How do I choose a scooter tire?

06 May.,2024

 

A Buyer's Guide for Purchasing Right Pair of Scooter Tyres

Bias ply or radial scooter tyres

Once you have determined the size of your scooter tyres, it’s time to move onto what kind of tyres you want on your scooter. Whether you want bias-ply or radial tyres. The major difference in these tyres is that bias-ply tyres are built on a design in which the carcass of the tyre is made up of layers of fabric which are wrapped over each other in a criss-cross formation. This formation provides the base-layer of the tyre with ample cushioning which makes these tyres the most comfortable tyres to ride on and also they provide good control and stability while carrying heavy loads.

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Some major drawbacks of bias-ply tyres is that they lose control at higher speeds and they retain a lot of heat. Another major drawback is that bias-ply have more rolling resistance which in turn decreases the fuel economy of the scooter.

On the other hand, Radial tyres have a carcass which is made of cord plies, which go straight across the tread with belts of steel, polyester and various other vibress criss-crosson atop the cord plies. Advantages of Radial Tyres include that they are stiffer which allows a better speed performance, have a longer tyre tread life, have precise handling and also better fuel economy.

Apollo Tyres offers scooter and scooty tyres range

Apollo Tyres have Actizip and Actigrip range of tyres which are among the best scooter tyres available in India. These tyres are available in both tubed and tubeless variants. So bring your scooter to the nearest Apollo Tyre centre, and get a professional check-up done today!

 

 

Frequently asked questions:

How do I find out my scooter tyre size?

Look for the information on the side of the tire. The tire size is often printed on the side of the tire itself, usually in a series of numbers and letters (e.g., "120/70-12"). Or, check the owner's manual. Your scooter's owner's manual should have the information on the tire size.

Which tyre size is best for scooter?

It's subjective to say which is the best tire for scooters, as it depends on individual needs and preferences. However, the Apollo ActiGrip is a popular tire brand for scooters and has received positive feedback from many users for its grip and handling. It's always important to consider the specific requirements and conditions you'll be riding in, and to choose a tire that's suitable for those conditions and meets your needs.

When should I change scooter tyre?

Change your two-wheeler tyres when the tread depth depletes to minimal levels or in case the tyres are showing signs of damage from regular use. Also, tyres older than 10 years should not be ridden, as they are prone to punctures and abrupt failures.

How many kms do scooter tyres last?

The lifespan of a scooter tire varies depending on several factors such as the type of tire, road conditions, driving style, and maintenance. On average, a scooter tire can last anywhere from 15,000 to 20,000 kilometers, but it's not uncommon for them to last longer with proper care and maintenance. It's important to regularly check the condition of your scooter tires, and replace them when they start to show signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, cuts, or bald spots. Regular tire rotations and proper inflation levels can also help extend the lifespan of your scooter tires.

How to Choose the Best Mobility Scooter Tires in 2023

Mobility scooters always come with tires installed, but when it comes time to replace the tires—or you want to swap your current tires for a different type of tire—it becomes important to understand the different types of mobility scooter tires and what size you should buy.

When deciding on a type of mobility scooter tire to purchase, it's important to look beyond the upfront cost. It's also important to consider:

  • The types of surfaces you'll be riding on

  • The speeds at which you'll be riding

  • The load that the mobility scooter needs to carry

  • The amount of stability you need

  • Your comfort while riding

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Types of Mobility Scooter Tires

There are three main tire types that can be used on mobility scooters:

  1. Pneumatic tires

  2. Solid urethane tires

  3. Foam-filled tires

Pneumatic Tires

Pneumatic tires, or air tires, provide a cushioned ride with good shock absorption and are ideal for on-road driving. Most air tires have an inner tube that's sold with the tire and can be patched up using a bicycle puncture kit. Tubeless tires are reinforced to help prevent punctures but are not as easy to fix.

If you'll mainly be driving on well-maintained roads at your top mobility scooter speed and are unlikely to drive over broken glass, thorns, or anything else that could puncture the tire, pneumatic tires could be a good choice. Make sure to check the air pressure before you go out and inflate your tires weekly or more often if needed.

Solid Urethane Tires

Solid tires are common on mobility scooters as well as manual and electric wheelchairs. These "flat-free" tires are generally made from a blend of rubber and urethane foam, are maintenance-free, and aren't vulnerable to punctures.

Solid tires can be good on gravel, dirt, and in public places where there are likely to be pieces of broken glass. The ride may be a little bumpier, but you'll be protected against the safety risks of an exploding tire, making this tire type ideal for outdoor mobility scooters.

Foam-Filled Tires

Foam-filled tires aim to provide a "best-of-both-worlds" approach. Instead of air, these tires are filled with foam to mimic the cushioning and shock absorbance of pneumatic tires without the risk of punctures and flats.

Like solid tires, foam-filled tires come with a higher price tag than pneumatic tires. However, the fact that they are maintenance-free and won’t need to be replaced all that frequently (because they can’t be punctured) makes them a good investment.

Tips When Buying Mobility Scooter Tires

Do you know which tire type you want? Make sure you get the right ones with these pro tips.

  • Consider the load size. Air tires are generally sufficient for a regular mobility scooter load. However, for bariatric riders or mobility scooters with oxygen tanks, consider foam-filled or solid tires.

  • Match the size and tread pattern of the original tire. On the sidewall of your current tires, you should see markings that indicate the tire size and tread type. Your new tires should match these indications for optimal performance.

  • Size. A size expressed as "X x Y" means that the tire measures X (inches or millimeters) from top to bottom and has a width of Y (inches or millimeters). A size expressed as "A-B" has a sidewall height and tire width of A and a rim diameter of B. A size expressed as "C/A-B" has a width of C, a sidewall height of A, and a rim diameter of B.

  • Tread patterns. The tread pattern of a tire is the pattern of lines, ridges, and knobs that leaves a distinctive mark when you ride on mud or sand. Generally, it's best to replace a tire with another tire with the same tread pattern. If you have options, choose a slick tread pattern for riding on smooth surfaces and a knobby tread pattern for all-terrain driving. Using a tire with a knobby tread pattern for on-road use will drain your power faster than using low-tread or slick tires.

  • Check the wheel or caster type. It's important to check the wheel or caster type if you're upgrading from air tires to solid tires. To upgrade from an air tire to a solid or foam-filled tire, you'll generally need two-piece rims. In some cases, you'll need to buy new wheels in order to change your tire type.

  • Buy mobility scooter tires in pairs. New tires that are even a little uneven can pose a major safety risk. Buy mobility scooter tires in pairs—even if you have a three-wheel scooter.

  • Purchase original equipment manufacturer (OEM) tires if available. Where possible, the experts at our Denver, Colorado showroom always recommend purchasing OEM tires. While they might cost more than generic tires sold online, you know they're built specifically for your scooter and are more likely to stand the test of time.

The Right Tires Ensure the Safest and Smoothest Ride

The wide range of mobility scooter tires may seem overwhelming, but in most cases, it's simply a matter of buying the same tires that your scooter already has. 

If you're interested in upgrading to larger tires or all-terrain tires or changing from pneumatic to solid or foam-filled tires, consult with the professionals at Mobility Plus to ensure that your scooter can handle the change.

A Buyer's Guide for Purchasing Right Pair of Scooter Tyres

Bias ply or radial scooter tyres

Once you have determined the size of your scooter tyres, it’s time to move onto what kind of tyres you want on your scooter. Whether you want bias-ply or radial tyres. The major difference in these tyres is that bias-ply tyres are built on a design in which the carcass of the tyre is made up of layers of fabric which are wrapped over each other in a criss-cross formation. This formation provides the base-layer of the tyre with ample cushioning which makes these tyres the most comfortable tyres to ride on and also they provide good control and stability while carrying heavy loads.

Some major drawbacks of bias-ply tyres is that they lose control at higher speeds and they retain a lot of heat. Another major drawback is that bias-ply have more rolling resistance which in turn decreases the fuel economy of the scooter.

On the other hand, Radial tyres have a carcass which is made of cord plies, which go straight across the tread with belts of steel, polyester and various other vibress criss-crosson atop the cord plies. Advantages of Radial Tyres include that they are stiffer which allows a better speed performance, have a longer tyre tread life, have precise handling and also better fuel economy.

Apollo Tyres offers scooter and scooty tyres range

Apollo Tyres have Actizip and Actigrip range of tyres which are among the best scooter tyres available in India. These tyres are available in both tubed and tubeless variants. So bring your scooter to the nearest Apollo Tyre centre, and get a professional check-up done today!

 

 

Frequently asked questions:

How do I find out my scooter tyre size?

Look for the information on the side of the tire. The tire size is often printed on the side of the tire itself, usually in a series of numbers and letters (e.g., "120/70-12"). Or, check the owner's manual. Your scooter's owner's manual should have the information on the tire size.

Which tyre size is best for scooter?

It's subjective to say which is the best tire for scooters, as it depends on individual needs and preferences. However, the Apollo ActiGrip is a popular tire brand for scooters and has received positive feedback from many users for its grip and handling. It's always important to consider the specific requirements and conditions you'll be riding in, and to choose a tire that's suitable for those conditions and meets your needs.

When should I change scooter tyre?

Change your two-wheeler tyres when the tread depth depletes to minimal levels or in case the tyres are showing signs of damage from regular use. Also, tyres older than 10 years should not be ridden, as they are prone to punctures and abrupt failures.

How many kms do scooter tyres last?

The lifespan of a scooter tire varies depending on several factors such as the type of tire, road conditions, driving style, and maintenance. On average, a scooter tire can last anywhere from 15,000 to 20,000 kilometers, but it's not uncommon for them to last longer with proper care and maintenance. It's important to regularly check the condition of your scooter tiresscooter tires, and replace them when they start to show signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, cuts, or bald spots. Regular tire rotations and proper inflation levels can also help extend the lifespan of your scooter tires.

How to Choose the Best Mobility Scooter Tires in 2023

Mobility scooters always come with tires installed, but when it comes time to replace the tires—or you want to swap your current tires for a different type of tire—it becomes important to understand the different types of mobility scooter tires and what size you should buy.

When deciding on a type of mobility scooter tire to purchase, it's important to look beyond the upfront cost. It's also important to consider:

  • The types of surfaces you'll be riding on

  • The speeds at which you'll be riding

  • The load that the mobility scooter needs to carry

  • The amount of stability you need

  • Your comfort while riding

Types of Mobility Scooter Tires

There are three main tire types that can be used on mobility scooters:

  1. Pneumatic tires

  2. Solid urethane tires

  3. Foam-filled tires

Pneumatic Tires

Pneumatic tires, or air tires, provide a cushioned ride with good shock absorption and are ideal for on-road driving. Most air tires have an inner tube that's sold with the tire and can be patched up using a bicycle puncture kit. Tubeless tires are reinforced to help prevent punctures but are not as easy to fix.

If you'll mainly be driving on well-maintained roads at your top mobility scooter speed and are unlikely to drive over broken glass, thorns, or anything else that could puncture the tire, pneumatic tires could be a good choice. Make sure to check the air pressure before you go out and inflate your tires weekly or more often if needed.

Solid Urethane Tires

Solid tires are common on mobility scooters as well as manual and electric wheelchairs. These "flat-free" tires are generally made from a blend of rubber and urethane foam, are maintenance-free, and aren't vulnerable to punctures.

Solid tires can be good on gravel, dirt, and in public places where there are likely to be pieces of broken glass. The ride may be a little bumpier, but you'll be protected against the safety risks of an exploding tire, making this tire type ideal for outdoor mobility scooters.

Foam-Filled Tires

Foam-filled tires aim to provide a "best-of-both-worlds" approach. Instead of air, these tires are filled with foam to mimic the cushioning and shock absorbance of pneumatic tires without the risk of punctures and flats.

Like solid tires, foam-filled tires come with a higher price tag than pneumatic tires. However, the fact that they are maintenance-free and won’t need to be replaced all that frequently (because they can’t be punctured) makes them a good investment.

Tips When Buying Mobility Scooter Tires

Do you know which tire type you want? Make sure you get the right ones with these pro tips.

  • Consider the load size. Air tires are generally sufficient for a regular mobility scooter load. However, for bariatric riders or mobility scooters with oxygen tanks, consider foam-filled or solid tires.

  • Match the size and tread pattern of the original tire. On the sidewall of your current tires, you should see markings that indicate the tire size and tread type. Your new tires should match these indications for optimal performance.

  • Size. A size expressed as "X x Y" means that the tire measures X (inches or millimeters) from top to bottom and has a width of Y (inches or millimeters). A size expressed as "A-B" has a sidewall height and tire width of A and a rim diameter of B. A size expressed as "C/A-B" has a width of C, a sidewall height of A, and a rim diameter of B.

  • Tread patterns. The tread pattern of a tire is the pattern of lines, ridges, and knobs that leaves a distinctive mark when you ride on mud or sand. Generally, it's best to replace a tire with another tire with the same tread pattern. If you have options, choose a slick tread pattern for riding on smooth surfaces and a knobby tread pattern for all-terrain driving. Using a tire with a knobby tread pattern for on-road use will drain your power faster than using low-tread or slick tires.

  • Check the wheel or caster type. It's important to check the wheel or caster type if you're upgrading from air tires to solid tires. To upgrade from an air tire to a solid or foam-filled tire, you'll generally need two-piece rims. In some cases, you'll need to buy new wheels in order to change your tire type.

  • Buy mobility scooter tires in pairs. New tires that are even a little uneven can pose a major safety risk. Buy mobility scooter tires in pairs—even if you have a three-wheel scooter.

  • Purchase original equipment manufacturer (OEM) tires if available. Where possible, the experts at our Denver, Colorado showroom always recommend purchasing OEM tires. While they might cost more than generic tires sold online, you know they're built specifically for your scooter and are more likely to stand the test of time.

The Right Tires Ensure the Safest and Smoothest Ride

The wide range of mobility scooter tires may seem overwhelming, but in most cases, it's simply a matter of buying the same tires that your scooter already has. 

If you're interested in upgrading to larger tires or all-terrain tires or changing from pneumatic to solid or foam-filled tires, consult with the professionals at Mobility Plus to ensure that your scooter can handle the change.