Electric Scooter Tires

For more information, please visit Nedong.

Paul Somerville

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.

read full bio

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.

Tire Type Comparison

Types of Tires

There are two commonly used types of electric scooter tires:

• Pneumatic (air-filled) tires
• Solid (airless) 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 (Air-filled) Tires

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

The EMOVE Cruiser

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 tires

The Hover 1 Journey Max has front and rear pneumatic inner tube tires.

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.

Advantages of Pneumatic Tires

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.

Disadvantages of Pneumatic Tires

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

TheUScooters Booster V

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.

Honeycomb / Air Pocket Tires

The 

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 (Solid) Tires

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.

Advantages of Solid Tires

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.

Disadvantages of Solid Tires

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. 

Tires Size and Surface

The 

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. 

Common Tire Configurations

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.

Tire Maintenance

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.

Summary

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. 

For more 8.5 inch solid scooter tyresinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace pneumatic tires? Is it worth it?

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.

Can I replace solid tires? Is it worth it?

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.

Can I swap out solid tires for pneumatic tires?

Without major modifications of the scooter, you generally cannot convert a solid tire scooter into pneumatic.

Can I swap out pneumatic tires for solid tires?

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.

Do some solid tire types perform better than others?

Honeycomb or air-pocket tires tend to provide slightly better suspension than solid tires. However, this depends a lot on the brand.

Do tires on electric scooters need adjustment? Is that something I should do, if I&#;m not a professional?

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.

Can I replace my tires with off-brand/generic tires?

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.

Do all scooter models come with tires for regular riding vs. off-roading?

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.

Introduction

E-scooters are pretty popular as a casual, short-distance mode of transportation. One easy way to think about them is that they&#;re like bicycles. They are compact, easy to use, and can be a great way to get around town or campus. Their structure is simple: two wheels, a platform to stand on, and a handlebar with a throttle. They emit as much pollution as the electric grid (which depends on where you are) and are much cheaper to operate. In addition, they are very convenient, as they can be easily folded up and carried with you. There are different types of tires available for different purposes. One key decision when purchasing an e-scooter is which type of tire to choose: pneumatic or solid.

Choice of e-scooter tires will have a big impact on your ride

Reasons for Choosing Solid Tires over Pneumatic Tires

There are two main types of e-scooter tires: pneumatic tires and solid tires. Pneumatic tires are made from rubber and are inflated with air. They offer a smooth ride and good shock absorption. However, they are more susceptible to punctures and require more monitoring and replacement.

On the other hand, solid tires are made from materials such as polyurethane or rubber. They do not require inflation and are less likely to puncture. However, they offer a bumpier ride and may not be suitable for all surfaces.

So which type of e-scooter tire is right for you? It depends on needs and preferences. If you want a smooth ride and don&#;t mind extra maintenance, then pneumatic tires may be the way to go. Solid tires may be the better option if you&#;re looking for a tougher tire that can handle any terrain. Ultimately, the choice is yours!

How To Choose An E Scooter Solid Tire?

Electric scooter tires come in a range of sizes, and the size you need depends on the specific model of your scooter. Some e-scooters have air-filled (pneumatic) tires, and for the focus of this article, some e-scooters have solid tires. The type of tire can also influence the size and dimensions.

The diameter of electric scooter tires varies significantly depending on the model and purpose of the scooter. Smaller, portable scooters often have smaller tires, while larger, more robust scooters designed for longer commutes or off-road use may have larger tires.

Here&#;s a general range:

• Small electric scooters typically have tire diameters in the range of 5-8 inches (12.7-20.3 cm). These scooters are often foldable and designed for short commutes or indoor use.
• Medium electric scooters often have tires around 8-10 inches (20.3-25.4 cm) in diameter. These scooters are designed for more general use, including commuting and light off-road use.
• Large electric scooters designed for long commutes or off-road use can have tires with diameters of 10 inches (25.4 cm) and above. Some heavy-duty or off-road models might even have tires that are 12 inches (30.48 cm) or larger in diameter.

Bottom line, e-scooters have tires that range in size from 5 to 12 inches where the upper and lower measurements are extreme.

In addition to the diameter, the tire&#;s width might also be specified. Common widths range from about 1.5 to 2.5 inches.

When replacing e-scooter tires, always make sure to check your scooter&#;s user manual or the markings on the side of your existing tires to make sure you&#;re getting the correct size. The marking will usually show the diameter first, then the width. For example, &#;8.5×2&#; indicates a tire that is 8.5 inches in diameter and 2 inches wide.

If you plan on doing off-road riding, you will want to choose a tire with a more aggressive tread pattern. Otherwise, a smooth tread pattern will be fine. With these considerations in mind, you should have no trouble choosing the perfect e-scooter solid tire for your needs.

Advantages Of an E-Scooter Solid tire

E-scooters with solid tires have several advantages over traditional scooters with air-filled tires. For starters, they are much more durable and resistant to punctures. This means you can ride over rougher terrain without worrying about flats.

Additionally, solid tires provide a smoother ride, as they absorb shock better than air-filled tires. This is particularly important if you are using your e-scooter for commuting, as it will make the journey more comfortable.

Finally, solid tires are less prone to rolling once they reach high speeds, making them safer to use at high speeds. Overall, solid tires provide several advantages that make them the ideal choice for e-scooters.

Disadvantages Of E-Scooter Solid tire

The disadvantages of e-scooter solid tires are that they are less comfortable because the shock absorption is not as good, and they are more expensive. Also, it is hard to repair when you get a puncture. And finally, they are not as widely available as pneumatic tires.

This is because the air in the tire acts as a cushion and gives a smoother ride. Also, it is hard to repair when there&#;s damage. This is because you need to replace the entire tire rather than just patching up a hole. And finally, they are not as widely available as pneumatic tires. So, if you want solid tires, you may have to order them online or from a specialist store.

How Long Do Electric Scooter Solid tires Last? 

This is a question we get asked a lot, and it&#;s not an easy one to answer. It depends on several factors, including how often you ride your scooter, what kind of terrain you ride on, and how you care for your tires. With that said, a good rule of thumb is that solid tires should last for around 500 miles before they need to be replaced. Of course, if you only ride your scooter on smooth roads, you may be able to get more mileage out of them.

Likewise, if you frequently ride on rough terrain or don&#;t take proper care of your tires, they won&#;t last as long. Ultimately, it&#;s important to simply keep an eye on your tires and replace them when they show signs of wear. Doing so can help ensure that your electric scooter always performs at its best.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, the e-scooter solid tire has several advantages over traditional tires. They are more durable, provide a smoother ride, and are less likely to roll at high speeds. However, they are also more expensive and less comfortable. Ultimately, your best choice will come down to personal preference and your budget. If you can afford it, we always recommend going for solid tires &#; they offer several benefits that you won&#;t find with traditional tires.

You can also read:

10 Electric Bike Benefits

What Is The Average Tesla Car Battery Life?

The Best Eco Electric Bike: Top 7

Do Electric Cars Need Oil Changes?

Want more information on Custom wheelchair wheels? Feel free to contact us.