Installation of cast tire on the electric scooter Xiaomi: a complete guide with photos and videos

Molded tires for Xiaomi Scooter are a popular solution among scooters who want to get rid of puncture problems and frequent puncture of wheels. Unlike traditional pneumatic tires, cast rubber is maintenance-free, resistant to mechanical damage and guarantees stable traction. However, the process of installing such tires has its nuances, from choosing the right size to accurately balancing the wheels after installation.

In this article, we will examine all the stages of replacement, from tool preparation to test trip, and also reveal critical errors that lead to vibrations and premature wear of cast rubber. M365, Pro 2, 1S, Essential and its 8.5 to 10-inch wheels, and if you've never repaired a scooter yourself, don't worry: with the right approach, the procedure will take no more than 1.5 to 2 hours.

Why you should switch to cast tires: pros and cons

The main advantage of monolithic tires is that they don't have the risk of puncture, and this is especially true in urban environments where nails, glass and other sharp objects are common on the roads.

• 🔧 No paging is required - the pressure in them is maintained due to the rigid structure of the material.
• 💰 Saves money on repairs: no need to buy cameras, patches or pumps.
• ⚡ Simplify care: it is enough to periodically clean the treads from dirt.
• 🛡️ Resistant to abrasion - the average service life is 8-12 thousand km.

But there are also disadvantages, and the main one is the deterioration of depreciation, and without an airbag, all the bumps in the road are transmitted to the frame and steering wheel, which can cause discomfort when riding on cobblestones or gravel, and also cast tires.

• 📉 Reduce maximum speed by 5-10% due to increased rolling resistance.
• 🔊 Increase noise when driving on asphalt (especially noticeable at high speeds).
• ⚠️ Require accurate balancing – if the installation is wrong, vibrations occur.

And it's important to consider the climate, because in the cold, cast rubber becomes stiffer, which makes the grip worse, and in the summer, on the contrary, it can overheat over long distances, if you drive mostly flat roads and value reliability, switching to monolithic tires is justified, and for off-road or aggressive driving style, you better leave pneumatics.

What are the best tires for Xiaomi Scooter

Not all monolithic tires are compatible with Xiaomi scooters, but the main parameters to look out for are:

• 📏 Size: Must match the original wheels. 8.5×2 inch (front/back).
• 🔄 Type of tread: "slick" (smooth) for the city or "mud" for off-road.
• 🔧 Material: high-quality tires are made of a polyurethane mixture with the addition of rubber.
• 🏷️ Brand: Proven Manufacturers - Kenda, CST, Inmotion, Gotway.

In the table below – a comparison of popular cast tire models for Xiaomi M365/Pro:

Pay attention: cheap tires of unknown brands (price below 1,200) ₽) Often have uneven density, which leads to the beat of the wheel. Also check compatibility with the braking system - some cast tires can touch the disc brakes when installed.

⚠️ Note: If your scooter is equipped with ABS brakes, check with the tire manufacturer if it supports sensors. Incompatibility can lead to failures in the braking system.

Tools required and preparation for installation

To replace the tires, you will need:

• 🔧 Wheels filmer (plastic or metal).
• 🔨 Set of hexagons (dimensions 4, 5, 6 mm).
• 🛠️ End key 10 or 13 mm (depending on the model of the scooter).
• 🔪 Flat screwdriver or mounting shovel.
• 🧴 Lubricant WD-40 (to facilitate the removal of the stiff nuts).
• 📦 New bearings (recommended to be replaced when installing cast rubber).

Also prepare the workplace:

• 🪑 Sustainable table or workbench.
• 💡 Good lighting (it is better to use a headlamp).
• 🧤 Gloves (protect hands from dirt and sharp edges).
• 📸 Phone for shooting the process (in useful if you have to collect in reverse order).

Before starting work, completely discharge the scooter battery - this will eliminate the risk of short circuits when accidentally pressing the power button, and we also recommend removing the protective covers from the wheels in advance so as not to damage them during dismantling.

Remove the protective covers from the wheels|Discharge the battery to 0%|Prepare tools and lubrication|Take a photo of the initial position of nuts and bolts|Clean the wheel of dirt and oil-->

Step-by-step instructions for removing the old tire

The process of dismantling the pneumatic tire involves several key steps. Follow the instructions carefully so as not to damage the rim or bearings.

Step 1: Remove the wheel from the scooter

1. Turn the scooter upside down with wheels and fix the steering wheel in one position.
2. Unscrew 4 bolts that fasten the wheel to the fork (use a hexagon by 5 mm).
3. Carefully remove the wheel by holding it by the rim. If it doesn't lend itself, lightly tap the rubber hammer on the axis.

Step 2: Dismantling the old tire

1. Get the air out of the chamber (if the wheel is not yet flat).
2. Insert the receiver between the rim and the tire, then gently dent the edge of the rubber.
3. Move the camera around until the tire is separated from the rim. Repeat the procedure for the other side.
4. Remove the camera and the ribbon (if any).

Step 3: Cleaning and checking the rim

After removing the tire, thoroughly clean the rim of old lubrication, dirt and rust.

• 🔍 Spoke integrity – bent or rusty spokes can cause the wheel to beat.
• ⚙️ Bearing condition – if they are lufting or creaking, replace them.
• 📏 Rim geometry - deformations of more than 1 mm require correction.

⚠️ Attention: If there are deep scratches or dents on the rim, the cast tire may fit leaky, which will lead to vibrations, in which case it is recommended to replace the rim or wheel assembly.

Installation of cast tires: nuances and errors

The installation of a monolithic tire is different from that of a pneumatic tire, and the main difficulty is to evenly distribute the load on the rim to avoid beating.

Step 1: Preparation of the tire

• Check the tire for factory marks (usually the arrow indicates the direction of rotation).
• If there are no marks, set the wheel so that the tread is directed forward in the course of movement.
• Apply a thin layer of soap solution to the inner surface of the tire - this will facilitate its landing on the rim.

Step 2: Rim landing

1. Put the tire on the rim with your hands, starting on the side opposite the nipple (if any).
2. Use mounting blades to evenly roll the edge of the tire. Don't apply excessive force - this can deform the rim.
3. Check that the tire sits symmetrically - the gaps between the rim and rubber should be the same throughout the circle.

Step 3: Balancing the wheel

Cast tires often have an uneven distribution of mass, which leads to vibrations.

1. Set the wheel on a balancing stand (or use a homemade bearing device).
2. If you scroll the wheel, it has to stop in an arbitrary position, and if it always stops at one point, there's an imbalance.
3. Fix on the light side of the rim balancing loaders (you can use loaders for bicycles).

After balancing, check the wheel for radial and axial beats with an indicator or ruler. The tolerance is no more than 0.5 mm.

Scooter assembly and test trip

After the tire is installed, you have to assemble the scooter and check it.

1. Set the wheel back on the fork, tightening the cross-cross bolts with a force of 10-12 N·m.
2. Check the backlash of the axle - if the wheel is wobbling, tighten the nuts.
3. Make sure the tire does not touch the brake disc or frame.
4. Close the wheel with a protective cover (if it has been removed).

Before the first trip:

• 🔋 Charge the battery to 50-70%.
• 🚲 Ride on a flat surface at low speed (up to 15 km / h), listening to extraneous sounds.
• 🔍 Check if there are any vibrations on the steering wheel – if there are any, rebalance the wheel.

In the first 50 to 100 km, avoid:

• 💨 Acceleration and braking – the tire should “get lost".
• 🌧️ Riding in puddles - water can get under the tire and cause corrosion of the rim.
• 🏔️ Overcoming curbs with a height of more than 5 cm - this increases the load on monolithic rubber.

💡

If the scooter becomes less maneuverable after installation, check the pressure in the shock absorbers (if any) or adjust the height of the steering wheel. The cast tires slightly raise the center of gravity, which can affect handling.

Frequent problems after installation and their solution

Even with proper installation of cast tires, problems can occur. Let's consider typical situations and ways to eliminate them:

If the tires are replaced, the scooter is getting warmer, and that's OK, because monolithic rubber puts a lot of stress on the engine, but if the body temperature is over 60.°C, check it out:

• 🔋 Battery status (possibly needing replacement).
• ⚙️ Setting up P-parameters in firmware (for advanced users).
• 🛡️ Cleanliness of ventilation openings.

⚠️ Note: If the vibrations do not disappear after rebalancing, check the alignment of the wheels. The difference in diameters of the front and rear tires by more than 2 mm can lead to an eight when driving.

Tips for the operation of cast tires

To make monolithic tires last longer, follow these recommendations:

• 🧼 Regularly clean the tread from dirt and small stones - they accelerate wear.
• 🌡️ Avoid driving in lower temperatures -10°C - rubber loses elasticity.
• 🔄 Check the balance every 2,000 km – even quality tires deform over time.
• 🚫 Do not use aggressive detergents – they destroy polyurethane.
• 🔧 Once a season, check the tightening of the wheel mount bolts - vibrations can weaken them.

To extend the life of the tires, you can use special silicone-based protective sprays to create a film that reduces friction and prevents rubber from cracking.

• 🔄 Change the wheels every 3,000 km – it will ensure uniform wear.
• 🛠️ Keep the scooter in a dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• 📉 Reduce the top speed by 10% – this will reduce the load on the tires.

If you notice that the tread has become smooth (old grooves have worn off), it is time to change the tire.

💡

Cast tires do not require maintenance, but their condition directly affects safety, and regular inspection and timely replacement of worn tires will prevent accidents.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions