How to Install Solid Tires on Ninebot Max G30

Tom Kent
Lead PEV Engineer & Founder7+ years DIY PEV repair & engineering
Last updated: 2026-07-10

Danger: High Voltage & Safety

Boiling water and microwaved tires are extremely hot. Wear heat-resistant thermal gloves when handling the hot tire, and never leave a microwaving tire unattended to avoid fire or toxic fumes.

Repair Alert: Solid tires significantly reduce ride comfort and wet-weather traction. Ensure you wear thick work gloves during installation to prevent scrapes.

Required Parts & Tools

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Replacement Parts Needed

  • 10x2.125 Inch Solid Puncture-Proof Tire (Honeycomb Design)$15 - $30

    A solid rubber tire featuring interior honeycomb holes to absorb road shocks and maintain traction.

Tools Required

  • Large Pot (for boiling) or Microwave$10 - $20

    Used to heat and soften the solid rubber compound so it becomes flexible enough to stretch.

  • Heavy Duty Metal Tire Levers (x3, minimum 12 inches)$15 - $25

    Plastic bicycle levers will snap instantly. Use long steel motorcycle tire irons or spoons to get leverage.

  • Liquid Dish Soap or WD-40 (as lubricant)$4 - $8

    Applied to the wheel rim and the tire bead to allow the rubber to slide over the metal rim lip.

  • Heavy Duty Zip Ties or Clamps$5 - $10

    Helps secure one section of the tire in the rim drop-center while you lever the remaining sections over.

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DIYStep-by-Step Instructions

  1. Step 1 of 5

    Remove the Wheel Assembly

    Use a wrench (15mm for front, 18mm for rear) to remove the axle nuts. If replacing the rear tire, unplug the three phase wires and JST Hall connector inside the deck first, then pull the wheel assembly clear of the forks.

    Schematic FIG. 1DIYPEV Technical Lab
    Detaching the rear wheel assembly from the Ninebot Max frameReference Blueprint Schematic
    Alt description tag verifiedScale: NTS (Not To Scale)
  2. Step 2 of 5

    Soften the Solid Rubber Tire

    Solid tires are too rigid to mount cold. Boil a large pot of water, submerge the tire completely, and simmer it for 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave the tire in 30-second intervals for a maximum of 3 minutes. The tire should feel hot, soft, and flexible.

    Schematic FIG. 2DIYPEV Technical Lab
    Boiling the solid honeycomb tire in a large metal pot on a stoveReference Blueprint Schematic
    Alt description tag verifiedScale: NTS (Not To Scale)
  3. Step 3 of 5

    Lubricate the Rim and Tire Bead

    Apply a generous amount of liquid dish soap or WD-40 to the outer lip of the metal wheel rim and the inside channel of the hot tire. This lubrication is vital to help the rubber slide over the sharp metal shoulder.

    Schematic FIG. 3DIYPEV Technical Lab
    Applying liquid dish soap around the metal wheel rim edgeReference Blueprint Schematic
    Alt description tag verifiedScale: NTS (Not To Scale)
  4. Step 4 of 5

    Anchor One Side of the Tire

    Place the wheel flat on the floor (protect the disc brake rotor or drum brake hub by placing it on a wooden block). Push one section of the hot tire over the rim. Use heavy-duty zip ties or a clamp to hold this section firmly inside the rim channel so it cannot pop off.

    Schematic FIG. 4DIYPEV Technical Lab
    Clamping the hot tire to the wheel rim as an anchor pointReference Blueprint Schematic
    Alt description tag verifiedScale: NTS (Not To Scale)
  5. Step 5 of 5

    Lever the Rest of the Tire Over the Rim

    Insert your long metal tire levers between the rim and the tire, opposite the anchored side. Step on the wheel to hold it stable. Use the levers to stretch and pry the soft rubber over the rim edge section by section. Once it pops on, check that the tire is centered in the rim bead and reinstall the wheel.

    Schematic FIG. 5DIYPEV Technical Lab
    Using long metal tire spoons to pry the hot tire over the wheel rimReference Blueprint Schematic
    Alt description tag verifiedScale: NTS (Not To Scale)

Solid vs. Pneumatic Tires: The Hard Truth

The Ninebot Max G30 comes stock with premium, self-healing 10-inch tubeless pneumatic tires. Swapping these for solid rubber tires is a common choice for riders who commute through areas with high flat-tire hazards (like industrial zones, gravel paths, or cities with broken glass). However, this swap involves compromises that you must consider before proceeding.

Without the air cushion of pneumatic tires, every road crack, pebble, and expansion joint is transmitted directly into the scooter frame, handlebars, and your joints. This increased vibration can loosen screws over time, stress internal battery weld tabs (potentially causing battery failures), and shorten the lifespan of steering bearings.

Tire TypePuncture ResistanceRide ComfortWet Grip TractionInstall Difficulty
Pneumatic (Air-filled)Moderate (Self-sealing gel helps)Excellent (Soft and dampening)High (Good contact patch)Easy to Moderate
Honeycomb Solid100% Puncture ProofLow (Vibration heavy)Moderate (Harder rubber)Very High (Requires heating)

Pro Tips for a Successful Installation

If you find it impossible to stretch the tire, try utilizing three large screws or pins inserted through the honeycomb holes. These pins can act as leverage anchors that you can step on to hold the tire stretched. Always work with a partner if possible—having one person step on the wheel while the other handles the tire levers makes the task significantly easier. Finally, clean the excess dish soap off the tire and rim after mounting to prevent the tire from slipping on the hub during hard braking.

Rear Wheel Cable Warning

When working on the rear wheel, never pull, twist, or hang the wheel by the black motor cable. The cable entry point on the axle shaft is sensitive; strain can tear the internal phase wires, causing a motor short and leading to a costly stator replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to boil or microwave the tire to soften it?
Boiling is safer and heats the tire more evenly without the risk of scorching or melting the rubber. Microwaving is faster but requires close monitoring. If you choose the microwave, use short bursts of 30 seconds and rotate the tire to prevent hot spots.
Do solid tires affect the battery range and speed of the Ninebot Max?
Yes. Solid rubber tires are heavier and have higher rolling resistance than air-filled pneumatic tires. You should expect a 10% to 15% reduction in total battery range, and a slightly lower top speed, especially on rough surfaces.
How do honeycomb solid tires compare to standard flat solid tires?
Honeycomb tires feature hollow chambers running through the center of the rubber ring. These chambers allow the tire to compress under load, providing slightly better shock absorption and traction than completely solid rubber tires, although the ride is still rougher than pneumatic tires.

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