Back in October 2022, the idea of a portable, rechargeable air compressor seemed incredibly convenient. That’s when the Airmoto Smart Air Pump caught my eye. Priced at $80 on Amazon, this compact device promised on-the-go tire inflation for bikes and cars. While cheaper alternatives exist, the Airmoto stood out with its promise of quality and ease of use. After months of real-world testing across various vehicles, from my Vstrom motorcycle to pickup trucks and even a leaky lawn mower tire, here are my thoughts on the Airmoto portable air pump. This isn’t an exhaustive technical deep dive, but rather a practical user review to help you decide if the Airmoto is the right smart air pump for your needs.
The Airmoto arrives with a well-organized package including a clear instruction booklet, a USB charging cable, various nozzle adapters for items like airbeds and sports balls, and a handy storage sack. The unit itself is remarkably compact, measuring approximately 6 inches long, 2 3/8 inches wide, and 1 1/2 inches thick. Crucially, it also includes its air hose, which cleverly stores within the Airmoto’s body for easy access and to prevent loss.
Operating the Airmoto smart air pump is straightforward. A multi-function button navigates through preset modes for cars, motorcycles, bicycles, balls, and a custom setting. These modes essentially guide you to appropriate pressure ranges for different applications. However, regardless of the selected mode (except for ball mode, which is limited to 15 psi), you retain the ability to manually adjust the target air pressure to your precise requirements.
In terms of performance, the Airmoto is surprisingly capable for its size. Recently, it took almost five minutes to inflate a rear truck tire from 69 to 75 PSI – definitely pushing the unit’s limits. However, for smaller tasks, it’s much quicker. Inflating my Vstrom’s front tire from 30 to 33 PSI took a mere minute and a half. The process is simple: power on the unit, set your desired pressure using the multi-function button, attach the hose to the tire valve stem, and activate the compressor. The Airmoto will run and automatically stop once it reaches your set pressure.
The display is designed to show your target pressure and, once connected to a tire valve, the current tire pressure. In the images below, you can see the mode set to PSI and Bicycle (simply because it covers the pressure range needed for both motorcycles and cars), with a target pressure of 33.5 PSI. It’s worth noting a slight variance of around 0.5 PSI in accuracy. In my experience, setting the target to 33.5 PSI consistently delivers the desired 33 PSI for my front tire.
Despite its overall utility, there are a couple of drawbacks to consider with the Airmoto smart air pump.
CONS:
- Display Visibility in Sunlight: While the LED display appears bright and clear indoors or in shaded conditions, it becomes virtually invisible in direct sunlight or even bright daylight. Reading the display outdoors requires creating shade with your hands or helmet, which can be inconvenient. Interestingly, when I contacted Airmoto about this issue, their response essentially confirmed they were aware of the problem, which was a bit underwhelming.
- Stiff Air Hose: The air hose, while functional, is somewhat stiff and could be more flexible. It bends to connect to the tire valve, but a more pliable hose would improve ease of use, particularly in tight spaces.
PROS:
- Compact and Portable: The Airmoto’s small size is a major advantage. It’s easy to carry on a motorcycle, in a car glove compartment, or a tool bag without taking up significant space.
- Good Build Quality: The device feels well-made and durable, suggesting it can withstand regular use.
- Impressive Battery Life: The battery performance is commendable. I’ve only charged the Airmoto twice since purchasing it, and it has been used at least a dozen times. This includes multiple tire top-ups and even inflating a completely flat lawn tractor tire several times.
In conclusion, the Airmoto smart air pump is a genuinely useful and convenient tool for maintaining proper tire pressure on various vehicles. While the display visibility in sunlight and hose stiffness are minor annoyances, the pros, particularly its portability, battery life, and ease of use, significantly outweigh the cons. I’m even considering purchasing another Airmoto, or perhaps a similar knock-off, to keep in my truck, while the original Airmoto remains a permanent fixture in my motorcycle tank bag. If you’re looking for a reliable portable tire inflator, the Airmoto is definitely worth considering. You can explore more about the Airmoto portable air pump on their official website.
Airmoto – Portable Air Pump and Smart Tire Inflator
Never leave home without an Airmoto, the best-selling portable air pump. Great for road trips and everyday use.
getairmoto.com
