About Riptide
Riptide
  • Total Products

    735

Editor's Note

Exploring cityscapes or simply enjoying a brisk ride has been joyous with the Riptide R1. Its combination of power and portability stands out—though prospective riders should weigh this against maintenance experiences and limited range when making their decision.

Riptide R1

Riptide R1
  • Range

    11 km

  • Top Speed

    29 kph

  • Motor Power

    1800w

  • Battery Size

    97 Wh

Pros

  • Compact design
  • Strong acceleration
  • Effective regenerative braking
  • Easy maneuverability

Cons

  • Limited range
  • Stiff ride on rough surfaces
  • Customer service could be improved

Product Overview

Riptide R1 immediately strikes a chord with anyone looking for a compact, powerful ride. Thrill-seekers and daily commuters alike will appreciate its punchy motors and nimble form factor. However, those seeking long-distance travel may need to consider their usage patterns due to its range.

Design and Build Quality:

Right out of the box, Riptide R1's robustness is palpable. With a solid deck and quality trucks, it's clear this board is made for real-world wear and tear. Assembly wasn't a concern since it arrived ready to hit the streets. Noteworthy are the integrated lights—a welcome feature for evening rides.

Overall Performance:

Zipping through city streets on the R1 is exhilarating—the 29 kph top speed feels speedy enough without being overwhelming. Acceleration is snappy, making short work of green lights. Braking is responsive; regenerative braking feeds power back into the battery, slightly extending ride times. Range sits at 11 km, which suited my short commutes well but required planning for longer treks.

The Motors & Battery:

The dual belt-drive system delivers a combined 1800w of power, tackling hills with a 20% grade effortlessly. Battery performance was reliable, matching the advertised specs closely. Throughout my daily use, I never experienced any sudden drops in power or unexpected cut-offs.

The Wheels & Braking:

Riding comfort varied depending on terrain—the wheels are sturdy but can be unforgiving on rough surfaces. Braking instilled confidence with its consistency, though I was always mindful of the lack of water resistance on damp roads.

Overall Handling:

In terms of handling, the R1 felt agile in urban environments and easy to maneuver around obstacles. Longer rides remained comfortable thanks to the deck's ergonomic design, although riders closer to the maximum load might notice reduced performance.

Maintenance and Repair:

Maintenance was mostly hassle-free; keeping components clean and tightened was straightforward. When dealing with repairs, I found part availability decent, but nothing beats a responsive customer service team—which unfortunately wasn't always my experience here.

Additional Features:

Features like the quality remote control with electric gauges were more than just bells and whistles; they provided vital ride information that enhanced overall safety and control.

Rating:

Factoring in performance, design, and additional features against maintenance experiences and range limitations gives this e-skateboard an 8/10 from me.

Riptide R1 Specification

Riptide R1
Design
Brand
Riptide
Category
e-Skateboard
Weight
5.8 kg
Max Load
113 kg
Lights
Both
Brakes
Regenerative
Performance
Range
11 km
Top Speed
29 kph
Motor Power
1800w
Battery Size
97 Wh
Drive Train
2 x Belt
Features
Air Travel Friendly
Yes
Recharge Time
3.5 hours
Hill Climbability
20 %
Water Resistant
None
Regenerative Braking
Yes

Reviews of the Riptide R1

3.3

Based on 2 reviews

5
4
3
2
1
The R1 is far from our favorite but offers a middle-of-the-road performance at a reasonable price
techgearlab.com
  • - 2.5
Finishing in the upper portion of the group, we originally had high hopes for the Riptide R1, thinking it had some serious potential for claiming a Best Buy Award. Unfortunately, this board didn't quite live up to our expectations and fell a little short. In particular, we felt the controls were a little on the oversensitive side, and this board noticeably struggled with hills when the battery level dropped below 50%. However, it is decently speedy and does an acceptable job of stopping. Overall, we would usually recommend saving up a little more for a slightly better board when shopping on a budget, but if you absolutely can't spend more, then the R1 is a decent option.
Read Full Review Here
An Electric Skateboard for all Skill Levels
concretesurfers.com
  • - 4
The R1 is just the first in a line of leading motorized boards from Riptide, who sourced their very first funds through IndieGoGo. Their commitment to their customers continues today as they pack industry-leading durability and performance into each of their skateboard tiers. With a few key features packed on board like regenerative braking, the R1 is a go-to choice for those looking to get in on this new skateboarding evolution with the help of a well-regarded manufacturer.
Read Full Review Here

Alternatives to the Riptide R1