A Skateboard is a versatile piece of equipment due to multiple factors. You can use it for recreational activities and commuting as well. “How fast can a skateboard go? ” is usually a question for those skateboarders passionate about riding their skateboard with ultimate speed and commuters.
By searching different forums on the internet and resources in the real world, I came to know that an average skateboard speed is 5 to 12 mph (miles per hour). With proper skill, one can easily attain 8 mph speed on a skateboard. Different factors determine skateboard speed, which I will discuss later in this post.
Note: Skateboard average speed km/hr = 8 to 19 kph
How Fast Is A Skateboard?
Skateboard speed relies on multiple factors like riding surface, the experience of the rider, skillset level, and quality of skateboard. The following table shows the skateboard speed recorded in different circumstances by a skateboarder:
| Skateboarding Type | Average Speed |
| Up to 10 miles On An Even Track | 5 to 8 mph |
| Short Commuting | 8 to 12 mph |
| Intermediate Level Skateboarder (Soft Wheels) | 7 ½ mph |
| Normal Cruising (Large and Soft Wheels) | 7 mph |
| Hard Pushing (Quality Bearings) | 7 ½ to 12 mph |
| UC Davis |
From the above table, it is obvious that an experienced rider with quality skateboard setup can hit maximum speed as compared to an inexperienced skateboarder with an inferior skateboard.
How Fast Can A Skateboard Go Downhill?
The fastest skateboard speed ever achieved by a skateboarder is 91.17 miles per hour. Peter Conolly attained it in 2017 during a skateboard competition. He won this downhill riding contest by a small margin from Kyle Wester.
Factors That Influence The Speed Of A Skateboard
The factors that influence the speed of a skateboard are:
Terrain
The type of terrain you are riding on affects your speed. For example, the rougher the terrain, your speed will be. If there is a lot of rough terrain or other obstacles in the way, it will slow down your skateboard. People who ride downhill on hills often have faster speeds than those who ride on smooth surfaces.
Riding Skill
The rider’s skill level impacts the speed at which they go around corners and other obstacles. A pro who has been practicing their tricks will be able to go faster than someone who is just getting started with skating. The more time you spend practicing tricks and improving technique, the faster your board will go once you master them.
Wheel (Size & Softness)
A larger wheel makes turning easier, but it also makes it harder to push yourself around tight corners or rough sections of the boardwalk without falling off. The softer the wheel is, the faster it rolls over obstacles and pavement cracks than stiffer wheels do. If you want full speed while riding over a clear path, bigger and soft wheels will be helpful.
Type Of A Skateboard
The type of skateboard influences its speed:
Longboard
Longboards are the slowest skateboards. They are usually made from solid oak or bamboo and have a longer wheelbase than other boards. You can use longboards for cruising, downhill, and freestyle skating.
Cruiser
Cruisers are faster than longboards. They have a shorter wheelbase and usually have a smaller head size than longboards, making them equally good for cruising and freestyle skating. Cruisers are wider than longboards, which allows them to turn easier. Cruisers can be used for both cruising and freestyle skating.
Single Board
Single board is speedy but also very unstable. As there is no kicktail on single boards, you need to ride it with a lot of speed to keep them moving forward without falling over backward or onto your backside while trying to ride them down hills or ramps.
Weight Of Rider
The rider’s weight also plays a role in determining your speed on a skateboard. If you weigh less than 140 pounds, you would be considered lightweight and able to go at higher speeds than someone who weighs more than that amount. A big or heavy rider can not go as fast as a lightweight rider on the same skateboard.
How To Increase Your Skateboard Riding Speed?
The following tips will help you increase your skateboard riding speed:
Replace Wheels
I recommend you replace the skateboard wheels if you want to ride at lightning-fast speed but it can increase avearge skateboard cost. By replacing them with new ones, you will have better traction and be able to travel faster on the board. When they wear out, they lose traction and slow down your ride. However, make sure that the new ones are compatible with the trucks of your board so that you do not have problems using them.
Use Better Bearings
Another way to increase speed is to use better bearings. Bearings are the parts of the skateboard that support the wheels when they spin on the deck. The bigger and wider bearings will enable you to go faster. You can buy new bearings specifically designed for fast skating or use older ones you have never used.
Change Grip Tape
When you change the grip tape on your skateboard, you will change how your board performs. The right way to increase your riding speed is by making sure that you are using the best grip tape for acceleration and braking. You should also consider whether or not you can get a custom grip tape for your board. It will help you get perfect balance while riding and ultimately improves the skateboard speed.
Practice, Practice, And Practice
You will never reach your full skating potential if you never put in the time and effort required to become an expert skater. It takes practice and dedication to learn how to ride your board correctly so it can be used effectively in all situations. If you want to get faster on your skateboard, practice as much as possible until it becomes second nature.
Does The Type Of Terrain Impact Skateboard Speed?
Yes, the type of terrain has a significant impact on skateboard speed. For example, it is easier to go fast on smooth, flat surfaces than it is to go fast on rough terrain. It is because the body weight is transferred to the wheels during the push phase of skating, and that change in weight distribution affects how fast you can accelerate.
More snow or water on the ground means it will be harder for you to accelerate. Similarly, bumps, cracks, roots, and other obstacles can prevent you from riding at super-fast speeds. If a crack stands in your way while accelerating, then slowing down will be harder than if there were none.
How Fast Do Longboards Go?
Longboards are longer than skateboards, as their name suggests. A skateboard deck is 28 to 34 inches long and 7 to 10 inches wide. On the other hand, a longboard deck is 35 to 60 inches long and 9 to 10 inches wide. Due to the lengthy and wider deck, a longboard is easier to balance for beginners than a skateboard.
You can ride with fast speed on a longboard because of its large wheelbase and space between the trucks. While cruising, you can expect your longboard to hit 6 to 14 mph speed. If you use a longboard for downhill riding, it is possible to touch 50 to 65 mph speed regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Final Words
How Fast Can A Skateboard Go? A skateboard is much faster than walking because it is impossible to cover 5 to 12 mph distance even with brisk walking. If you are looking for a board for sole transportation purposes, I suggest you get a longboard rather than a skateboard as it offers higher riding speed.
Using better wheels, bearings, and grip take, you can increase your skateboard speed. If you did not acquire the right skill, you could go beyond a specific speed, no matter how good your skateboard setup is. To acquire higher speed while skateboarding, practice a lot.
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