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DIY Repair: Fixing a Flat Tire on Your TaoTao Electric Scooter
To shop our replacement tires and learn more about the different types of tires for electric scooters, see here.
**We also have videos for replacing tires on youtube. **
Dealing with a flat tire on your TaoTao electric scooter can be a frustrating experience, but with the right tools and guidance, it can also be a quick and rewarding DIY repair. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you fix a flat and get back on the road in no time.
First, gather your tools: you will need a set of wrenches, a screwdriver, tire levers, a new inner tube or patch kit if the tube is salvageable, a pump, and possibly a new tire if the old one is beyond repair.
Step 1: Remove the Wheel
- Start by turning off your scooter and placing it on a stand or upside down to access the wheel.
- Use the wrenches to loosen the bolts on the wheel. Take note of any washers and their placement as you remove them.
- Carefully slide the wheel out. If it’s the rear wheel, be mindful of the chain or belt and the motor connection.
Step 2: Remove the Tire
- Once the wheel is off, deflate the tube completely if it isn’t already.
- Use the tire levers to pry the tire away from the rim and expose the inner tube.
Step 3: Inspect and Repair
- Check the inner tube and tire for signs of puncture or damage.
- If the inner tube is punctured, decide whether to patch it or replace it. For patching, follow the instructions in your patch kit. For replacing, simply remove the old tube and insert the new one.
- Inspect the tire itself. If there are cuts or significant wear, consider replacing the tire to prevent future flats.
Step 4: Reassemble the Wheel
- Start by inserting the partially inflated new tube into the tire and fitting them both back onto the rim.
- Make sure the valve is straight and use your tire levers to get the tire back over the rim. Be careful not to pinch the new tube.
Step 5: Inflate and Test
- Once everything is reassembled, inflate the tube to the recommended PSI, which you'll find in your scooter’s user manual.
- Check the tire and make sure there's no bulging and that it spins freely when reinstalled.
Step 6: Reattach the Wheel
- Put the wheel back onto the scooter, making sure to reconnect any motor wires if dealing with the rear wheel.
- Tighten the bolts back up, securing any washers and nuts back in their rightful places.
Step 7: Final Checks
- Turn the scooter on and give it a slow test ride to ensure everything feels right.
Remember to regularly check your tire pressure and condition to prevent future flats. With this guide, you’ve taken one more step toward becoming a proficient TaoTao scooter owner and mechanic!