Skateboard Design: Wheelbase

Note: at the time of this article, there is not a clear industry standard for skateboard dimensions. This article presents the “SK8CAD” Standard; please note that other manufacturers and distributors may use alternative definitions than those presented here.

The “Wheelbase” spec of a skateboard refers to the distance between the front and back wheels of the board. More specifically, the deck wheelbase is the distance between the centers of the innermost truck mounting holes.

The larger the wheelbase, the longer the board is. Longer boards are generally more stable and can be more flexible, since the points where the deck is supported are further apart. Longer boards are great for cruising around, doing longboard dancing, and riding at higher speeds.

Shorter boards are generally more maneuverable and lighter. Since the trucks on shorter boards are closer together, they’ll also be able to turn tighter than a longer board. Shorter boards are helpful when you need a board that’s more transportable or if you’re wanting to learn more advanced tricks.

Typical wheelbases:

Street decks: 13.5" - 15"

Transition decks: 14.5" - 16"

Longboards: 18" - 32"

Surf Skates: 16" - 19"

Cruisers: 12" - 32"+

Freestyle: 12" - 13.5"

Recommended ranges for goals:

Maneuverability (flip tricks, pivoting, quick movements): 13" - 16"

Stability: 15" - 30"

Dancing: 24" - 32"

Pop: 13" - 16"

Stability in rail stand: 12" - 16"

Speed: 18" - 28"

Start designing: https://sk8cad.com