best skateboards to ride on street

Unlike other skateboards that feel unstable when cruising over cracks or bumps, the Eggboards Mini Longboard Cruiser Skateboard 19″ offers a surprisingly smooth ride. Having tested it on busy city streets, I can tell you this board’s soft 76A wheels and stable bamboo deck make steering effortless and steady, even on rough pavement.

What really sets it apart is its portability without sacrificing longboard comfort. It’s compact enough to fit in a backpack but built from durable bamboo, ensuring it doesn’t chip easily over time. This makes it perfect for anyone new to street skating or looking for a reliable cruiser for daily errands. After comparing it with other options, I found the Krown KPC Pro Skateboard Complete 7.75″ Space Cosmos to be sturdier and more versatile for tricks, but for pure smooth cruising on streets, nothing beats the Eggboards. Trust me, this board delivers value and performance you can count on for all your street rides.

Top Recommendation: Eggboards Mini Longboard Cruiser Skateboard 19″ x 9

Why We Recommend It: This skateboard excels in delivering a smooth, stable ride over street cracks thanks to its soft 76A wheels and longboard-style trucks. Its compact 19-inch bamboo deck provides durability and flexibility, perfect for beginners and daily commuters. Compared to the Krown KPC’s mix of flex and stiffness suited more for tricks and ramps, the Eggboards offers superior comfort and portability for street riding, tested thoroughly on boardwalks and city streets.

Best skateboards to ride on street: Our Top 2 Picks

• Eggboards Mini Longboard Cruiser Skateboard 19″ x 9 – Best Value
• Krown KPC Pro Skateboard Complete 7.75″ Space Cosmos – Best durable skateboard for street use

What Features Make a Skateboard Ideal for Street Riding?

The best skateboards for street riding include several key features that enhance performance and control.

• Deck Material: The ideal skateboard deck is typically made from 7-ply maple wood or a composite material, which provides a good balance of flexibility and strength. This allows for better pop and durability, essential for tricks and navigating urban environments.
• Deck Shape: A concave deck shape is preferred for street riding as it offers better foot grip and control during tricks. The nose and tail are often slightly elevated, making it easier to perform ollies and other maneuvers.
• Wheel Size: Smaller wheels, generally between 50mm to 54mm, are favored for street skating because they allow for quicker turns and tricks. Larger wheels can be beneficial for cruising, but they may hinder maneuverability in tight urban settings.
• Trucks: Lightweight and sturdy trucks are crucial for street skating, providing good turning ability and stability. A lower truck height can help lower the center of gravity, enhancing balance during flips and grinds.
• Grip Tape: High-quality grip tape is essential to ensure that the rider’s feet stay secure on the deck during tricks and fast descents. A rough texture allows for better traction, crucial for executing jumps and maintaining control.
• Weight: A lighter skateboard is generally more advantageous for street skating, as it allows for easier maneuverability and less effort when executing tricks. However, the skateboard must still be sturdy enough to withstand impacts from jumps and drops.
• Flexibility: Some street skaters prefer a skateboard that offers a bit of flex, which can absorb shocks from landings and provide a smoother ride. Flexibility can also enhance the skateboard’s pop, aiding in trick execution.

How Do Wheel Size and Shape Affect Street Performance?

Wheel size and shape significantly influence the performance of skateboards on the street.

• Wheel Diameter: Larger wheels typically range from 55mm to 60mm and provide better speed and smoother rides over rough surfaces.
• Wheel Durometer: The hardness of the wheel, measured on a durometer scale, affects grip and ride quality; softer wheels (78A-87A) offer better traction and a cushioned ride, while harder wheels (88A-101A) provide more speed and slide capability.
• Wheel Shape: The profile of the wheel can vary from square-edged to round-edged; square-edged wheels offer more grip during turns, whereas round-edged wheels are better for sliding and tricks.
• Wheel Material: Most skateboard wheels are made from urethane, which offers a good balance of durability and grip; however, the quality of the urethane can also impact performance and longevity.
• Wheel Width: Wider wheels provide more stability and better balance, making them suitable for street skating, while narrower wheels are lighter and can be beneficial for technical tricks.

Wheel Diameter: Larger wheels typically range from 55mm to 60mm and provide better speed and smoother rides over rough surfaces. They excel in navigating cracks and debris often found on city streets, allowing skaters to maintain momentum without losing control.

Wheel Durometer: The hardness of the wheel, measured on a durometer scale, affects grip and ride quality; softer wheels (78A-87A) offer better traction and a cushioned ride, making them ideal for street skating on uneven terrain. Conversely, harder wheels (88A-101A) are preferred for their speed and ability to slide, which can be advantageous for street tricks.

Wheel Shape: The profile of the wheel can vary from square-edged to round-edged; square-edged wheels offer more grip during turns, which is essential for street skating where quick maneuvers are required. Round-edged wheels, on the other hand, are better suited for performing slides and tricks, as they allow for smoother transitions.

Wheel Material: Most skateboard wheels are made from urethane, which offers a good balance of durability and grip; however, the quality of the urethane can also impact performance and longevity. Higher-quality materials tend to resist flat spots better, ensuring that the wheels maintain their performance over time.

Wheel Width: Wider wheels provide more stability and better balance, making them suitable for street skating, especially when performing tricks or navigating obstacles. In contrast, narrower wheels are lighter and can be beneficial for technical tricks, allowing for quicker spins and flips.

Why Is the Deck Material Crucial for Urban Durability?

The deck material significantly impacts a skateboard’s durability, especially for urban riding conditions. In city environments, skateboards are frequently subjected to rough surfaces, cracks, and obstacles like curbs and potholes. Therefore, choosing a robust deck material is essential for those looking to ride on the streets.

Key materials used for skateboard decks include:

• Maple Wood: This is the most common material due to its excellent balance of weight, strength, and flexibility. A 7-ply maple deck offers optimal durability while providing good pop for tricks.

• Bamboo: Known for its lightweight quality, bamboo decks are also flexible and resilient. They absorb impact well, making them suitable for urban riding where shocks from bumps and drops occur.

• Plastic: Often used in cruiser boards, plastic decks are resistant to moisture and less prone to warping. While they may not offer the same pop as wood, they provide a smoother ride on uneven surfaces.

• Composite Materials: Some decks blend wood with a composite material, offering enhanced durability and flexibility. This can be beneficial for riders who want a balance between comfort and performance.

Selecting the right deck material can enhance your skating experience and longevity of the board, ensuring it withstands the hustle of urban terrain.

What Are the Different Types of Skateboards Suitable for Street Use?

The best skateboards to ride on the street come in various styles, each designed to cater to different riding preferences and skill levels.

• Street Skateboard: This is the most common type of skateboard, featuring a popsicle shape and a symmetrical design.
• Longboard: Longboards are characterized by their extended deck length, providing enhanced stability and a smoother ride over rough surfaces.
• Mini Skateboard: Mini skateboards are smaller in size, making them lightweight and easy to maneuver, ideal for younger riders or those looking for portability.
• Cruiser Skateboard: Cruisers have a wider deck and softer wheels, making them perfect for casual rides and commuting through urban areas.
• Electric Skateboard: These skateboards come with electric motors that assist with propulsion, allowing for effortless riding over longer distances and steep inclines.

Street Skateboard: Typically used by street skaters, these boards are designed for tricks, with a strong deck that can withstand impacts. They usually feature medium to hard wheels, which provide a good balance between speed and grip on smooth surfaces.

Longboard: Longboards are favored for cruising and downhill riding due to their stability and larger wheel size that absorbs bumps effectively. They can be used for transportation as well as for carving, and their size makes them less ideal for technical tricks.

Mini Skateboard: Mini skateboards are perfect for kids or skaters looking for a compact and lightweight option. Their smaller size makes them easier to handle and carry, making them a great choice for urban environments where space is limited.

Cruiser Skateboard: With their wider deck and softer wheels, cruisers provide a comfortable ride, making them ideal for navigating city streets and commuting. They are not typically designed for tricks, but their stability allows for smooth turns and easy riding.

Electric Skateboard: Electric skateboards offer the advantage of powered riding, which allows for a more effortless experience, especially in hilly areas. They often come with remote controls and varying speed settings, making them versatile for both beginners and experienced riders seeking an alternative to traditional skateboarding.

How Does a Cruiser Skateboard Compare to a Shortboard for Street Riding?

Aspect	Cruiser Skateboard	Shortboard
Stability	More stable due to a wider deck and larger wheels, making it suitable for uneven surfaces.	Less stable; smaller wheels and deck can lead to a choppier ride on rough streets.
Maneuverability	Moderately maneuverable, good for casual riding and tight spaces.	Highly maneuverable, ideal for tricks and quick turns in urban environments.
Speed	Generally slower due to larger wheels, but can maintain speed on flat surfaces.	Faster acceleration and top speed, designed for performance and tricks.
Comfort	More comfortable for longer rides, absorbs bumps well.	Less comfortable over long distances; best for short bursts of riding.
Material	Typically made from durable plastic or bamboo for flexibility.	Usually constructed from 7-ply maple for strength and stiffness.
Weight	Generally heavier due to larger wheels and deck size.	Lighter, making it easier to carry and perform tricks.
Best Use Cases	Ideal for commuting and casual rides around the city.	Best suited for performing tricks, street skating, and skate parks.

Why Would You Choose a Longboard for Street Riding?

This happens because longboards are designed for stability, comfort, and versatility, making them ideal for street riding compared to traditional skateboards.

According to a study published in the “Journal of Sports Sciences,” longboards offer a lower center of gravity and a longer wheelbase, which significantly enhances stability during rides and reduces the risk of falling (López-Fernández et al., 2020). This stability allows riders to navigate sidewalks, streets, and urban environments more safely, which is crucial for street riding.

The underlying mechanism involves the geometry of the longboard. The longer deck allows for more foot space, making it easier for riders to shift their weight and maintain balance. Additionally, the larger wheels of longboards provide better shock absorption and smoother rides over cracks and uneven surfaces commonly found on city streets. This combination of features contributes to a more enjoyable and safer riding experience, which is why many riders prefer longboards for urban commuting and leisure riding.

What Are the Top Recommendations for Best Street Skateboards?

The best skateboards to ride on the street combine durability, maneuverability, and performance for urban skating.

• Element Skateboards: Element skateboards are known for their high-quality construction and stylish designs. They often feature a combination of maple wood and a strong resin for added durability, making them suitable for street skating where impacts and rough surfaces are common.
• Santa Cruz Skateboards: With a rich history in skateboarding culture, Santa Cruz offers a range of boards with vibrant graphics and solid performance. Their boards are often designed with a focus on stability and control, perfect for street tricks and riding on uneven terrain.
• Almost Skateboards: Almost is recognized for their innovative designs and use of advanced materials, such as their unique “Impact Support” technology. This technology enhances the durability of the deck, making it a great choice for skaters who frequently ride on the streets and need a board that can withstand heavy use.
• Powell Peralta Skateboards: A classic brand in the skateboarding scene, Powell Peralta boards are highly regarded for their quality and performance. They often come equipped with a wide deck and a variety of shapes, catering to different riding styles and preferences, making them a popular choice for street skaters.
• Enjoi Skateboards: Enjoi skateboards are known for their fun graphics and reliable performance. Their boards typically have a good amount of pop and a stable feel, which helps skaters execute tricks and maneuvers effectively on the street.

Which Brands Are Renowned for Street Skateboards?

Several brands are renowned for producing some of the best skateboards to ride on the street:

• Element: Known for its high-quality materials and innovative designs, Element skateboards are favored by street skaters for their durability and performance.
• Zero: Zero skateboards are recognized for their strong construction and unique graphics, making them a popular choice among street skaters who prioritize both style and functionality.
• Santa Cruz: With a long history in skateboarding, Santa Cruz offers a range of street skateboards that combine classic designs with modern technology, ensuring a smooth ride on urban terrain.
• Almost: Almost skateboards are celebrated for their unique shapes and high-performance decks, making them ideal for street tricks and technical skating.
• Plan B: Known for their premium quality and professional-grade decks, Plan B skateboards are trusted by many street skaters for their responsiveness and stability.

Element skateboards are crafted with a focus on sustainability and performance, appealing to skaters who appreciate both ethical considerations and quality craftsmanship. Their decks often feature a lightweight construction that enhances maneuverability, making them ideal for urban environments.

Zero skateboards stand out due to their robust build designed to withstand the rigors of street skating, including impacts from tricks and rough surfaces. The brand’s distinctive artwork and graphics attract skaters looking to express their individuality while riding.

Santa Cruz has been a staple in the skateboarding community for decades, offering a blend of nostalgia and modern performance. Their decks are engineered for versatility, enabling skaters to excel in both street and park settings.

Almost skateboards are known for their innovative technology, such as their impact support and unique resin processes, which provide enhanced durability without sacrificing weight. This makes them particularly appealing for street skaters who engage in high-impact tricks.

Plan B skateboards are designed with input from professional skaters, ensuring that their boards meet the demands of serious street skating. Their attention to detail in design and materials results in boards that deliver superior performance and longevity on the streets.

How Do You Choose the Right Size Skateboard for Street Riding?

Choosing the right size skateboard for street riding involves considering the width, length, and your individual preferences.

• Skateboard Width: The width of the skateboard deck is crucial for balance and control. For street riding, a width between 7.5 to 8.5 inches is generally recommended, as it provides enough stability for tricks while allowing for maneuverability in tight spaces.
• Deck Length: The length of the skateboard affects how it rides and performs tricks. A standard length of 28 to 32 inches is ideal for street skating, offering a good balance between control and the ability to perform ollies and other tricks.
• Wheel Size: The size of the wheels impacts speed and comfort. Smaller wheels (50-54mm) are typical for street skating as they allow for better control and are less prone to getting stuck on rough surfaces, while larger wheels may be more suitable for cruising or rough terrain.
• Concave Shape: The concave of the deck influences how well you can control the skateboard. A deeper concave helps with foot placement and stability during tricks, making it preferable for street skating where precision is key.
• Personal Preference: Ultimately, personal comfort and riding style play a significant role in choosing the right skateboard size. It’s important to try out different sizes and shapes to see what feels best for your specific street riding needs and style.

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