The average speed of a skateboard is usually anywhere between 5 and 12 mph. Although experienced skaters usually get speeds of 8 mph and more, longboards commonly hit these speeds and much higher.
With that in mind, it’s important to know that your speed on your skateboard may depend on some of the following factors:
Bigger, Softer Wheels Will Increase Speed
Wheels play a large role in the speed of a skateboard. Without boring you with all of the scientific details, a larger wheel will turn slower but move a vehicle forward faster than a smaller wheel. The smaller wheel will use less torque to get moving, but the larger wheel can get a faster overall speed.
Although softer wheels will grip more, slowing your wheels a little bit but they give cushioning that allows you to roll over obstacles and debris smoothly.
Better Bearings Will Allow For More Speed
Another part of your skateboard setup that can make a large impact on your speed is your bearings. However, even if you don’t want to purchase new ones, you can learn how to clean your bearings to make your board faster.
If you want to get new bearings that will make your skateboard really fast, then I suggest ceramic skateboard bearings. Specifically, Bones Swiss Bearings. They are ceramic skateboard bearings that can last a lifetime if they’re properly taken care of.
If you just need something better than your current setup and are on a budget, then I suggest getting regular Bones Reds. They’re both great bearings and either one can help make a big difference if you’re in need of new ones.
What Is The Fastest Type Of Skateboard?
It might not come as a huge shock to you but electric skateboards are some of the fastest boards on the market. Many electric boards can reach speeds of 20 mph and more, with the fastest boards hitting up to 60 mph.
Speed Of A Cruiser Board
The purpose of a cruiser board is right there in the name, to cruise around. It’s not a board meant for doing tricks and it’s not known as the fastest. However, it is slightly faster and way more comfortable than a regular skateboard.
The average speed that you could expect on a cruiser is usually within 5 to 8 mph.
Speed Of A Longboard
A longboard is similar to a skateboard but is designed for speed and comfort. They usually average about 8 to 10 mph when pushing on flat ground. That being said, longboards are machines when it comes to skateboarding downhill. They can reach speeds of up to 80 mph.
What makes longboards faster is their larger, softer wheels, aerodynamic board shape, and better quality bearings.
How Do Surfaces And Conditions Effect Speed?
The surfaces, conditions, and environment can all play a big role in your speed. If the sidewalks are in rough shape, each little crack and pebble will bring down your speed, slowing you down.
So you’ll want to keep the quality of the surface in mind. However, traffic, pedestrians, curbs, hills, stop signs, and stairs can all slow you down too. And weather plays a factor. Although we shouldn’t skateboard in the rain, water and rain can make the roads slick, giving you less control.
Then we can also consider the opposite when we have the advantage of the hill. Obviously, we’ll get much faster speeds by going down hills, and also on freshly paved roads. A commuter that obeys the rules of the road can usually travel 1 mile in 8 minutes, averaging 7.5 mph.
How Do Riding Skills Effect Skateboard Speed?
You can only go as fast as your skill level will allow you to. When you first start learning how to skateboard, you’ll usually go no faster than you can walk. But as your skill increases, you’ll get closer to the speed of a bike and you’ll learn how to accelerate much faster.
Crowded public areas and uneven or cracked pavement will test your skills. When you get better at maneuvering these, you lose less speed than when you’re untrained. An experienced skater can ollie curbs and dodge obstacles, which helps them keep a higher speed.
When you travel long distances on flat ground, your skill in pushing the board is put to the test. The effectiveness of your push is determined by the intensity and frequency of your pushes. Strong and enduring pushes will help increase your speed significantly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the fastest skateboard is an electric skateboard. However, if you’re just looking for a regular skateboard that’s faster than your current one, then I suggest getting ceramic bearings and Bones Reds.
If you want a comfortable board to cruise around on, then get a cruiser board. And if you’re looking to go fast downhill, then get a longboard. But keep in mind that your skill level will also determine your speed.
Skateboarding is a great way to get around. It’s environmentally friendly, it’s good exercise, and it can be a lot of fun. Now go out and practice! The only way to get better at skateboarding (and going faster) is by doing it.