Problem
The rubber Poweriser footpads wear out way to fast, especially if you often use your risers on pavement.  You can't replace the footpad without replacing the entire metal foot arm, which costs approximately $23 each.  Also, the part is often out of stock.

Solution
Tire Socks were invented to extend the life of the original rubber footpads and eliminate (or greatly reduce) the need to replace them.  The Tire Socks will need to be replace depending on use, but replacement cost is minimal and supplies are readily available.  Even when the tire sock wears out, they can be flipped and used for an additional length of time.

Supplies Needed
ONE CHILD'S BICYCLE TIRE  
   Makes 2 tire socks.  Should be size 12-1/2 x 2-1/2.  Can be purchased at places like Wal-Mart for about $8.
TWO 3" METAL BAND CLAMPS
   Can be purchased at places like Home Depot for about $1.75 each.   Reusable one-time purchase.

Tools Needed
Pointed X-acto knife, wire snips, pliers, flat-head screwdriver

The Procedure

	STEP 1 Buy a child's bicycle tire (size 12-1/2 x 2-1/2) at Wal-Mart for about $8.
	STEP 2 Using a pointed X-acto knife, puncture the tire rubber and cut the tire into two halves.   Note: The tire rims contain a steel wire which you will not be able to cut through using the knife.  See next step.
	STEP 3: Using wire snips, cut the steel wire in the tire rims to separate the tire halves.   You will wind up with two pieces of tire, each approximately 21 inches long.
	STEP4: Take a tire half and fold it over the front of the footpad.  Mark where the tire hits the front of the footpad and pinch the rim wires so the tire becomes shaped like a clamshell.  Then, open the 3" metal band clamp and place it around the metal foot arm, above the tire sock.
	STEP 7: Slide the metal band down over the tire sock to a position just above the original rubber footpad.  You can use a screwdriver to pry the band over the tire treads.
	STEP 8: Push the bend in the tire tightly up against the front of the rubber footpad.   Tighten the band clamp with either a flat-head screwdriver or 8mm rachet wrench.
	STEP 9: Repeat steps 4 through 8 for second poweriser.
	ADDITIONAL NOTE: An alternate way to apply the tiresocks is to fold the wire rim of the tire inward before wrapping the tire over the foot pad.  This method may make it a little more difficult to pull the tiresock tight before clamping, but it provides a more finished look for your footpads.  Covering the metal clamp with black tape completes the look.

Any Questions, just shoot off an e-mail to
Xbcicio@optonline.net
(You will need to remove the anti-spam "X" in the above address in order to use.)

Click here for additional Poweriser modifications and solutions.
Click here for Powerskip's footpad Sole Repair Kit.