Commuting on a skateboard can be an efficient and fun way to get around, but using a standard skateboard can be frustrating. Regular skateboards with their small, hard wheels aren’t designed for covering longer distances comfortably. A proper commuter skateboard should be a joy to ride, not a tiresome chore. This guide will explore the best skateboard options for commuting, focusing on the essential features that make all the difference, and provide insights based on our extensive testing.
We’ve tested a variety of boards for their performance across several key areas: distance capability, portability, responsiveness, suitability for different skill levels, and overall durability. Our top picks for the best commuter skateboards include the Arbor Pilsner, ideal for experienced riders; the beginner-friendly Arbor Oso; the carvy and responsive Santa Cruz Shark; and the Pantheon Pranayama, the ultimate choice for long-distance commuting.
Top Skateboards for Your Daily Commute
When choosing a skateboard for commuting, there are numerous options available. This list includes eight personal favorites, along with two custom setups for those who enjoy assembling their own board, offering a range of choices to suit different preferences. Keep in mind that pre-built complete setups often have limitations because they aren’t always tailored to individual needs.
For a skateboard to be effective for commuting, it needs large, soft wheels. Standard skateboards with their small, hard wheels are unsuitable for longer distances, and commuter skateboards should have wheels at least 60mm in diameter with an 80A durometer. Mass-produced boards may have components like bushings, bearings, or wheels that are adequate but could be better. It’s also wise to steer clear of cheap knock-offs from online marketplaces, as these are often of poor quality despite their frequent recommendations on other websites.
1. Arbor Oso
Arbor Oso Cruiser Skateboard
If you’re struggling with balance while riding, the Arbor Oso is an excellent commuter skateboard. It features a wide (10″) deck, providing stability and comes equipped with 60mm, 78A soft wheels that ensure a smooth ride. The board is a bit heavier due to the wide deck and Paris trucks. While the bearings are decent, the bushings are too stiff and should ideally be replaced. The Arbor Oso is exceptionally stable, which is particularly beneficial for beginners. Its forgiving nature allows riders time to adjust their stance if they’re off balance. For more details, check out our full review.
| Skill Level | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Playfulness | Somewhat sluggish, slow response |
| Portability | A bit heavy, but manageable |
| Recommended Distance | 3-5 miles |
| Durability | Very robust build with quality parts |
What We Like: Even experienced riders will find the smooth, stable ride enjoyable, and the forgiving nature of the board makes it perfect for beginners. The mellow concave is ideal for relaxed rides, and the soft wheels handle small obstacles easily.
What We Don’t Like: The stock bushings are a major drawback. They make turning difficult, even when loosened fully. Replacing them with aftermarket bushings, such as Independent 94A bushings, will dramatically improve the board’s responsiveness. Also, the board is not very agile and has a slow response, making sharp turns challenging, even with upgraded bushings.
2. Bustin Maestro
Bustin Maestro on Rough Pavement
For a user-friendly experience, consider a longboard like the Bustin Maestro. This commuter board is comfortable and forgiving, making it ideal for beginners. The Maestro is a comfortable board for covering long distances in urban, rural, or suburban environments. While it has limitations, it’s perfect for those needing a board capable of handling 5-8 miles.
| Skill Level | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Playfulness | Good |
| Portability | Less convenient to carry |
| Recommended Distance | 5-7 miles |
| Durability | High-quality, long-lasting components |
What We Like: The Bustin Maestro is exceptionally stable, fast, comfortable, and versatile across different terrains. It’s a user-friendly longboard perfect for covering long distances, although there is a limit. Riders looking for even greater distances might consider the Bustin Sportster. The Maestro can accommodate 75mm wheels, which is more than sufficient for commuting.
What We Don’t Like: The Bustin Maestro is not well-suited for hilly or extremely rough terrains. For a more comprehensive view, refer to our Bustin Maestro review.
3. Landyachtz Tugboat
Landyachtz Tugboat Cruiser Skateboard
The Landyachtz Tugboat is a fun, responsive board with a distinctive shape that facilitates quick turns. Comparable to the Arbor Oso, it differs with a steeper concave and narrower deck. The Tugboat is 9″ wide and features Fatty Hawgs 63mm wheels and standard Spaceball bearings. While beginners can learn on this board, it may take some time. The aggressive concave allows for more grip during carves. For complete details, read our full Tugboat review.
| Skill Level | Beginner to Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Playfulness | Fun and aggressive |
| Portability | Heavier but easy to carry |
| Recommended Distance | 2-4 miles |
| Durability | Strong build, quality parts |
What We Like: This is a fun board for aggressive turns across various terrains. Although designed for commuting, it’s capable of tricks like ollies and kickflips for skilled riders. The large tail and decent wheelbase ensure a carvy but balanced ride. You can ride it for a long time without getting too tired, though it’s still a workout.
What We Don’t Like: The Tugboat is not designed for long distances. The limited space for your feet requires frequent stance adjustments, and components like the kingpin nuts should be checked often to ensure they are secure. The Fatty Hawgs wheels, while smooth, don’t perform as well as other similar wheels.
4. Landyachtz Dinghy
Landyachtz Dinghy Cruiser Board
The Landyachtz Dinghy is a compact version of the Tugboat and a rival to the Arbor Pilsner. It’s an agile board, but the narrow deck and steep concave make it challenging for beginners. Taller riders may find the 8.0″ deck too narrow. The Dinghy handles various terrains well and is popular due to its agility and the numerous designs available. Learn more in our review of the Dinghy.
| Skill Level | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Playfulness | Very playful and responsive |
| Portability | Comfortable to carry |
| Recommended Distance | 2-4 miles |
| Durability | Durable under tough conditions |
What We Like: The Dinghy is very portable, fast, and great for short commutes. The setup allows for sharp turns and immediate responses to input. Upgrading with bigger, softer wheels and different bearings will extend its range, making rides of 5 miles or more more feasible.
What We Don’t Like: Beginners may find the Dinghy hard to control. The stock wheels are adequate but could be better. The bushings also need some breaking in and tweaking before optimal performance is achieved.
5. Arbor Pocket Rocket
Arbor Pocket Rocket
The Arbor Pocket Rocket is a mini cruiser, designed for short distances. It’s ideal for those seeking a highly portable board for quick rides. The short wheelbase provides a reasonably stable ride, but the turning radius is limited. Beginners may struggle due to its small size.
| Skill Level | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Playfulness | Medium |
| Portability | Highly portable |
| Recommended Distance | Max 2 miles |
| Durability | Holds up well, though not extensively tested |
What We Like: Despite its small size, the Pocket Rocket is surprisingly enjoyable to ride, offering a smooth experience, but less comfortable due to its small size. Its wide profile provides a stable base, despite the challenge of foot placement.
What We Don’t Like: Beginners may find the Pocket Rocket challenging to learn on, with limited space for foot placement. Taller riders or those with larger feet may find it particularly unsuitable.
6. Pantheon Pranayama
Pantheon Pranayama Top View
The Pantheon Pranayama is a top-tier longboard for commuting. It offers exceptional performance across various terrains and is suited to both beginners and experienced riders. The Pranayama is capable of handling long distances, making it ideal for commuting, general cruising, or long-distance riding. Read more in our full review.
| Skill Level | All |
|---|---|
| Playfulness | Good |
| Portability | Easy to carry |
| Recommended Distance | 5-10 miles |
| Durability | High quality, built to last |
What We Like: The Pranayama’s wide design makes commuting easy and stable compared to smaller cruisers. The board’s design, by a long-time skater, significantly enhances performance. The option to install 85mm wheels allows for long-distance rides.
What We Don’t Like: The board’s width makes carrying it less comfortable, and the low deck may cause wheel rub against your feet if they are large.
7. Landyachtz ATV Classic
Landyachtz ATV Skateboard
The Landyachtz ATV Classic is essentially a standard skateboard with softer wheels. While described as an all-rounder, it excels more as a comfortable cruiser. It’s a great option for beginners who are looking for a popsicle-shaped board to start with.
| Skill Level | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Playfulness | Very versatile |
| Portability | Easy to carry |
| Recommended Distance | 2-4 miles |
| Durability | Tough and can handle a lot of use |
What We Like: The ATV Classic is ideal for beginners who want to ride and learn some basic tricks later on. It accelerates quickly and maintains momentum well. The wide deck and wheelbase enhance stability and predictability. The larger soft wheels allow it to handle most terrains, even gravel, although that can be tiring.
What We Don’t Like: The ATV’s wheels are bouncy, which makes tricks difficult, and the board is heavier than typical skateboards due to the trucks and deck. For more detailed insights, check our Landyachtz ATV review.
8. Arbor Pilsner
Arbor Pilsner Deck Top View
The Arbor Pilsner is similar to the Landyachtz Dinghy, but the key differences are in the trucks and wheels. The Pilsner comes with high-quality Paris Street trucks and offers a more comfortable ride, though the wheels are slightly more fragile. This fast, nimble cruiser is great for rides of several miles, though it can become a workout after 2-3 miles. Read more in our Arbor Pilsner Review.
| Skill Level | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Playfulness | Very nimble and fast |
| Portability | Easy to carry around |
| Recommended Distance | 3-5 miles |
| Durability | Durable, though the wheels can chip |
What We Like: The Arbor Pilsner performs well right out of the box, with minimal tweaking required. It’s a fun, agile board that can handle various terrains. The soft wheels easily roll over small obstacles, and the tail and concave offer great control. It’s also portable and provides good value for money.
What We Don’t Like: Beginners may find the Pilsner challenging initially, and the bearings could be better.
9. Santa Cruz Shark
Santa Cruz Cruiser Skateboard
The Santa Cruz Shark is a carvy cruiser with angled risers that enhance turning, combined with significant clearance between the deck and wheels. This classic directional board with low concave and big soft OJ wheels is very smooth. However, the loose trucks require attention to balance. Great for sharp turns and slower speeds, this board is ideal for riders with some experience. Check out my full review here. Be careful not to confuse this model with the Shark Surf Cruiser.
| Skill Level | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Playfulness | Extremely fun and carvy |
| Portability | Easy to carry |
| Recommended Distance | 2 miles max |
| Durability | Good components for the price |
What We Like: The Shark’s turning ability and comfortable ride are exceptional. Its design is also appealing. It’s fun for short distances, offering a super carvy and smooth ride, and it is a good value for the price.
What We Don’t Like: Beginners may find the loose trucks and angled risers difficult to manage at first. Tightening the kingpin nut helps in the beginning.
10. Zenit Marble
Zenit Marble Longboard Setups
The Zenit Marble is excellent for slower speeds, providing ample room for foot placement and a non-aggressive feel. While not a commuter board per se, it is great for longer distances. The Zenit Marble requires users to pick their own components, offering more customization. Zenit does offer a complete setup as well. Learn more in our full review.
| Skill Level | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Playfulness | Very playful and versatile |
| Portability | Easy to carry |
| Recommended Distance | 2-3 miles |
| Durability | High quality, built to last |
What We Like: This board is great for new riders wanting to commute and explore some basic tricks. It performs well across different disciplines. It’s also maneuverable and exclusive.
What We Don’t Like: The Zenit Marble is expensive, making it a bit of a risk for those unsure about skateboarding, as it is aimed at true connoisseurs.
11. Magneto Mini Cruiser
Magneto Mini Cruiser Skateboard
The Magneto Mini Cruiser is a budget-friendly option, but not the best in terms of performance. It’s a mediocre board for commuting and requires considerable effort to maintain speed, making it tiring after 1.5-2 miles. Despite the low price, it does function as a basic commuter. See our review for more.
| Skill Level | Beginner/Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Playfulness | Average |
| Portability | Easy to carry |
| Recommended Distance | 1-2 miles |
| Durability | Parts can break if you attempt tricks |
What We Like: The Magneto is a cheap option for basic commuting needs. It handles rough terrain reasonably well and is a good entry-level board for learning to ride.
What We Don’t Like: The board is made with cheap materials, lacks the smooth feel of higher quality cruisers, and is less durable. Tricks are not advisable with this board.
Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the right skateboard for commuting requires consideration of several factors. Here’s what to avoid, what works, and what to look for when assembling your own setup.
What to Avoid
Avoid buying cheap skateboards online. Despite positive reviews, these boards often have poor performance, break easily, and are difficult to ride. Steer clear of Penny boards, cheap knock-offs, and anything under $100.
Commuting Distance
Consider your typical commute distance. Skateboards with big, soft wheels are good for a few miles, but longer distances can be tiring. Cruisers are ideal for about 3-5 miles, offering a good balance of fun and portability. Longboards are better suited for longer commutes of 5-10 miles, providing a comfortable, relaxed ride with less pushing.
Type of Road
The road conditions greatly affect the effort required. Smooth surfaces require less pushing, while rough, gritty, or cracked roads will require more effort.
Ride Comfort
Wider boards with properly designed wheelbases and lengths provide more comfortable rides. Big, soft wheels and good bearings also enhance comfort. For longer rides, consider Zealous bearings, which take time to break in but maintain speed longer than standard bearings.
Experience
New riders may find skateboarding tiring at first, but learning proper technique reduces effort and improves efficiency over time.
Wheel Size and Durometer
Wheel hardness and size are crucial. Soft wheels enhance comfort for longer distances, while bigger wheels help cover more ground with each push. Most cruisers can handle 65-70mm wheels, depending on the board’s design.
By considering these factors, you can choose the ideal skateboard for your commuting needs, ensuring a smooth, enjoyable, and efficient ride.
