Scooter tire quality

Scooter Tire Quality

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Raputtak

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2016 GTS 300 Super - red, of course.

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Posts: 4755
Location: Hertford, North Carolina

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I have driven hundreds of thousands of miles on car, SUV and pickup tires with no issues other than normal wear. Yet, I repeatedly read about numerous dismal failures regarding scooter tires. Yes, there is a massive difference in the number of scooter owners compared to car and truck owners, but wouldn't you expect some technological advancements to trickle down to us?

I think 3,000 miles is an alarmingly low metric for tire longevity. My truck weighs about a ton. That's approximately 500 pounds per wheel, which is twice the weight of a Vespa GTS, yet I easily get ten to twenty times the mileage from my truck tires. Even accounting for having twice as many tires, the truck is still more efficient. Yes, scooter tires are smaller, meaning they revolve more often.

⚠️ Last edited by Raputtak on ; edited 1 time

Is it just my imagination or do we scooter tire buyers seem to get the short end of the stick when it comes to quality?I have driven hundreds of thousands of miles on car, suv and pickup tires with no problems other than normal wear. Yet I read here again and again about all kinds of gruesome failures. Yes, I realize that there are only a few hundred thousand of us world-wide compared to the hundreds of millions of car and truck owners, but wouldn't you think that there would be some technology leak through to us?I think 3,000 miles is an abysmally low number for a life expectancy. My truck weighs about a ton. That is approximately 500 pounds per wheel, twice the weight of an entire GTS, yet I get ten to twenty times the miles from my tires. Even allowing for having twice as many tires, the truck is still better. Yes, scooter tires are smaller and hence go around and around more often.

Scooter Wheel Sizes & Specs: Buying Guide

One frequently asked question we encounter is: “Which scooter wheel size should I get?” or “What's the difference between these wheels?”

Choosing the right wheel size is crucial for your scooter. The wrong size can be incompatible with your setup, while the right size provides a smooth, safe, and enjoyable ride.

At Rideminded, our aim is to help you make the best choices for your scooter. After reading this guide, you'll comprehend the intricacies of scooter wheels, enabling you to make an informed decision and avoid common pitfalls.

You'll also learn about the best scooter wheels for both beginner and advanced riders, along with answers to frequently asked questions.

The 5 Key Elements of Scooter Wheels

Scooter wheels can be categorized into five main elements:

1. Diameter
2. Polyurethane Thickness
3. Polyurethane Hardness
4. Core Diameter
5. Bearings

Learn what they mean and what you should be aware of below:

1. Wheel Diameter

Diameter refers to the overall size of the wheel. As the diameter increases, you achieve speed more slowly, but your maximum speed potential becomes higher.

Here are the five main diameters for scooter wheels:

1. 100mm
2. 110mm
3. 115mm
4. 120mm
5. 125mm

100mm

These small wheels are holdovers from when companies adapted inline skate wheels for scooters. 100mm wheels usually feature plastic cores and basic bearings, although some have metal cores. You typically find these on low-end or beginner scooters. These are suitable for very young riders but should be swapped for larger wheels as skills advance.

110mm

This wheel size is the most common and versatile, fitting the majority of riders. 110mm wheels strike a balance between speed, durability, weight, cost, and style. They cater to both park and street riders and fit 99% of all scooter forks and decks. We stock 110mm wheels in various colors and designs, such as the Juicy watermelon option!

115mm

Though less common, 115mm wheels have grown in popularity among riders with hybrid styles. They offer slight speed and control benefits but add some weight. Examples include the Oath Binary black and blue wheels.

120mm

Designed for speed and functionality, 120mm wheels are ideal for older riders. The weight was previously a drawback, but recent designs have reduced core weight significantly. They are perfect for high-speed runs at skate parks. If you're interested, check out the Oath Bermuda anodised satin black wheels.

125mm

These wheels are the epitome of speed, designed for high-level riders. They come with the same pros and cons as 120mm wheels, but amplified. Universal compatibility is not yet achieved, making them challenging to fit without specific parts. However, they offer unparalleled speed at the skate park. Consider our urbanArtt civic 125mm black wheels.

2. Wheel Cores

Choosing the correct wheel core material is crucial. We strongly recommend metal cores.

Plastic Core

Plastic core wheels are cheaper and often found on beginner scooters. They are designed for basic commuting, but should be upgraded to metal cores for ramp or trick riding due to their limited strength.

Metal Core

Metal cores are the standard for stunt scooters and are generally the best option for upgrades.

Wheel Core Sizes

The core thickness of a wheel affects compatibility with forks and decks. The two most common fork sizes accommodate 24mm and 30mm wheels. Each fork generally comes with spacers to fit different core sizes, although this varies by brand. A 30mm fork can fit any wheel core size as long as spacers are used, but a 30mm wheel core won't fit a 24mm fork. Be mindful of core and polyurethane thickness differences.

3. Polyurethane (PU) Mixes

The PU scale measures wheel hardness. Wheels range from 85A to 91A, with 88A being the standard. Softer wheels offer more grip but less speed, making them suitable for rough terrains. Medium-hardness wheels offer a balance of grip and speed, ideal for park riders.

4. PU Thickness

The thicker the PU, the more grip but also more weight. Thicknesses range from 24mm to 30mm. Thinner wheels offer more speed but less control, suiting park riders. Thicker wheels provide better grip for tight transitions and high-speed rides.

5. Bearings

Bearings within the wheel core enable smooth motion and reduce friction. They are rated using the ABEC scale, which measures noise to infer quality. ABEC ratings range from 3 to 11, with higher numbers indicating faster but weaker bearings. Some brands have developed non-ABEC rated bearings tailored for scootering.

What Kind of Scooter Wheel Should I Buy?

For most riders, a standard scooter wheel has the following specs:

• Diameter: 110mm
• Core Type: Metal
• Polyurethane Hardness: 88A
• PU Thickness: 28mm
• Bearing: ABEC 5, 7, or 9

However, some riders may need different setups:

Best Scooter Wheels for Beginners

Beginners or young riders should opt for smaller wheels as they make it easier to perform tricks and flick the deck around.

Best Scooter Wheels for Advanced Riders

Advanced riders should use medium to large wheels for faster speeds and compatibility with larger decks. Such wheels are suitable for experienced riders.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scooter Wheels

Can I Put 110mm Wheels on My 100mm Scooter?

Most modern scooters are compatible with both 110mm and 100mm wheels. However, larger wheels may not fit on some decks. Check compatibility before purchasing, or contact us for assistance.

When Do I Need to Change My Scooter Wheels?

Scooter wheels rarely break but do wear down over time. If your wheels develop flat spots or cracks affecting your ride, it's time for a replacement.

We hope this guide helps you make informed decisions about scooter wheels. Find your next stunt scooter wheels at Rideminded!