More power, more comfort, more safety features – with this growth, the handling of maxi-scooters is becoming increasingly similar to that of motorcycles. This also extends the range of use for this premier class of scooters: Long rides beyond city limits are now normal for maxi-scooter riders. This requires tyres that combine everyday usability with sporty performance, such as the new MICHELIN Power Shift, which offers increased driving stability and versatility in scooter tyres. The MICHELIN Power Shift replaces the MICHELIN Pilot Road 4 SC and MICHELIN Pilot Power 3 SC lines. The new tyres are available in three sizes that cover most of the market: 120/70R15 56H (front), 160/60R15 67H (rear), and 120/70R17 58H (front and rear).
Hypersport technology for more driving fun
Frequently used at high speed, modern maxi-scooters need stable tyres, allowing them to follow a precise trajectory. In order to provide better rigidity when leaning, and thus increased stability when cornering, even when accelerating sharply, the new MICHELIN Power Shift tyre benefits from the Reinforced Radial X Evo technology in its casing, and the 2CT+ technology in its tread. The Reinforced Radial X Evo technology, allowing for procuring an internal structure with variable rigidity and inspired by the tyres on hypersports motorcycles, improves the grip on dry ground, the manoeuverability, and the stability at high speeds. The 2CT+ technology on the rear wheel features two different, silica-reinforced compounds: harder in the centre of the tread for good mileage and softer on the shoulders for excellent dry and secure wet grip. Erwan Nigon, World Endurance Champion, Superbike Champion in France and Germany, and Michelin test rider, also confirms the new tyre’s excellent performance: “These tyres are much more incisive as of the first turn of the wheel, easier, more fun, and lighter when changing direction. I am also more stable when braking.”
High performance and improved lifespan
For both everyday journeys and pleasure outings, which are often subject to the whims of the weather, Michelin has developed a multipurpose tyre that helps guarantee both safety and pleasure, irrespective of the conditions. The MICHELIN Power Shift tyre integrates a new rubber compound, drawn from Michelin’s experience in motorcycle racing, offering great grip on both wet and dry surfaces. Its tread, inspired by the tyres in the MICHELIN Power range, reflects a sporty spirit, whereas its new patented Water Evergrip is designed to enhance safety in the rain. Lastly, benefitting from a “full-silica” technology, these new rubbers also help providing safety in the rain, while effectively balancing lifespan and wet grip .
The average annual mileage of a maxi-scooter is changing with their use. Studies show a constant increase over the last few years. Tyre lifespan was therefore put to the challenge and became one of a rider’s major preoccupations. In order to successfully meet this requirement, the MICHELIN Power Shift benefits from a new high-tech rubber compound, allowing the usage period to be increased by up to 15% compared to the previous generation of Michelin tyres .
