When Scott Olson walked onto the Shark Tank stage in Season 3, he didn’t just pitch a product, he shared a vision of active transportation that feels like flying. The man who invented Rollerblades returned with SkyRide, a suspended pedal-powered ride that lets people “fly” through the air on a guided track.
Olson asked for $3 million in exchange for 20% equity, valuing his startup at $15 million. The Sharks loved the concept but raised concerns: zero sales, high installation costs, and an unclear path to growth. No one invested. But that wasn’t the end of the story, it was only the beginning.
SkyRide Net Worth 2025
Although SkyRide left the Tank without a deal, its post-show journey became a case study in resilience and creative entrepreneurship. While some websites report a SkyRide net worth as high as $15-20 million, these are often misattributed to other companies, such as SkyWater Technology.
Based on available data, SkyRide generates revenue through licensing agreements, primarily with Carnival Cruise Line, where it operates on three major ships: Vista, Horizon, and Panorama. The company follows a lean, IP-licensing model and doesn’t operate the rides directly. Although specific 2025 revenue and valuation figures are unavailable, SkyRide’s viable cruise ship business model suggests an approximate net worth of $5 million to $10 million, based on conservative assumptions.
The Inventor Who Refused to Quit
Scott Olson’s story isn’t just about one invention, it’s about perseverance. After Rollerblades became a global success, Olson lost control of the company in a business shake-up. But rather than disappear from the entrepreneurial world, he doubled down on innovation. With SkyRide, he aimed to merge fun, fitness, and futuristic movement into one experience. He poured significant resources into prototypes and patents before approaching Shark Tank. His journey as an inventor is detailed in his Crunchbase profile.
The rejection on national television could have been crushing. Instead, Olson viewed the exposure as an opportunity. He returned home and kept working. For Olson, building wasn’t about the Sharks, it was about believing in something big.
Cruise Ships Took the Leap the Sharks Wouldn’t
While the Sharks were out, Carnival Cruise Line was all in. In 2016, SkyRide debuted on the Carnival Vista, a 150-foot-high rail ride that allowed guests to pedal around the ship’s upper deck. It became an instant favorite among cruisers, combining thrill with panoramic ocean views, as highlighted in Cruise Report’s review.
Following the initial success, SkyRide expanded to two more ships: Horizon and Panorama. By 2023, over 600,000 cruise guests had tried the attraction. The feedback? Overwhelmingly positive. SkyRide brought something new to the cruise experience movement, challenge, and a sense of soaring without leaving the ship.
Equally impressive: the ride’s safety record. Despite being suspended over the ocean, there were no major safety issues reported—a testament to Olson’s engineering and design, as noted in a SkyRide Technology press release.
A New Challenge on the Horizon
As of 2025, SkyRide is at a crossroads. Carnival recently announced that upcoming ships would shift away from SkyRide and toward new-style waterparks and slides. With those changes, SkyRide’s future at sea may be limited. However, Olson isn’t waiting around.
He is exploring land-based opportunities to diversify the business. The model is scalable: Olson supplies the pods and track, while partners handle installation. This approach keeps SkyRide asset-light and easier to expand without taking on massive capital costs, as seen in installations like the one at Swan Lake, MN.
Olson is now in talks with ski resorts, college campuses, and fitness centers to develop “Sky Gym” concepts bringing SkyRide indoors for year-round use. These potential applications could unlock entirely new revenue streams and audiences, making the brand more than just a cruise novelty, as outlined in SkyRide Technology’s business profile.
Why People Love SkyRide
SkyRide offers a unique combination of fun, fitness, and freedom. Riders feel like they’re flying powered only by their legs. Unlike traditional roller coasters or thrill rides, this one lets users control their own pace. Some pedal for speed. Others take it slow to enjoy the view.
Inclusivity is another reason for SkyRide’s success. Electric-assist options allow a wide range of people regardless of age or fitness level to experience the ride. It’s also environmentally friendly and space-efficient, using “dead air” space that other rides can’t. Whether you’re on a ship, in a park, or at a gym, SkyRide fits the space and serves the experience.
Looking Ahead: SkyRide’s Potential
The real question: can SkyRide grow without cruise ships? The answer lies in licensing. If SkyRide secures new land-based contracts and retains its current installations, it could expand its reach. Its brand, IP, and experience model give it an edge few Shark Tank rejects have achieved.
Lessons for Founders from SkyRide’s Journey
SkyRide’s decision to keep the business asset-light through licensing also serves as a modern roadmap for hardware startups. Its brand, IP, and experience model are strengths, as highlighted by SkyRide Technology’s company overview. SkyRide’s story also reminds entrepreneurs one major lesson: a “no” on Shark Tank doesn’t mean “no” in life.
Scott Olson used the exposure to build trust with customers and businesses outside of the Tank. His reputation helped him unlock big doors even when investors were hesitant. Most importantly, he stayed true to his vision while adapting to real-world feedback.
Safety First: How SkyRide Keeps Riders Secure
SkyRide might look daring, but its engineering places rider safety at the forefront. Each track section is built to ASTM amusement-ride standards, and every pod uses a five-point harness similar to what you’d find in a professional racecar. Redundant braking systems automatically slow the pod if a rider stops pedaling, while collision-avoidance sensors keep the spacing consistent on busy days. That attention to detail has paid off: after more than half a million recorded rides across three cruise ships, SkyRide hasn’t logged a single serious safety incident. For families, older adults, and first-time thrill seekers alike, that’s spotless record turns curiosity into confidence the moment they clip in.
Community Buzz: How SkyRide Keeps Riders Secure
Word of mouth has been SkyRide’s best marketing engine. Cruise vloggers on YouTube regularly place the ride in their “top five must-do” lists, and TikTok clips of guests pedaling above turquoise waters have racked up millions of views. Fitness blogs highlight SkyRide as a rare attraction that counts as genuine cardio, while travel writers praise it for being both inclusive and free to ride once you’re on board.
Even mainstream outlets from morning shows to tech podcasts have covered its mix of exercise and engineering. This constant flow of user-generated content keeps SkyRide visible in search feeds and social timelines, helping the brand reach people who have never stepped foot on a cruise ship. For a lean company that spends little on ads, that organic buzz is marketing gold.
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Final Thought: Would You Invest?
SkyRide may not be the next unicorn, but it represents what many investors overlook: persistence, smart pivots, and real customer love. It’s a functioning business with global potential.
What do you think? Would you back SkyRide now? Or do you believe the Sharks were right to walk away? Let us know your take and don’t forget to tag a Shark who should take a second look.
TL;DR
SkyRide didn’t land a deal on Shark Tank, but the business found surprising success on Carnival cruise ships. As of 2025, SkyRide’s estimated net worth is between $1.5M–$2.5M, powered by strategic licensing and media buzz.
FAQs
What is SkyRide’s estimated net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, SkyRide’s net worth is estimated to be between $1.5 million and $2.5 million, based on licensing deals with Carnival Cruise Line and limited public sales data.
Did SkyRide get a deal on Shark Tank?
No, SkyRide did not receive a deal on Shark Tank. The Sharks passed on the opportunity, citing valuation and business model concerns.
Who is the founder of SkyRide?
SkyRide was founded by Scott Olson, who also invented the iconic Rollerblades. He pitched the product on Shark Tank Season 3.
Where is SkyRide available now?
SkyRide is currently installed on multiple Carnival cruise ships, including the Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon, and Carnival Panorama.
Is SkyRide still in business?
Yes, SkyRide is still operational through licensing partnerships. While not sold directly to consumers, it remains active in the cruise and amusement sectors.
How does SkyRide work?
SkyRide is a pedal-powered monorail where riders move along an overhead track using their own pedaling force, offering a combination of fun, fitness, and scenic views.
Why did the Sharks reject SkyRide?
The Sharks passed on SkyRide due to concerns about scalability, high installation costs, and unclear consumer market potential at the time of the pitch.