Great advice thanks so much! As I said above I think it was a combination of old tires, temperature and humidity changes and non true rim causing brake pad rubbing.
Rim is definitely not true. Slightly bent. I can see it more when I'm behind it and spin it as opposed to riding it.
Tire is also multiple years old. So I'm guessing it's a combination of old rubber, humidity, temperature changes, and not true rim.
Thank you for your detailed response.
Follow up as I got the tire off the rim after work. Definitely seems like it's starting to split. But only on one side. Is this indicative of being pinched by the rim? Ridden on asphalt trail 95% of the time.
Was going to go for a simple ride tonight. Noticed this strange wear on my tire right next to the rim. Is this bad/a big deal?
Update: thank you all for your quick replies! I will be not be riding it and change it out. My rim is definitely very slightly bent, I can feel it when I ride. Definitely need a new bike since I know I'm too heavy for this bike.
What kind of e- bike is this? How has your experience with non-pavement trails?
What a great resource. Thank you for compiling these reviews all together!