Tyre Check for Scooters & Mopeds: Your Guide to Grip and Stability

1. Condition

Legally, your scooter or moped tyres must have at least 1 mm of tread depth. Anything below that and you're risking grip loss. Ideally, aim for 2 mm or more. Slicks belong on the track. Also check for cracks, brittle rubber, or foreign objects embedded in the tyre.

2. Age

Your tyres might still *look* young and fresh, with plenty of tread, even though they’ve been on your scooter since you rescued it from a barn 15 years ago. Time for a change! Rubber compounds degrade invisibly, compromising safety. Replace tyres at least every six to eight years — even if they appear fine.

3. Air Pressure

Tube-type tyres need higher pressure than tubeless ones to maintain structural integrity. Tubeless designs remain stable at lower pressures due to their construction. For modern scooters or mopeds, check your service manual for specific recommendations. Otherwise, here's a general guide:

• Tube-type tyres: Manufacturer guidelines vary, but typically 1.8–2.5 bar for the front and 2.2–2.9 bar for the rear.
• Tubeless tyres: Around 1.7–2.3 bar front and 2.0–2.5 bar rear.

Additional Factors

• Rider weight and load: If you often carry a passenger or are on the heavier side, increase rear tyre pressure by 0.2–0.5 bar.
• Surface type: On smooth asphalt, a slightly higher pressure reduces rolling resistance. For rougher roads, lower pressure improves grip.
• Temperature: Tyres heat up during rides, increasing internal pressure. Always measure when tyres are cold (or after resting for at least 2–3 hours).

How to Find the Right Scooter Tyres

1. Identify Your Tyre Size

Where to look? You'll find the correct size in your scooter’s manual, on the tyre sidewall, or sometimes on the frame (e.g., glovebox on Vespas).

Example: Classic Vespas often use 10-inch tyres like "3.50-10" or "100/90-10". The first number indicates width (in inches or mm), the second is the rim diameter.

Tip: Stick to the original size unless you're going for a specific upgrade (e.g., wider tyres for looks or stability — be sure to check your rim size first!).

2. Tube-Type or Tubeless?

• Tube Type (TT): Common on older models. These require an inner tube. Pros: cheaper, easier to repair. Cons: more prone to sudden pressure loss when punctured.
• Tubeless (TL): Standard on modern scooters (e.g., Vespa GTS) or upgraded classics. Pros: safer in punctures (slower pressure loss), less maintenance. Cons: costlier, requires compatible rims.

3. Use Case and Tread Pattern

• Street Tyres: Smooth or lightly treaded for tarmac. Great dry grip, low rolling resistance (e.g., Michelin S1).
• All-Weather Tyres: More tread for rain and dirt. Best for unpredictable weather (e.g., Heidenau K58).
• Off-road/All-Terrain: Chunkier tread for gravel or uneven surfaces (e.g., Mitas MC20).

4. Speed and Load Ratings

• Speed Rating: A letter on the tyre (e.g., "J" = up to 100 km/h, "P" = up to 150 km/h). Must match your scooter's top speed.
• Load Index (LI): A number before the letter (e.g., "51" = 195 kg). Must support scooter, rider, and luggage weight.
• Combined Rating: The LI is valid only when running at specified pressure and within speed limits.

5. Brands and Quality

Well-known brands: Michelin, Pirelli, Heidenau, Continental, Sava, Mitas. For classic Vespas and Lambrettas, the Michelin S83 (vintage look) and Pirelli SL26 (sporty tread) are favourites.

Quality: Premium tyres offer better grip, durability (approx. 5,000–15,000 km) and safety — but cost more (€30–60 per tyre).

Tip: Budget tyres might save you upfront, but tend to wear faster and slip in wet conditions.

8. Practical Tips

• Installation: Tube-type tyres are easier for DIY fitting; tubeless often require workshop tools and experience.
• Approval: In Germany, tyres must carry an ECE approval mark (e.g., "E4") — or you risk MOT issues.

Which Tyres Can You Get at Scooter Center?

We stock a wide range of scooter tyres — from retro classics like Vespa and Lambretta to today’s modern machines.

bgm pro: Our in-house brand, made in Germany (in cooperation with Heidenau). Popular lines include bgm Classic (retro look, up to 150 km/h) and bgm Sport (performance, up to 180 km/h), available as TT and TL versions.

Heidenau: German-made premium tyres — the foundation for many bgm tyres. Models like the K58 and K61 are known for grip and longevity.

Michelin: High-end tyres like the S1 and Pilot Street — renowned for wet grip and ride comfort.

Continental: Models like the ContiGo and KKS 10 offer a great mix of stability and versatility.

Vee Rubber: Affordable options including the VRM-087 and VRM-099.

Pirelli: Premium choices like the SL26 for agile, sporty handling.

Mitas: Solid all-rounders — previously known as Sava.

Kenda: Budget-friendly and rugged tyres for everyday riding.

IRC: Japanese brand with a focus on grip and performance.

Schwalbe: Scooter tyres like the Schwalbe CX.