SSR Sprinter 12 vs. 12s vs. 16 reviews: Which is the best sprinter

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You will hardly find any kids who don’t have an interest in racing or bike riding. And when he gets an SSR sprinter, it turns out like a dream come true moment. However, the parents seem confused regarding 12, 12s, and 16 versions.

We are here to solve the problem and let the adult ones decide which one to buy and which one not to. Sprinter 16 has a front number plate, which is missing in both 12 and 12s models.

However, if you are worried about higher speed, then you should choose from 12 and 12s. There are a lot of aspects you need to go through to make the final choice.

Comparison between SSR Sprinter 12, 12s and 16

If your kids are done learning the basics of bike riding with Radio Flyer tricycles, you can let them have fun with SSR Sprinters. Let's not make you more confused and go through the following comparison chart quickly.

In terms of power, Sprinter 16 seems the most powerful one. However, Sprinter 12s produces the least power. However, the riders will get the highest speed in sprinter 16 again. For a better-controlled ride, go for Sprinter 12 or 12s.

Sprinter 12 model can provide a battery-saving performance comparatively. Sprinter 16 model has larger tires. However, both 12s and 16 have nylon wheels, whereas 12 come with plastic ones.

Sprinter 16 has a higher weight holding capacity. In addition, you will get an upgraded battery indicator and front number plate in this particular model. All in all, Sprinter 16 seems the winner from the above comparison.

 SSR sprinter 12 review

Key specifications of Sprinter 12

More details to know

It is an SSR balance bike that has a durable aluminum alloy frame construction. It comes with a complete package that includes every necessary installation part inside. After unpacking, you will get the following things inside.

1. Bike tires.
2. Handlebar, handlebar stem, handlebar clamp, four Allen bolts.
3. Double footrests.
4. One adjustable saddle seat.
5. Battery with charger.
6. Installation tool & instruction manual.

If you inspect the bike very closely, you will find several parts in there. Although it looks simple from distance, these tiny parts have made the bike highly functional for toddlers.

The handlebar is equipped with a handlebar stem, handlebar grip, throttle, and brake lever. With the grip, users find the most comfort they need to control the bike. Down there, you will get a front fork and headset.

On the front side, it has a front tire and a front rim. Underneath the saddle seat, it has the battery inside. The motor cover has aluminum alloy construction. It has a chain cover to protect the chain and maintain proper functionality.

You will also get one footrest on each side of the bike. There’s a charging port below the battery section. You need to turn off the battery before charging it. The back part of the bike is equipped with a rear tire and brake.

The good thing is that the package includes all necessary installation hardware and an instruction manual. It makes the entire installation process a lot convenient for any new user. On the lower part of the frame, you should secure the footrests using screws.

Put the locking washers into the front fork slots and tighten the wheel there. The addition of mounting hardware makes it a hassle-free process. There's a quick-release lever available underneath the seat.

You need to loosen the lever and adjust the seat height according to the need. On the front throttle handle, you will get three battery indicator lights. If green, yellow and red light shines, it means the battery is full.

When it gets down to half, only yellow and a red light will shine. Meanwhile, both green and yellow lights will stop shining when the battery condition is critical. You need to recharge it immediately in this condition.

To charge, plug the charger to the electric bike end first and then connect to the socket. Don't forget to turn off the power switch of the bike before charging it. Fully charge the battery before storing.  

Advantages of the bike

1. Saddle seat with adjustable lever.
2. It has battery indicator lights.
3. The package includes the necessary installation hardware.
4. Handlebar grip for a comfortable ride.
5. Double footrests.
6. Easily accessible charging port.

With the adjustable seat lever, one can find the most comfortable seat height for their kid. Moreover, you don't have to worry about the battery running off suddenly because it shows the conditions continuously.

The indicator lights on the throttle handlebar come in handy for this. Also, the comfortable grip on the handle ensures a comfortable riding experience. Toddlers can have a relaxed ride by keeping their feet on the double footrests.

It doesn’t matter when the battery runs out. You can easily charge it with provided charger and don’t need to search for the charging port too. By including the installation hardware, the manufacturer ensured a hassle-free installation.

SSR Sprinter 12s reviews

Key specifications of Sprinter 12s

More details to know

From spare eyes, you might not be able to distinguish the difference between SSR sprinter 12 and 12s. However, if you give a close look at the 12s version, you can understand which fields, it is different.

However, it’s not a foldable one like a Radio Flyer wagon. The box contents are similar here to SSR sprinter 12.

1. Bike tires.
2. Handlebar, handlebar stem, handlebar clamp, four Allen bolts.
3. Double footrests.
4. One adjustable saddle seat.
5. Battery with charger.
6. Installation tool & instruction manual.

Hopefully, you understand you don’t need to worry about the installation here as well. The process is similar and hassle-free. It has come with some upgrades and downgrades. One of the major downgrades is power.

The power is only 80 watts, which was used to 100 watts in the previous version. Another downgrade is the service time in a single charge. Sprinter 12 runs for approximately 60 minutes on a single charge, whereas 12s runs from 40 to 60 minutes.

Moreover, the battery power has gone down to 2.6 Ah compared to the 4 Ah on the previous model. On the other hand, it possesses a better weight holding capacity that goes up to 75 pounds.

Also, you can enjoy an improved speed on this sprinter model that is up to 8 MPH. The manufacturer has moved on to nylon wheels instead of plastic wheels from the previous version.

Advantages of the bike

1. The comfortable grip on the handlebars.
2. Indicator lights to show the battery condition.
3. Easily accessible charging port.
4. Improved speed than the previous version.
5. Better weight holding capacity than the previous model.
6. Hassle-free installation process.

When you have all the necessary hardware inside the package, you don’t need to worry much about the installation. The same thing happened to Sprinter 12s. The soft hands of the toddlers will have proper comfort holding the handlebars.

The reason is the grip around the handlebars. Moreover, the handlebar on the throttle end is equipped with three indicator lights. These indicators show battery health. Again, you can conveniently find the charging port and recharge the battery as quickly as possible.

If you are done with the previous version, you can replace it with the newer version. Here, you will get a better speed and weight holding capacity with the same features. You can also read the differences between SSR Trail Viper vs. Sand Viper.

SSR Sprinter 16 review

Key specifications of Sprinter 16

More details to know

It is the most upgraded model from SSR Sprinter with almost a similar design. But on the front side, it has a number plate that enhances the bike's beauty and provides a professional rider feel.

After opening the box, you will find the following contents inside.

1. The front tire waiting for attachment.
2. One front number plate with installation nuts.
3. Handlebars with gooseneck stem.
4. One front fork for the number plate.
5. Battery and controller.
6. Chain adjuster and chain cover.
7. Left brake lever and right throttle.
8. The grip on the handlebars.
9. Brake cable and rear brake.
10. Frame and inner tube.
11. Seat, seat post, and seat post-release.

Now that you have got whatever you need to assemble the bike let's move on. First of all, you need to install the front tire. Attach it with the front fork using a 13 to 15 mm wrench and tighten it well.

Move on the upper part of the tire and install the front number plate using the front fork and necessary nuts. If you focus on the handlebars, you will see the left one has a brake lever. However, the right one has throttle and indicator lights.

There’s a power switch below the indicator, letting you turn it on and off. When all the green lights are shining, the battery is full. When one fades out, it’s in medium condition. However, the red light tells you to recharge the battery quickly.

However, the indicator appears to be a bit upgraded here compared to the previous two models. Also, it comes with an upgraded power of 150 watts in the model. As for regular maintenance, you should tighten the lock nuts if any of these gets loose.

Advantages of the bike

1. Includes a front number plate for a professional feel.
2. An upgrade battery indicator.
3. Easy to install using the included hardware.
4. Proper braking control.
5. Extra speed from the extra added power.
6. Larger tires than the previous two models.

Compared to the previous two versions of SSR Sprinter, you will get an enhanced speed and power in this particular model. Kids with a little bit of interest in bike riding will find the extra speed fun.

However, with the brake lever on the left handlebar, the young riders can have immense control over it. Moreover, the manufacturer has ensured a comfortable ride by adding grips on the handlebars.

The inclusion of the front number plate appears to be a great addition to the vehicle. It makes the rider feel like a pro. The indicator has an upgraded design for a better feel.

Problems and solutions

From regular usage, these balance electric bikes will come with a few common problems. You may not know, but now or then, the problems will come. We'll introduce you to some common problems with the solutions here.

Problem 1: Why I can't get the same speed as past on the bike?

Solution: The reason for not getting proper speed on the bike may be because of the less take care or maintenance. Such bikes require regular maintenance. As now you know the problem, make a habit of proper maintenance after a certain period.

Problem 2: Why the bike’s battery is draining fast?

Solution: Even though you have got a powerful battery, the bike seems running off the battery quicker than actual. You shouldn't drain all the battery and recharge it. Don't unplug the battery before it gets fully charged.

Also, keep in mind that you should recharge the battery fully before storing the bike.

Problem 3: The bike’s tires aren’t holding the air inside, why?

Solution: Check out whether there is any sort of leakage on the tires or not. If there is not, I would still suggest changing the tire to and ensure a pleasant journey for the toddler.

Final words

Have you decided which one of these three bike models you would like to go? Well, it truly seems a tough call to make. However, all these bikes from SSR offer some great features to toddlers.

1. Indicator lights to show the battery level.
2. Handlebars with grip for a comfortable ride.
3. Easily accessible charging port.
4. Hassle-free installation.
5. Black and red color, with a front number plate.