How to Fix a Flat Electric Scooter Tire

In plain English

Scooter tires are small and need the right pressure, so riding on soft tires causes flats quickly. Some scooters use inner tubes, some use tubeless tires, and some use solid tires that can't go flat. Your manual says which you have. The wheel with the motor in it has a cable running into the axle, which makes it harder to remove.

Work from the top. Steps go from free and easy to shop jobs. Switch the scooter off before touching any connector. Tick each step as you go. Your progress is saved on this device.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Steps marked "affiliate link" link to Amazon.

1. 1Find out your tire typeFree Solid (airless) tires have no valve and can't go flat. Air-filled tires have a valve. Your manual says whether they use inner tubes or are tubeless.
2. 2Check the pressure firstFree Pump to the pressure printed on the tire's sidewall or in your manual, using a pump with a gauge. Many flats are slow leaks or tires that were never pumped up enough.

   Need it? Floor pump with gauge on Amazon (affiliate link)

3. 3Find the causeFree Look around the tire for thorns, glass or wire, and pull them out. Wipe a little soapy water on the valve: bubbles mean the valve is leaking.
4. 4Tubeless tires: plug small puncturesEasy A small hole in the tread of a tubeless tire can often be fixed with a plug kit or sealant made for tubeless tires. A cut in the sidewall can't be fixed safely, so replace the tire.
5. 5Inner tubes: patch or replace the tubeEasy Let all the air out, then follow your manual to get the tire off. It's easiest on the wheel without the motor. Patch the hole, or fit a new tube of exactly the size printed on the tire.

   Need it? Tube patch kit on Amazon (affiliate link)

6. 6Use plastic tire levers, not screwdriversModerate Scooter tires are stiff. Plastic tire levers lift them without damaging the tube or rim. Take your time, and make sure the tube isn't caught under the tire before you pump it up.

   Need it? Tire levers on Amazon (affiliate link)

7. 7Let a shop do the motor wheelShop job The motor wheel has a cable going into the axle and often needs parts of the deck or fender removed. If your manual doesn't show how, a scooter repair shop can do it quickly.

Parts you might need

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Only buy a part if the free steps didn't fix it. Always match the voltage and connector type to your bike.

• Floor pump with gauge

  Soft tires make the motor work harder and cost range.

  View on Amazon

• Tube patch kit

  Fixes small punctures on the road. Cheaper than a new tube.

  View on Amazon

• Tire levers

  Plastic levers that pry a tire off the rim without damaging it.

  View on Amazon