A Guide to Buying Electric Skateboard Wheels

Every experienced skateboard rider knows that the most important part of their ride is the wheels. Even though electric skateboards have become the new go-to board for many riders, the wheels still play a very important role. After all, they’re the only point of contact between you and the surface you’re riding on. This means that they play a huge role in how your ride feels. To make sure you get the right wheels, here’s what you need to know about skateboard wheels.

Wheel Size

The wheel size of the board, no matter whether electric or traditional, is the most important factor to consider. Generally, larger wheels will increase the speed, but will limit how quickly you accelerate. Smaller wheels do the complete opposite. Moreover, bigger wheels make riding over tough terrain significantly easier, whereas smaller and harder wheels that provide less contact with the riding surface slide easier than larger and softer wheels. Keep in mind that these are generalisations and the first thing you need to consider when considering wheel size is deck clearance when turning.

Wheel Diameter

The diameter of the wheels is important, especially for electric boards, as not all wheels fit every board. If you buy wheels that are too large in diameter, they can bite the deck when cornering. This can be problematic when travelling at faster speeds and trying to catch corners. Some boards won’t have that much of a problem, while others will. That being said, you need to mind the wheel diameter if you’re driving a cruiser, pintail or mini board. Something that can slightly negate the problem is a riser pad, but they are only helpful to a certain degree.

Wheel Width

There’s a common misconception that the wheel width directly correlates with the contact patch of the skateboard. Basically, the contact patch is the part of the wheel that comes in contact with the surface. The wheel width, on the other hand, is the total width of the wheel as a whole. The wider the contact patch is, the more the wheel will grip the surface. Generally, taller riders prefer wider stances for more stability. However, this mainly comes down to personal preference and the type of riding you plan on partaking in.

Wheel Durometer

The durometer represents how hard or soft the wheel is. When shopping for wheels, you’ll see them listed with a number/letter combination such as 72A, 82A, etc. These specifications represent the shortness or hardness of the wheel. The letter represents the specific scale. Different manufacturers may use different scales to represent the hardness or softness of their wheels. Cloud skateboard wheels, for instance, are on the A-scale. A 76A wheel will be tougher than a 72A wheel. Harder wheels roll faster, but they take more of a knock when riding.

Wheel Materials

Electric skateboard wheels are typically made of two materials – pneumatic and urethane. Urethane wheels have been the standard since the 70s. Urethane can be bent to the will of the manufacturer, so you can get all-terrain and off-road wheels using the same material. While they do have their disadvantages, they’re considered better than rubber, as rubber tyres feature air tubes inside that provide a bit of bounce. This makes pneumatic tyres more suitable for off-road surfaces, as they provide for smoother rides.

Best Electricboard Wheels in 2022

ONSRA Cloudwheels

These wheels are arguably some of the most popular available. Cloud skateboard wheels are one of the larger-sized available, making them ideal for fast riding. Cloudwheels allow you to roll up drop-curbs and forget about small pebbles that would previously give you issues. They’re durable and functional, providing a transparent design that adds to the appeal.

Orangutang Caguama Wheels

These wheels are ideal for monkeying around on your skateboard. They look completely different from the cloud wheels, as they’re made from something the company calls happy urethane. They provide a great balance of speed, grip and rebound. And the best thing about them? They’re extremely affordable as far as quality electric skateboard wheels go.

MBS All-Terrain Wheels

As their name implies, these wheels are ideal for those who want to ride off the pavement. They bridge the gap between longboarding and mountainboarding. This is possible due to their incredible grip, even in the most extreme conditions. The only downside to these wheels is that they aren’t as fancy as others on this list, but even then, the amount of functionality and rideability they provide is off the charts.

Conclusion

Buying wheels for electric skateboards is quite similar to buying wheels for traditional boards. The same things matter – wheel width, diameter, size and the material they’re made of. You have plenty of choice, no matter your budget. At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference and riding style. As long as you don’t buy wheels that are too large or too small for your skateboard, you can make use of any wheels.