Can I use slightly bigger inner tube in scooter wheel?

DonL

I had a flat, bought an inner tube based on wheel size (10 × 2.5). But now that I received the tube, I’ve pulled out the old tube, it says on it, 10 × 2.215. And I should have removed the old one before, but I had a really tough time doing so, I ordered to save time and got back to the job of removing…

So can I use a 10 × 2.5 when the previous tube was 10 × 2.125? Is there a risk of pinching etc?

Thanks!

DonL

If it says 10 × 2.5 on the side of the tire shouldn’t that be the size of the tube? Perhaps the manufacturer put in a smaller tube cause they were out of the correct size?
Sorry, I’m a noob when it comes to mechanical stuff. 😉

DonL

My vendor said that a 0.5 inch difference wasn’t important.

I wouldn’t mind if someone chimed in anyway. 😉

DrScootLittle

Hi DonL,

Great questions. Most people would just stuff it in, but it can make a difference for the tube chafing inside of the tire. The best way to test it is to put the tube in the tire and put in just enough air to fill it without the tube stretching. Then check to see if this looks like a natural fit. Even better if you can inflate the tube first and stuff it in without trouble. Too small is generally better than too big as the tube can stretch a little. Bunching up, on the other hand can cause failure quickly. I think you’re going to be just fine though, putting a 2.5″ tube into a tire marked as 2.5″ wide though. I’m not a tube expert, but it makes sense to me that this should be the correct size. -Paul from ESG

DonL

Thanks Paul! But does brand make a difference? I just got 2 flats on a new tube I bought off Amazon. The tube that was there originally I only had a flat after 1 month/400 miles. On the same kind of roads - often the same roads.
I’m thinking of putting liner in the tube but would want to have a good tube to start with! lol
I just repaired a flat today (the second one) and I feel the tube may have lost some air after a 5.6 miles ride. Doesn’t seem normal. Unless there was a tiny puncture I didn’t detect (used the water immersion technique).

GregWatson

I just put a 2.5 tube in my tire and it was a 2.125
It took about a half hour working it in but there is a little wobble as if it was just a bit too big .
Although I tested it on the street so far it’s good and I put 35 psi in