Ever feel like your electric skateboard is missing something? Maybe it doesn’t turn quite right, or it feels a bit wobbly when you pick up speed. That feeling often points to one crucial, yet often overlooked, component: the trucks!
Choosing the right trucks for your electric skateboard can feel like a puzzle. There are so many types, and they all do slightly different things. You want trucks that make carving smooth, but also keep you stable on bumpy roads. Getting it wrong can lead to a less enjoyable ride, or even feel unsafe. This is where understanding your trucks becomes really important.
In this post, we’re going to break down the world of electric skateboard trucks. We’ll explore what makes them tick, what to look for, and how to pick the perfect pair for your riding style. By the end, you’ll know exactly what you need to upgrade your ride and conquer those bumpy streets with confidence!
Our Top 5 Electric Skateboard Trucks Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Electric Skateboard Trucks Detailed Reviews
1. VANPRO DIY Electric Skateboard Trucks 7.25″ Long Skateboard Trucks (Black)
Rating: 9.0/10
Ready to build your dream electric skateboard? The VANPRO DIY Electric Skateboard Trucks 7.25″ in sleek black are here to help! VANPRO believes in giving you “different height, different world!” and these trucks aim to deliver a great product and experience for your DIY project.
What We Like:
- Durable Build: Made from strong aluminum magnesium alloy and metal rods, these trucks are built to last.
- Perfect for DIY: The “square trucks” design and included MOUNT make them ideal for your electric skateboard build.
- Versatile Use: They fit all kinds of longboards, whether you’re street brushing or cruising.
- Good Package Deal: You get two square bridges, two 4MM riser pads, and eight golden fixing screws, all in black.
- Stable Ride: The 50° tilt angle helps you carve and control your board effectively.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Color Options: Currently only available in black, which might not suit everyone’s aesthetic.
- Specific Size: The 7.25″ frame size is specific, so make sure it matches your deck.
These VANPRO trucks offer a solid foundation for your custom electric skateboard. They provide the durability and features you need to get rolling on your own build.
2. Generic Caliber II Style Trucks for Electric Skateboard
Rating: 9.3/10
Looking for versatile trucks for your skateboard? These Generic Caliber II Style Trucks in black are a solid choice. They are designed to work with electric skateboards, longboards, and are suitable for freeride, downhill, cruising, and even dancing styles. With a 44-degree baseplate angle, they offer a good balance of stability and turning. These trucks are a budget-friendly option that can help you get your board rolling without breaking the bank.
What We Like:
- These trucks are very affordable, making them a great option for beginners or those on a budget.
- They can handle a variety of skateboarding styles, from carving to downhill.
- The black color looks sleek and classic on any board.
- The 44-degree angle provides a nice blend of stability for speed and responsiveness for turns.
What Could Be Improved:
- Since these are generic, the exact materials and manufacturing quality might not be as consistent as name-brand trucks.
- They might not offer the same level of performance or durability as higher-end trucks for very aggressive riding.
- Information about specific materials used is not provided.
These trucks are a good starting point for many skateboarders. They deliver decent performance for their price and can be a fun upgrade for your board.
3. Mountain Skateboard Conversion Kit with Stronger Motor Bracket Off Road Board Truck with 190KV N63 Motor (Drive with Normal)
Rating: 8.6/10
Ready to take your skateboard off the beaten path? This Mountain Skateboard Conversion Kit lets you turn your regular board into an off-road machine. It comes with a sturdy motor bracket and a powerful 190KV N63 motor. This means you can tackle hills and rough terrain with ease. It’s designed for riders who want more adventure.
What We Like:
- Built Tough: The stronger motor bracket holds up well on bumpy rides.
- Powerful Motor: The 190KV N63 motor gives you plenty of power to climb hills.
- Off-Road Ready: Transforms your skateboard for trails and uneven ground.
- Easy to Install: Most users find it straightforward to put together.
What Could Be Improved:
- Battery Not Included: You’ll need to buy a compatible battery separately.
- Learning Curve: Controlling a powerful electric skateboard takes some practice.
- Compatibility: Make sure your existing skateboard deck is suitable for this kit.
This kit is a fantastic way to upgrade your skateboarding experience. If you’re looking for an adventurous ride, this conversion kit is worth checking out.
4. Demeras Drive Scooter Hub Aluminum Iron Skateboard Wheel Engine Remote Control Hub Motor Kit for Electric Skateboard 350W 72mm
Looking to electrify your skateboard? The Demeras Drive Scooter Hub Motor Kit offers a powerful upgrade for your ride. This kit includes two hub motors designed to give your skateboard more speed and control, making your commutes or cruising sessions more exciting. It’s built tough and ready to handle various terrains.
What We Like:
- Made with strong aluminum and iron, this hub motor is built to last and resist wear.
- The PU wheel has good elasticity, which helps absorb bumps and makes riding on rough roads smoother.
- It uses a brushless motor that provides strong power and quick response, making your skateboard feel more agile.
- The motor is designed for durability with closed bearing support, ensuring a stable and reliable performance.
- It’s suitable for most skateboards with a board length under 910mm.
- The company offers a guarantee, so you can get help if you have any issues.
What Could Be Improved:
- The motor power is 350W, which might not be enough for riders who want extreme speed or steep hill climbing.
- You need to make sure the size and material are right for your skateboard before buying.
This Demeras Drive Scooter Hub Motor Kit is a solid choice for skateboarders wanting a significant performance boost. It balances durability and power, offering a more engaging ride experience.
5. FLIPSKY 12 Inch Double Kingping Trucks for DIY Electric Skateboard
Rating: 8.8/10
The FLIPSKY 12 Inch Double Kingping Trucks are a solid choice for anyone building their own electric skateboard. This “Gold Screw Version” comes with a motor mount, making it a convenient all-in-one solution for your esk8 project. They are designed for strength and durability, ready to handle the demands of electric skateboarding.
What We Like:
- These trucks are made using a special process where melted aluminum flows into the mold using its own weight. This helps remove air bubbles, making the trucks stronger.
- After they are made, the trucks go through heat treatment. This makes the aluminum even harder, reaching about HRB65 on the hardness scale.
- They can support a lot of weight, over 150kg, which is great for riders of different sizes.
- The inclusion of a motor mount simplifies the building process for DIY electric skateboards.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the manufacturing process is advanced, more information about the specific benefits of the “Gold Screw Version” beyond the name would be helpful for consumers.
- As with many specialized components, availability might be limited at times, so planning ahead is important.
These FLIPSKY trucks offer a robust foundation for your DIY electric skateboard. They are built tough and designed for performance.
Choosing the Right Electric Skateboard Trucks
Electric skateboard trucks are super important. They connect your wheels to your board. Good trucks make your ride smooth and fun. Bad trucks can make it shaky and hard to control. This guide will help you pick the best ones.
Key Features to Look For
- Width: Trucks come in different widths. You want trucks that match your board’s width. Wider trucks offer more stability. Narrower trucks are good for quick turns.
- Height: Truck height affects how high your board sits off the ground. Higher trucks give you more clearance. This helps you avoid hitting obstacles. Lower trucks feel more stable.
- Bushings: Bushings are rubbery rings inside the trucks. They help you turn. Softer bushings let you turn more easily. Harder bushings make turning harder but are more stable at high speeds.
- Kingpin Angle: This is the angle of the bolt that holds the trucks together. A steeper angle (like 50 degrees) makes carving easier. A shallower angle (like 45 degrees) is more stable.
- Mounting Pattern: Make sure the trucks fit the bolt holes on your skateboard deck. Most decks use standard mounting patterns.
Important Materials
Trucks are usually made from metal.
- Aluminum Alloy: This is the most common material. It’s strong and lightweight. Many different types of aluminum alloys are used. Some are stronger than others.
- Steel: Some parts of the truck, like the kingpin or axle, might be made of steel. Steel is very strong. It can add a little weight.
- Titanium: This is a premium material. It’s super strong and very light. But, titanium trucks are usually more expensive.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good trucks feel solid. They don’t wobble.
- Precision Machining: Trucks that are made with good machines will fit together better. This means less rattling and smoother turning.
- Strong Axle: The axle is the bar that the wheels attach to. A strong axle won’t bend.
- Quality Bushings: Bushings that are made from good rubber will last longer. They won’t get squished out of shape easily.
- Manufacturing Defects: Sometimes, trucks have small problems from the factory. These can make them feel bad to ride. It’s good to buy from brands you trust.
User Experience and Use Cases
What you do with your electric skateboard matters.
- Cruising: If you just ride around town, you might want wider trucks for stability. Softer bushings are good for easy turning.
- Carving: If you like to make smooth, flowing turns, you’ll want trucks that allow for a good lean. Kingpin angle and bushing setup are key here.
- Speed: For riding fast, stability is very important. Harder bushings and maybe a slightly shallower kingpin angle can help.
- Tricks: While electric skateboards are less common for tricks, if you plan on doing some, you’ll need durable trucks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important part of an electric skateboard truck?
A: The bushings are very important. They control how easily you can turn. The width of the truck is also key for stability and turning.
Q: How wide should my electric skateboard trucks be?
A: Your trucks should be about the same width as your deck. If your deck is 9 inches wide, look for trucks around 9 inches.
Q: Can I use regular skateboard trucks on an electric skateboard?
A: Yes, but it’s often better to use trucks made for electric skateboards. Electric skateboards are heavier and faster. They need stronger trucks.
Q: What do bushings do?
A: Bushings are the rubbery parts in the trucks. They let you lean and turn. Softer bushings make turning easier. Harder bushings make turning harder but offer more stability.
Q: How do I know if my trucks are good quality?
A: Good trucks feel solid. They don’t make a lot of noise. They turn smoothly. Buying from known brands usually means better quality.
Q: What is a kingpin?
A: The kingpin is the bolt that goes through the middle of the truck. It holds the truck together and affects how it turns.
Q: Should I get soft or hard bushings?
A: It depends on what you like. Lighter riders or those who want easy turns should use softer bushings. Heavier riders or those who want stability at high speeds should use harder bushings.
Q: How often should I replace my electric skateboard trucks?
A: Trucks don’t need to be replaced often. You should replace them if they are bent, cracked, or if the metal is worn out. Bushings wear out faster and might need replacing sooner.
Q: What is the difference between reverse kingpin and traditional kingpin trucks?
A: Reverse kingpin trucks are more common on longboards and electric skateboards. They offer more stability and a better turning radius for carving.
Q: Can I change the bushings on my electric skateboard trucks?
A: Yes! You can easily buy new bushings and swap them out. This is a great way to change how your board rides without buying new trucks.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.