QUALITY
Disc Brakes that actually work.
Rear disc brake, properly cabled. Not the dollar-store calipers most kids' bikes ship with. When a kid grabs the brake at speed, the bike stops.
8 yearsbuilding kids' ebikes
10,000+Aussie families
4.9 / 5average rating
100%Aussie family-owned
01Built for the dirt
Where they earn their hours.
The Rippa 16 is where the riding gets serious. Built to take the hammering of pump tracks, dirt jumps, and after-school sessions for years.
SPEED
Two modes to grow into.
15 km/h to start. 30 km/h when they're ready for the pump track. The bike grows with the kid — and you control which modes are unlocked.
FUN
Pump-track tested.
Our kids ride this thing at the local track every weekend. If the frame can survive a 9-year-old hammering jumps for two hours straight, it'll survive yours.
02
The most-stepped-up-to balance bike in the Zippi range — bigger wheels, more speed, more places it can go.
The Rippa 16" is where most kids land once they want more than a 12" wheel can give them. Bigger tyres handle bumps and gravel better; the 350W motor pulls confidently uphill; 30 km/h top speed gives a confident rider somewhere to actually push for. It's the bike that fits most kids between ages 5 and 10, and the most common entry point for older first-time riders.
Why the Rippa 16" hits the sweet spot
Sixteen-inch wheels make a noticeable difference once a kid moves off smooth concrete. Grass, gravel driveways, mild dirt trails — all manageable in a way they aren't on a 12". The 350W brushless motor gives the bike confident pull off the line and on slight inclines. 15 kg is heavier than the 12" but still light enough that a six-year-old can pick it up off the ground when they drop it.
Two speed modes — 15 km/h and 30 km/h. The mode switch is on the bike, so you can keep them in mode 1 while they're getting used to the bigger wheelbase and unlock mode 2 once they're comfortable. Most kids spend a few weeks in mode 1; older or more confident riders go straight to mode 2.
What you get
The bike16-inch wheels, steel frame, 350W brushless motor, front and rear mechanical disc brakes, twist throttle. 15 kg total.
Removable lithium battery 36V 2.5Ah, clicks out for charging. Around 60 min ride time per charge, 2 hours to charge from flat. Spares available.
Two speed modes15 km/h (mode 1) and 30 km/h (mode 2). Mode switch on the bike.
Colours Multiple options.
What's in the box
- 1 × Zippi Rippa 16" Kids Electric Balance Bike
- 1 × Removable lithium battery
- 1 × 240V charger
- 1 × Quick-start guide
- 12-month manufacturer warranty
- Tasmania-based Aussie support
Why parents pick Zippi
We're two motorcycle families behind Zippi — Toby, Carmen, Laura and Mark. We built every bike in the range for our own kids first. They rode prototypes for two years before we sold a single bike in 2018. Eight years on, we still answer the emails ourselves.
When something goes wrong, you email an Australian family that owns Zippi bikes themselves. Spare parts ship from our Tasmanian warehouse. No call centre, no Shenzhen middleman.
The catchphrase is plain English: raise balanced kids. Bikes are how we do it.
03Tech specs
Everything under the paint.
- Wheel size
- 16″
- Recommended age
- 5-10 years
- Recommended height
- 115-145 cm
- Recommended inseam
- 52-68 cm
- Max rider weight
- 60 kg
- Bike Weight
- 15 kg
- Frame
- Aluminium Alloy
- Motor
- 350w Brushless Rear-Hub (600w Peak)
- Battery
- 36V 2.5Ah lithium-ion
- Charger
- 240V AC included
- Charge time
- 3-4 hours
- Ride time
- 50-70 minutes (real-world)
- Top speed
- Mode 1: 15 km/h · Mode 2: 30 km/h
- Brakes
- Rear Disc Brake
- Tyres
- 16″ Pneumatic, knobby
- Throttle
- Right-hand Twist Throttle
- Seat height
- 425-520 mm (adjustable)
- Compliance
- Private property use
Specs may evolve between production runs — the bike you receive will match or exceed what's listed here. Real-world ride time depends on rider weight, terrain and how hard they're hammering the throttle.
04In the box
What you'll unpack.
Bikes ship 90% assembled. Allow 15–30 minutes from box to first ride. All tools included.
-
Zippi Rippa 1616″ frame with disc brakes, mostly assembled
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240V ChargerFast charger, plugs into any Aussie wall socket
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Tool KitHex keys, brake adjuster, basic torque set
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Rider's manualSetup guide, mode walkthrough, safety tips
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Helmet not includedDisc brakes mean real speed. Don't ride without proper protection.
05Pick the right one
Find your size.
Numbers are riding-fit guides — the inseam where most kids ride confidently, not the absolute minimum or maximum.
| Bike | Age | Inseam | Height | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ride 10″The original | 2–8 | 34–48 cm | 85–125 cm | First-timers, training wheels included |
| Rippa 12″First Rippa | 2–6 | 38–52 cm | 90–120 cm | Confident toddlers, balance-bike grads |
| Rippa 16″Pump-track ready | 5–10 | 52–68 cm | 115–145 cm | Skate parks, bush trails, growing kids |
| Rippa 20″Big kid energy | 9–15 | 68–82 cm | 140–165 cm | Confident riders, longer rides, real speed |
| Rebel 20″ ProThe step-up | 10+ | 70–85 cm | 140–165 cm | Trail-ready kids stepping past pump tracks |
| Rebel 24″ ProThe flagship | Teens | 78–92 cm | 155–180 cm | Full-size answer for proper e-bike territory |
Between sizes? Size up if they're growing fast or already confident. Size down if they're new to riding.
06Not sure?
Compare to its siblings.
Smaller kid? Look smaller. Bigger kid? Step up. Same family, same engineering bar.
You're here
Rippa 16″
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07What parents are saying
Read the reviews.
Real reviews from real Aussie families. 2,400+ and counting.
Reviews come from verified buyers only. We don't filter, edit, or pay for reviews.
08Common questions
Before you buy.
Sizing, shipping, batteries, warranty. Pulled from real customer emails — full FAQ on its own page.
Who is the Rippa 16″ for?
Kids aged 5–10 who are ready for a faster, bigger-wheel balance bike. The Rippa 16″ is the most-stepped-up-to bike in the range — most Rippa 12″ riders end up here around age 5–7, and plenty of older kids start straight on it as a first ebike if they're already comfortable on a regular bike. 16″ wheels, 30 km/h top speed, removable lithium battery, mechanical disc brakes. 15 kg — still light enough for a 5-year-old to handle.
Does my kid need to already know how to ride a balance bike?
It helps but isn't essential. If your kid can ride a regular pedal bike or has done time on a non-electric balance bike, the Rippa 16″ is intuitive — throttle to go, brakes to stop, feet do the balance. If they've never balanced before, start with the Rippa 12″ for 12 months — that bike's sized for the learning phase. The Rippa 16″ assumes the rider already trusts the bike under them.
How fast does the Rippa 16″ go?
30 km/h in mode 2, 15 km/h in mode 1. The mode switch lets you cap top speed at 15 km/h while they're getting used to the bike or you're walking alongside. Once they're confident, unlock mode 2 for full speed. Most 5–7 year olds spend a while in mode 1 before parents are happy to release mode 2; older kids usually go straight to mode 2.
How long does the battery last per charge?
Around 60 minutes of real-world ride time per charge from the 42V 2.5Ah lithium battery. Charge time is about 2 hours from flat. The battery is removable — pop it out, charge it on the bench, click it back in. Spares are available so you can swap and keep riding for back-to-back sessions.
Can my kid ride the Rippa 16″ on the footpath or street?
No. Like all kids electric balance bikes in Australia, the Rippa 16″ is classified for private property use only. Driveways, back yards, private ovals, designated kids ride parks, off-road trails on private land — all fine. Public roads and footpaths — not legal, not allowed. Plenty of councils have dedicated pump tracks and ride parks where Rippa-class bikes are welcome.
What's the next bike when my kid outgrows the Rippa 16″?
Two paths. If they want bigger and faster but still mellow, the Rippa 20″ is the natural next step — 20″ wheels, 40 km/h, hydraulic brakes, rear suspension. If they're a more aggressive rider after performance, jump to the Rebel 20″ Pro instead — 1000W motor, full front and rear suspension, 45 km/h. Most kids go Rippa 20″ around age 8; the keener riders go Rebel 20 Pro instead.
What if something breaks?
Every Zippi comes with a 12-month manufacturer warranty. If something fails, you email us at sales@zippi.net.au and one of the four family members picks it up. Spare parts ship from our Tasmanian warehouse, usually next-day Australia-wide. No call centres here!
How does the Rippa 16″ compare to the Stacyc 16eDRIVE?
The Stacyc 16eDRIVE Brushless is the premium global option at $1,600.00 AUD. The Rippa 16″ is engineered to a comparable standard but priced where regular Aussie families can actually buy one. Both are 16″ balance bikes with twist throttle and electric drive; the Rippa has a removable battery (Stacyc 16eDRIVE doesn't), slightly higher top speed, and Aussie warranty support through our Tasmanian warehouse. See our full comparison guide for specs side-by-side.