Electric Scooter Tire and Wheel Size Chart: How to Read the Numbers on the Sidewall

An electric scooter tire size is the set of numbers moulded into the tire sidewall. Three marking styles are common. In inch notation such as 8 1/2 x 2 or 10 x 2.5, the first number is the nominal outer diameter in inches and the second is the nominal tire width in inches. In millimetre notation such as 200 x 50, the same two values are given in millimetres. In metric notation such as 60/70-6.5, the numbers are the width in millimetres, the sidewall height as a percentage of that width, and the rim diameter in inches. Most electric kick scooters use tires between about 8 and 11 inches in outer diameter. When you replace a tire, the rim diameter must match exactly. Outer diameter and width only need to fit the scooter's frame, fork and fenders.

What do the numbers on an electric scooter tire sidewall mean?

Electric scooter tire markings describe the tire's dimensions. Sometimes they also give its construction and limits. The size itself always comes in one of three formats. The format tells you whether a number is a diameter, a width, a ratio or a rim size, and which unit it uses.

Inch format: 8 1/2 x 2, 10 x 2.5, 10 x 3

In inch notation, the first number is the nominal tire outer diameter and the second is the nominal tire width, both in inches.

• 8 1/2 x 2 (also written 8.5 x 2): about 8.5 in (216 mm) across and about 2 in (51 mm) wide.
• 10 x 2.5: about 10 in (254 mm) across and about 2.5 in (64 mm) wide.
• 10 x 3: about 10 in (254 mm) across and about 3 in (76 mm) wide.

The simple inch format does not state the rim diameter. Two tires that both read "10 x 2.5" may therefore be built for different rims. This is the main limit of inch-only markings.

Combined inch format: 10 x 2.70-6.5

Some tires add a third number after a hyphen. In 10 x 2.70-6.5, 10 is the nominal outer diameter in inches, 2.70 is the width in inches, and 6.5 is the rim diameter in inches. The extra number makes the marking more useful for matching rims, because it names the wheel the tire is designed for.

Millimetre format: 200 x 50, 255 x 80

In millimetre notation, the first number is the nominal outer diameter in millimetres and the second is the width in millimetres. A 200 x 50 tire is about 200 mm (7.9 in) across and 50 mm (2 in) wide, which puts it in the 8-inch class. A 255 x 80 tire is about 255 mm (10 in) across and 80 mm (3.1 in) wide, which is roughly the same class as 10 x 3.

Metric format: 60/70-6.5, 80/65-6, 90/65-6.5

Metric notation is borrowed from motorcycle and moped tires. It gives the tire's cross-section and the rim it mounts on, not the outer diameter.

• First number (for example, 60): tire width in millimetres.
• Second number (for example, 70): aspect ratio, which is the sidewall height as a percentage of the width. It is a ratio, not a measurement in millimetres.
• Number after the hyphen (for example, 6.5): rim diameter in inches.

The outer diameter is not printed in this format. You can calculate it from the three numbers, as shown below.

Other markings that are not size

Electric scooter tires often carry other markings next to the size. These describe use or limits, not dimensions:

• Maximum pressure, in psi, bar or kPa. This is an upper limit for the tire, not a recommended riding pressure.
• Load and speed ratings, where present. These state the tested load and speed capability, and their exact meaning depends on the system the manufacturer uses.
• Ply rating (for example, 4PR). This indicates casing strength, not size.
• TT or TL. TT means tube type (an inner tube is needed). TL means tubeless.
• Rotation arrow. This shows the direction the tire should turn when mounted.

Electric scooter tire size chart

The chart below groups common electric scooter tire size markings by nominal wheel size. The outer diameters are either nominal conversions (for inch and millimetre markings) or calculated geometry (for metric markings). They are not measured values for any specific brand. Real tires vary with construction, rim width, inflation and wear.

Marking	Format	Width	Approx. outer diameter	Nominal size class
200 x 50	Millimetre	50 mm (2 in)	200 mm (7.9 in), nominal	8 in
8 x 2	Inch	2 in (51 mm)	8 in (203 mm), nominal	8 in
8 1/2 x 2	Inch	2 in (51 mm)	8.5 in (216 mm), nominal	8.5 in
9 x 2	Inch	2 in (51 mm)	9 in (229 mm), nominal	9 in
10 x 2 / 10 x 2.125	Inch	2 to 2.125 in (51 to 54 mm)	10 in (254 mm), nominal	10 in
10 x 2.5	Inch	2.5 in (64 mm)	10 in (254 mm), nominal	10 in
60/70-6.5	Metric	60 mm	about 249 mm (9.8 in), calculated	10 in
10 x 2.70-6.5	Combined inch	2.7 in (69 mm)	10 in (254 mm), nominal	10 in
10 x 3 / 255 x 80	Inch / Millimetre	3 in / 80 mm	about 254 to 255 mm (10 in), nominal	10 in
80/65-6	Metric	80 mm	about 256 mm (10.1 in), calculated	10 in
90/65-6.5	Metric	90 mm	about 282 mm (11.1 in), calculated	11 in

A shared size class in this electric scooter wheel size chart does not mean the tires are interchangeable. For example, 60/70-6.5 and 80/65-6 are both 10-inch-class tires. However, one fits a 6.5-inch rim and the other fits a 6-inch rim.

What size are electric scooter wheels?

Most electric kick scooter wheels are between about 8 and 11 inches in outer diameter. Lightweight commuter models often use 8- to 8.5-inch tires. Many mid-range and heavier scooters use 10-inch tires. Wider 10- to 11-inch tires, such as 10 x 3 or 90/65-6.5, appear on larger and more powerful models. Smaller and larger wheels also exist.

The "wheel size" in a product listing is almost always the nominal tire outer diameter, not the rim diameter. A "10-inch scooter" usually has a tire about 10 in across, mounted on a rim of roughly 6 to 6.5 in.

Non-electric kick scooters are different. They usually run solid polyurethane wheels sized only in millimetres of outer diameter, such as 100 mm or 200 mm. They do not use the tire size markings described here.

Lime scooter wheel size

Lime scooters are shared fleet vehicles that the operator maintains. Their tires are not sold as consumer replacement parts with a published size chart. Lime has also used different scooter generations and hardware over time, so no single verified figure applies to every Lime scooter. If you need the size of a particular shared scooter tire, read the marking on its sidewall and interpret it with the formats above.

How width, aspect ratio and rim diameter determine tire size

Three values set a tire's outer diameter: the rim diameter plus two sidewall heights, one above the rim and one below. In metric markings, the sidewall height equals the width multiplied by the aspect ratio. Circumference is the outer diameter multiplied by π (about 3.1416). Circumference is the distance the scooter travels in one wheel revolution.

Step-by-step calculation for a metric marking

1. Convert the rim diameter to millimetres by multiplying the inch figure by 25.4.
2. Calculate the sidewall height by multiplying the width (mm) by the aspect ratio divided by 100.
3. Calculate the outer diameter as rim diameter + 2 x sidewall height.
4. Calculate the circumference as outer diameter x 3.1416.

Worked examples

60/70-6.5

• Rim: 6.5 x 25.4 = 165.1 mm
• Sidewall: 60 x 0.70 = 42 mm
• Outer diameter: 165.1 + 84 = 249.1 mm (about 9.8 in)
• Circumference: about 783 mm

80/65-6

• Rim: 6 x 25.4 = 152.4 mm
• Sidewall: 80 x 0.65 = 52 mm
• Outer diameter: 152.4 + 104 = 256.4 mm (about 10.1 in)
• Circumference: about 805 mm

90/65-6.5

• Rim: 165.1 mm
• Sidewall: 90 x 0.65 = 58.5 mm
• Outer diameter: 165.1 + 117 = 282.1 mm (about 11.1 in)
• Circumference: about 886 mm

Calculating from inch markings

With a combined marking such as 10 x 2.70-6.5, the sidewall height is (outer diameter − rim diameter) ÷ 2. Here that is (10 − 6.5) ÷ 2 = 1.75 in, or about 44 mm. The nominal circumference is 10 x 3.1416 = 31.4 in, or about 798 mm.

With a simple marking such as 10 x 2.5, you cannot calculate the sidewall height, because the rim diameter is not stated.

What a size difference means in practice

Circumference is the most useful number for comparing two electric scooter tire sizes. Divide one circumference by the other to get the percentage difference in distance per revolution. Take 805 mm (80/65-6) against 783 mm (60/70-6.5):

• 805 ÷ 783 ≈ 1.03, so the first tire covers about 3% more distance per wheel turn.
• A speedometer calibrated for the smaller tire would read about 3% low with the larger one.
• Ground clearance would rise by roughly half the diameter difference, about 4 mm.

A wider tire with the same outer diameter changes the contact patch and the side clearance, but not the distance per revolution. A higher aspect ratio on the same rim gives a taller sidewall, which usually means more cushioning and a larger outer diameter.

Calculated geometry vs. actual tire dimensions

Calculated electric scooter tire dimensions are a nominal estimate, not a measurement of a specific tire. Actual size differs for several reasons:

• Construction and tread: manufacturers' casings and tread depths differ.
• Rim width: a wider rim spreads the tire, which changes its width and profile.
• Inflation pressure: lower pressure lets the tire sag, which shortens the effective rolling radius.
• Wear: worn tread reduces the outer diameter.
• Rounding in nominal sizes: an "8.5-inch" or "10-inch" label is a size class, not a precise diameter.

Treat chart figures and calculations as a way to compare markings. To check real dimensions, measure the mounted, inflated tire.

How to measure an electric scooter tire

1. Inflate the tire to your normal riding pressure, or use it as it is if it is solid.
2. Measure the tire outer diameter across the centre of the wheel, from tread to tread, or measure the height from the ground to the top of the tread.
3. Measure the tire width at the widest point of the sidewalls.
4. Read the rim diameter from the sidewall marking. It is hard to measure accurately at the bead seat with the tire mounted.
5. Compare your measurements with the nominal values. Small differences are normal.

Electric scooter solid tire sizing

Solid tires for electric scooters are usually labelled in the same formats as pneumatic tires, such as 8 1/2 x 2, 10 x 2.5 or 60/70-6.5. That way buyers can match them to the original. Solid and honeycomb tires have no inflation pressure, so their marking often has no pressure figure.

Their real dimensions can also differ from a pneumatic tire with the same nominal size, because the profile does not change with air pressure. Some solid tires are made for a specific rim shape or mounting method. For solid tires, a matching nominal size is a starting point, not a guarantee of fit.

Size compatibility: what the numbers can and cannot tell you

Tire size markings help you find candidate replacement tires. They do not confirm that a tire will fit a particular scooter. For rim compatibility, the rim diameter must match exactly: a 6.5-inch tire will not seat on a 6-inch rim. Beyond rim diameter, check these points:

• Rim width must suit the tire's width range.
• Outer diameter and width must clear the fork, swingarm, fenders, brake parts and suspension at full travel.
• Tube type, tubeless or solid must match the rim design and valve setup.
• Load and speed capability, where marked, should at least match the original tire.

The most reliable reference is the size moulded on your current tire or the size listed by the scooter manufacturer. Use calculated outer diameter and circumference to understand how much bigger or smaller an alternative is. They do not replace a physical fitment check.