What Is Paramotor?
Reviewed by the Seeking Adrenaline team

A paramotor (powered paragliding) is a fabric wing plus a motor you wear on your back. Most U.S. first-timers meet it as either a tandem intro (instructor flies) or a training course where you learn to fly. Launch is usually from flat ground — not a mountain ramp.
This is not silent paragliding. The motor is the product difference. If a sentence still works after swapping “tandem paragliding,” rewrite it.
Quick Facts
- Motor on your back; fabric wing
- Two first-timer products: tandem intro, or a course where you fly
- Launch: usually flat ground
- Filter: Paramotor / powered paragliding
- Seeking Adrenaline does not certify schools
How It Differs From Paragliding
Paragliding is free flight under a fabric wing, often from a hill or tow. Paramotor adds thrust so you can climb and cruise without a slope. See Paragliding vs Hang Gliding vs Paramotor and the Paragliding.
FAQ
Is it the same as a powered parachute? Related family, different gear. Confirm the school’s product page.
Do I need a mountain? Usually no. Flat fields and open launch areas are common.
Tandem or training first? See Tandem Intro vs Paramotor Training.
Ready to Fly?
Ready to fly? Compare paramotor schools near you. Start at Air.
Find this near you
Enter a city, state, or ZIP to see operators within 50 miles. Or browse Air. Book on the operator’s official website.
Find operators
Browse Air for Paramotor / powered paragliding operators, or jump to one of these live listings:
- FlyWithJordanSan Bernardino, CAView
- Many Feathers Paragliding SchoolLarkspur, COView
- Red Tail ParaglidingBoulder, COView
- Aviator PPGLake Wales, FLViewWebsite
- Florida Flight SportsWauchula, FLViewWebsite
- Paraglide FloridaBoca Raton, FLViewWebsite
- ParAmericaLakeland, FLViewWebsite
- Paramotor OrlandoGrant-Valkaria, FLViewWebsite
- Midwest Powered ParaglidingFranklin, INView
- Freedom Flight AcademyFalls of Rough, KYView
- Leading Edge PPGThree Rivers, MIViewWebsite
- Paramotor CentralLittle Falls, MNView
Related Paramotor Pages
- Tandem Intro vs Paramotor Training
- Can Anyone Learn to Fly a Paramotor?
- How Much Does Paramotor Cost?
- What Does Paramotor Feel Like?
- Do You Need a License for Paramotor?
- Is Paramotor Scary?
- What to Wear Paramotoring
- Paramotor Weight Limits
- Common First-Time Paramotor Questions
- Is Paramotor Safe?
- How Long Does Paramotor Training Take?
- Where to Try Paramotor in the United States
- Paragliding vs Hang Gliding vs Paramotor
- Paramotor
About the Seeking Adrenaline team
Our guides are drafted with help from automated tools, then reviewed by the Seeking Adrenaline team.
