Hoverboard vs Ripstik: Which One Is Better for You?

Have you explored personal transportation options? Are you confused about choosing between a ripstik and a hoverboard? Electric transports like hoverboards have significant advantages but cannot match the ripstik. The differences between the two are huge. Yet, they have proved to be great transport gadgets for kids and adults. Continue reading to know all about hoverboards and ripstiks.

Hoverboards and caster boards or ripstiks have been trending lately in the international market. More people have shown interest in these devices as an alternative to the expensive automobiles and public transport services.

Moreover, learning to ride a hoverboard or ripstik is easy and takes less time. Hoverboards also function as mobile exercise tools that help you maintain your physic as you ride on open grounds and terrains.

Kids and teenagers have been riding the caster boards for many years now. Recently, new models of hoverboards with advanced battery operation and intelligent technology have emerged that give you a fantastic riding experience. So let’s find out more about hoverboards and ripstiks.

A hoverboard is a self-balancing electric scooter that comprises two motorized wheels attached to a pair of articulated foot pads on which the rider steps on. The board can move forward, backward, and rotate, and the rider controls these movements. A hoverboard comes with wheels of three sizes 6.5, 8, and 10 inches in diameter.

These wheels connect to a self-balancing control mechanism of the built-in gyroscopic and a sensor pad. The rider controls the speed and direction of travel by tilting the footpads.

Hoverboards can ride with a speed of six to fifteen miles per hour with a range of up to 15 miles. The speed may depend upon the model, riding surface, board’s weight, and other factors. The newer versions of 2019 have self-balancing modes that automatically adjust the rider’s balance as they lean forward and backward, easing up the ride.

A Ripstik is a caster board that combines the skateboard, surfboard, and snowboard to make an advanced riding board. The name Ripstik comes from commercial brands like Razor. It is manually powered and moves faster than a hoverboard. A Ripstik has two slender platforms or decks connected by a metallic, rubber-coated torsion bar with a strong spring inside.

Two polyurethane wheels that steer independently are attached below each deck with casters. Each caster has a steering axis that tilts about 30° back from the vertical.

• A Ripstik is a caster board made by personal vehicle manufacturing brand Razor.
• The main difference between a Ripstik and a hoverboard is how it moves. Hoverboards move with balance and momentum, while Ripstiks move with a foot-twist throttle mechanism.
• The unique throttle mechanism gives Ripstik a much steeper learning curve than hoverboards.

The following chart shows the specific differences between Ripstiks and hoverboards.

Ripstiks and hoverboards look pretty similar until you see them moving. However, many factors differentiate a Ripstik from a hoverboard. We have listed some significant points below regarding their features and functions.

Check the weight capacity while buying a hoverboard or a ripstik caster board. It will assure the durability of your vehicle.

Motion and Speed – Hoverboards offer self-balancing technology that uses the rider’s body weight and momentum to adjust thrust and velocity. On the other hand, a ripstik allows riders to thrust forward by twisting their feet.

The boarder balances himself by leaning forwards or backward while moving on the Ripstik. Hoverboards run at a speed of 6 to 10mph (mile per hour), whereas a Ripstik can run at a maximum speed of 10mph, depending upon the rider’s experience. Also, hoverboards can travel a distance of up to 9miles when fully charge. However, a Ripstik can travel to any length the rider wishes to go. A ripstik looks like an electric skateboard with a different motion set.

Ease of operation – Hoverboards are much easier to learn and ride than ripstik boards. Riders take time to get used to the twisting and manual balance method while riding on the Ripstik. Even skateboard users take some time to get accustomed to the side-twisting action on the ripstik. The self-balancing feature of the hoverboard makes it easy to learn for beginners and kids. The latest hoverboard models come with bright LED lights that help you ride even on night outdoor trips.

Cost of the device – Ripstiks are an affordable alternative to some of the advanced hoverboards available in the market. Some older models of hoverboards can price match a ripstik, but might not have the latest features like LED multi-colored lights and Wireless connectivity.

Durability – Hoverboards have a higher maximum weight capacity than the ripstik. Modern hoverboards are designed for kids and adults of all sizes, whereas the ripstik works well with kids and teens. The materials used to make a hoverboard are more durable than those used to make a ripstik. Ripstiks are more lightweight than a hoverboard but vulnerable to damages caused by accidents. In other words, a good hoverboard will survive more accidental crashes and drops than a RipStik. However, Ripstiks are widely used to perform stunts and dives by children.

• It is advisable always to wear a protective helmet and knee caps while riding both hoverboards and RipStik. Accidents are likely to happen on both devices.
• Also, charge your hoverboard fully before you start riding.

Let’s find out the pros and cons of using hoverboards and Ripstiks.

Hoverboards and Ripstiks add thrill to your personal riding experience. Both of them are growing in popularity, especially in the US markets. Although Ripstiks are particularly designed for kids and teenagers, riders from all age groups enjoy riding the hoverboard. The durability and riding experience of both hoverboards and Ripstiks are excellent. Therefore, you must consider the factors you are looking for in your personal transport while you fetch for a best-suited riding device.