How to Make Your Skateboard Faster (2026)
A slow board is usually a setup or maintenance problem. Here are eight fixes, from cleaning bearings to choosing wheels, plus better pushing.
Start With Maintenance
Most slow skateboards aren't broken, just neglected. Spin each wheel by hand: it should spin smoothly and for a while. If it doesn't, start with the fixes below. Each one is quick and cheap.
8 Ways to Make Your Skateboard Faster
| # | Fix | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clean and lube bearings | Removes grit and friction |
| 2 | Loosen axle nuts slightly | Over-tight nuts squeeze bearings |
| 3 | Use speed rings | Stops bearings rubbing on the hanger and nut |
| 4 | Replace rusty bearings | Damaged bearings can't be fixed |
| 5 | Choose the right wheel hardness | Hard for smooth ground, soft for rough |
| 6 | Go bigger on wheels | More roll per push |
| 7 | Fix wheel bite | Rubbing wheels slow and stop you |
| 8 | Improve your push | Longer, smoother pushes |
1–4: Bearings
Clean and re-lube your bearings (how to clean bearings). Tighten axle nuts just enough to remove side-to-side play, no more. Use a speed ring on each side of every wheel. Replace bearings that are rusted or still rough.
5–7: Wheels
Match wheels to your terrain: hard wheels are fastest on smooth concrete; soft wheels roll over rough streets. Bigger wheels carry more speed but may need risers to avoid wheel bite. See hard vs soft wheels and the wheel size guide.
8: Push Better
- Keep your front foot over the front bolts, pointing forward.
- Take long, smooth pushes instead of short choppy ones.
- Bend your standing knee and stay balanced.
- Turn your front foot sideways once you're rolling.
Quick Checks Before You Upgrade
| Check | Fix |
|---|---|
| Axle nuts too tight | Back off until wheels spin freely without wobble |
| Missing speed rings | Add washers on each side of the wheel |
| Bearings shifting in the wheel | Use bearing spacers |
| Flat-spotted or worn wheels | Rotate or replace |
| Wheel bite slowing turns | Add risers or tighten trucks |
| Dirty, gritty bearings | Clean and lube |
Body Position for Speed
On a gentle downhill, a lower stance with knees bent and weight slightly forward reduces wind resistance and keeps you stable. Strong headwinds slow you a lot, and rough pavement drains speed, so smooth paths make the biggest difference.
Safety
Faster means harder falls. Wear a helmet, learn to stop and know how to fall. Want a board built for speed and distance? Try a longboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my skateboard so slow?
Common causes are dirty or rusty bearings, over-tightened axle nuts, missing speed rings, worn or soft wheels on smooth ground, or wheels rubbing.
Do bigger wheels make a skateboard faster?
Bigger wheels roll farther per push and over cracks more easily, so they usually feel faster for cruising.
Do better bearings make you faster?
Clean, well-lubricated bearings matter more than ratings. Premium bearings can help, but maintenance comes first.
Are hard or soft wheels faster?
Hard wheels are faster on smooth surfaces; soft wheels are often faster on rough ground.
Does riding a longboard help with speed?
Longboards with big wheels are built to roll fast and far.