There is no experience quite like flying with a paramotor. It is a chance to experience unforgettable views while steering and controlling your rig for your ultimate comfort and fun. So, how fast do paramotors go?
Paramotors go as fast as 30-50 miles per hour, but the average speed is 27 miles per hour. Heavier pilots and heavier rigs can generally fly much faster than a light rig. The average takeoff speed for a paramotor is 14 miles per hour, and you can quickly climb to 500-1,000 feet or higher.
Check the weather before you go out because you can slow down significantly when it is windy. Purchase heavier wings for your rig if you want to increase your speed. Follow along as we explore how fast paramotors go and highlight what you can do to get the most out of your rig.
What’s the Average Speed for a Paramotor?
The average speed for a paramotor is 27 miles per hour, but it varies. Standard paramotors can exceed 30 miles per hour in some cases, but that is where they top out. It is uncommon for a paramotor to go slower than 25 miles per hour during the peak of a flight.
You may unexpectedly slow down if you run into heavy winds. However, a powerful tailwind can increase your speed by anywhere from 10 to 20 miles per hour.
What’s the Top Speed for a Paramotor?
The top speed for a paramotor is typically 50 miles per hour. However, this only applies to high-end, heavy-duty paramotors and this is uncommon. Speed doesn’t exclusively come from the motor itself, and it has a lot to do with your rig.
With that said, the speed that an engine can reach isn’t necessarily the same as the speed that you and your rig can achieve. For example, you can fly faster than an engine is rated for if your wings are heavy. This can also happen if you maneuver your rig by ascending and descending at intervals to fly quickly.
Is There a Speed Limit Set for Paramotors?
There is no official speed limit set for paramotors, but it is inadvisable to fly under 25 miles per hour or above 50 miles per hour. It can be dangerous to fly faster than 63 miles per hour with a paramotor, so it’s not worth trying, especially if you are flying high.
How Slow Can a Paramotor Fly?
You should maintain a speed of at least 25 miles per hour. This will let you comfortably move through the air without losing momentum. You will struggle to stay airborne if your paramotor slows down too much and it will possibly cut your flight short.
How Fast is a Paramotor Take-off and Landing?
The average pilot takes off at 14 miles per hour with a paramotor. Your wings won’t even inflate unless you’re going at least 4 miles per hour. From there, you will quickly speed up to at least 25 miles per hour or faster.
Landing speeds vary and they can be difficult to guarantee. Try to slow down as much as possible before landing. You can avoid injury if you land at 5-10 miles per hour or slower. Some people perform a sweep landing moving to drag their feet on the ground to slow down more.
Does Wind Affect the Speed of a Paramotor?
The wind is one of the biggest factors that can affect the speed of a paramotor. Heavy winds will slow down your speed significantly, so it’s important to check the weather forecast before your flight. Even a 10-mile-per-hour gust of wind can slow you down significantly while flying.
However, a tailwind that blows behind you can provide a speed boost. If you plan your flight right, you can take off in front of the wind so that you will fly faster and get a nice airlift. Carefully maneuver your paramotor rig to increase or decrease your speed if you are uncomfortable at any point during your flight.
Can the Type of Paramotor Rig Affect the Speed?
Each component of your paramotor rig can determine your overall speed. Wing size and shape are just as important as your engine. Some people use wings that weigh as much as 260 pounds. That may sound excessive, but the extra weight can give you a speed boost.
With that said, even the strongest engines and most impressive wings are no match for strong winds. You can make yourself as fast as possible with a clever rig, but the weather plays a huge role in your speed. Look for lighter gear if you want your paramotor flights to last as long as possible.
Does a Heavier Pilot Affect the Paramotor Speed?
Heavier paramotor pilots can expect to fly slightly faster in most cases. You will fly faster if your entire rig wears more. Weight affects the sink rate when flying with a paramotor. Extra weight will also affect your sink rate and make you sink faster.
Lighter paramotor pilots can increase their speed by choosing heavier gear to help make up the lesser weight. With that said, the effect of a pilot’s weight on a paramotor’s speed isn’t significant unless there is a 20-50-pound difference. The experience lasts slightly longer for lighter pilots but at the cost of extra speed.
Learn how old you have to be by flying a paramotor here in this guide.
Can You Buy Faster Paramotors?
You can upgrade to a faster paramotor if you aren’t satisfied with your current speed. Manufacturers often include the maximum speed in the paramotor description. Don’t overlook other factors such as the wings when you try to increase your paramotor speed.
High-end paramotors cost as much as $12,000. However, you can find fast and reliable paramotors for as little as $8,000. Everything from the width and shape to the weight of your wings affects the speed as well.
How Far Can You Fly on a Paramotor?
You can fly as far as 217 miles with a standard paramotor if your gas tank is full. Steering patterns can affect how far you can fly, however, so it’s important to be mindful of fuel consumption. For example, you will burn through your fuel faster if you frequently climb and drop during your flight.
The motor must work harder each time that you ascend and descend. However, that is also one of the most fun parts of paragliding with a paramotor, so it’s worth the cost of fuel. Excessive weight can also put a strain on your engine and make you go through fuel more quickly which can shorten your trip.
Learn if you can fly a paramotor over a city by reading our guide here.
How High Can You Fly on a Paramotor?
Generally, the average paraglider flies up to 500-1,000 feet high with a paramotor. That said, restrictions in the United States are quite lax, so you can fly as high as 18,000 feet. This is not recommended because it increases the risk of injury if your motor, harness, or canopy fails.
You would also need to bring oxygen with you if you wanted to fly anywhere near that high. Otherwise, you could lose consciousness and it could be fatal. It is safe to fly at 500-1,000 feet with a paramotor and you won’t have to worry about the risks associated with flying tens of thousands of feet.
What Other Factors Can Impact the Speed of a Paramotor?
The shape of the wings will also affect your rig’s aerodynamic performance. Look for A-rated wings to increase your speed while flying. Upgrade to A-rated wings to fly faster after you’ve put 300 hours into your current wings. Your weight and the weight of your rig also impact your paramotor’s speed.
Even the way that you steer your rig can affect your speed. Descending and promptly ascending can help increase your speed, but it’s something that takes progress.
Final Thoughts
The average paramotor can fly as fast as 27 miles per hour. However, standard engines can fly at 30 miles per hour. Advanced paramotors with powerful engines can fly up to 50 miles per hour. Factors such as your weight and the weight of your wings can also increase your flight speed.
Even a tailwind can make you fly faster with your paramotor rig. However, strong winds that blow against you can significantly slow you down during your flight. Plan your next flight for a calm day with clear skies and minimal wind to fly as fast as you can.
Nick Durante is a professional writer that primarily focuses on extreme sports. Parasailing, paragliding, skydiving, and skateboarding are his particular areas of expertise. When he isn’t writing about extreme sports, he is catching up on the world of skateboarding and spending time outside.