What size wheels are best for an electric skateboard?

Wheel size changes more about a board than almost any other variable. It affects how fast you go, how far you travel on a charge, how much vibration reaches your feet and how confidently the board handles rough ground. The short answer: smaller street wheels (85–107mm) suit smooth sealed surfaces, while larger all terrain tyres (175mm) are the right choice for mixed or rough terrain. Which one you need depends entirely on where you ride.

The two main wheel categories

Electric skateboard wheels sit in two distinct categories, and understanding the difference makes the decision straightforward.

Street wheels are solid urethane, typically between 85mm and 107mm in diameter. They roll fast on asphalt and concrete, offer precise carving and keep weight down. The trade-off is comfort on rough or uneven ground, where every crack and chip gets transmitted straight through the deck.

All terrain tyres are pneumatic, typically 175mm, and work like small bicycle tyres. They absorb vibration, handle gravel, grass and dirt paths, and give the board a noticeably more planted, confident feel. They do reduce range and top speed compared to street wheels on the same board, but for mixed riding environments, that is an acceptable exchange.

How wheel size affects range and speed

Larger wheels cover more ground per motor revolution, which can feel faster, but the added rolling resistance of pneumatic tyres generally reduces both top speed and range compared to street wheels on the same drivetrain.

On the GTR Bamboo All Terrain, the 175mm pneumatic tyres bring top speed to 38 km/h and real-world range to around 30 km. Swap to street wheels and those figures climb to 44 km/h and up to 50 km. That gap is meaningful if your commute is long and entirely on sealed road. But if your route crosses gravel paths, grass sections or rough footpaths, street wheels will make every ride uncomfortable and the AT setup will feel like a different board entirely.

Harder surfaces versus mixed terrain

Most riders fall into one of two camps: entirely sealed surfaces, or a mix of conditions. The mix is more common than people expect.

In Auckland, footpaths vary enormously. A smooth waterfront path one minute, a cracked suburban footpath the next. In Wellington, the combination of hills and blustery conditions means grip and stability matter as much as speed. In Christchurch, where the flat grid and cycling infrastructure are excellent, street wheels often make sense. In Hamilton, it depends on which part of the city and how far the ride extends. Queenstown is its own category, with trails and gravel paths making all terrain capability genuinely useful rather than optional.

If any part of your regular route is unpaved, the pneumatic tyre eliminates the jarring ride that makes street wheels unpleasant off smooth asphalt.

What the 175mm AT tyre actually changes underfoot

Beyond the spec numbers, the difference in feel is real. The air volume in a pneumatic tyre absorbs small impacts before they reach the deck, which reduces fatigue on longer rides. On the GTR Bamboo, the natural flex of the bamboo deck combined with the compliance of the AT tyres creates a ride that feels more like a snowboard carve than a skateboard on rough ground. It is noticeably more forgiving.

The trade-off is weight. The GTR Bamboo All Terrain comes in at 12.1 kg, compared to 11.1 kg for the street version. That extra kilogram is largely the mass of the larger hubs and tyres. Carrying the board upstairs or onto transport is the main point where it becomes relevant.

Matching wheel size to rider weight

Larger, heavier riders benefit more from all terrain tyres. The pneumatic tyre maintains its compliance regardless of rider weight, whereas a harder urethane street wheel offers very little cushioning for riders closer to the 100 kg limit. If you are a heavier rider and your route includes any rough ground at all, all terrain tyres are the practical choice.

The GTR Bamboo All Terrain is rated to 100 kg, and the 175mm tyres contribute directly to a more stable and manageable ride at that end of the weight range.

The 2-in-1 option

If the choice genuinely feels difficult because your riding conditions vary, the GTR Bamboo 2-in-1 includes both wheel sets. Swapping requires tools and some time, but it means one board that covers sealed commutes and weekend trail rides without compromise. It is the right buy if your riding environment changes regularly rather than staying consistent.

Which wheel size is right for you

• Street wheels (85–107mm): best for smooth sealed surfaces, longer range, lighter carry weight, faster top speed
• All terrain tyres (175mm): best for mixed terrain, rough footpaths, gravel, grass, better comfort at any weight
• 2-in-1: best when your riding conditions genuinely change across the week

For most riders outside of city centres with perfect infrastructure, the all terrain setup is the more versatile and forgiving choice. Sealed roads are manageable on AT tyres. Gravel paths are not manageable on street wheels.

If you are deciding between the two and your riding environment has any unpredictability to it, go with the GTR Bamboo All Terrain. It does not sacrifice enough on sealed surfaces to make the street-only version worth the limitation.

People also ask

Do bigger wheels make an electric skateboard faster?

Not necessarily. Larger pneumatic all terrain tyres actually reduce top speed compared to street wheels on the same motor and battery. The GTR Bamboo reaches 44 km/h on street wheels and 38 km/h on 175mm AT tyres. Larger urethane street wheels (107mm versus 97mm) can add a small amount of roll speed, but the gain is modest.

Can you switch between street and all terrain wheels on the same board?

Yes, but it requires a full conversion kit, not just a wheel swap. Different drive gears and belts are needed for each setup. The GTR Bamboo 2-in-1 comes with both wheel sets and the necessary drivetrain components included.

Are all terrain wheels better for heavier riders?

Generally yes. Pneumatic tyres absorb vibration and provide more consistent grip regardless of rider weight, which makes the ride more stable and comfortable. The Diablo and Fusion series support up to 120 kg, and the GTR Bamboo is rated to 100 kg.

How do wheel size and range relate to each other?

Larger pneumatic tyres create more rolling resistance, which draws more from the battery and reduces range. On the GTR Bamboo, street wheels give up to 50 km of range while the 175mm AT tyres bring that down to around 30 km. If range is the priority and your route is entirely sealed, street wheels are the more efficient choice.