Hey Blue. These are semi metallic pads, and will make a squeal from time to time. There are NO wear tabs, but if you get down to the steel shoe you will know it. Mine squeals abit every morning on the first stop, and it goes away after that. If I push out of the shed it will squeal until I ride, and settle it in again. The other thing to look at would be the bearing inside the rear wheel. I have had several scoots that lost the rear bearing. You can test it on the center stand to se if there is ANY side to side play in the rear wheel. There should be 1mm or less for the entire assembly. Ideally there should be zero play.
