What caused my eScooter flat tire?Updated 4 months ago

How to tell what caused a flat tire
1. Before taking the tire off, perform a visual inspection of the outside of the tire. Look for any sharp objects that have punctured the tire.
2. As you take the tire off the tube, use a brightly colored marker to draw a line that connects the tube and tire, as shown below. This acts as a key to show the position of the tube in the tire - so when you find the pop on the tube, you can check the inside of the tire to see if there is an object in it.

3. With the tube removed from the tire, visually inspect the tube for punctures. If you are unable to find any, spraying soapy water on the tube, and then adding air to it will cause bubbles to form at the point where the tube is popped.
4. Once the puncture is found, there are three places on the tube where a puncture may happen. Refer to the next picture and descriptions for next steps.

Red area (outside of tube - makes contact with the tire when inflated)
Punctures on the outside of the tube are caused by foreign objects that punctured the tire (ex: thorns and nails) or worn down tires, where the metal cords on the inside of the tire are pricking the tube. To resolve this type of flat, removing the foreign object or replacing the tire is recommended. By aligning the tube with and tire by the marked point from previous step, you can find the area where the puncture is on the tire. Once determined, a new tube can be installed. It is recommended to wash and wipe the inside of the tire out before installing a new tube.

Yellow area (side of the tube - makes contact with the sidewall of the tire and rim bead)
Punctures on the side of the tube are generally caused by pinching - when the tire and/or rim pinch the tube and cause it to puncture. This can happen when the tire is not properly inflated, when a large bump is hit with the scooter (curb, rock), or when going off of sudden declines (riding off curbs, jumps). To resolve this issue, ensure there are no foreign objects in the tire, replace the tube, and insure your tires stay properly inflated. It is recommended to wash and wipe the inside of the tire out before installing a new tube.

Green area (inside of the tube - makes contact with the motor rim)
Punctures on the inside of the tube are caused by imperfections in the rim - burrs and spikes, or the split rim pinching the inner tube. To resolve this, it is recommended to smooth out the rim with high-grit sandpaper or steel wool. Run your fingers along the rim to ensure it is smooth and there are no spikes which. if your tube was pinched between the rims, ensure the new tube is not in contact with the rim during installation by adding some more air pressure to it, which causes the tube to be firm. Then, a new tube can be installed. It is recommended to wash and wipe the inside of the tire out before installing a new tube.