Introduction
If you’ve ever had a flat tire or noticed excessive wear on your Ninebot scooter’s tire wheel, don’t worry! Replacing the tire wheel might sound complicated, but with the right guidance, it’s a manageable DIY task. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of the process, from removing the old tire to fitting the new one, ensuring your scooter is back in top shape in no time.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, make sure you have the following tools and materials:
- Hairdryer (optional): To make sticker removal easier.
- 2.5mm Allen key: For unscrewing the plastic cover screws.
- T15 Torx spanner: To remove screws from the battery compartment cover.
- 3mm Allen key: To detach the controller.
- Flat spanner or 18mm socket: To remove axle nuts.
- tire levers: For removing and installing the tire.
- Clamps: To help with the tire removal and installation.
- Soapy water: To make fitting the tire easier.
- Plastic bags: To protect cables during the process.
- New rear tire: Ensure it’s the correct type for your Ninebot .
Step 1: Removing the Rear Fork Covers
1. Heat and Remove the Stickers
Start by dealing with the yellow stickers on the rear fork covers. If you have a hairdryer, heat up the stickers for a few seconds to loosen the adhesive. This will make peeling them off much easier. If you don’t have a hairdryer, you can use a blade to carefully lift the edges.
2. Unscrew the Covers
With the stickers off, you’ll see the screws holding the plastic covers in place. Use a 2.5mm Allen key to remove these screws on both sides of the scooter. This will give you access to the rear fork and make the next steps simpler.
Check out our scooter maintenance tips here.
Step 2: Accessing the Battery Compartment
1. Position the Scooter
Lay the scooter on its back to give yourself easier access to the tire wheel and battery compartment.
2. Remove the Battery Cover
Find the 18 screws securing the battery compartment cover and use a T15 Torx spanner to remove them. Once the screws are out, carefully lift the cover off and set it aside. This will expose the motor and wiring that you’ll need to work with.
Step 3: Disconnecting the Motor
1. Unplug the Motor Wires
To remove the tire wheel, you first need to disconnect the motor. You’ll find three motor wires (brown, yellow, and blue) and a fourth cable connected to the controller. Unplug these one by one:
- Brown Cable: Gently disconnect it.
- Blue Cable: Remove it similarly.
- Yellow Cable: Unplug it.
2. Remove the Controller
The fourth cable connects to the controller. To detach it, you’ll need to unscrew the controller from the chassis. Use a 3mm Allen key to remove the two screws holding the controller in place.
3. Disconnect the Controller Cable
With the controller loose, lift it out and disconnect the motor connector with five small wires (red, yellow, green, blue, and black). This step is necessary to fully remove the motor cable from the scooter.
Explore more about scooter repairs here.
4. Take Out the Motor Cable
Now that the motor connector is disconnected, you can take out the motor cable from the scooter. Make sure to remember where everything connects for a smoother reassembly.
Step 4: Removing the Flat Tire
1. Deflate the Tire
To begin removing the tire, you need to deflate it completely. Press on the tire while pressing in the middle of the valve to release the air. Alternatively, you can just remove the valve cap.
2. Remove the Tire from the Rim
For this, you’ll need a sturdy table corner and two strong clamps. Place a cloth on the table to avoid scratching the wheel. Put the tire wheel on the corner and use the clamps to tighten the tire edges until the bead comes off.
3. Dislodge the Tire
Once the bead is loose, flip the wheel over and do the same on the other side to release the second sidewall. After both sidewalls are free, you can take the tire off the rim.
4. Lubricate the Tire
To make it easier to remove the tire, apply soapy water around it and on the edges of your tire levers. This lubrication will help the tire slide off more smoothly.
Step 5: Fitting the New Tire
1. Check Tire Direction
Before mounting the new tire, make sure to check its direction of rotation, which should be indicated on the sidewall. This is important for proper performance.
2. Mount the New Tire
Place the new tire on the rim, applying soapy water to the rim and the tire to ease installation. Insert one side of the tire into the rim and use a tire lever to gently push the motor into the tire. Work your way around to fit it properly.
3. Use Clamps
Once the first side of the tire is in place, use clamps to bring the sides of the tire together. Tighten the clamps around the edges to secure the tire.
4. Lever the Tire Over the Rim
Apply more soapy water to the edges and use tire levers to push the clamped part of the tire over the rim. Work around the wheel to ensure the tire is evenly seated.
5. Inflate the Tire
Inflate the tire with a high volume of air to ensure the beads seat properly. The Ninebot requires a significant amount of air to fit the tire beads into place. The recommended pressure is 3.8 bars (55 PSI). Listen for a “pop” sound when the beads are properly seated.
Read more about tire maintenance here.
Step 6: Reassembling the Scooter
1. Reattach the tire wheel
With the new tire in place, slide the wheel axle back into the rear fork. Ensure it’s properly aligned and secure.
2. Reconnect the Motor
Reconnect the motor wires: blue, brown, and yellow cables. Make sure each connection is firm and properly aligned.
3. Reattach the Controller
Place the rubber sealing cover back on and reconnect the controller cable. Secure the controller to the frame with the two screws.
4. Replace Covers and Stickers
Put the rear fork covers back on and replace the yellow stickers. This will restore the scooter’s appearance and protect the components.
5. Final Checks
Before taking your scooter out for a ride, double-check all connections and make sure the new tire is properly inflated. Confirm that the tire wheel is securely mounted and that all screws and nuts are tightened correctly.
Conclusion
Replacing the tire wheel on your Ninebot doesn’t have to be intimidating. By following this step-by-step guide, you can tackle the job yourself and get your scooter back in action. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are essential for keeping your scooter running smoothly and ensuring a safe, enjoyable ride.
For more tips and guides on scooter maintenance, check out our comprehensive scooter care guide. If you have any questions or run into any issues, don’t hesitate to consult your scooter’s manual or seek professional assistance.
Happy scooting and stay safe!