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Buyer’s Guide to Scooter Tires and Wheels

Nov. 30 2023 Buying Guide By Revel 42 - Wilmington

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The tires and wheels of your scooter play an important role in how it rides. There are many factors to consider when choosing replacement tires and wheels, which are carefully outlined in this guide from Revel 42. If you need more advice, please feel free to contact us! Revel 42 is your local scooter dealer in Wilmington, NC, serving Leland and Carolina Beach.

Wheel Sizes

Scooter wheels come in a wide variety of sizes to suit different applications. The size of the wheel is measured by its diameter, and most scooter wheels fall between 10” and 16” in diameter. The majority of scooter wheels measure about 12” in diameter.

So, how do you choose the right size for your scooter? The user manual provided with your scooter probably includes a recommended wheel size, so this should be your first point of reference. However, most scooters are compatible with a range of wheel sizes. You may have a preference for larger or smaller wheels, depending on your needs. Smaller scooter wheels will make your scooter easier to maneuver, while larger wheels will provide more stability.

Tire Options

Scooter tires range from 5” to 6” in thickness, and they also come in different diameters to correspond with your scooter wheels. Make sure to choose the right match for your wheels, and consider whether you want tires with or without inner tubes. Most scooter tires these days are tubeless, but some classic scooters feature inner tubes. If you prefer to stick to the original specs of your classic scooter, you may want to seek out tires with inner tubes.

Meanwhile, scooter tires also have designations that specify the tread width, the aspect ratio, and the wheel rim diameter. For example, a designation reading “130/60-13” indicates that the tread width is 130mm (5.1”) and the aspect ratio is .60, meaning the sidewall height is 60% of the tire width. The “13” refers to the wheel rim diameter, measured in inches.

Some scooter tires have another designation, which is a letter between the aspect ratio and the wheel diameter. This letter indicates the maximum speed at which the tire can safely operate.

  • J tires can operate at speeds up to 62 mph.
  • L tires can operate at speeds up to 75 mph.
  • N tires can be operated at speeds up to 87 mph.
  • P tires can be operated at speeds up to 93 mph.
  • S tires can be operated at speeds up to 103 mph.

Of course, most scooters can’t travel any faster than 60 mph, so you probably don’t need to concern yourself with these designations.

One final thing to consider when choosing new tires for your scooter is the direction of the tread pattern. Some tires have directional treads, which require you to mount the tire in a certain direction to achieve the best result. This direction should be indicated by an arrow.

We hope you found this information helpful! If you have any questions about scooter tires and wheels, you are always welcome to consult the team here at Revel 42. We welcome customers from Leland, Carolina Beach, and beyond at our dealership in Wilmington, NC.