Slick tires for electric scooters: when and how to use them
A slick tire is a racing tire with no grooves; its entire surface makes contact with the track. On a dry track and once warmed up, it offers grip that no road tire can match. However, when cold, wet, or on public roads, it becomes a poor choice, and even a potential hazard. Here's when to use slick tires on an electric scooter, how to optimize their performance, and what width to choose.
The essentials
- The slick tire is designed for dry track conditions; because it has no grooves, it cannot effectively channel water away.
- It really only grips once it's warmed up; the first few laps are done gently.
- The pressure is initially set according to the manufacturer's instructions, and then fine-tuned while the system is running on the track.
- "Larger" means more ground contact area, but it's important to check the clearance in the forks and around the fender.
- These are competition tires, not tires designed for road use.
What is a slick tire, and why does it offer so much grip?
The grooves on a road tire are designed to channel water away from under the tire. On dry surfaces, they serve no purpose; in fact, they reduce the amount of rubber in contact with the ground. Slick tires eliminate these grooves to maximize the amount of rubber in contact with the track.
Its rubber compound is also softer. Once at operating temperature, it conforms to the micro-irregularities of the asphalt and provides excellent grip, but at the cost of faster wear. Finally, a racing tire has a stiffer carcass, which deforms less under the stresses of braking and cornering. The PMT Slick T41 that we mount on our racing machines is manufactured in Italy by PMT, a specialist in minimoto and pit bike tires: soft compound, quick warm-up.
When should you install slicks?
- Yes: On the track, in dry conditions, when you're aiming for the fastest lap time or when you're already riding fast and consistently.
- Use with caution: In cold weather or for your very first laps on the track. The tire takes longer to warm up, and a cold slick tire grips less than a good road tire.
- No: Under rainy conditions, on wet tracks, and on public roads. These competition tires are not designed for road use: please check the regulations applicable to your intended use.
In the E'trott Racing competition, the choice of brand and type of tire is free. If a race that started on a dry track is stopped due to rain and then restarted as a "wet" race, the 2026 regulations allow a maximum of 20 minutes to change to rain tires. Therefore, it's best to have a second set of wheels ready.
To warm up and maintain temperature
A tire compound works within a specific temperature range. Below that range, the rubber remains hard and slippery; this is often when riders fall, especially during the first few turns of a race. The basic principles are:
- Take the first few laps gradually, increasing the lean angle and braking force progressively
- Be mindful of the side that receives less stress: on a track that primarily turns in one direction, the opposite side will remain cooler
- After stopping at the pit stop, the tire has cooled down. Now, take another lap, but drive gently
- The warm-up lap before the race serves precisely that purpose.
The pressure
Tire pressure changes the shape of the contact surface, which affects grip, stability, and tire temperature. Follow the recommended pressure specified by the manufacturer for the chosen tire compound, and then adjust it based on track conditions and temperature. When the tire heats up, the air inside expands, and the pressure increases: it's the hot pressure that truly matters. Record your cold and hot pressure readings at each session. Our guide on tire pressure explains the principle in more detail.
Choose the width: 90, 100, or 110
| Dimension | What it offers: | To be verified |
|---|---|---|
| 90/65-6.5 | The most common size directly replaces a standard 11-inch tire on a 6.5-inch rim, both on the front and rear | It fits on most machines |
| 100/65-6.5 | More ground contact, increased stability when cornering and at high speeds | Transition between the arm and the fender |
| 110/65-6.5 | The largest version, designed for the most powerful machines | Passage, rim width, compatible motor |
All three sizes are available in our catalog: 90/65, 100/65, and 110/65. A wider tire is not always faster; it requires more effort to lean the machine into a turn and doesn't heat up as quickly. On a lighter machine, the 90 is often the best compromise.
Assembly
A motorcycle tire mounted on a scooter rim fits much more easily on a half-rim, which splits in two. Depending on the rim, the tire can be mounted as a tubeless tire or with an inner tube. After mounting, check that the bead is properly seated all the way around, that the wheel does not have any flat spots, and that nothing is rubbing when turning or compressing the suspension. Find all our tires.
Read the wear
The surface of a slick tire tells a story about the ride. A smooth, shiny surface can indicate that the tire hasn't reached its optimal operating temperature. Conversely, a torn or shredded rubber layer signals that the tire has been subjected to excessive stress: it may have been too hot, the tire pressure may have been incorrect, or the settings may need to be adjusted. Uneven wear on one side simply reflects the direction of the track. Replace the tire as soon as the rubber becomes thin or the casing is exposed.
Workshop tip
For your first track days, start with a good road tire, like those featured in our guide on road tires for powerful scooters. Switch to slicks when you ride regularly and the road tire starts to slip: you'll feel the difference, and you'll learn how to manage it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you ride on the road with slick tires?
These are competition tires designed for dry track conditions. On the road, they don't heat up properly, they slip on wet surfaces, and they are not suitable for that type of use. Furthermore, on public roads, an electric scooter is limited to a speed of 25 km/h.
What should you do if it starts raining during a riding day?
Enter the booth. A slick tire doesn't evacuate water: on a wet track, it loses grip abruptly. Return to the track with tires that have grooves.
How long does a slick tire last?
It depends on the specific machine, the rider, the track, and the temperature. A softer tire wears out faster than a road tire: monitor its thickness after each day of use rather than counting the number of laps.
Should the same tire be used on the front and rear?
Not necessarily. Some riders use a wider tire on the rear for better traction, while keeping a 90mm tire on the front for more responsive steering. Just make sure each wheel has sufficient clearance.