Skateboarding has grown beyond just a hobby full of stunts. It’s now a key part of getting around, especially in cities like Los Angeles and Portland. Skateboards play a big role in urban travel. Every day, about 30,000 skateboards make their way down Los Angeles streets. They help people reach buses and trains.
Schools have joined in too. At UC Santa Barbara, 8% of students skateboard instead of drive. Skateboarding has jumped by 3,500% at San Jose State University since 2005. These numbers show how skateboarding is a widely used transport method.
Now, you might be asking, “How fast do skateboards go?” In California, skateboarding adds up to 50 million miles traveled each year. For example, skateboarders at UC Davis go at an average speed of 9.7 miles per hour. This speed beats walking and offers convenience from start to finish.
If you want to dive deeper into the world of skateboarding speeds, their benefits, and how they fit into daily life, take a look at this comprehensive guide on skateboard speed. This resource will give you a closer look at how skateboard speed affects commuting.
Average Skateboard Speed
Skateboard speed depends on the rider’s skill, the type of terrain, and the skateboard setup. Generally, speeds hover around 9 mph. Speeds between 5-12 mph are common. When skating on flat ground, speeds are stable.
On Flat Surfaces
On smooth ground, skateboarders usually cruise at 7-8 mph for 1-2 miles. A study at UC Davis found an average speed of 9.7 mph. Longboarders, who push less often, typically move at 8-9 mph.
For short trips of about 1 mile, skateboarders average 7.5 mph. This shows skateboarding can be a quick way to travel short distances.
In Urban Environments
In cities, skateboarders often go as fast as slow bikers, around 5-8 mph. This speed helps them weave through crowded areas smoothly. Terrain, obstacles, traffic, and experience can affect speed in cities.
In tight city spaces, skateboards offer a quick way to get around. They can be faster than walking for daily travel.
What is the Maximum Skateboard Speed?
When we talk about maximum skateboard speed, many factors affect it. These include motor power and rider weight. All these aspects are key to reaching high speeds.
Factors Influencing Top Speed
Several factors affect a skateboard’s top speed. Motor power can range from 100W to 4500W. This greatly impacts the speed and acceleration. Electric skateboards with more power can break speeds of 40 mph.
Battery voltage also plays a big role; more voltage means more power to the motor. This leads to faster speeds. The size and type of wheels also matter. Bigger wheels roll faster and provide better grip.
Other things like gear ratio and battery level impact speed too. So do the rider’s weight and skill. The type of ground and weather are important as well, since smooth paths and good weather help.
Real-World Examples
Skateboarders have reached amazing speeds out in the world. The top speed on an electric skateboard was 68 mph. Mischo Erban holds a record at 59.55 mph on a custom electric skateboard. But, most electric skateboards usually go 18-28 mph, depending on their specs.
Downhill skateboarding has seen speeds of 91.17 mph. This shows what’s possible in the sport. On average, electric skateboards are faster for daily use. They go 18-28 mph, while traditional ones go 10-12 mph on flat surfaces.
- Extreme speeds like 68 mph show how far skateboard tech has come.
- Motor power, the rider’s skill, and the terrain all affect the skateboard’s speed.
- Record speeds highlight the thrill and potential of skateboarding.
| Skateboard Type | Maximum Speed | Typical Speed Range |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Skateboard | 68 mph | 18-28 mph |
| Traditional Skateboard | 12 mph | 5-12 mph |
| Downhill Skateboarding | 91.17 mph | 50-65 mph |
Skateboards vs. Longboards: Speed Comparison
Skateboard and longboard fans often debate which is faster. Knowing how design affects speed shows why longboards often win.
Design Differences
The size of the wheels is a key design difference affecting speed. Skateboard wheels are about 50mm in diameter. But longboard wheels are bigger, starting at 65mm and going up to 100mm. This lets longboards pick up speed quicker and keep it with less effort. They also have softer wheels, giving them better grip and stability at high speeds.
The design of the trucks matters too. Longboard trucks are wider, between 150mm and 180mm, and use a reverse kingpin (RKP) for better control at speed. The longer wheelbase of longboards adds to this stability, making them less jerky.
Typical Speed Ranges
Longboards are made to move fast. This shows in the speed they reach compared to skateboards. They have longer decks and are more stable, making them perfect for downhill and long rides.
Here’s a comparative table showcasing the typical speed ranges:
| Type | Average Speed (mph) | Top Speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|
| Skateboard | 5-12 | 25 |
| Longboard | 10-20 | 50 |
Looking at the table, longboard speed clearly outpaces skateboards, especially in downhill races. Longboards are designed for speed, making your ride exciting whether you’re commuting or racing downhill.
Downhill Skateboarding Speed
Downhill skateboarding shows how gravity can make a skateboard go faster. When going downhill, your board speeds up more and more. This lets you go really fast, faster than on flat ground. It’s exciting but also dangerous, making it an extreme sport.
Skateboards can go up to 30 mph on flat land. But downhill, they can reach speeds up to 80 mph. Pete Connolly set a world record by going 91.17 mph in Quebec, Canada.
Connolly didn’t just get lucky. He worked hard on his board’s design and tested it a lot. He used special tools online to make his skateboard perfect for speed. This shows how serious downhill skateboarding is. It’s all about mixing science with skill.
Pete Connolly worked with many people to break that record. It shows how teamwork is key in extreme sports. They aim to go even faster, maybe over 100 mph one day. To learn about how they achieve such speeds, click here.
| Rider | Event | Speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|
| Pete Connolly | L’Ultimate Descente | 91.17 |
| Damien Andrey | L’Ultimate Descente (Luge) | 101.83 |
| Tim Del | L’Ultimate Descente | 90+ |
| Anders Inde | L’Ultimate Descente | 90+ |
| Max Capps | L’Ultimate Descente | 90+ |
Electric Skateboards: How Fast Can They Go?
Electric skateboards have changed the way we commute and have fun in the city with their speed. They provide different speeds for various skill levels and situations.
Typical Speed Ranges
Electric skateboards reach speeds between 18-28 mph for an exciting ride. High-end models can go over 40 mph. The speed can change based on the motor, battery, and wheel size. To learn about what affects speed on electric skateboards, read more at Gyroor Board’s blog.
Record-Breaking Speeds
Chasing record speeds takes electric skateboarding up a notch. The fastest electric skateboard hit 68 mph with a special setup. While most electric skateboards don’t go this fast, they’re still faster than regular skateboards.
Safety Considerations
It’s important to think about safety when riding electric skateboards, especially fast ones. Wearing helmets, pads, and learning to brake safely is key. As you go faster, being safe and skilled matters even more for a good time.
| Factors | Impact on Speed |
|---|---|
| Motor Power | Higher wattage motors provide more torque and faster acceleration. |
| Battery Capacity | Higher voltage batteries support sustained high speeds and better performance. |
| Wheel Size | Larger wheels improve speed and stability, covering more ground per rotation. |
| Rider Weight | Heavier riders may experience reduced top speeds due to increased motor load. |
| Terrain & Weather | Flat and smooth surfaces allow for higher speeds compared to rough and hilly terrains. |
Skateboarding Physics: What Affects Speed?
Skateboarding is all about the forces and factors that affect your speed. Understanding the physics of skateboarding helps you appreciate how wheel size, rider weight, and terrain change your performance.
Wheel Size and Type
Wheel size and type greatly influence skateboard speed. Bigger wheels reach higher speeds because they travel more distance with each turn. This makes them perfect for downhill skating. Smaller wheels, however, are quicker to start moving and excel in tricks.
The wheel material also matters. Harder wheels roll faster on smooth ground due to less friction. Softer wheels, though, offer more grip on uneven surfaces.
Rider Weight and Experience
A skateboarder’s weight and experience affect their speed too. Heavier skateboarders can go faster because of more momentum, but they also battle more air resistance. Experienced riders know how to pose to cut air resistance and speed up.
Knowing skateboarding physics helps use gravity and centrifugal forces. These forces help maintain or increase speed during turns or tricks.
Terrain and Weather Conditions
The surface you skate on and the weather also impact your speed. Smooth, hard surfaces are best for fast skating. But, rough terrain slows you down.
Then there’s the weather. Tailwinds can push you faster, while headwinds slow you down. Wet conditions also mean you have to skate more carefully to avoid slipping. Knowing these factors helps you skate better in different conditions. Check out this guide for more skateboarding tips.
I’m John Peterson, a passionate skater, blogger, and lifelong enthusiast. I’ve been skating for over 9 years and have gone on to write a blog dedicated to the sport of skating and its culture. Through my blog, I strive to share my knowledge and experience of the sport with all who are interested. From beginner tips, tricks, and equipment reviews to interviews and event coverage, I cover it all. So read my blog as I explore the wonderful world of skating!