Electric Kick Scooter Tires
Tire Types and Sizes
Tires on electric kick scooters vary by size, width, and tread. What the scooter is intended for will determine the type of tire that is used. Typically, off-road ekick scooters have fatter tires, with more tread, and often a larger diameter sized tire as well. Commute scooters by comparison, have smaller treads, and size, and are not usually as fat. They are most commonly in the 8 inch to 10 inch range, with 7, 8.5 and 9 inch tires being most common on low to mid priced ekick scooters. Rental e-scooters often have larger tires, 9, and 10 inch are commonly used.
Tires are obviously a requirement to move the scooter along, but they also serve another purpose on ekick scooters and that is for comfort of ride. Larger size air filled tires with and without tubes often provide a better ride than solid tires of the same size. Often, ekick scooters with solid tires also have a front or rear suspension which tends to support a better ride, while scooters with air filled tube tires usually don't require a suspension simply because the air filled tires do such a good job of cushioning road bumps. And, some higher priced ekick scooters have single or dual suspensions and air filled tires.
On ekick scooters common tire types include: pneumatic (air filled, and air filled with tube) sizes 9-12 inch diameter common; and, solid tires (made of rubber like compound - no maintenance, low maintenance) sizes 7, 8, 8.5, 9 common. Honeycomb tire is also a popular tire type that is solid but is made with pockets around the tire, so it can provide a softer ride than a rubber solid tire, and like a solid tire, it is maintenance free.
Electric Kick Scooter Pneumatic vs Solid Tires
An air filled pneumatic tire, whether tubed or tubeless, gives a better ride, and also provides the best traction, especially if it is the front tire. Wet weather is also a challenge when riding your e-scooter, and braking distances are to be considered. The pneumatic tire is often better in wet conditions, although solid and honeycomb tires with good tread can still adapt to a quick stop on wet surfaces.
The pneumatic tire has a higher maintenance, being more prone to flats and tire issues from road obstacles.
Choosing a pneumatic or solid tire would be a matter of preference based on your riding conditions. For the best smooth ride and riding on uneven terrain, choose the pneumatic tire(tubeless or tubed). And, if your commute includes mostly flat smooth terrain, then the solid tire or honeycomb tire would be sufficient, and provide maintenance free riding.
In Summary
Tires on a scooter can provide comfort for common road terrain, however, tires on commute ekick scooters are not intended for off road scooting, and using them for that purpose can lessen their lifespan. Tire pressure is important for maintaining your tires and getting the best ride experience. Follow your manufacturers guide for proper air levels if your ekick scooter has the air filled tire type. Tires should be checked before each ride and air levels maintained at least weekly. Buying a portable air inflator for tires is a good idea.
Adding a heavy duty tube to your pneumatic tire can help with road debris and obstacles, but for maintenance free riding consider the honeycomb tire. It is maintenance free, and also adds to the comfort of your ride. Also gaining popularity is using a solid tire as the back tire, and a pnuematic tire as the front tire. The pneumatic tire provides best traction in all weather conditions, while having a rear solid tire(solid or honeycomb) will lessen your chances of getting a flat tire.
Find Accessories[affiliateLink]
Homepage