Does the Size of a Wheel on a Skateboard Affect the Speed?

Skateboarders are always trying to get the best performance out of their boards, and are always on the lookout for new tips to get extra performance out of them. Speed is one of the most important factors, as many tricks require a fair amount of momentum to pull off. Wheel size is one of the key factors in determining a skateboard's speed, but there are many other variables that can also make your board faster.

  1. Wheel Size

    • The larger your wheel is, the faster your skateboard will go. Since larger wheels will have few revolutions than smaller wheels when traveling the same distance, larger wheels are essentially rolling slower. This means they have more ability to gain speed than smaller wheels, and therefore give a skateboard a faster top speed.

    Wheel Material

    • Wheels made of harder material also have higher top speeds than wheels of softer material. Harder wheels do not dent or flatten under rough terrain, meaning that they stay rounder, and thus roll more evenly. Harder materials also do not have to be replaced as often, as they can withstand the punishment most skateboarders will put them through.

    Loosen the Nuts

    • Loosening the nuts that attach the wheels to the truck will also increase a skateboard's top speed. If the nuts are too tight, they create friction between the nut and the wheel, which slows your board and can damage the wheels. Loosening the nuts allows the wheels to roll more freely. Do not loosen the nuts too much, though, as you do not want the wheel to come loose or fall off entirely.

    Clean the Bearings

    • The bearings in a skateboard can become dirty and grimy as time wears on. If you regularly clean the bearings and replace them as needed, you can also get more speed out of the skateboard. The bearings accumulate dirt and dried grease over time, which will gunk up the axle and make your wheels turn more slowly. By keeping the bearings clean and replacing these parts as they get worn down or misshapen, you ensure that your wheels will roll smoothly.