RYOBI 18v ONE+ Cordless High Pressure Tyre Inflator Review: Features & Price

Key Takeaways

• The RYOBI 18V ONE+ Cordless High Pressure Tyre Inflator reaches 150 PSI, which works for cars, bicycles, and sports equipment. 
• You can use any RYOBI 18V battery you already own (the tool comes without a battery).
• The digital gauge shows accurate pressure readings and stops automatically when it reaches your target PSI. 
• At £36.98, this inflator costs less than many portable options, especially if you already have RYOBI batteries. 
• At Ordiniq, our AutoPump provides automated, continuous tyre pressure monitoring and maintenance. 

Importance of Tyre Pressure

If you've used coin-operated air machines at petrol stations or manual foot pumps, you'll understand why a cordless inflator is useful. You can check and adjust tyre pressure anywhere: in your garage, driveway, or roadside. The RYOBI inflator works with their ONE+ system, so it uses any RYOBI 18V battery you might already own.

Many people forget to check tyre pressure regularly. We’ll take a look at the RYOBI 18V ONE+ Cordless High Pressure Tyre Inflator to see how it performs and if it’s the right fit for you.

Portable Tyre Solution

The RYOBI 18V Tyre Inflator fits easily in your car boot or garage. This size works well for road trips where tyre pressure might change due to temperature or altitude.

This inflator combines small size with good performance. Whereas tiny inflators struggle with larger tyres, the RYOBI handles everything from bicycle tyres to SUV tyres. The cordless design means you don't need to stay near a power outlet or your car's 12V socket, either. You can move around all four tyres without moving your power source.

Power and Performance

Maximum PSI

This inflator reaches a maximum pressure of 150 PSI.

Most passenger car tyres need 30–35 PSI, bicycle tyres typically need 40–120 PSI depending on type, and sports balls generally need 8–15 PSI. The RYOBI has enough capacity for road bike tyres that need a higher output ranging between 80–130 PSI.

The high maximum PSI means that it works efficiently when inflating at lower pressures. It operates well within its limits, which means less motor wear and longer service life. This is useful for adjusting pressures when seasonal temperature changes require fine-tuning.

Inflation Speed

In testing, the RYOBI added about 1–2 PSI per minute to a standard car tyre, depending on the tyre’s volume. Taking a completely flat car tyre to proper inflation takes 15–20 minutes, but top-ups (the more common use) are quick. Bicycle tyres and smaller inflatables inflate faster due to their smaller air volume.

Digital Gauge Accuracy

The digital pressure gauge sits at the top of the unit for easy viewing. It shows pressure in PSI, bar, KPA, or KG/CM² to suit your preference. In testing, the gauge was accurate within about 0.5 PSI compared to a calibrated pressure gauge.

The auto-stop function is also useful—you set your desired pressure, and the inflator automatically shuts off when it reaches that pressure. This prevents over-inflation and makes the process foolproof. 

Design Features

Ergonomic Grip

The rubberized grip gives you good control and comfort, even when the unit operates at maximum pressure with some vibration. The trigger responds well but requires you to push down pretty hard so that it doesn’t accidentally turn on when you don’t need it. After inflating all four tyres on a car, you don’t feel any hand fatigue that often comes with other portable inflators.

LED Light

The built-in LED light at the front of the unit illuminates your work area. This makes it easier to connect the inflator to tyre valves in low-light conditions. This is useful for roadside emergencies or checking tyres in poorly lit car parks. The light turns on automatically when you power up the unit, so you don't need a separate torch when working at night.

Storage Solutions

The RYOBI inflator includes some thoughtful solutions to storage. The air hose wraps around the base of the unit, while the power cord tucks away alongside it. Accessory nozzles fit in a small compartment built into the tool's housing. This integrated storage means you're less likely to lose parts and can keep everything together.

Nozzle Attachments

The inflator includes several nozzle attachments that extend its use beyond inflating tyres. The standard Schrader valve attachment works for most car and bicycle tyres, while the Presta valve adapter fits high-pressure bicycle tyres. Additional needle and conical adapters work for sports equipment and inflatables. 

Battery Life

Runtime Stats

With a fully charged 4.0Ah battery, the inflator runs continuously for about 30 minutes at a moderate load (inflating to around 30–35 PSI). This provides enough power to handle several completely flat tyres or many smaller inflation tasks. The battery indicator on ONE+ batteries shows how much charge is left, though keeping a spare battery for extensive use or roadside emergencies is smart.

ONE+ Compatibility

The most compelling aspect of the battery system is its compatibility with the entire RYOBI ONE+ ecosystem. If you already own other RYOBI 18V tools, you can use those same batteries with this inflator. This cross-compatibility significantly enhances the value, as you're not investing in a standalone battery system for one tool. Batteries from RYOBI drills, circular saws, and leaf blowers work with the inflator.

Everyday Uses

While the RYOBI is primarily used for cars, it’s a genuinely multi-purpose tool.

1. Car Tyres

The unit handles everything from compact cars to larger SUVs, though inflation times naturally increase with the tyre volume.

2. Bicycle Tyres

Cyclists will appreciate how quickly the RYOBI inflates bike tyres compared to manual pumps. For family outings where you need to inflate several bikes, it’ll save a lot of time.

3. Sports Equipment

The needle attachment makes quick work of inflating basketballs, footballs, rugby balls, and other sports equipment. The digital gauge helps achieve precise inflation levels for optimal performance—no more guessing if your basketball has the right pressure. 

4. Inflatable Toys

The conical adapter allows the RYOBI to inflate pool toys, air mattresses, and other recreational inflatables. It's significantly faster than manual pumps, though not as quick as dedicated high-volume inflators. 

Value Assessment

Price Point

At approximately £36.98 for the tool only (without battery and charger), the RYOBI inflator sits in the mid-range for cordless tyre inflators. While cheaper options exist, they typically lack the accuracy, features, and build quality that RYOBI offers. When you factor in the digital gauge, auto-stop functionality, and overall reliability, the price is a fair value. For new users to RYOBI products, you'll need to add the cost of a battery and charger, which typically adds £40–£60 depending on battery capacity.

Note: The price ranges mentioned above are approximate and subject to change over time and across different locations. Costs may vary based on factors such as pricing policies, the provider's experience, and evolving market conditions.

Comparable Options

Compared to similar offerings from competitors like DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Makita, the RYOBI inflator is generally more affordable while offering comparable functionality. When compared with other tyre inflators, the RYOBI offers better versatility and quality. Many standalone inflators in this price range lack features like the digital gauge, auto-stop function, and integrated LED light that the RYOBI includes as standard.

Worth Your Money?

• For existing RYOBI ONE+ users: Yes; the value is excellent when you can use batteries you already own
• For occasional DIYers: Yes; the convenience and functionality justify the investment
• For professional use: Maybe; while robust, those needing daily heavy-duty use might consider more industrial options
• For complete beginners: Yes; user-friendly design makes this accessible for those with limited tool experience

RYOBI vs Ordiniq’s AutoPump: Which Tyre Inflator is Right for You?

The RYOBI 18V ONE+ works well as a manual inflation tool that you operate when needed. You grab it from storage, connect it to your tyre, set the pressure, and it does the job. However, this requires you to constantly check your tyre pressure and take action each time. The RYOBI is handy because it handles car tyres, bike wheels, sports equipment, and inflatables with the same effectiveness.

Ordiniq's AutoPump takes a completely different approach by working automatically in the background. Instead of waiting for you to notice pressure loss, it helps you continuously monitor and maintain optimal tyre pressure. 

Using our AutoPump means having an automated way of maintaining tyre pressure. You’ll experience little to no hassle in checking when pressure needs adjustment. 

The AutoPump focuses specifically on preventing tyre pressure problems before they start and is backed by 24/7 customer support and a 90-day risk-free trial.

Join over 10,000 drivers who trust Ordiniq's proven solutions for safe and efficient driving all year long. Contact us today to get your AutoPump!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does the RYOBI tyre inflator come with a battery?

No, the RYOBI 18V ONE+ Cordless High Pressure Tyre Inflator is typically sold as a "tool only" item, meaning the battery and charger are sold separately. This is standard practice for RYOBI's ONE+ range and actually benefits those who already own other RYOBI tools, as it prevents you from accumulating duplicate batteries. If this is your first RYOBI tool, you'll need to purchase a compatible 18V ONE+ battery and charger separately. 

How long does it take to inflate a car tyre?

Inflation time varies depending on several factors: how much pressure needs to be added, the volume of the tyre, and the battery's charge level. Adding 4 PSI output to a standard passenger car tyre (taking it from 28 PSI to 32 PSI) typically takes 2–3 minutes. Completely inflating a flat tyre would take considerably longer, approximately 15–20 minutes depending on tyre size. 

Can it deflate tyres and inflate them?

The RYOBI inflator does not have a dedicated deflation function. However, you can release air from tyres by pressing the manual release valve button located near the gauge. This allows for precise adjustments if you accidentally over-inflate a tyre or need to reduce pressure for off-road driving or other specific conditions. 

What's the warranty on the RYOBI 18V tyre inflator?

RYOBI has a standard 3-year limited warranty on the 18V ONE+ Cordless High Pressure Tyre Inflator. This covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use conditions. As with most tool warranties, it doesn't cover damage from misuse, abuse, or normal wear and tear. 

How does the RYOBI compare to Ordiniq's AutoPump for tyre maintenance?

While the RYOBI requires manual operation each time you need to check tyre pressure, Ordiniq's AutoPump provides automated, continuous monitoring and maintenance. The AutoPump works 24/7 to prevent pressure loss before it becomes a problem, while the RYOBI is ideal for on-demand inflation, sports equipment, and inflatables.