and digital nomads will love the Starlink compatibility.

The Flow measures 25 feet long by 7’6″ wide by 8’8″ tall, and weighs 6,200 pounds when fully loaded. Packages range from $109,000 for the standard configuration to $125,000 with the Magic Pack.

The Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV 2024 is an electric luxury vehicle that features an impressive infotainment sound system that enhances songs for an “interactive musical experience.” Brought to life in-part by musician and entrepreneur will.i.am from hip hop group Black Eyed Peas, MBUX Sound Drive gives the driver the power to “re-imagine” music based on the car’s acceleration and movement.

For example: If the car is at a stop light, elements like vocals begin to get softer in the background and the bass increases in volume, while they’re brought back up when the car accelerates down the street. Drums may kick in when the car hits a certain speed, another musical element could come in when the car makes a left turn, or a right turn could make another element like keyboards drive the song forward. This transforms the music in real-time into a new immersive experience for the driver and everyone in the car.

During a brief test drive in Las Vegas, we saw how MBUX Sound Drive uses software and sensors to manipulate music into something new and different. It brings up elements and details in a song that might go unnoticed otherwise. It’s a unique driving experience that really has to be experienced.

Right now, MBUX Sound Drive is expected to be released this summer with an over-the-air update for select 2024 Mercedes-AMG models.

The future has landed: flying cars have arrived (kind of) in the form of Pivotal’s Helix. One of the most intriguing things about the company’s single-seat personal aerial vehicle? You don’t need an FAA pilot license to get behind the wheel, however, the company notes that “rigorous simulator and flight training sessions are required for pilot qualification” at its customer center in Palo Alto, Calif.

Starting at $190,000, the 348-pound light eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) can soar up to 5,000 feet above sea level in class G airspace (the only noncontrolled portion of airspace in the U.S.), allowing pilots to travel about 20 miles, or for about two hours at just over 60 miles per hour.

Classified as FAA part 103 (ultralight vehicle), Helix is constructed with carbon fiber composite and disassembles into three pieces to fit into a 16-ft. storage trailer, and the amphibious hull allows the vehicle to float in water for emergency landings. (The company says that the aircraft can go from storage to flight in 30 minutes.) Inside, there’s a digital flight panel with navigation not unlike your average land vehicle, but with joystick and fly-by-wire controls, all designed and built for safety by a team that includes U.S. astronaut Ed Lu, Google alum Alan Eustace and venture capitalist/flight instructor Cyrus Sigari, among others.

Pilots need to weigh 220 pounds and under and have a standing height under 6’5″. Per Pivotal, shipping for the personal plane begins June 10.