How to Inflate a Scooter Tire

Scooter tires are smaller than motorcycle tires and as a result are much more susceptible to bumps, road cracks, and potholes. Having the proper inflation in the tire is very important for the handling of the scooter and it can be dangerous to have either an under-inflated or over-inflate scooter tire.

Things You'll Need

  • Portable air compressor
  • Hand held tire pressure gauge
  • Park the scooter on a flat surface and position each of the valve stems in a low position for easy access with the air compressor air hose.

  • Remove the valve stem caps from each tire.

  • Locate the recommended air pressure inflation on the sidewall of each scooter tire. You might also check your owners manual to see if they recommend a different tire pressure, but most scooters have small tires which handle better on the road when inflated to the higher capacity of the tire. In other words, if the tire calls for 66 pounds per square inch, you may not need to put 66 pounds in, but 55-60 would make the scooter handle better on the roads.

  • Use the air compressor to inflate the air in the tires of the scooter. Many portable air compressors run off of the power outlets or cigarette lighter ports of vehicles, so parking a vehicle nearby the scooter would be advisable if you're using this type of compressor.

  • Check the tire pressure using the hand held tire pressure gauge regardless if the compressor has one or not. Many times the portable compressor's gauges may be inaccurate or become uncalibrated. Always use a hand held tire pressure gauge and carry it with the scooter at all time. Replace the valve stem caps when you're done filling the scooter tires.