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April 18,
Rider Guide&#;s Editor-in-Chief is a seasoned expert in the electric scooter industry. With a wide-ranging background that includes managing scooter warehouses, selling thousands of motorcycles, and restoring high value (+1M) European sports cars, his expertise is unmatched. Having personally tested more than 100 electric scooters, he offers invaluable insights and recommendations to our readers. We are fortunate to have him as part of our team, as his diverse skill set and extensive experience ensure top-notch reviews.
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Tires connect your electric scooter with the ground. They are an important part of safety, durability, and ride quality. This guide covers the ins and outs of electric scooter tires. You&#;ll learn the advantages and disadvantages of pneumatic (air-filled) and solid (airless) tires.
There are two commonly used types of electric scooter tires:
Overall, pneumatic tires are better performing than solid tires. Pneumatic or air-filled tires are more efficient, and provide better cushioning and traction. For this reason, we always recommend them. Solid tires are zero maintenance because they don&#;t get flats but won&#;t necessarily last longer than pneumatic ones.
Both types of tires will wear out over time.
Pneumatic tires, also called air-filled tires, are made of supple rubber and use air pressure to maintain their structure. They have a valve stem that protrudes either from the side or into the center of the wheel, which you use to fill or empty air from the tire and also check the air pressure. Most tires that you see on other vehicles &#; cars, bicycles, motorcycles &#; are pneumatic. Pneumatic tires come in two flavors: tubeless and inner tube.
Tubeless tires are common on automobiles, consisting of only the tire that forms an air-tight seal around the tire rim. The tire rim houses the valve stem. Tubeless tires tend to be more heavy duty, puncture resistant, and higher performance. For that reason, you&#;ll generally only find these more expensive tires on premium and performance scooters. However, if you do get a flat or need to change the tire, it can be a real pain. On some electric scooters you will actually have to take the whole wheel to a tire shop and have them use their tire removal machine to get it off.
Inner tube pneumatic tires are common on bicycles and electric scooters; they have a heavy outer tire &#;shell,&#; which has treads and makes contact with the road. Inside the outer tire is a separate inner tube that holds the air and has the valve stem. If the outer tire is punctured, only the inner tube needs to be patched or replaced.
Pneumatic tires have three major benefits compared to solid tires: lower rolling friction, better ride cushioning, and better traction.
Lower rolling coefficient of friction means that these tires lose less energy as they roll along the ground. You will get better mileage and higher top speed with pneumatic tires.
Better ride cushioning is afforded by the air pressure in the tire. Pneumatic tires are better able to absorb bumps in the road than solid ones. On some scooters, they are the only form of suspension.
Pneumatic tires are made of supple rubber and have a better static coefficient of friction, which means they are less likely to slip as they roll along the ground. They will allow you to stop more quickly without sliding. Additionally, they provide better traction even in wet conditions.
There are two disadvantages to pneumatic tires: susceptibility to flats and tire pressure maintenance. One of the most common complaints from scooter riders is the necessity to replace or refill pneumatic tires. With solid tires, you won&#;t get flats or have to monitor the tire pressure, but pneumatic tires (inner tube or tubeless) still perform better overall.
Pro Tip: Reduce your chances of getting a flat with a few simple tire tips. If you&#;re shopping for a pneumatic tire scooter, try to get one with split rims. Split rims are rims bolted together that can be separated, allowing for much easier tire changes.
Solid tires use a rubber or solid polyurethane foam filling material to provide structural integrity, rather than air pressure. They are completely immune to punctures and will never go flat like a pneumatic tire. This is their major (and only) benefit. In every other way, solid tires are inferior to pneumatic tires.
One thing to note is that solid tires can be much more difficult to change. For example, the Segway Ninebot ES2 electric scooters are notorious for having a solid front tire that is impossible to change, requiring the entire wheel (and motor) to be exchanged. Keep this in mind when exploring electric scooter options that have solid tires.
Solid tires are not necessarily more durable than pneumatic tires. They will never go flat from being punctured. However, they are often made of hard plastics that will wear down more quickly due to their higher rolling friction.
Solid tires have two basic forms: honeycomb and filled.
Unagi Model One Voyager
has air pocket tires that provide some cushion but are immune to flats.Some solid tires have a &#;honeycomb&#; or &#;air pocket&#; construction. Honeycomb tires are made from the same rubber as other solid tires and have an internal honeycomb or ribbed construction designed to provide structural integrity and keep the weight down. Because there are air pockets within the tire, they provide more cushion than their filled solid counterparts. With less rubber than filled rubber tires, honeycomb tends to be lighter weight but not as light as pneumatic tires. These are the least common type of tires among air-filled and solid types.
Filled tires contain a rubber, foam, or other solid yet flexible polymer filling. Filled solid tires are heavier and stiffer in construction. These types of materials tend to be very durable, but can get damaged and wear down over time. Wear and tear ordinarily does not render filled tires inoperable, but happens more quickly than with pneumatic tires. Again, filled tires can be difficult to replace.
The main benefit of solid tires is that you will never have a flat or need to deal with air pressure. Any punctures to solid tires will not make them inoperable or less effective, as with pneumatic tires. In general, solid tires are less expensive than pneumatic tires not only in upkeep but in general cost.
There are a number of downsides to having solid tires on your electric scooter, including being heavier than air-filled tires, worse traction, and worse ride quality. Not only will solid tires affect the quality of your ride, some are almost impossible to replace. Also, solid tires will have worse traction than air-filled tires, particularly in wet conditions.
GOTRAX GX3
is fitted with knobby tires that perform well off-road and provide traction on loose soil.Along with tire type, the diameter, width, and tread pattern also affects its safety, traction, and rider comfort.
Larger diameter tires give a safer, more comfortable ride. As the tire diameter increases, it&#;s easier to roll over obstacles in the road. This means you will feel less of a jolt when you encounter bumps or potholes. You are also less likely to get the wheel caught in a pothole, which could throw you off the scooter, making it safer.
Generally, the wider the tire, the more stable (and, in turn, comfort) you will feel. Wider tires are less likely to get caught in cracks in the road, where you almost feel like you&#;re being guided down a track, and safer.
Some e-scooters have tires with knobby off-road tread while others have smooth tread suited for paved roads. Similarly to bicycle tires and those designed for urban roads vs. rural terrain, you will find scooter tire treads also come in varieties.
Most commuter scooters will come with smooth on-road tires, whereas many premium and extreme performance scooters are available with on- or off-road tires.
In general, manufacturers design electric scooters with pneumatic tires but some use a mix of both air-filled and solid tires. In mixed configurations, the front tire is often air-filled while the rear tire is solid. Rear tires bear more of the rider&#;s weight and tend to be more susceptible to flats than the front tire. According to our own study, rear tires get flats about 10X more than front tires. By using this mixed configuration, one can gain some of the benefits of pneumatic tires while dramatically reducing your odds of getting a flat.
Oftentimes, brands use solid tires on lower-priced scooters. About 40% of budget electric scooters (under $300) have solid tires, 47% come with air-filled tires, and 13% have a combination of solid and air-filled tires.
When looking at electric scooters across all price ranges, pneumatic tires are more common in general, and scooters in the premium and performance ($ to $) price range all have pneumatic tires (and disc brakes).
Pro Tip: Use the &#;Tires&#; column in our scooter comparison database to research scooters by tire type.
As mentioned, solid tires are much more difficult to replace than air-filled tires; however, they require no maintenance. With some configurations, you have to remove the tire from the scooter in order to replace it. For solid tires, this is common and can even require professional assistance. For pneumatic tires, the design can make replacing them simpler or more difficult.
For example, some electric scooters, especially those in the higher price ranges, come with split-rim tire designs. With a split-rim tire, you can easily remove half of the tire to replace the inner tube without taking the tire off of the scooter.
Pro Tip: If the tires on your electric scooter need replacing, check the terms of your warranty as some distributors provide replacement of component parts.
Pneumatic (tube filled and tubeless) tires are the best tires for your electric scooter. Air-filled tires will give you a more comfortable ride and keep you glued to the ground better than solid tires.
When shopping for an electric scooter, be sure to take a look at the types of tires. Along with brakes and any suspension, your tires greatly affect your ride quality.
Check out our current ESG Editor&#;s pick of the best electric scooters on the market!
Yes, you can replace pneumatic tires, but depending on the style of tire and enclosure, it may be more or less difficult. If the scooter has split rims, then the rim can be taken apart, allowing for easier tire change. If the scooter doesn&#;t have a split rim, then you will have to forcefully pry the tire off the rim and stretch it back on when replacing it.
For inner tube tires, you typically only need to replace the tube. However, if the tire itself is badly damaged, you will also need to replace that.
If you have a flat, we recommended trying tire sealant first before trying to replace either the inner tube or tire.
Yes, you can replace solid tires but it&#;s generally a difficult endeavor. On some budget electric scooters, the entire wheel (including the motor) must be replaced together. This is generally prohibitively expensive.
On more premium scooters, like the UScooters line, tires can be replaced, but with some difficulty.
Without major modifications of the scooter, you generally cannot convert a solid tire scooter into pneumatic.
Yes, and this seems to be most popular for the Xiaomi M365. Solid replacement tires are widely available on Amazon. However the procedure is quite difficult and involves using a long lever arm and requires A LOT of muscle.
Honeycomb or air-pocket tires tend to provide slightly better suspension than solid tires. However, this depends a lot on the brand.
The only necessary maintenance is checking the pressure and adding air to pneumatic tires. Eventually, all tires will need to be replaced after the tread wears down or if they become damaged.
Yes, electric scooter tires and inner tubes come in standard diameters and widths. So long as you find an appropriate-sized replacement, it should work.
Yes, most premium and extreme performance scooters have optional off-road tires. These tires have a more aggressive, deeper, and knobbier tread pattern that provides better traction off-road.
Electric scooters are increasingly used for daily commutes. Like any other vehicle, they require proper maintenance and the tires are one of the most important parts. Selecting the best electric scooter tires can significantly enhance the performance and safety. This article will explore the two common types of electric scooter tires and assist you in choosing the best one that suits your requirements.
The Two Types of Electric Scooter Tires
Pneumatic (Air-Filled) Tires
Pneumatic tires are the most common type that you&#;ll find on electric scooters. They are filled with air and have a flexible rubber outer layer that provides a comfortable ride. They come with an inner tube or they can also be tubeless. Some electric scooters come equipped with pre-sealed tubeless tires.
Type of Pneumatic Tire
Construction
Pros
Cons
Inner Tube
Inner tube tires have a separate rubber tube inside the tire casing, which can be removed and replaced if punctured.
Good shock absorption and smoother ride
Easy to replace the tube if punctured
Prone to pinch flats
Require regular maintenance
Tubeless
Tubeless tires have a sealed bead around the rim of the tire that creates an airtight seal, eliminating the need for an inner tube.
Less prone to punctures
Require less maintenance
Lighter than tires with inner tubes
Can be difficult to replace without special tools
Are more expensive than tubed tires
Pre-sealed Tubeless
Pre-sealed tubeless tires have a special sealant inside the tire that automatically seals any punctures or leaks as they occur.
Very low maintenance
Excellent puncture protection
Most expensive tire type
May not be readily available in all markets
Solid Tires
Solid tires are a type of tire used for electric scooters that are made from a single piece of rubber without the need of air.
Pros:
Puncture-proof
Require less maintenance (less prone to wear and tear)
Cons:
Heavier weight
Less grip and shock absorption on rough surfaces
More difficult to replace without special tools
To sum up, deciding between solid and pneumatic tires for electric scooters should ultimately be made based on the riding factors, usage frequency, and personal preferences.
Solid tires are low maintenance and resistant to punctures, whereas pneumatic tires offer better shock absorption and traction. Pneumatic tires are best for riders who desire a smooth, comfortable ride, while solid tires are better for riders who value convenience and tire lifespan.
It is important to consider these factors carefully to make a wise decision that ensures a safe and enjoyable ride.
Fun fact: It is possible to have a combination of both pneumatic and solid tires so you don&#;t have to deal with as many flats, just like the EMOVE Touring.
Tire Categories for Different Purposes
Street Tires
If you own an electric scooter, chances are it has street tires on it since they're the most commonly used tire type. Street tires provide a good combination of grip, speed, and durability and are ideal for riding on smooth surfaces like concrete or asphalt. Overall, these tires will do the trick whether you ride your scooter for daily commuting or just for fun.
Pros:
Excellent grip on smooth surfaces
Durable and long-lasting as compared to other tire types
Suitable for long-range and recreational riding
Lightweight with lower rolling resistance for better battery life
Cons:
Not suitable for off-road, uneven inclines, or rough terrain
Not ideal for wet conditions
Limited traction on slippery surfaces
Off-Road Tires
Off-road tires have deeper treads and wider profiles that provide extra grip and stability on uneven surfaces, such as dirt, grass or gravel. They're known for better shock absorption, are made up of more durable materials, and are ideal for outdoor exploration and adventure rides. However, they can reduce the range that you get out of your electric scooter on flat terrain due to the extra tread, leading to greater rolling resistance and reduced efficiency.
Pros:
Improved grip and stability on rough terrain
Better shock absorption due to deeper treads
Longer lifespan due to durable materials
Ideal for outdoor exploration and adventure rides
Cons:
Increased rolling resistance and decreased efficiency on smooth surfaces
Reduced maneuverability in tight spaces due to wider profiles
Requires more maintenance to clean the deep treads from dirt and debris
Hybrid Tires
Hybrid tires are a mix of street and off-road tires. They are designed to provide good performance on both smooth and rough surfaces. Hybrid tires have shallower treads than off-road tires but deeper than the profile of street tires. They are suitable for riders who want to ride on smooth surfaces and also rough terrains occasionally.
Pros:
Provide a good grip and stability on both smooth and rough surfaces
Suitable for both on- and off-road riding
Offer decent grip and stability
They are more durable than street tires in general
Cons:
May not perform as well as street tires on smooth surfaces
Offer less grip on rough terrains than off-road tires
May have lower speed on flat surfaces than street tires
Racing Slicks
Racing slicks are made for riding at high speeds on flat terrain like racetracks or closed roads. To maximize grip and speed, they have a smooth profile without any treads. Riders who want to push their electric scooter to the maximum should pick the racing slicks.
Here we have another electric scooter tire meant for racing, known as PMT tires. They have superior grip and durability, making them a popular choice for electric scooter riders who demand high-performance tires. PMT tires are designed to handle high speeds and offer optimal control and stability in sharp turns and corners. They are great for those who enjoy the adrenaline rush of racing!
Pros:
Maximum grip and speed on dry and smooth surfaces
Suitable for high-speed riding
Great cornering and maneuverability
Cons:
Can be extremely dangerous in wet or slippery conditions
Not suitable for off-road riding on uneven surfaces
May require more frequent replacement due to the softer compound
Snow Tires
Snow tires for electric scooters are covered in metal studs that boosts grip and traction on snowy or icy surfaces. Snow or studded tires are also exceptional for tearing through uneven terrain, making them suitable for some off-road adventures. If you&#;ll be riding on pavement and don&#;t need extra traction, you should opt for a different tire style as you&#;ll wear out the studs.
Pros:
Excellent grip and traction on snowy or icy surfaces
Better stability on slippery roads
Suitable for winter riding
Cons:
Less effective on smooth surfaces
Not recommended for high-speed riding
Conclusion
Choosing the right electric scooter tires depends on your needs and preferences. Think about where and how you will ride and pick tires with good grip and traction. Regular maintenance of your tires is important for their performance and longevity. Keep them properly inflated, check them regularly, and replace them when needed. With the right tire choice and taking good care of them can make your rides safer and more enjoyable, and keep your scooter working well for a long time.
We hope that this guide helps you pick the ideal tires to maximize your electric scooter&#;s performance. At VoroMotors, we have tires available here whether you wish to pick a set for a specific need or if you need a replacement tire. As always, have a safe ride!