One of the most important parts of an electric scooter is its tyres. The performance and ride quality of electric scooters depend on the condition their tyres are in. Besides performance and ride quality, tyres also play a crucial role in protecting the rider. But just like other components of the scooter, e scooter tyres are prone to wear and tear.

Many riders are unaware of when their tyres need replacing. Riding an electric scooter with worn-out tyres is dangerous for both the rider and anyone else in the vicinity of the scooter. Thus it is essential for riders to be aware of the signs that their electric scooter tyres need changing.

1. External damage

The most common sign that tyres need replacing is wear. This can happen in the case of both solid tyres and pneumatic tyres. After the wear reaches a certain level, the grip of the electric scooter will slowly reduce, affecting rider safety. Riders should also check the tread pattern before riding to check for any visible crack or scars. The actual wear of the tyre depends on the rider’s weight, frequency of use, braking frequency and road conditions.

2. Uneven treadwear

Electic scooter tyres may appear not worn out completely. However, this doesn’t mean that the tyres don’t require attention. Riders can get many clues simply by inspecting the shape of the tyres to determine whether it's fit for use. Some of the most common signs include squarish wear of the tyre. This indicates that the tyre has worn out from the centre portion of the tread, due to extensive use.

3. Damage to front tyres – cupping or scalping

The front tyre takes the brunt of the impact on the road, which can cause scalping and cupping. Excessive use results in the tyres getting worn out along the length of the tread. Ignoring this issue may lead to handling and stability issues. Scalping can also be caused by a poorly set up suspension. Thus, if riders see that their tyres are getting scalped, they should examine their suspension and take steps to repair it.

4. Multiple cuts and punctures on the surface

Cuts and punctures on tyres are quite common with extended usage and are the biggest sign that tyres need to be changed. Failure to detect punctures and cracks can create an uneven contact patchiness on surface of the tyres. This inevitably affects road performance and ride quality.

5. Age of the tyres

Beyond normal cuts and wear, another factor that determines usability for the future is its age. Most manufacturers set the limit of tyre usage to 5 years. The oils of the rubber in the tyre can evaporate and cause the whole tyre to harden up.

Conclusion

Riders should always check tyre pressure and other variables that form the basis of the tyre’s structure. To avoid replacing tyres frequently, riders should always invest in good quality e-scooter tyres from certified and reputed dealers.