Scooter tires are pretty tough, but they can still get damaged from time to time. Luckily, the replacement process isn't difficult.
You may want to wear some protective gear for this task, as the elements can be greasy, and potentially damage clothing. Gloves are a good idea, as is an outer layer like a dust coat.
Step 1 - Loosen the Wheel Nuts
First, find a relatively flat, dry surface. Removing the front tire is much easier and does not need any special positioning of the scooter. With the scooter on its stand, you should be able to operate on the tire just fine. However, if you're removing the rear tire, you have to either lay your scooter horizontally or make it stand over an object like a rock to suspend the tire.
Depending on the model of scooter, you might need a specialty tool, or you might be able to use a regular wrench, or a lug wrench as you would on a car tire. Loosen the wheel nuts and place them in a safe place. If you're wearing your dust coat, just place the nuts in your dust coat pockets to ensure they are not lost.
Step 2 - Remove the Wheel and Valve Nut
Once you've removed the nuts and you have the tire suspended in the air, twist the tire slowly and pull it out. Once you pull it out, locate the valve stem and press it inward and hold for about a minute. This will help remove all the pressure from the tube. When the air is out, remove the valve nut from the stem.
Step 3 - Separate the Tire Bead
This step can be potentially slightly hazardous, so work carefully, and make sure your work area is clear of kids, pets, or delicate items that could be damaged.
Just next to the step valve, insert an iron rod into the tire bead and hold tightly against the rim. This should open up some space along the rim. Insert the second iron rod and hold tightly against the rim. This will help loosen the first iron rod, remove it and move it further ahead along the rim.
Continue with the process up until the entire bead is loosened from the rim. Once you've completely loosened the bead, use both iron rods to completely remove the tire from the rim.
Step 4 - Replace the Tube
If you're replacing a punctured tube, now is the time. Remove the punctured tube from the tire and replace it with the new one. If you also want to replace the entire tire, remove the old tire and replace it with a new one. Make sure the new tire is match for the one you removed.
Step 5 - Place the Tire Back on the Rim
Once you're done replacing the old bead with the new one, you should be ready to place on the new one. Place the tube into its position within the tire. Now place the tube valve into its position on the rim of the tire and hold it with a valve nut. Take your new tire over the rim's edge and insert it into the rim loops until it feels tight.
Fit the remaining part of the tire into the rim using your iron rods. Hold one side of the tire with the iron rod and use the other rod to open up the tire and slide the bead over the rim. You'll have to use more force towards the end, as only a small section of the tire has to be pushed back into the rim.
Step 6 - Tighten the Tire
Once you're done replacing the tire, tighten it back up. Slowly push the rim towards the center of the scooter tire holders. Reinstall everything you removed when untying the tire and tighten the wheel nut using the lug wrench.
With that, you have your tire in place and ready to go. Add pressure to your new tire and hit the road.
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