Modern Vespa

I need to buy a small compressor for use with a bike and also with our cars, that is a 12 volt portable compressor to use on the road. Does anyone have a recommendation for a very good one or a warning about a very bad one?

I'm using the Fanttik X8 from some time and after more that 1 year it continue to works very good. I use it for cars and for the bikes. The big advantage is that is rechargeable using a USB-C port and the battery last a good time. Fanttik have other models but this one is perfect for my use.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09TGKC9JZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

I have one of these that works well with my scooters, car and truck, and bicycles. The 20 volt lithium battery holds enough charge to fill a scooter tire or top off four car tires, and the compressor delivers enough pressure for bike tires. There's an adapter for a 12v "cig lighter" plug, though I haven't ever had to use it. It fits under a scooter seat, though its shape makes it a little harder to pack compactly. I've been using for over a year, mainly with scooter tires, with no problems.

https://www.amazon.com/Inflator-Compressor-Rechargeable-Power-Avid/dp/B07CTGM2LD?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1

Other tire inflators I've had in the past were a 12v ni-cad/12vdc/120vac unit that worked all right as an inflator, but the batteries weren't very good, as the old ni-cads tended to be. I also had a cheap yellow plastic one, forgot where I got it, that destroyed itself after a few hard uses.

I have a Ryobi tire inflator. I paid like $20 for it and it takes the same battery as my Ryobi drill. I love it.

Depends what you mean by "on the road". This is probably too big for carrying under the seat of the scooter, but it is quite appropriate for use in the driveway.

Milwaukee Electric Inflator -- uses a standard Milwaukee 12v battery.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CTY3W98

I have one and it works a treat.

If you want something truly portable on your scooter, I've had this tire repair kit for many years and it always works. 12V compressor via traditional 12v plug or alligator clips. Be sure your scoot is running when using the pump to avoid running down your battery.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0068FX3VO

This rechargeable had become my go to at home; it works with car tires, scooter and bicycle tires and playground balls. I would carry it on the scoot, but the stop and go is much lighter and more compact. This uses a 20v battery and has a 12v plug with a very accurate gauge to set your desired pressure; it has auto shut off when that pressure is met. I've cross referenced the gauge to my Buick's TPMS, and 2 other small tire gauges and it matches all 3. I've been very happy with it. I've had mine for 3.5 years and never let me down. Available in multiple colors of your choosing.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CTGM2LD

I have a Sunpow brand compressor. It has topped off my scooter tires multiple times, as well as topping off 8 car tires a couple of times. The battery still showed a near full charge. It, too, stops at your designated pressure, and has a built-in LED light. It will also charge items with its USB port. Got it off Ebay, and am quite happy with it. It stores up to four pressure settings, so you don't have to reset it for different tire pressures.

If you want it to be small and totally portable, we have this one:

https://scooterpartsco.com/main-category-c-801_4181_4187/airman-mini-tire-pump-p-37645.html

With one charge, it's good for a couple of car tires, or quite a few motorcycle tires. I was able to bead a rear smax tire during the last cannonball using it. It plugs into USB to recharge and it is very small. And it's cute.

I had the version 1 of this and now have the version 1s with USB-C such a brilliant piece of kit use it on car and scoot and e-bikes all the time, never let me down.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBBP8BQX

I use this for my PTW when on the road.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00388NUPI?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

It's not suitable for large car/truck tires, but small and portable for road trips.

This one is for home use.

You just reminded me, I have one of them stop and go kits in the garage, must dig it out.

It's adequate for keeping tires at the proper pressure. I used it every 4-5 days on my road trip to ensure the tires were aired up properly.

Not an answer but i do recommend TPMS

Thanks to all for the suggestions and ideas. I was reminded that I could use my DeWalt batteries very nicely but my other half insists on a corded 12 v type. She rightly observes that nothing with batteries that she has is ever charged when she needs it. I guess I'll shop in that direction.

I seem to remember seeing a device that was a rechargeable jump starter with compressor, light, and several charge outlets. It looked useful, but I am suspicious of gadgets that claim to be all things to all people.

I wish Sears was still around. They had good stuff you could see and touch and a good warranty. Guess it's an excuse to go by Harbor Freight.

FWIW, after having had battery-powered pumps fail numerous times, I've ended up with a https://www.motopumps.com/shop/air-shot-2 Usually either they simply don't work after being stuck under the seat for months, or the battery is too dead to be useful.

It works great. I power it with my battery tender pigtail, though it also comes with other connector options. I especially appreciate the straight chuck option, which fits my straight valve stems with no clearance issues from the rotor or wheel. I've used it dozens of times both for top-ups at home, and helping out stranded motorcycles on the road.

The downside is that for general use, you'd need to have a longer cable or other way of powering it.

I agree! I don't want a battery powered compressor. The one I take on road trips also plugs into the battery tender cable.