Whether you’re replacing a worn tyre, fixing a puncture, or upgrading for a smoother ride, getting the right tyre or tube for your mobility scooter is essential. With so many sizing systems and product types available, it can be confusing to know where to start.
This guide will help you understand tyre sizing, how to match your current setup, and which options are most popular with our NZ customers — so you can shop with confidence at Mobility Plus NZ.
At Mobility Plus NZ, we’ve been helping Kiwis stay mobile and independent since 2005 — not just online, but through years of hands-on experience in our former retail store and mobility scooter workshop across the Bay of Plenty. We’ve replaced countless tyres and inner tubes for customers, so we know what works and what doesn’t.
This guide will walk you through the different tyre sizes, valve types, and key things to look out for — so you can ride with confidence, comfort, and peace of mind wherever you go in Aotearoa.
Worn or damaged tyres can affect safety, comfort, and performance — especially on uneven footpaths or outdoor terrain. You might need to replace your tyres or tubes if:
✅ You’ve noticed cracks, splits, or visible wear on the tread
✅ Your scooter feels less stable or vibrates more than usual
✅ The tyre is going flat more often — even after reinflation
✅ You’re experiencing reduced traction, especially in wet weather
✅ It’s been more than 2–3 years since the last replacement
Replacing tyres and tubes early helps prevent sudden punctures and ensures a smoother, safer ride.
Reading a mobility scooter tyre size can feel confusing at first — but it’s actually straightforward once you know what to look for.
Tyre sizes are usually printed on the side wall of the tyre and follow one of the following formats:
🔹 Example 1: “3.00–4”
This means the tyre is 3 inches wide and fits a 4-inch rim. This is one of the most common sizes used on mobility scooters.
🔹 Example 2: “10x3”
This means the tyre has an outside diameter of 10 inches and is 3 inches wide. This format is also commonly used for rear tyres on larger scooters.
🔹 Example 3: “4.10/3.50–6”
This refers to a tyre with a wider profile (around 4.1 inches) and fits a 6-inch rim. Often found on heavy-duty scooters that require extra support.
✅ The first number is the width of the tyre
✅ The second number is the rim diameter
✅ Tyre measurements are always in inches
The tread pattern of your tyre plays a key role in how your mobility scooter handles different surfaces. It affects grip, ride comfort, noise levels, and overall performance — especially when moving across varied terrain. At Mobility Plus NZ, we offer the two most common and practical tread options for New Zealand users, each suited to different needs and preferences. Choosing the right tread can make a noticeable difference to how stable and confident you feel while using your scooter.
Smooth and grooved in the direction of travel, ribbed tread tyres are best for paved surfaces like footpaths, shopping centres, and indoors.
✅ Quiet and comfortable ride
✅ Low rolling resistance
✅ Ideal for everyday travel on smooth surfaces
Featuring a deeper, textured design, block tread tyres offer improved grip and traction on outdoor or uneven terrain.
✅ Better for mixed or rough surfaces
✅ More stable on grass, gravel, or slopes
✅ Great for outdoor use and varied conditions
The shape of your tyre affects how your scooter handles. Round-profile tyres are curved for easier turning and better manoeuvrability — ideal for footpaths, shops, and tight spaces. Square-profile tyres have more ground contact, offering better grip and stability on uneven or sloped terrain. Choosing the right shape can improve both comfort and confidence while driving.
These have a more curved profile, which allows for smoother, easier turning. They reduce resistance when cornering and are great for everyday use on pavements, shopping centres, and tighter indoor spaces.
These provide a broader, flatter surface in contact with the ground, improving grip and giving a more stable feel on uneven ground, ramps, or grassy areas. This extra stability can also reduce wobble or rolling side-to-side, which some users prefer for longer or outdoor journeys.
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“Quick delivery and the perfect fit. Tyres feel smooth and grip well on footpaths and driveways.” – Brian, Rotorua
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“Really appreciated the advice from Mobility Plus – helped me find exactly the right tyre size. Will definitely buy again.”
– Margaret, Christchurch
Most mobility scooter tyres are pneumatic, meaning they rely on an inner tube to hold air and provide cushioning. When replacing a tyre, it’s always recommended to replace the inner tube at the same time — even if it looks fine. Older tubes may stretch, weaken, or develop micro-tears, increasing the risk of future punctures or sudden deflation.
✅ Always replace the inner tube when fitting a new tyre
✅ Puncture-resistant tubes available for longer-lasting performance
✅ Correct sizing is essential — match your tube to your tyre's diameter and width
✅ Bent valves (usually 45° or 90°) are nearly always needed for mobility scooter tyres — they make inflation easier by providing better access
Replacing a tyre and inner tube might look simple, but it can be tricky without the right tools — especially for rear wheels or tyres with tight sidewalls. Incorrect fitting can lead to pinched tubes, air leaks, or uneven wear. That's why many of our customers choose to have their tyres professionally fitted by a mobility service centre or scooter technician.
✅ Use tyre levers and a proper pump with a pressure gauge
✅ Always deflate the old tube fully before removal
✅ Check rim condition — rust or burrs can damage the new tube
✅ Avoid over-inflating — follow the PSI listed on the tyre sidewall
✅ Make sure the valve sits straight and secure in the rim hole
Choosing the right tyres and inner tubes isn’t just about getting from A to B — it’s about riding with comfort, confidence, and peace of mind. Whether you’re navigating footpaths, tackling uneven driveways, or heading out for longer trips, quality tyres and properly fitted tubes make all the difference.
At Mobility Plus NZ, we’ve helped thousands of Kiwis keep their scooters running smoothly. All our tyres and tubes are backed by trusted NZ support, with fast shipping and expert advice whenever you need it.
Need help finding the right size or fitting option?
📧 Contact us anytime at info@mobilityplus.co.nz — we’re here to help.
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