Commercially available e-scooter tires (direct) are different than the scooter models themselves.
Depending on the nature, speed, weight and surface, different types of tires are built into the e-scooter.
But it also depends on the brand and manufacturer, as different models are equipped with different types of e-scooter tires.
These types of electric scooter tires exist
The most important distinction when it comes to tires is between pneumatic tires and hard rubber tires.
Because the size of the tires is also decisive for safety and driving comfort.
Whether the driver can move safely on asphalt roads, on wet roads or on off-road routes sometimes not only depends on the quality of the tires, but also, quite simply, on the type of construction.
Pneumatic tires offer the advantage that vibrations are better absorbed on uneven surfaces than with hard rubber tires.
E-scooter tires equipped with air tubes act like additional air springs that automatically provide cushioning. As a result, air-filled tubes in the tires of electric scooters also ensure a better driving experience. In addition, the tire pressure can be adjusted to the ground if necessary. Two different maxims count here:
- Level surface: more air and pressure in the hose
- Uneven surface: let out some air
More air in the tube means that the pneumatic tire of the e-scooter has less friction surface. This allows you to accelerate faster. Letting a little air out of the tire increases the contact area, which better distributes the impact of the bumps. However, in both cases, no optimal filling can be pronounced for every pneumatic e-scooter tire. Factors such as the load and dead weight of the scooter are too important.
Cost of tires
Pneumatic tires for electric scooters cost a little more than the hard rubber variant.
Hard rubber tires are also more likely to be found in the cheaper models, whereas pneumatic tires are usually part of the equipment of more expensive e-scooters.
What are the differences between e-scooter tires?
In addition to the lower costs, it is high stability and robustness that characterize the hard rubber tire variant of the e-scooter.
However, one must by no means ignore the other side.
Vibrations are transferred from the road surface directly to the handlebars, as there is hardly any damping from the e-scooter tires.
If there is also no suspension, the ride comfort suffers on uneven ground, the ride becomes more restless and the traction decreases.
Hard rubber tires are prone to slipping on wet surfaces in particular, which is why you should exercise particular caution when cornering.
Comparison of hard rubber vs. tire
| Property | Hard rubber tires | tire |
|---|---|---|
| driving comfort | - | + |
| Storage | + | + |
| Cheap prices | + | - |
| traction | - | + |
| Wear | - | + |
| Manageability | - | + |
| Maintenance (air pressure) | + | - |
Where there is no hose, no air can escape and does not have to be refilled.
Particularly large tires on the e-scooter offer great driving comfort, but must be checked and serviced more regularly.
No "plates" with tires
The hard rubber tires are sure to be well received even in dry weather.
They also have the advantage that, unlike pneumatic tires, they cannot get a “flat”.
However, if the tires wear out after a while, rubber tires must be completely replaced.
If the tread is worn in only a few places due to heavy loads, the tire must be replaced.
Otherwise, sufficient driving safety cannot be guaranteed.
The tires of the electric scooter cannot be changed at will, because the equipment cannot usually be changed.
It is therefore important to carefully weigh up the desired driving comfort, the expected purpose and thus the road surface and the safety requirements before buying.
E-scooter models with shock absorbers
Some middle-class and upper-class electric scooters rely on the use of shock absorbers in addition to pneumatic tires.
These offer additional comfort when driving and also increase safety.
Different road surfaces are best mastered this way, which benefits greater driving pleasure and more solid steering behavior.
Bumps, damaged roads or potholes can then not only be mastered more comfortably, but also more safely.
What tire sizes are there on the e-scooter?
On average, electric scooters are equipped with tires between 8 and 10 inches.
Similar to other vehicles with tires, the tire size is decisive for the driving characteristics on a wide variety of surfaces and weather conditions.
The tire size largely determines the traction of the tires on the road, i.e. the adhesive properties between the tire profile and the road surface.
With a larger circumference of pneumatic tires, the e-scooter is more comfortable to drive over bumps in the road, potholes or stones than with smaller tires.
On the other hand, the more common e-scooter solid rubber tires require less maintenance and wear out more slowly.
So you can drive them longer until wear and tear become noticeable, which should result in changing the e-scooter tires.
Pneumatic tires are also called balloon tires and offer greater driving comfort.
However, they can also lose air more easily, which means that they must be repaired or completely replaced.
Short-distance drivers in the city do not need pneumatic tires with shock absorbers, for example for the last mile from the subway to the workplace.
More demanding fun sport drivers who want to be on the road with the e-scooter off-road or on forest and meadow paths are better advised to use pneumatic tires and shock absorbers.
Especially on such routes, the pneumatic tire variant on the e-scooter ensures greater driving comfort and improved safety.
Bumps are better absorbed and the driver's arms tire less quickly.
Are there different e-scooter tires for summer and winter?
The electric scooter scores with its fundamental readiness for use in all weather conditions.
In principle, it is also possible to drive in winter temperatures and weather conditions such as snow-covered paths, roads covered in black ice or over wet leaves.
There is no specially formulated obligation for winter-proof e-scooter tires on the part of the law.
However, personal safety must not be forgotten during winter fun.
Difficult weather conditions are also a challenge for e-scooter tires, which is why you should only drive with the right equipment in wet, snow and ice.
If the electric scooter is also to be used in winter, you can pay attention to the right tires when buying it.
Some manufacturers have e-scooter models that are equipped with all-weather tires.
Then the tires have a more coarsely manufactured profile, which ensures stronger adhesion values in bad weather.
Can you change electric scooter tires and put on the preferred tire variant?
In the rarest of cases, you can replace e-scooter tires with tools at home.
Even if it is possible, a specialist should be consulted to change the e-scooter tires.
Only then can driving safety be fully guaranteed.
Switching from hard rubber to pneumatic tires - or from pneumatic to hard rubber tires - is also not possible automatically.
Therefore, before buying, you should think about which variant is best suited for your personal use.