{"id":34135,"date":"2023-01-21T17:45:57","date_gmt":"2023-01-21T17:45:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.electricscooterinsider.com\/?p=34135"},"modified":"2023-01-22T19:29:29","modified_gmt":"2023-01-22T19:29:29","slug":"electric-scooter-tires","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.electricscooterinsider.com\/electric-scooter-tires\/","title":{"rendered":"Electric Scooter Tires: A Beginner\u2019s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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From solid rubber to pneumatics, street to off-road tread, and size to shape, there are a lot of factors that determine the performance of an electric scooter based on its tires.<\/p>

In this guide, we're going to run through the different types of tires, help you find the right kind of tread for your specific needs, and explain how varying tire profiles affect ride quality and performance.<\/p>

We'll also share expert tips on how to prevent flats, as well as step-by-step guides on how to fix, replace, and upgrade your tires.<\/p>

\"Electric<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTire Types\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tFrom pneumatic to honeycomb, learn about different types of tires.\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTire Tread\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn how different tire treads perform across varying terrain. \t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTire Size & Shape\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tDiscover how size and shape affect ride quality and performance.\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCauses of Flat Tires\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn about common causes of flat tires.\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHow to Prevent Flats\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tDiscover the steps you can take to prevent flat tires.\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHow to Fix Flats\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tStep-by-step guides on how to fix and change damaged tires.\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Tires Types: Which is Best?<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Air-Filled (Pneumatic)<\/span><\/h3>

Air-filled tires are the most common type of tire found on electric scooters. They\u2019re widely considered to be the best because they provide good grip and are excellent at absorbing shocks and vibrations.<\/p>

You\u2019re most probably familiar with air-filled tires because they\u2019re used on many other vehicles, including bikes, motorbikes, and cars. However, not all are made equal.<\/p>

Inner Tube<\/h4>

These tires have a protective outer tire and an air-filled inner tube. They\u2019re easy to repair because the inner tube can be quickly patched or replaced.<\/p>

\"Pneumatic\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

Tubeless<\/h4>

Like cars, tubeless electric scooter tires have a thick exterior wall that has an airtight seal against the rim of the wheel hub. They\u2019re tougher than those with inner tubes but are harder to repair if you get a flat.<\/p>

\"Pneumatic<\/p>

No Flat Tubeless<\/h4>

These borrow the same design as tubeless tires, but inside is a thick gel-like coating that protects against punctures and flats.<\/p>

If the tire gets penetrated, the gel flows into the hole to seal the gap and prevent air from escaping.<\/p>

\"No-Flat<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Solid<\/span><\/h3>

Solid tires are most often found on kids' scooters<\/strong><\/a>, as well as those that are destined for the budget market<\/strong><\/a>. However, a handful of premium models are equipped with them for the purpose of low-maintenance design.<\/p>

Thanks to their solid interior they never get punctured or go flat. However, two major drawbacks are that they offer little to no shock absorption and that they have significantly less traction – especially on wet surfaces.<\/p>

Solid Rubber<\/h4>

Like skateboard wheels, these are completely solid, and heavier than air-filled tires. There\u2019s very little shock absorption and traction is poor.<\/p>

\"Solid<\/p>

Honeycomb<\/h4>

These are rubber tires with a network of holes to reduce their weight and increase shock absorption. The idea is that the air pockets allow the tire to flex, therefore delivering a more cushioned ride, whilst also reaping the rewards of a low-maintenance design.<\/p>

However, despite their attempt at being more cushioned, ride quality is only fractionally better than their solid counterparts.<\/p>

\"Honeycomb<\/p>

Foam<\/h4>

Filled with polyurethane foam, these are solid but lighter than rubber tires. Like honeycomb tires, they are designed to try and alleviate the lack of shock absorption. However, they have very little give so comfort is still an issue and traction remains low.<\/p>

\"Foam<\/p>

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Tire Tread: What\u2019s Right For Me?<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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The tread of a tire is the grippy surface that maintains traction with the ground.<\/p>

Different tread patterns provide varying levels of grip and make a tire more or less suitable for different terrain. Some treads can even prevent damage to your tire and protect against flats.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Street<\/h3>

Street tires are slick but with a light pattern. This means they grip well on the flat surface of the road and are harder to wear than racing tires.<\/p>

However, the shallow pattern means that they don\u2019t cope well with loose or gritty terrain.<\/p>

\"Street<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Hybrid (Terrain-Agnostic)<\/h3>

Hybrid tires are moderately patterned with a deep tread. They\u2019re suitable for a range of different terrains stretching from well-maintained urban roads to country tracks.<\/p>

\"Hybrid<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Off-Road<\/h3>

Designed specifically to be taken off-road, these tires feature three-dimensional tread patterns that are knobbly. This helps them to maintain traction on loose surfaces.<\/p>

They can also be used while riding over streets and paved environments, but because of their shape, they limit the scooter from hitting its top speed. They can be loud, too.<\/p>

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Snow<\/h3>

Perfect for extreme conditions, snow tires are studded, knobbly, and heavily patterned. The deep tread combines with metal studs to help them grip surfaces covered in snow and ice.<\/p>

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Racing<\/h3>

Racing tires are slick and have no pattern. This means that the entire surface is in contact with the ground to ensure extreme traction at all times.<\/p>

While these are ideal for fast-paced and aggressive riding, they\u2019re less suitable for everyday use because they wear out quickly and don\u2019t perform well on rough surfaces.<\/p>

\"Racing<\/p>

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Tire Size & Shape<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Understanding Tire Size<\/span><\/h3>

Common Tire Sizes<\/h4>

Scooter tires come in a range of shapes and sizes. Generally, cheaper, less powerful scooters have smaller wheels and larger more expensive models have bigger wheels. The most common tire sizes are:<\/p>

Tire Height (Inches)<\/th>Tire Width (Inches)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
8<\/td>2<\/td><\/tr>
8.5<\/td>2<\/td><\/tr>
10<\/td>2.5<\/td><\/tr>
10<\/td>3<\/td><\/tr>
10<\/td>3.25<\/td><\/tr>
11<\/td>3.5<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>

Short vs Tall: Pros and Cons<\/h4>

The height of a wheel influences the stability and performance of a scooter.<\/p>

Tall wheels provide greater ground clearance, a smoother ride, and better momentum. They also roll over bumps and obstacles easier and they don\u2019t sink as much into dirt or other loose terrains. Plus, because they retain inertia better, they coast more, and as a result, lead to greater range over small wheels.<\/p>

\"Short<\/p>

On the other hand, small wheels are generally cheaper to produce and designed for lower-powered scooters. They can be more maneuverable at low speeds, which is why they\u2019re often found on slow-budget models. Unfortunately, though, they have less ground clearance, transmit bumps and jolts to the rider much more severely, and don\u2019t deliver the same level of handling as those that are bigger.<\/p>

Narrow vs Wide: Pros and Cons<\/h4>

Wide tires have a bigger contact patch with the ground, thereby improving traction for acceleration, braking, and general riding. They also provide more stability.<\/p>

\"Narrow<\/p>

The downsides are that wider tires require more force to turn from side to side, but they do promise better cornering at speed. Narrow tires are, therefore, more nimble at slow speeds but don\u2019t provide as much stability, and are more likely to lose traction in wet conditions.<\/p>

The Correlation Between Tire Size and Motor Power<\/h4>

As tire size increases so too does motor power.<\/p>

\"Small<\/p>

Motors are mounted in the scooter\u2019s wheel hubs<\/strong><\/a>, so the size of the tire somewhat reflects the size of the motor. For instance, a budget scooter<\/strong><\/a> with a small 36V 350W motor may only have tires that measure 8.5 inches in diameter, while an ultra-performance model<\/strong><\/a> with 72V 2000W motors may have 11-inch tires. Ultimately, the more powerful the motor\/s, the larger the tires.<\/p>

This is why the scooter community refers to different models by their tire size (i.e. 10-inch or 11-inch) – it's a quick way to categorize performance.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Understanding Tire Shape<\/span><\/h3>

Rounded<\/h4>

Tires with a rounded front-on profile make a scooter more nimble.<\/p>

\"Apollo<\/p>

Contrary to popular belief, you don\u2019t rotate the handlebars when you want to turn, but rather lean in the direction that you want the scooter to go. While leaning, the scooter goes from a 90-degree upright angle to a 50 to 70-degree tilt.<\/p>

As the scooter rolls over, so do the tires, and it\u2019s here where a rounded profile lends itself to better handling than those that are square in their design. Because the tire is rounded, it ensures that a large surface area remains in contact with the road, meaning you can lean into the corners while maintaining traction. This is vital for fast electric scooters<\/a><\/strong> since it means you have as much control in the turn as you do on the straight.<\/p>

Square<\/h4>

Tires with a square front-on profile provide a wide contact patch with the ground while riding in a straight line. This makes them ideal for fast acceleration and quick braking.<\/p>

\"SPLACH<\/p>

However, square tires don\u2019t provide as good handling as those that have a rounded profile. As you lean into corners, they roll onto their edges, meaning grip is lost. Under these circumstances, square tires can slide out from underneath you.<\/p>

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Common Causes of Flat Tires<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Over-Inflation<\/h3>

Over-inflated tires can cause a host of issues, including:<\/p>