Metzeler extends Roadtec range with scooter tyre

Roadtec Scooter is inspired by the Roadtec 01 sport touring tyre for motorcycles, while building on wet and winter performance of its Feelfree scooter tyre predecessors

Metzeler has launched the Roadtec Scooter, developed for all types of scooters with 10-16” wheels. Global scooter and moped markets are expected to increase, especially as pandemic lockdowns ease, and more people seek a cost-effective private alternative to public transport. The German motorcycle tyre manufacturer has chosen to extend its Roadtec brand into the scooter segment, consolidating its previous three lines for the segment. The new tyre takes inspiration from the award-winning Roadtec 01 sport touring tyre. It is designed for “adaptability and versatility,” capable of dealing with diverse weather conditions and types of asphalt in urban and suburban areas.

The Roadtec Scooter product range includes 48 sizes, which will progressively replace the current Metzeler portfolio consisting of Feelfree, Feelfree Wintec and ME 7 Teen, offering a single product with better performance and significantly simplifying the choice for consumers. In particular, Roadtec Scooter, compared to the products it will replace, offers a greater level of grip on both wet and low friction surfaces, the ability to operate in a wider range of temperature and superior handling.

Metzeler Roadtec Scooter details

The tread pattern of the new tyre directly derives from that of the Metzeler Roadtec 01. The company has evolved the product for the world of scooters, using a system partially based on sipes derived from its experience with the Feelfree Wintec predecessor. In addition to grip on low friction surfaces via the Roadtec 01 inspired tread pattern, its sipes contribute to the conformit of the footprint. This improves warm-up and comfort.

Compared to its predecessors, Roadtec Scooter is characterised by more rounded profiles and by a lighter and more flexible structure, increasing its footprint area and improving handling. Its compounds have a high percentage of silica for improved wet performance, and a wider range of operating temperatures. The tread pattern contains a high number of transversal grooves that mechanically adhere to the asphalt. Compared to its Feelfree predecessor, the tyre significantly increases the ability to disperse water in wet conditions. Finally, the repetition of the grooves is optimised to maximise acoustic comfort and interact better with ABS systems.

The rear tyre combines grooves of different sizes and depths: the long and deep directional grooves inherited from Roadtec 01 are crossed here by sipes that run

in the opposite direction. The groves speed up water dispersion and improve control in critical driving conditions such as panic braking or acceleration when cornering. At the same time, the orientation of these grooves contributes to ensuring high mileage by making wear more consistent. The sipes follow the opposite orientation to improve the level of mechanical grip, especially in the wet.

The Roadtec Scooter features a compound with a high silica content working with the tread design to extend chemical and mechanical grip. Special adhesive resins increase the capacity to adhere with the asphalt and the perceived safety level.

In addition, the patented mixing process maximises the consistency of the components dispersed in the polymer matrix, allowing the tyre to consistently offer high levels of performance.

Size range

The initial 48 Roadtec Scooter sizes will gradually replace the current Metzeler scooter product line-up. The significant simplification of the range is intended to benefit the retailer and the understanding and choice of the product by the end consumer.