How to Lock Up a Skateboard Securely (2026)
Skateboards are easy to grab and hard to lock. Here's how to secure one with a cable or U-lock, where to lock it and when to just bring it inside.
The Challenge With Locking Skateboards
Bikes have frames to lock; skateboards don't. A board's weak point is that trucks unbolt with a skate tool in a minute, so any lock is a deterrent, not a guarantee. The goal is to make your board slower and more awkward to steal than the next one, and to lock only for short periods in busy, visible places.
Best Ways to Secure a Skateboard
| Method | Security | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Take it with you | Best | Always, when possible |
| Skate backpack | Best | School, transit, shops |
| Cable through both trucks | Moderate | Short stops |
| U-lock plus cable loop | Moderate to good | Short stops near bike racks |
| Lock through a wheel only | Poor | Avoid |
How to Lock a Skateboard
- Find a fixed object: a bike rack or solid post in a busy, well-lit spot.
- Thread a cable around the truck hangers, between the baseplate and the wheels, ideally through both trucks.
- Loop it around the fixed object and lock it, using a U-lock if you have one.
- Keep the board off the ground if you can, so it's harder to work on.
- Return quickly. The longer it's there, the more likely it is to be messed with.
Locks That Work
Kryptonite Parkview U-Lock
A compact U-lock with a 12mm hardened steel shackle and a 4-foot double-loop cable, which you can thread through your board's trucks.
Check Price on AmazonSeatylock Foldylock Compact
A folding lock that opens to a 33.5-inch circumference. Check whether it fits through your trucks.
Check Price on AmazonCarry It Instead
A skate backpack lets you take your board everywhere without locking it.
Dakine Atlas 2.0 21L
A Dakine pack listed at 21 liters with skate carry and cargo straps.
Check Price on AmazonWhere to Lock It
- Choose a busy, well-lit spot with people around, ideally within view of a camera.
- Lock to a solid, fixed object that can't be lifted or cut, like a sturdy bike rack.
- Avoid locking to small signs, thin poles or anything the lock can slide off.
- Ask if a shop, office or school will let you keep it inside.
Electric Skateboards
Electric boards are much more valuable and attract more thieves. Bring them inside whenever possible, keep any remote with you, and consider a GPS tracker. Note your board's serial number and take photos for insurance or police reports.
Make Your Board Identifiable
- Write your name or a code under the grip tape or on the deck's bottom.
- Take clear photos of your setup, including unique stickers or scratches.
- Note brand, size and any serial numbers.
Extra Theft Tips
- Photograph your board and note any unique marks.
- Use distinctive grip art or stickers so it's recognizable.
- Ask shops and schools if you can leave it at the counter.
- Never leave a board unlocked "just for a minute."
More: how to carry a skateboard, skateboard backpacks and scooter locks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you lock up a skateboard?
Yes. Loop a cable lock through the trucks (around the hanger, between baseplate and wheel) and around a fixed object, or use a skate backpack and take it with you.
Where should I put the lock on a skateboard?
Around the truck hanger, ideally both trucks, so the board can't slide off. Locking through a wheel alone isn't secure, since wheels unbolt quickly.
Are skateboard locks secure?
They deter casual theft but determined thieves can remove trucks with a skate tool. Lock in busy, visible places for short periods.
What lock is best for a skateboard?
A cable lock or a U-lock with a cable loop that can reach through both trucks.
Can I leave my skateboard locked overnight?
It's not recommended. Bring your board inside whenever you can.