Why Xiaomi Scooter owners switch to tubeless tires?
Chamber tires on Xiaomi electric scooters are a headache for many users. Punctures, spontaneous air descents and the need to carry a pump and spare cameras make every trip a lottery. tubeless tires (or tubers) solve these problems: they are less prone to punctures, hold pressure longer and provide better traction. But switching to them requires not only buying new tires, but also the right installation — otherwise the risk of damaging the rim or the tire itself increases significantly.
In this article, we will take a look at the whole process from A to Z: from choosing the right tubeless rubber for your Xiaomi Scooter model (whether it’s a tyre or a tyre). M365, Pro, Pro 2 or 1S) You will learn what tools you will need, how to avoid errors when dismantling an old tire and why using a tubeless tire sealant on Xiaomi scooters can lead to wheel imbalance at speeds above 30 km / h. We will also reveal the myths about “perpetual” rubber and explain why even tubeless tires require regular inspection.
What kind of tire should I choose for Xiaomi Scooter?
Not all tubeless tires are suitable for Xiaomi electric scooters.
- 🔄 Size: Must match the original 8.5′′ for most models (M365, Pro, 1S). For Pro 2 and Essential - 10".
- 🛡️ Puncture protection: Look for models labeled Puncture Proof or Anti-Puncture. Popular brands are Kenda, CST, Innova.
- 📏 Tread profile: Slick (smooth) is good for the city, with a pronounced pattern for off-road use. K193 or CST C1416.
- 💰 Price: a quality tubeless tire will cost 1,500-3,500 ₽ Cheap analogues (800-1,200) ₽) They often have thin sidewalls and wear out quickly.
Important: tubeless tires require special rims with sealed sides. On scooters Xiaomi regular rims are not always suitable - you may need to install a tape for sealing (cost 200-500). ₽). Check compatibility by marking on the rim: must be labeled Tubeless Ready or TL.
Tools and materials: what you need to install
To install a tubeless tire on a Xiaomi scooter, you will need:
| Tool/material | Appointment | Where to buy | Approximate price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation blades (3 units) | For tyre-boarding | Autostore, AliExpress | 300–800 ₽ |
| Pump with gauge | For pumping the tire to the desired pressure (2.5-3.5 bar) | Bicycle shop | 1 000–3 000 ₽ |
| Rim sealing tape | If the rim isn't Tubeless Ready | AliExpress, auto shop | 200–500 ₽ |
| Sealer for tubeless tires | Optionally, for additional protection from punctures | Bicycle shop | 500–1 200 ₽ |
| Keys to remove the wheel | End key 5 mm (for) M365/Pro) or 6 mm (for Pro) 2) | Any tool store | 100–300 ₽ |
⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal mounting blades, they can damage the rim. The best option is plastic or composite blades with rounded edges. Also avoid the use of screwdrivers or other improvised means: the risk of scratching the disc or tearing the tire is too high.
Remove the wheel from the scooter|Clean the rim from old rubber and dirt|Check the rim for dents or corrosion|Stick tape for sealing (if required)|Prepare a soap solution for boarding-->
Step-by-step: remove the old tire and install a tubeless
The process of replacing the tire on the Xiaomi scooter consists of several steps. Let's consider each in detail.
1. Wheel removal
Turn off the power and flip it over. M365/Pro/1S:
- Unscrew 4 bolts of the mounting of the engine cover (key 5 mm).
- Disconnect the power connector of the motor (carefully pull the lock).
- Twisted the wheel axis (a end key and effort will be required - the bolt often clings).
For the front wheel, the process is simpler: unscrew 2 bolts of the fork mount and remove the wheel along with the brake disc (if any).
Removal of the old tyre
If the tire is chamber, you can first flush the air by twisting the nipple.
- Insert the mounting blade between the rim and the side of the tire, squeeze the side out.
- Lock the shoulder blade and insert the second at a distance of 10-15 cm.
- Carefully remove the side of the tire by the rim throughout the circumference.
- Remove the camera and remove the tire completely.
⚠️ Note: On scooters Xiaomi Pro 2 and Essential, the rear wheel often sticks to the rim due to corrosion. If the tire is not removed, spray the joint WD-40 And wait 10 to 15 minutes. Don't use excessive force, you're at risk of breaking the rim!
Preparation of the rim
Clean the rim of old rubber, dirt and rust. If the rim is not Tubeless Ready, stick a sealing tape:
- Beat the rim with alcohol or acetone.
- Stick the tape on the opposite side of the nipple hole. Stretch it without folds.
- Ride your finger around the edges so that the tape is tightly snuggly.
- Blow the nipple hole (if the tape has closed it, gently cut through the cross).
Installation of a tubeless tyre
This is the hardest part.
- Check the direction of rotation of the tire (there is a Rotation arrow on the sidewall).
- Put the tire on the rim, starting on the side opposite the nipple.
- Insert the nipple into the rim hole and fix it with a nut (do not tighten too much!).
- Carefully fill the side of the tire behind the rim around the circumference using mounting blades. Start on the side opposite the nipple.
- The last section (usually 10-15 cm) will be the hardest, and soap solution will help, soak them in the side of the tire and the rim for slipping.
What to do if the tire does not sit on the rim?
Pumping and leakproofing
After the tyre is installed:
- Connect the pump and pump the wheel to 0.5-1 bar.
- Check if the tire is evenly seated all over the rim. If there are areas where the tire is not fitting, blow it off and re-board.
- Bring the pressure to the recommended (2.5-3.5 bar for Xiaomi).
- Put the soap on the tire, and if you get bubbles, you've got air leakage, and then you lower the tire and do the same.
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If the tire does not fit well on the rim, try to pump it to 4-5 bar for a short time (no more than 10 seconds), the excess pressure will help the board to stand back, after which you can blow the air to normal. But do not overdo it - the risk of damage to the tire!
Wheel Balancing: Why It Matters and How to Do It Yourself
After installing a tubeless tire, the wheel may become imbalanced, manifested by vibration on the steering wheel at speeds above 25-30 km / h.
- 🔧 Uneven distribution of tire weight (especially relevant for cheap models).
- 🛠️ Incorrect installation (the tire side unevenly sat on the rim).
- 🚴 Remains of old sealant or dirt inside the tire.
For balancing at home:
- Hang the wheel on a nail or hook so that it can rotate freely.
- Turn the wheel, and it will stop in the position where the heaviest part is at the bottom.
- Fix on the rim opposite this point weight (you can use balancing weights for bicycles or even tape with a coin).
- Repeat the process until the wheel is in any position.
⚠️ Warning: If the vibration remains after balancing, check:
- 🔍 Correct installation of the tire (the board should sit exactly on the entire rim).
- 🛞 Wheel bearing condition – worn bearings also cause vibration.
- 📦 Quality of the tire itself – cheap tubeless tires often have factory imbalances.
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Balancing the wheel after installing a tubeless tire is mandatory! Even a slight imbalance at 30 speed+ km/h leads to increased wear of bearings and scooter plugs.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When installing a tubeless tire on Xiaomi Scooter, users often make the following mistakes:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Use of metal mounting blades | Scratches on the rim, damage to the side of the tyre | Use plastic or composite blades |
| Insufficient cleaning of the rim before installation | Air leak, poor tire landing | Degrease the rim with alcohol, remove rust |
| Nipple nut tug-of-war | Damage to the nipple or rim | Tighten by hand, without tools |
| Using a sealant without needing | Wheel imbalance, difficulties in dismantling | A sealant is needed only with frequent punctures |
| Tyre pumping without boarding check | Disruption of the side while moving, traumatic! | Check landing at a pressure of 0.5-1 bar |
Another common problem is when you drop the tire after you install it, and if you get air through the nipple,
- 🔧 Check if the nipple nut is tightly twisted (but don't pull it over!).
- 🛠️ If the nipple is damaged, replace it (cost 100-300) ₽).
- 💧 Apply soap solution to a nipple - bubbles will indicate a leak.
If air is going through the rim:
- 🔄 Remove the tire and check the integrity of the sealing tape.
- 🛡️ If necessary, stick a new tape, making sure it completely covers the spokes.
- 🧴 Apply a thin layer of sealant to the rim before mounting the tire.
How long does a tubeless tire on a Xiaomi scooter last?
The service life of a tubeless tire depends on several factors:
- 🚗 Riding style: aggressive braking and sharp turns reduce the resource by 30-40%.
- 🛣️ Road covering: Asphalt wears out the tire more slowly than gravel or rubble.
- ⚖️ Pressure: Under-performed or over-pumped tires wear out faster.
- 🏭 Quality of rubber: branded tires (Kenda, CST) serve 3,000–5,000 km, cheap analogues – 1,000–2,000 km.
Signs that it is time to change the tire:
- 📉 The tread is erased to wear indicators (usually these are bars with a height of 1-1.5 mm).
- 💥 The appearance of cracks in the sidewalls.
- 🔄 Frequent punctures (even in tubeless tires).
- 🛞 Vibration when riding that balance does not remove.
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To prolong the life of a tubeless tire, check it once a month for stuck stones or glass, and even a small object stuck in the tread will eventually pierce the tire from the inside.