10 Things to Consider When Buying scooter tires

The first features consumers consider when purchasing an electric scooter are its top speed and the number of hours they can use it before needing to be recharged. However, electric scooter tiresscooter tires are also crucial when choosing an electric scooter because they affect the ride's quality, longevity, and security. It would help if you looked at the tires to see how they function and are made.

Operating a vehicle with worn-out tires is bad because your tires might not be able to grip the road as effectively in rainy conditions. So, driving can be dangerous for both you and other road users. It holds for electric scooters as well.

Part 1. What Types of Electric Scooters Tires Are There?

Firstly, you need to understand that electric scooters come with one of three basic types of tires. There are currently three main electric scooter tires: Pneumatic tires, solid tires, and honeycomb-design tires. Each of these tires for electric scooters is created with a certain sort of rider in mind, and each has unique advantages and downsides. Now let's get into more information about each of electric scooter tires.

1. Pneumatic Tires (Air-Filled)

You are probably most familiar with this kind of tire. Tires for cars and bicycles both utilize the same technique. There is air inside these tires. You can tell if it is a pneumatic tire when a tire has a valve stem anywhere. There are two types of pneumatic tires.

• Inner tube tires shield the tube with the exterior's durable rubber. This pneumatic tire for an electric scooter requires an inner tube and an outer tire to flat.
• Tubeless pneumatic tires for electric scooters without tubes have a robust outer tire. They are more durable, less prone to wear, and more difficult to pierce and flatten. This pneumatic tire is used on automobiles and is airtight against the rim.

PROS

• Lower Rolling Friction
• Better Ride Cushioning
• Better Traction
• Absorb Shock

CONS

• Susceptibility to Flats
• Tire Pressure Maintenance

2. Solid Tires (Airless)

As you may infer from the name, solid tires for electric scooters are just that—solid. Some people sometimes refer to them as "airless" tires to distinguish them from the more typical air-filled tires. They may be made completely of hard rubber or include a foamy inside within a rubber exterior. You'll have a hard time bending or compressing these tires in any manner. Although it is difficult to have a flat with them, the ride is harsher and heavier.

PROS

• No Flat Tires
• Less Maintenance

CONS

• Heavier Weight
• Less Comfortable Ride
• The Tire Shape May Affect Handling
• Fewer Replacement Options
• Less Traction

3. Honeycomb Tires

The honeycomb tire is the latest tire design. This less-common design functions somewhat like a cross between pneumatic and solid tire. The main characteristic of honeycomb tires is that they have channels carved out of them. The solid rubber helps eliminate the need for air, while the air pockets allow the tire to bend and deform.

PROS

• Puncture-Proof
• More Cushion Than a Solid Tire
• More Resilient

CONS

• No Adjustment
• More Expensive
• Increased Resistant

Part 2. What Tires Do the TurboAnt Electric Scooters Use?

The TurboAnt electric scooters use pneumatic tires. This is because such tires offer a smoother ride, better traction, and are lighter than other options. For instance, you will find these tires on the brand-new TurboAnt V8, the dual-battery electric scooter currently reigning on the market. This electric scooter offers the following features:

• 9.3-Inch Pneumatic Tires
• 2 x 7.5 Ah Dual Batteries (Deck Battery + Detachable Stem Battery)
• 50 miles Maximum Range (Powered by a 15 Ah Dual-Battery System)
• 450 W Brushless Motor (Front Motor)
• 20 mph Maximum Speed
• 275 lb. Load Capacity
• Dual-Spring Rear Suspension

The 50-mile extended range on a single full charge may accommodate your entire day's tasks. You may go to and from work, grocery shopping at a nearby store, gather with family at a nearby restaurant, and much more. The stem battery charging dock and two charging adapters with the scooter enable both batteries to be recharged simultaneously and completed in only four hours.

You can also enjoy modish-looking pneumatic tires with this electric scooter. There are dual springs attached to the rear wheel. Therefore, effectively combining these two elements absorbs shocks from road imperfections.

The 9.3-inch pneumatic tires of the TurboAnt V8 Electric Scooter are comprised of high-quality materials. With their cushioning properties, the tires make travels on this scooter as comfortable as feasible. The V8 variant is perfect for rough roads, thanks to these tires.

The dual-spring rear suspension of this new model is an additional component that offers the best possible comfort when riding. Back springs are included, making climbing over bumps, potholes, and other uncomfortable road conditions simpler. Thanks to this feature and the pneumatic tires, you may enjoy your journeys no matter what kind of road you are on.

Part 3. About Electric Scooter Tires Size and Treads

The diameter, breadth, and tread pattern of a tire impact its safety, grip, and rider comfort in addition to the tire type. Therefore, you need to understand the difference between bigger and smaller tires and how the various treads affect the overall performance of your ride.

Big Tires for Electric Scooters

Solid tires often have a smaller diameter than pneumatic tires. Additionally, larger electric scooter tires offer improved safety and traction while handling higher speeds more comfortably. Larger electric scooter tire diameters provide a smoother, safer ride. It becomes simpler to roll over roadblocks as tire diameter rises. This implies you won't feel as jarring when you drive over bumps or potholes. It is also safer since you are less likely to fall off the scooter if the wheel gets snagged in a pothole. Fat tire electric scooters offer an enjoyable experience with exceptional stability, even on wet, snowy, or sandy surfaces. This sets them apart from small-tire scooters, which struggle in such conditions.

Small Tires for Electric Scooters

If you choose smaller tires for electric scooters, you risk having the wheel trapped in a step or pothole, which might knock you off your scooter or make you unbalanced. Additionally, the 10-inch pneumatic electric scooter tires on TurboAnt provide them with more excellent stability and make them safer to use on various surfaces. The 9.3-inch tires on the new model V8 help it perform effectively.

Part 4. Different Surfaces and Treads on Electric Scooter Tires

The tread of your tire is an additional factor to consider when choosing electric scooter tires. For reference, this is the tire's gripping area. The same concept applies to the worlds of automobiles, motorcycles, and e-scooters.

Tread is a global concept that leverages a little bit of science to help you get the results you want. More tread translates to better grip and resistance to flats and offers a better ride.

Different tread patterns may be seen on some off-road tires. In the end, this results in improved control, more traction, and a smoother ride. In a similar vein, thicker tires often have more tread. Therefore, thicker electric scooter tires are heavier to ride on. This results in lower mileage per charge and a generally unpleasant ride.

You want as little tread as possible if you use your electric scooter on a public road. As a result, the ride will be lighter and go farther on a single charge. The best tread for severe off-roading is thick and patterned. This improves your grip and facilitates navigation over rocky terrain.

Part 5. How to Maintain the Electric Scooter Tires?

Compared to air-filled tires, solid tires for electric scooters are far more challenging to repair. However, they don't need any upkeep. Here are the best recommendations for caring for the electric scooter tires.

• The most important thing you can do is to make sure you monitor your air pressure closely. You can easily maximize and upgrade the lifespan of your electric scooter tires if you always maintain proper air pressure.
• The following step is to monitor the tread's appearance. You should have a general notion of what a fresh tire's tread looks like when they are brand-new. You may thus compare that with how your tires' treads are now. Replace your electric scooter tires if you see that the tread is thin.
• You shouldn't hesitate if your tires suddenly lose air pressure due to a puncture or another issue. Waiting too long to fix the issue might result in a myriad of additional issues, which means you'll have to perform extra maintenance.
• Finally, don't be embarrassed to seek qualified assistance. If a nearby store sells electric scooters, they can evaluate the damage and offer a course of action. A smooth and reliable ride will result from regular tire maintenance.

Part 6. The Top 4 Tips on Electric Scooter Tires

1. How Do Tires Affect the Weight That an Electric Scooter Can Carry?

Manufacturers can fit heavy-duty electric scooters with both pneumatic and solid tires. Larger tires may carry more weight. Therefore, electric scooters for bigger people often feature tires with a wider diameter to support the additional weight. However, the pneumatic type is more popular since it provides a smoother ride.

2. How Long Do Electric Scooter Tires Last?

Experts recommend replacing an electric scooter's tires every 2,000–3,000 miles (3,200-4,800 kilometers). However, you must replace the tires if the tread is worn down. This depends on many variables, like the terrain you typically ride on, how strongly you brake, and how frequently you use your electric scooter.

3. How Do You Fix a Flat Tire for An Electric Scooter?

This depends on the extent of the tire's damage. If anything has to be changed, like the inner tube for a pneumatic tire, you can generally find someone else to do it. If not, a moped repair shop will be able to assist you. Your neighborhood cycling store could have some components on hand to help you. Check out How to Prevent Flat Tires on Electric Scooters for more.

4. How Do You Pump an Electric Scooter Tire?

Users can utilize a regular bicycle pump or an electric pump with a gauge to check tire pressure. If you routinely use your electric scooter, it is advised that you inspect it once every two weeks. Utilize the pump to increase the pressure if it is low. It's a good idea for larger riders to maintain a higher tire pressure to prevent the electric scooter from slowing down.

Almost often, pneumatic tires are the best option for owners of electric scooters. This is because you may adjust their air pressure based on the rider's weight, environment, and preferences. However, you must weigh your selections carefully and ensure that you select the best tire for the scooter's user and riding style.

The pneumatic tire is ideal for you if you want the smoothest ride possible and don't mind little upkeep. Choose the solid tire if you want a sturdy tire that is always ready to go and doesn't dread a bumpier journey. Choose the honeycomb tire if you can't decide between the two and don't mind spending a little more.

When buying an electric scooter, the first things that people look for are how fast it can go and how many hours you can ride before it needs to be recharged. 

However, tires are also an important factor when it comes to buying an electric scooter because they determine the safety, durability and quality of your ride. Do you want to make your commute as comfortable as possible? Check the quality of an electric scooter’s tires before you buy it.

Imagine driving a car with poorly made or worn-down tires. Driving in wet weather can put yourself and others on the road in danger because your tires may not be able to grip the road as well. It’s the same for electric scooters.

In this guide, we’re going to answer all your questions on tires including:

-   What types of electric scooter tires are there?

-   What tires do Raine One electric scooters use?

-   Does tire size make any difference?

-   How do you pump an electric scooter tire?

-   How do you fix a flat tire on an electric scooter?

-   Can you ride an electric scooter with a flat tire?

-   How long do electric scooter tires last?

-   What does PSI, kPa or bar mean?

-   What pressure should my electric scooter tires be?

-   How do I change the tires on my electric scooter?

-   How do tires affect the weight that an electric scooter can carry?

Keep reading to find out everything about electric scooter tires.

What types of electric scooter tires are there?

There are two types of tires used for electric scooters:

-   Pneumatic tires

-   Solid tires

Pneumatic tires

Pneumatic tires, also commonly referred to as air-filled tires, are (as the name suggests) filled with air. These tires are made of supple rubber and can be identified by a valve stem on the side or into the center of the wheel. This can be used to check air pressure and fill or empty air from the tire. Pneumatic tires are also used for bicycles and cars. 

Pneumatic tires absorb shock very well, so they make for a more comfortable ride. If you plan on riding your electric scooter off-road or on rough surfaces, pneumatic tires will make your ride less bumpy.

Pneumatic tires for electric scooters usually have an inner tube which is where the air is held. It also means that if the tire is punctured, only the inner tube needs to be replaced or fixed.

Advantages of pneumatic tires:

-   Absorbs shock

-   Smoother ride

-   Better traction (even in wet conditions)

Disadvantages of pneumatic tires:

-   More prone to punctures

-   Have to maintain air pressure

Solid tires

Solid tires, also called ‘airless’ tires are made of hard rubber or hard rubber on the outside with a foamy inside. Compared to pneumatic, solid tires are a lot heavier. This means that they are much harder to puncture, but the ride won’t be as smooth.

While not getting a flat tire means less maintenance, the tires themselves can still wear down over time and can sometimes be hard to replace. Some electric scooter models require the whole wheel and motor to be exchanged, which can be quite expensive. Fortunately, these tires often last for years.

Riding off-road is possible with solid tires but it’ll be very bumpy.

Advantages of solid tires:

-   No flat tires

-   No maintenance required

Disadvantages of solid tires:

-   Heavier electric scooter

-   Less comfortable ride

-   The tire shape may affect handling

-   Difficult to replace

-   Less traction

What tires does the Raine One electric scooter use?

The Raine One electric scooter uses pneumatic tires because we wanted to provide our customers with a smoother ride. When we were deciding on the type of tires to use for our electric scooter, we wanted to use pneumatic tires because they are lighter and have better traction, but there was the issue of getting flat tires. We came up with pneumatic tires that have a self-healing gel to help combat punctures. This meant we didn’t have to compromize on comfort or have riders worrying about getting flat tires.

Not only does the Raine One have high-quality tires, but it also has great suspension. Some electric scooter models have good tires but no suspension. However, it’s important to have excellent tires and suspension, not one without the other. The Raine One has front and rear poly-shock suspension, giving the rider a smoother and more enjoyable experience.

Does tire size make any difference?

Pneumatic tires tend to be bigger diameter than solid tires. The bigger the tire, for example 10 inch or 8.5 inch instead of 6 inch, the more comfortable your ride will be because the larger diameter makes it easier to go over bumps in the road. Smaller tires mean your wheel is more likely to get caught in a pothole or step, which can either unbalance you or throw you off your scooter.

Bigger tires can also handle faster speeds more comfortably and also provide better safety and traction.

The pneumatic tires on the Raine One are a diameter of 10 inches, which gives it extra stability and is safer on different surfaces.

How do you pump an electric scooter tire?

You can use a standard bicycle pump or an electric pump with a gauge to check tire pressure. It’s recommended that if you’re regularly riding your electric scooter to check once a fortnight. If the pressure is low, use the pump to bring the pressure back up. The most likely cause of getting a flat tire is due to having insufficient pressure.

Fully inflated tires also mean your electric scooter can go faster and less surface area is in contact with the ground, which reduces drag.

For heavier electric scooter riders, it’s a good idea to keep the tire pressure on the higher side to avoid slowing the scooter down.

How do you fix a flat tire on an electric scooter?

It depends on how much damage has been done to the tire. If you need something replaced, such as the inner tube for a pneumatic tire, then you probably need to get someone else to replace it. Your local bicycle shop may have parts available, but otherwise, a moped repair shop will be able to help you.

If you are familiar with changing car parts or other vehicles, then you can fix the tire yourself, but we recommend you get a professional to do it if you’re unsure.

How do I prevent a flat tire on an electric scooter?

A tube sealant is great for preventing pneumatic tires from going flat. Best of all, it’s inexpensive, easy to use and quick to apply.

The sealant is pumped into the inner tube of the tire through the same valve used to inflate it. The liquid churns around inside the tube while the wheel is spinning and when a hole appears, the fluid leaks into the hole and quickly dries, preventing any further damage. It’s definitely worth using tube sealant to save the hassle of getting a flat tire later down the track. It’s particularly useful for people who are riding their electric scooters every day and are more prone to punctures.

Can you ride an electric scooter with a flat tire?

It’s not ideal to drive or ride any vehicle with a flat tire, as you’ll only cause more damage to it and it could even explode. If you do get a tire puncture, it’s best to get off your electric scooter and find an alternative way home.

How long do electric scooter tires last?

This depends on a number of factors including the type of terrain you normally ride on, how hard you use the brakes and how often you ride your electric scooter. The average tires on an electric scooter will need to be changed every 2,000-3,000 miles (3,200-4,800 kilometers).

However, if the tread on the tires is low, then the tires need to be changed. You can buy a tire tread depth gauge tool if you’re unsure about the tread. They only cost about $10 and make it easy to check.

What does PSI, kPa or bar mean?

This is the unit of measurement for air pressure in tires and PSI stands for pounds per square inch. It’s important to check your electric scooter’s pressure regularly because if it’s not in the recommended pressure range, it can affect safety and the scooter’s performance. Depending on what country you are in, kPa or bar may be the unit of pressure often used, and an online PSI/kPa/bar converter will help you out. 

What pressure should my electric scooter tires be?

It depends on what type of electric scooter you have, but most models recommend that it’s between 40 to 55 PSI. The manual that comes with your electric scooter should tell you what PSI your tires should be, and sometimes they are even written on the tire itself.

How do tires affect the weight that an electric scooter can carry?

Bigger tires can carry more weight, so electric scooters designed for heavier adults will usually have tires with a larger diameter to accommodate more weight. Both pneumatic and solid tires can be used for heavy-duty electric scooters but pneumatic is more common because they allow for a smoother ride.