We’re always on the lookout for the next innovation in the electric bike scene, and the Zippi Rippa 20-inch E-Drive balance bike has certainly caught our attention. Designed to bridge the gap between a standard ebike and a dirt bike, this model is built for Aussie kids to enjoy the thrill of zipping around in the great oudoors.
We recently put the 20-inch Rippa through its paces, and after unboxing and a straightforward assembly process – which literally takes about 10 minutes – we handed it over to an enthusiastic young pilot. The verdict? “It’s really fun!! And so easy to get going!” More on that later though, first let’s check out the specs of this Zippi ebike.
Zippi Electric Bike Review
At first glance of the Zippi it’s immediately apparent that is intended as a kid-friendly model, however the Zippi Rippa 20-inch is far more than a toy. It’s a robust, high-performance electric bike built with serious componentry. It strikes an excellent balance between fun, durability and safety, making it a great choice for kids aged 9–15 years, particularly those who are just starting on their ebike journey, or are seeking something well suited the BMX-style tracks and adventures.
The Zippi offers several key performance features that truly set this bike apart from competitors, including:
- Premium Suspension: The bike features Manitou J-Unit Machete Front Forks with 80mm of travel, providing superior shock absorption and handling for rough trails and jumps.
- Stopping Power: For safety at higher speeds, the Rippa uses powerful hydraulic disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels, offering reliable and controlled stopping power.
- E-Drive Technology: The chainless, brushless hub motor system is integrated directly into the rear wheel, virtually eliminating maintenance and delivering a whisper-quiet ride with excellent torque.
Zippi Electric Balance Bike
The design of the 20-inch Rippa is reminiscent of the classic BMX bikes many modern day parents used to ride as kids, making it a natural and exciting progression for young riders.
Weighing in at a manageable 17 kg and built on a durable, full aluminium frame, the bike offers the perfect mix of stability for off-road fun and portability for parents. Its weight limit of 70 kg also confirms its robust build quality.
Thanks to the balance bike format, riders adapt incredibly fast. Our reviewer was comfortably on the saddle immediately, and ‘up and running in no time,’ mastering the throttle and feel in just two to three minutes. The bike’s low-maintenance, chainless E-Drive system is designed for active kids who want to spend more time riding and less time fixing.
Zippi Electric Bike Battery
Powering the fun is a high-quality, quick-release 36V Lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 5.0 Ah. This 36V power system is the key to the bike’s responsive acceleration and impressive top-speed capability.
The battery is removable, allowing you to easily swap in a charged spare for back-to-back fun. Riders can expect a run time of approximately 40–60 minutes on harder terrain, providing plenty of juice for a full session of adventure.
Zippi Electric Bike Charger
Minimising downtime is essential, and thankfully the Zippi Rippa excels here. The included 240V charger (Australian standard) takes the 36V battery from empty to full in a rapid 1 to 2 hours. This fast charging time is a handy benefit, as I’m sure parents can relate, allowing a top up the battery quickly between rides, while the kids top themselves with a drink and a feed after their session of fun in the sun.
Zippi Electric Bike Price
Here in Australia the Zippi Rippa 20-inch E-Drive balance bike is priced at $1,999 RRP. Considering its high-end specifications – including the hydraulic brakes, Manitou suspension, and powerful 36V motor – it offers strong value for money in this category. For smaller riders, the 16-inch and 12-inch models are also modestly priced at $1,099 and $929 respectively.
Zippi Electric Bike Top Speed
A standout feature as riders of the Zipp become more confident and experienced riders is the adjustable speed control. The Zippi Rippa 20-inch has two distinct, switchable speed modes, ensuring the bike can grow with your child’s skill level:
- High Speed Mode: Unleashes the bike’s full throttle potential, offering a maximum top speed of 40 km/h.
- Slow Speed Mode: Limits the top speed to a comfortable 20 km/h, perfect for learning the throttle control and for tighter, technical riding. For our test ride, this mode was more than ample for our 10 year old rider.
Zippi Electric Bike Australia
Zippi Electric is an Australian-owned family business, offering local support, fast shipping, and warranty confidence for buyers across the nation. Designed and distributed specifically for the Australian market, the Rippa comes standard with the required 240V charger.
The 20-inch model is available in a fantastic range of colours, allowing even the most discerning young bikers to find their perfect ride. The full colour range includes blue, green, orange, pink, purple, red and yellow. This variety is also great for distinguishing bikes in the family fleet!