How Many Wheels Are in the World?

Written by RepairDost Editorial Team
Updated on February 19, 2024

Updated on Feb 19, 2024 • 4 min read

You are not alone if you have ever wondered how many wheels exist. However, determining the exact number is a challenging task. While it may be tempting to try to count every wheel on every vehicle, machine, and piece of equipment in the world, the reality is that there are too many factors to consider.

First, consider the sheer number of vehicles in the world. According to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, approximately 94 million motor vehicles were produced worldwide in 2020 alone. This includes cars, trucks, buses, and other types of vehicles that use wheels. Additionally, countless bicycles, motorcycles, and different minor modes of transportation use wheels. Counting the wheels on all of these vehicles would be an overwhelming task.

Furthermore, many other types of equipment and machines use wheels. Industrial equipment such as forklifts, cranes, and conveyor belts use wheels to move heavy materials and products. Agricultural equipment such as tractors and combines also use wheels to perform essential tasks. Even airplanes use wheels for takeoff and landing. With so many types of equipment and machines that use wheels, counting them all would be nearly impossible.

Another factor to consider is the lifespan of the wheels. Vehicles and equipment are often replaced or scrapped, meaning that wheels may be removed before they wear out. Additionally, there are likely many spare wheels and replacement parts stored in warehouses and inventories worldwide, which would further complicate any attempts to count the total number of wheels.

Given these factors, it is clear that determining the exact number of wheels in the world is an impossible task. However, making a rough estimate based on available data is possible. According to the United Nations, there were approximately 7.8 billion people worldwide in 2020. Assuming that each person has access to at least one vehicle, bicycle, or other modes of transportation with two or more wheels, there are likely tens of billions of wheels in the world.

How many car tires are there in the world?

There are about 1 billion tires in the world. The number of tires is increasing, but less fast than the human population. Tires are made from rubber, trees, and other plants in tropical climates like Southeast Asia and South America.

The majority of these tires have been produced since 2000, when car sales started to rise after falling for several decades due to high oil prices (i.e., 1970s).

How many industrial tires are there in the world?

Tires are made from rubber and plastic. They’re made from synthetic rubber, natural rubber, and butyl rubber. There are also other types of tires: styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) is one example you may have heard of before.

How many bicycle tires are there in the world?

It’s not known how many tires there are in the world, and the tire industry does not publish it. The number of bicycle tires is less than 1 billion.

How many trailer tires are there in the world?

All-terrain tires are designed to withstand rugged terrain. They’re used in agricultural, construction, and forestry applications. Many types of all-terrain tires are available on the market today—some have deep treads that provide traction over soft surfaces like sand or mud; others have small tread blocks that allow them to float through the snow.

Who are the biggest wheel manufacturers?

The number of trailer tires globally is about 1.5 billion, with about 1.5 million in the United States and 100 million in China.