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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
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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!
One question that we get asked often is: “which scooter wheel size should I get”, or “what's the difference between this wheel and that wheel”?
It’s an important part of your scooter to get right. Buy the wrong size and they won’t be compatible with your setup, but get the right size and you’ll have a smooth, safe and fun riding experience.
Here at Rideminded, we want to help you make the best choices for your scooter. After reading this guide, you’ll understand the ins and outs of the scooter wheel. This way, you can make a more informed decision when putting together your setup, and be better prepared to avoid any common pitfalls when it comes to scooter wheel sizes.
You’ll also discover the best scooter wheels for beginner and advanced riders, and find answers to some frequently asked questions.
Scooter wheels can be broken down into five elements:
Learn what they all mean and what you need to be aware of below:
Diameter is the overall size of the wheel. As the diameter increases, the slower you will get to speed, but the maximum speed you can reach is higher.
There are five main diameters when it comes to scooter wheels:
These small wheels are a remnant from the days in which companies adapted inline skate wheels for use with scooters.
100mm wheels tend to feature plastic cores and basic bearings, although you can find the odd 100mm with a metal core (we will get to core material later). You will most often find these wheels as stock items on low-end or beginner complete scooters, or those that have been intended as ‘scooter-to-school’ completes.
These wheels are fine if you are a very young rider just starting out, but for older or more experienced riders, these wheels are best swapped for one of the bigger options.
This wheel size is the scooter rider’s staple and most standard wheel on the market. 110mms are the go-to wheels for the majority of riders out there, as they fill a solid middle ground in terms of speed, durability, weight, cost and style.
There are 110mm wheels that cater to both park and street riders, making them by far the most versatile and well catered for wheel size.
These wheels also fit on 99% of all complete and aftermarket forks and decks, so you really can’t go wrong!
Alternatively, if you’re looking for some very specific advantages that suit your riding style however, some of the bigger wheels may suit you better.
At Rideminded, we stock 110mm wheels in a range of colours and designs, like this fun Juicy watermelon option!
115mm wheels are a little less common than the other wheel sizes, but have recently grown in popularity among riders with hybrid street or park styles.
Whilst they’re a little more weighty than 110mm wheels, 115mm provide a slight increase to speed and control when making sharp turns and executing technical tricks.
If that’s your style, check out these Oath Binary black and blue wheels.
Fast and functional. Originally designed for bigger, older riders with flow styles, 120mm wheels provide a solid amount of speed and are great if you want to go charging around the skate park at full speed!
The biggest drawback to 120mm wheels has historically been the weight. Bigger wheels are heavier, and having a lightweight setup is a key component to throwing down many high-level tricks at the skate park.
That being said, 120mm wheels have recently been taken back to the drawing board, undergoing a renaissance of sorts with select brands pushing them back into the spotlight by heavily reducing the weight of the cores.
With ramps in skate parks getting bigger and riders constantly pushing themselves to achieve greater air time, it only makes sense that bigger wheels will most certainly play their part in years to come.
If you’re interested in buying 120mm wheels, these Oath Bermuda anodised satin black wheels may be ideal for you.
As with 120mm wheels, these wheels are built for speed, and we really do mean it! 125mm size scooter wheels are essentially an extreme version of 120mm wheels and come with all the same pros and cons, just amplified.
125mm wheels are best suited to high-level riders that know they want them. These are also one of the only wheels types that are not, yet, progressing toward universal compatibility with aftermarket forks and decks.
This can make them difficult to fit onto a given setup and, unless you’re willing to go out and buy new parts specifically to facilitate these giants, it’s better to wait unless you’re willing to commit to a full setup change.
However, they are the fastest scooter wheels you can get your hands on. and If you are you’re willing to accommodate the extra weight, they’ll have you absolutely blasting around the skate park!
Why not take a look at our urbanArtt civic 125mm black wheels?
When choosing the material that makes up the inner core of your wheel, stick with metal cores… just take our word for it.
Plastic core wheels are a remnant of the inline era of scooter wheels. These are often cheaper to produce and are sometimes found as stock parts on low-end complete scooters.
These wheels were designed more for ‘scooter-to-school’ audiences, although they can be used by riders just starting out on their scootering journey.
You should look at upgrading to metal cores as soon as you start any kind of ramp or trick riding. These wheel cores are a lot weaker than their metal core counterparts and are not up to scratch when it comes to trick riding.
Metal Core
Metal cores are the go-to wheel core for scooter riders. Almost all complete stunt scooters come fitted with these and, if you’re looking for an upgrade, metal cores are usually your best bet!
The thickness of a wheel’s core determines the forks and decks with which your wheels are compatible.
Because thickness is directly related to fork size, you need to know that the two most common fork sizes on the market are that cater to 24mm and 30mm wheels.
The scale that tells you how soft or hard the rubber of the wheel is.
Scooter wheels come in various levels of PU, starting from 85A and working up to 91A with 88A being the standard.
The lower the number on the PU scale, the softer the wheel. A softer wheel provides more grip, so you'll slide out less, but you won’t be able to generate as much speed.
Street style riders tackling rough terrain favour softer wheels due to their greater grip, whereas park riders who are riding smoother terrain in general, will often opt for a wheel in the middle of the scale as it provides both solid grip and ample amounts of speed. 88A is the most commonly used hardness.
The thicker the PU, the more rubber will be in contact with the ground, therefore the more grip you will have. This comes at the cost of a heavier wheel.
There are four major thicknesses on the market right now: 24mm, 26mm, 28mm and 30mm.
The thinner the wheel the more streamlined they will be, allowing for greater speed, but with less control or grip while turning. Thinner wheels are favoured by park riders who are looking to reduce the overall weight of their scooter in order to perform tricks where speed is a necessity.
Thicker wheels on the other hand, are ideal for those who want to carve through tight transitions and ride fast in both the park and streets.
The bearing is an element set within the wheel core that helps provide a smooth motion and reduces friction between moving parts.
Bearings come with an ABEC rating, although this is currently the established way of determining the speed provided, it is a controversial system that many do not think is overly accurate. The ABEC rating is determined by measuring the amount of noise created by a bearing. The idea is that a noisier bearing is slightly rougher while a quieter bearing is smoother and therefore “better”.
The ABEC rating for scooter bearings runs from 3 up to the supposed 11, although the legitimacy of 11s is up for debate.
The most common bearings you will find are ABEC 5, ABEC 7 and ABEC 9.
The scale runs with the rule, the higher the number, the faster the bearing, but the weaker and more prone to breaking.
Some brands like Oath Components and urbanArtt do not use ABEC rated bearings and have instead developed their own bearings specifically for scootering. Oath wheels come with Oath Fidelity bearings and urbanArtt wheels come with Lateral bearings.
For most people, these are the specifications for a standard scooter wheel:
However, other riders may require a slightly different setup:
If you’re just starting out, or buying a scooter for a young person just getting into scootering, then choose a small wheel. Usually, beginners have smaller decks, and smaller wheels make it easier to flick the deck round and do tricks.
Medium and large sized wheels are appropriate for advanced riders, as a larger deck means you’ll need a larger wheel. They also mean you can ride a lot faster, and are suitable if you’ve got a few years of experience under your belt.
These days, most scooters are compatible with both 110mm and 100mm wheels. However, you can’t put larger wheels than this on some decks. Be sure to check before you buy, or contact us if you need more help.
Scooter wheels will rarely break and become unusable, but they will wear down over time, meaning it’s advisable to replace them. For example, some parts of the wheel may have become flat, or they may slightly crack in some areas. If this is affecting your ride, it may be time to look for a replacement.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you to learn a bit more about the range of scooter wheels and sizes that exist out there, and has put you in good stead to make an informed choice about which wheels you'll be shredding next.
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