This Is One Serious Snow Tire
Exclusive tire photo courtesy of Mr. Klaus Moser, © Schwalbe North America
There really isn’t any good excuse for not riding your scooter everyday under any weather condition, period. Well, OK, with one exception– rain. As abundantly demonstrated by Steve Williams of Scooter in the Sticks and Orin O’Neill of Scootin’ Old Skool, extremely cold weather conditions can actually be quite challenging as well as adventurous.
I have often ridden my little 50cc scooter in less than ideal weather. Actually what we would call “cold winter weather” down here in Texas (i.e. a typical 50-degree winter day), the folks over in Pennsylvania or somewhere further north would call that “positively balmy”.
Seriously, when you dress properly for the weather, it actually enhances the pleasure of the ride. Whenever the mercury dips below say 50-degrees or so, I wear a pair of long thermal underpants, a pair of insulated gloves, a light sweater and a balaclava in addition to my regular pair of jeans, t-shirt and armored riding jacket and that keeps me sufficiently warm and toasty inside all-day-long. Give it a try. It may really surprise you as to how pleasant winter-riding can be. Not to mention your scooter may actually perform better with all that cold, dense air out there. The thought of winterizing your scooter down here in Texas is just foolish. Check out the video below and see how these extreme scooter freaks enjoy a cold day of winter-riding.
Speaking of extreme, check out the Iceman Spikes studded snow tire made especially for scooters by Schwalbe of Germany. It’s available either with, or without the 150 spikes.
Exclusive tire photo courtesy of Mr. Klaus Moser, © Schwalbe North America
Exclusive tire photo courtesy of Mr. Klaus Moser, © Schwalbe North America
Schwalbe is the new-kid-on-the-block to the scooter scene in North America; while its parent company Bohle has been in the bicycle business in Europe for over 100 years. Recently, our good friend Steve Guzman of thescooterscoop.com published an article on the Schwalbe Iceman Spikes tire. Click HERE to read that article.
I also like to extend my appreciation to Mr. Klaus Moser of Schwalbe North America for sharing these exclusive pictures of the Iceman Spikes and for bringing over some really superb scooter tires to North America. Perhaps one day, just like the rider of the Ducati Desmosedici RR (fitted with studded tires) in the video below, we could all ride with confidence, even on ice.–Lorenzo
More info on studded snow tire usage in US:
- Studded Tire Info–Washington State DOT
- Studded Snow Tires–Idaho Transportation Department
*Studded tire laws and regulations vary in different states (confirm with local DOT first!):
- Alabama: not permitted (rubber studs are permitted)
- Alaska: Sept. 15 – May 1 north of 60 degrees N.; Sept. 30 – April 15 south of 60 degrees N.
- Arizona: Oct. 1 – May 1
- Arkansas: Nov. 15 – April 15
- California: Nov. 1 – April 30
- Colorado: permitted w/o restrictions
- Connecticut: Nov. 15 – April 30
- Delaware: Oct. 15 – April 15
- District of Columbia: Oct. 15 – April 15
- Florida: not permitted (but studs that do not damage highways are permitted)
- Georgia: permitted only for driving on snow and/or ice
- Idaho: Oct. 1 – April 15
- Indiana: Oct. 1 – May 1
- Iowa: Nov. 1 – April 1
- Kansas: Nov. 1 – April 15
- Kentucky: permitted with no restrictions
- Maine: Oct. 1 – May 1
- Maryland: not permitted except in western counties Nov.1 – March 31
- Massachusettes: permitted Nov. 2 – April 30 unless otherwise authorized by registrar
- Michigan: not permitted except under certain conditions, check with local officials
- Minnesota: not permitted except for nonresidents, who are subject to certain restrictions. Full-time non-resident students and nonresidents employed within Minnesota are not permitted use of studded tires regardless of vehicle registry. Rural mail carriers may use studded tires under certain conditions
- Missouri: Nov. 1 – March 31
- Montana: Oct. 1 – May 31
- Nebraska: Nov. 1 – April 1
- Nevada: Oct. 1 – April 30
- New Hampshire: permitted without restrictions
- New Jersey: Nov. 15 – April 1
- New Mexico: no regulations
- New York: Oct. 16 – April 30
- North Carolina: permitted without restrictions
- North Dakota: permitted Oct. 15 – April 15. Exception: School buses may use studded tires any time during the year
- Ohio: Nov. 1 – April 15
- Oklahoma: Nov. 1 – April 1
- Oregon: permitted Nov. 1 – March 31 unless specified differently by Dept. of Transportation because of weather conditions
- Pennsylvania: Nov. 1 – April 15
- Rhode Island: Nov. 15-April 1
- South Carolina: permitted if not projected more than 1/16-inch when compressed
- South Dakota: permitted Oct. 1-April 30. School buses and municipal fire vehicles are permitted to usestuds anytime
- Tennessee: Oct. 1 – April 15
- Utah: Oct. 15 – March 31
- Vermont: permitted without restrictions
- Virginia: Oct. 15 – April 15
- Washington: Nov. 1 – March 31
- West Virginia: Nov. 1-April 15
- Wisconsin: not permitted except for authorized emergency vehicles; vehicles used to deliver mail; autos with out-of-state registrations (only if the vehicle is in the course of passing through the state for a period of not more than 30 days). School buses may use studded tires from Nov. 15-April 1
- Wyoming: permitted w/o restrictions. Chains are required in snow emergencies
- Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas: prohibited under any circumstances
(*Courtesy of WSDOT, Idaho Transportation Dept., tire-information-world.com/)
Got a few seconds? Oh, great! Thanks and please take this poll:
… Final thoughts (updated on 12/6/09): It’s 48°F, not quite cold enough for studded tires yet (besides it’s not legal in Texas); but see what I mean about riding in cold weather. You really can if you dress warm.–Lorenzo
Scooter Club Golden Triangle 
Those tires are awesome! Really makes me reconsider riding it in the winter 🙂
Think you can order directly through Schwalbe. But if they’re short on supply, just contact the company for more info.
http://www.schwalbetires.com/iceman_spikes
_Lorenzo
Aren’t they awesome, Michael? Please consult local traffic laws concerning winter riding with studded snow tires.
—Lorenzo
They look great but are apparently not available for purchase anywhere. A mere tease.
MFO,
Dude, you know that’s not true? Look more carefully and you will find them directly here. Currently, I believe that special orders can be made for the sizes which are not in stock at Schwalbe North America.
Check the local laws in MA before ordering, if you must. Good luck!
—Lorenzo
i want those tires! i ride my stella all year round here in philly… it runs much better in colder temps. a bit harder to get started, but runs like a champ when it gets warmed up… a little scary with the snow though… o.O
Can you drive snow tires with spikes in the street? With no snow?
They’re quite “noisy” and actually offer less traction than regular tires do on normal pavement so I would strongly advise against using them on the street, w/o snow. Most importantly, please consult your state highway department regulations regarding spiked tires first before rushing out to get them.
_Lorenzo
That my friend is not true. These tires work really well on cold bare pavement, I would just like to find where to buy another set.
Are these available for purchase in Toronto, Ontario?
Just click on the link, man.
Supplies may be limited.
_Lorenzo
nice! i live in seattle and we’re about to have a nasty winter. i need to ride every day to school and work. how do i order some of these????
Great. I’m riding my vespa all year long and this winter is terrific
We enjoy our winter riding here in Texas as well, Eric.
Winter in Texas is very mild compared to winter… anywhere, really.
_Lorenzo
What other tires would you suggest for a very rainy Pacific Northwest weather?
Thank YOu
I like the Michelin City Grip!
I put them in the front of my MP3.
Scoot Happy!!
_Lorenzo