Getting from A to B on a skateboard is certainly possible, but a standard skateboard will make it a frustrating ride. Regular skateboards usually consist of small and small wheels which aren’t meant for longer distances.
A commuter skateboard should be fun to ride, not a chore. For that, you need certain parts that work and regular skateboards don’t always offer. Your best option for commuting is a cruiser. Some might call this a skateboard but technically it isn’t. Still, there are a few popsicle shaped skateboards that provide a comfortable ride.
Let’s look at a couple of boards that can be used for commuting without being completely exhausted after 5 minutes, and some custom setups that make it even easier.
We tested them for distance, portability, playfulness, skill level, and durability.
Our top picks:
- Arbor Pilsner: best for those with some experience.
- Arbor Oso: fun and beginner friendly.
- Santa Cruz Shark: Carvy responsive board
- Pantheon Pranayama: best commuter and long-distance board.
Best Skateboards For Commuting
There are tons of options when considering a skateboard for commuting. I picked 8 that I personally own and added 2 custom setups for those who want to assemble their own skateboard (which is easy). Be aware that buying a complete setup will always have a few downsides.
You can commute on a skateboard when it has big soft wheels attached, otherwise you won’t get far. Usually skateboards have smaller and extremely hard wheels that are uncomfortable for longer distances. Commuter skateboards should have at least 60mm with 80A durometer.
These boards are mass produced and not tailored to your specific needs. Common issues are the bushings, bearings, or wheels that are okay but could be better. Lastly, don’t buy Chinese knock-offs on Amazon. Even though you see them recommended on most blogs, they are actually terrible to ride.
1. Arbor Oso
If you struggled before and constantly lose your balance attempting to ride a skateboard, the Arbor Oso is the perfect commuter skateboard. It’s extremely wide (10″), forgiving, and comes with 60mm/78A soft wheels that are buttery smooth.
It’s a bit heavier compared to smaller boards, mainly because of the heavier, wider deck and heavy Paris trucks. The bearings are reasonable but the bushings are too hard and should be replaced immediately.
The Arbor Oso is very stable. If you misplace your feet or are slightly out of balance, you have time to correct your stance. The board will not throw you off, which makes it a great beginner board. Check out the full review.
| skill level | Beginner |
|---|---|
| playfulness | Feels a bit sluggish, responds rather slow |
| portability | A bit heavy bit doable |
| recommended distance | 3-5 miles |
| durability | Very tough build with quality components |
What We Like
Even experienced riders will love this board because it offers such a calm ride. Placing your feet in the wrong stance isn’t an issue, and perfect for beginners.
The mellow concave is great for those who want a relaxed ride in less crowded areas. The wheels are soft enough to deal with pebbles, cracks, twigs, or any small objects.
What We Don’t Like
The biggest con about the Arbor Oso is the stock bushings. Arbor just slaps some components together without properly testing the performance. This results in trucks that hardly turn, even if you loosen them to the max.
The only solution is to replace the stock bushings with aftermarket bushings. I suggest replacing them with independent 94A bushings. This will make quite a difference.
This is also not a very agile board. It responds rather slowly to input, taking sharp turns is rather difficult. Different bushings partially solve this problem, but it isn’t a carvy setup.
2. Bustin Maestro
For those who want a very beginner friendly ride, a longboard is a good option. Not just any longboard though, the Bustin Maestro is a very comfortable commuter that won’t punish you for slightly misplacing your feet.
The Maestro is a very comfortable pusher at a decent price. You’ll love riding this board in urban, rural, or suburban areas, covering many miles without much effort. Even though it has some limitations, it’s perfect for those who need something that can handle long distances. You can ride this thing for 5 to 8 miles, depending on your overall fitness, that is.
| skill level | Beginner |
|---|---|
| playfulness | Reasonable |
| portability | Less comfortable to carry around |
| recommended distance | 5 to 7 miles |
| durability | High-quality components that last for ages |
What We Like
One of the most stable boards that is fast, comfortable, and works in many terrains (except for hills). A very beginner friendly longboard that you can ride for miles on end, though there is a limit. For longer distances, the Bustin Sportster might be a better choice.
You can slap 75mm wheels on this board but that’s the limit. More than enough for commuting, those who want to ride extreme distances should look for a longboard that can handle 85mm wheels.
What We Don’t Like
Not many noticeable cons, but it doesn’t work great in areas with lots of hills or really rough terrain. Before you decide to buy this longboard, make sure to read our Bustin Maestro review.
3. Landyachtz Tugboat
The first time I stepped on this board, it brought a smile to my face. The concave, speed, and responsiveness makes this one of the most fun boards to ride. You can really feel how the shape allows for quick turns, just after your first push.
The Landyachtz Tugboat is comparable to the Arbor Oso. The major differences are the steep concave and slightly narrower deck. This board is 9″ wide and comes with Fatty Hawgs 63mm wheels and standard Spaceball bearings.
While beginners can learn how to ride this board, it might take a bit more time. The aggressive concave leaves less room for your feet, but allows for more grip when carving. Here’s my full Tugboat review if you want to know everything.
| skill level | Beginner to intermediate |
|---|---|
| playfulness | Fun and aggressive ride |
| portability | A bit heavier than average but easy to carry around |
| recommended distance | 2-4 miles |
| durability | Strong build with quality parts |
What We Like
This is a super fun board for those who want to make aggressive turns and plow through all kinds of terrain. Even though you are looking for a comfy ride, the Tugboat can handle tricks like ollies and kickflips, but you have to know what you’re doing.
It comes with a huge tail and decent wheelbase which gives you a carvy but balanced ride. You can ride this board for a long time without getting too tired, but it’s still a bit of a workout.
What We Don’t Like
It’s not meant for longer distances. There is less room for your feet and you need to adjust your stance often when the type of road changes.
I lost one of the kingpin nuts which resulted in missing bushings. Make sure to check the trucks occasionally if you plan on doing tricks on this board.
Again, the Fatty Hawgs wheels under-perform compared to other similar wheels. Smooth enough for a decent cruise, but not the best wheels you can get.
4. Landyachtz Dinghy
This is the Tugboat in a slimmed-down version and comparable to the Arbor Pilsner. One of the more agile boards you can get, but it comes at a price. Beginners will struggle to learn how to ride the Dinghy because the deck is rather narrow and the steep concave offers even less room.
This doesn’t mean it’s impossible, you just have to put in some extra effort, which will only make you a better rider. Taller people will have issues with the rather narrow 8.0″ deck and are better off with the Tugboat.
The Dinghy deals well with all sorts of terrain and is a great all around cruiser for transportation. It’s fast, nimble, and aggressive and there are many reasons why this board is so popular (including smart marketing). We also did a review of the Dinghy if you want to learn more.
| skill level | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| playfulness | Very playful and responsive |
| portability | Comfortable to carry around |
| recommended distance | 2-4 miles |
| durability | Tested under tough conditions, no issues |
What We Like
This super agile cruiser is very portable and ideal for short and fun commutes. The concave and overall setup allows for sharp turns and immediately responds to input. Because it’s such a popular cruiser, there are many designs to choose from. There should be a design that you personally love and makes you stoked to ride this thing.
Once you tweak the trucks to your liking, you have the perfect commuter which is portable, fun, and great for riding from place A to B. This board performs even better with bigger softer wheels and different bearings, an upgrade will allow you to ride at least 5 miles.
What We Don’t Like
Even though it’s a super fun and playful cruiser, beginners will find this board hard to ride at first. If you like a challenge and are patient, you will manage eventually. I would still advise going with a wider cruiser first.
I’m not a fan of the wheels, even though they offer enough comfort and do what they supposed to. I replaced them with slightly softer and bigger wheels, and the difference was night and day. It’s a nice setup, but there is lot’s of room for improvement.
The bushings require some breaking in and tweaking before the board behaves the way you like it. This takes a couple of hours. It’s still a bit of a workout. After 2 miles, you probably get a bit tired. Changing the wheels and bearings will allow for longer rides.
5. Arbor Pocket Rocket
The Arbor Pocket Rocket is a mini cruiser, only meant for small distances. If you are looking for an ideal skateboard or cruiser to carry around, while still begin able to ride short distances, the Pocket Rocket might be just up your alley.
Even though it has a really short wheel base, it still offers a reasonable stable ride but the turning radius is limited. Beginners will struggle with the small size, balancing is a challenge at first.
It’s a very effective mini cruiser for short distances but not ideal for longer commutes.
| skill level | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| playfulness | Medium |
| portability | Most portable of the bunch |
| recommended distance | Max 2 miles |
| durability | It holds up fine, didn’t test it to the limit |
What We Like
Even though it’s a really small ‘skateboard’, the Pocket Rocket is surprisingly fun to ride. Despite its short wheelbase, it turns pretty well. It offers a smooth ride but is less comfortable compared to the other boards, mainly because it’s so small. Even though placing your feet properly is a challenge, the Pocket Rocket offers a pretty stable ride because of its wide profile.
What We Don’t Like
Beginners will have a hard time learning to ride this board. There isn’t much room for your feet, so you have to place them exactly right. If you are tall or have larger feet, you should probably avoid the Pocket Rocket. I’m a size 9.5 (US) and even my feet stick out considerably.
6. Pantheon Pranayama
Time to present the ultimate commuter, the Pantheon Pranayama! While it’s technically not a skateboard, this longboard offers an exceptional riding experience. Both beginners and experienced riders will appreciate how effortlessly this board handles all kinds of terrain.
Smooth concrete, rough asphalt, cracked sidewalk, the Pranayama has your back. This is also the only board that can handle extreme distances. It is the best option if you want something for transportation, general cruising, or long-distance riding.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, on rough roads or smooth, on a trail or downtown, you won’t find a better longboard than the Pantheon Pranayama.
Here’s the full review
| skill level | All |
|---|---|
| playfulness | Decent |
| portability | Easy to carry around |
| recommended distance | 5 to 10 miles |
| durability | Extremely high quality, built to last |
What We Like
It’s quite short for a longboard but extremely wide. This makes your commute a breeze compared to the smaller nimble cruisers listed on this board. The fact that this board is designed by a long time skateboarder/longboarder is noticeable. It really is miles ahead of the competition performance wise.
You can slap 85mm wheels on this board and have the ultimate long distance setup. 10 miles should be doable given you are a bit in shape.
What We Don’t Like
The wider setup makes carrying it around a bit less comfortable, but fortunately it isn’t extremely long. Other than that, the board sits really low to the ground and there is some risk of a wheel rubbing against your feet if you have large feet.
7. Landyachtz ATV Classic
The Landyachtz Classic is basically just a regular skateboard with softer wheels. If you are looking for a commuter skateboard, this might be the one. Even though it’s described as a skateboard that can do it all, it’s more like a master of none.
That sounds bad, but it isn’t. Tricks are difficult because of the bouncy wheels and overall heavy setup, but it rides like a dream. For those who don’t know how to ride at all, the ATV Classic is the perfect popsicle shaped skateboard to start with.
| skill level | Beginner |
|---|---|
| playfulness | very versatile |
| portability | Easy to carry around |
| recommended distance | 2-4 miles |
| durability | Though board that can take a beating |
What We Like
The ATV Classic is perfect for beginners who want to ride and learn some basic tricks later on. This board accelerates fast and keeps momentum for a long time. The wide deck offers a lot of stability and the larger wheelbase makes this board predicable.
I’m really a fan of the wheels, at least for the cruising part. Big soft wheels that can handle most terrain without much effort. I was even able to push this board around in gravel. Pretty exhausting though.
What We Don’t Like
I call this a master of none for good reasons. Even though Landyachtz claims that the ATV can do anything, reality tells a different story. The wheels are bouncy, which makes it hard to do tricks. The ATV really weighs a lot compared to a regular skateboard with softer wheels, which has to do with the trucks and deck.
There is some nuance here, but for that I recommend reading my Landyachtz ATV review.
8. Arbor Pilsner
The Arbor Pilsner is very comparable to the Landyachtz Dinghy. Perhaps it’s a bit too similar when looking at the design of the deck. The main difference are the trucks and wheels. It comes with Paris Street trucks, which are high quality trucks that can take a beating. The wheels feel more comfortable compared to the Dinghy, but are a bit more fragile.
I like it better than the Dinghy because it’s slightly wider and the wheels are better suited for cruising. A full explanation of why if prefer this board is in my Arbor Pilsner Review.
The Pilsner is a fast and nimble cruiser that you ride for quite a few miles. After 2 or 3 miles, it becomes a workout. It’s one those boards you used to ride around town.
Super fun and agile board that can handle various terrain. It’s a challenge for beginners, but less so than the Dinghy because you have more room to place your feet.
| skill level | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| playfulness | Very nimble and fast |
| portability | Easy to carry around |
| recommended distance | between 3 and 5 miles |
| durability | Durable but the wheels can chunck |
What We like
There is a lot to like about the Arbor Pilsner. It performs well out of the box and the bushings/trucks don’t require a lot of tweaking. Once you get to know this board, you can really push it hard and ride aggressively.
I love the wheels! At 78A they are super soft and ignore pebbles or anything that gets in the way. The tail offers enough room for your back foot and the concave allows you to really dig in when you approach rougher terrain. It turns fairly well and with some tweaking, even more.
It’s portable, not too heavy, and you get your money’s worth. No need to replace any components straight away, though after a while you could try different bearings.
What We Don’t Like
There is a lot to like but few to dislike. I think beginners will need to take some time to learn how to ride the Pilsner, but it’s doable. You have to start somewhere, right? The bearings could be better, but it’s not very noticeable because the wheels compensate for that.
9. Santa Cruz Shark
The Santa Cruz Shark is one of those cruisers you ride down the boulevard. Not the fastest board, but one of the carviest on this list. The angled risers make this cruiser turn extremely well, combined with the huge clearance between the deck and wheels.
They come in different colors, and I own the flame dot version, which looks really rad. This board is a classic and comes with a directional shape, and low concave. The big soft OJ wheels offer one of the smoothest rides a small cruiser can offer, but yet a very responsive ride because of the angled risers.
A very fun board with lots of room for your feet, but the loose nature of the trucks requires you to pay attention. You really have to position your feet properly in order not to lose your balance. Great for those who want to turn at sharp angles and cruise at lower speeds. Check out my full review here.
Careful not to confuse this one with the latest Shark Surf Cruiser, that’s a completely different board, even if it’s not that obvious from the product images.
| skill level | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| playfulness | Extremely fun and carvy ride |
| portability | Not too heavy, easy to carry around |
| recommended distance | 2 miles max |
| durability | Decent components for the money |
What We Like
The great thing about the Shark is its turning ability and its comfortable ride (once you know where to place your feet. The overall design is gorgeous, which isn’t clear from the product image, but when you unbox it you know what I mean.
Even though this isn’t a cruiser, you ride for miles on end. It is one of the most fun boards for shorter distances. Super carvy and smooth riding experience and best for those who have a bit of experience riding boards. Beginners should tighten the trucks, which makes it less turny, but easier to stand on.
For the price you pay, you get a great board. Santa Cruz cruisers are a hit or miss, but this one is definitely a hit.
What We Don’t Like
Like I said, beginners will struggle at first because the trucks feel very loose, and the huge angled risers make it even more turny. What works is to tighten the kingpin nut to your liking. This way you won’t be all over the place. Once you get used to it you can loosen the trucks a bit more to learn its full potential.
That’s basically the only con. It is designed to behave this way so others might actually see this as a pro.
10. Zenit Marble
If you’re looking for a board that thrives at slower speeds. doesn’t feel too aggressive and room to properly lock in your feet, the Zenit Marble is one to consider. Even though this board isn’t a commuter per se, it does have a lot of qualities, including riding it for longer distances.
The Zenit Marble is a bit different from the other boards listed here, mainly because you have to pick the parts yourself, but Zenit also offers a complete to make it easier. That’s also what makes this board so unique, but it requires more effort. We got you covered though. The ideal combination of parts and where to get them is all explained in the full review.
| skill level | Beginner |
|---|---|
| playfulness | very playful and versatile |
| portability | Easy to carry |
| recommended distance | 2 to 3 miles |
| durability | Best quality you can get, will last for a long time |
What We Like
This is a board that is great for new riders that want to commute but also want a bit more out of it. The Marble allows for a lot of fun at slower speeds, like sliding and basic ollies. This is also one of the best quality boards you can buy and performs at a high level in multiple disciplines.
It’s very maneuverable and nimble, one of the more exclusive setups you can get.
What We Don’t Like
This is one of the most expensive skateboard you can get and quite a risk if you don’t know if you like to ride skateboards just yet. Spending 260 bucks on a commuter might be a bit too much. It’s for the true connoisseurs that really want the best of the best.
11. Magneto Mini Cruiser
I had my doubts if I should list this cruiser here because it’s not one of the best, but it’s dirt cheap. Considering some of the skateboards here range from 160 to 280 USD, I think I need to give you a cheap option that does the job.
The Magneto Mini cruiser is a mediocre skateboard to consider for commuting if your budget is really tight. It requires a lot of pushing to maintain speed, leaving you exhausted after 1.5-2 miles. The wheels aren’t great, the bearings aren’t worth mentioning, but it works.
Like I mention in my review, corners have to be cut if you offer a cruiser at this price point and for that I think Magneto did a great job. Worth considering if money is tight.
| skill level | Beginner/intermediate |
|---|---|
| playfulness | Mediocre |
| portability | Easy to carry |
| recommended distance | 1 to 2 miles |
| durability | Parts can break if you try tricks |
What We Like
I like it because it’s cheap. It handles rough terrain reasonably and allows you to go from place A to B with considerable effort. It’s a great option for those who want to learn how to ride. It won’t do anything unexpected if you tweak the trucks properly.
What We Don’t Like
It’s just not a top quality board. It’s made of cheap materials, doesn’t feel smooth like other cruiser, and is less durable. Tricks are out of the question, I fear the trucks might break. It’s dirt cheap, so you get what you pay for.
Buyers Guide
To make sure you buy the right skateboard or longboard, consider what you need. Let’s see what to avoid, what works (and what doesn’t), and what to look for when you want to assemble your own skateboard for commuting.
What to Avoid
Make sure not to buy any of those cheap Amazon boards. Despite the raving reviews, these boards are horrible to ride. Often they break in your first week, slow down immediately after pushing, and are difficult to ride.
Avoid Penny boards, cheap Chinese knock offs or basically anything under 100 bucks. Buying a $50 USD cruiser or longboard is asking for trouble.
Commuting Distance
Consider the riding distance. A skateboard with big soft wheels will get you going for a few miles, but after 2 miles, it becomes quite a workout. Cruisers should allow you to ride about 3 to 5 miles.
If you want a workout, a cruiser is a good choice. You get to a fun ride and a skateboard that you can easily carry around.
Those who want to ride long distances should really look for a longboard. They don’t require much pushing to keep them up to speed and offer a comfortable relaxing ride. Longboards are a bit more expensive, but allow you to travel for 5 to 10 miles.
Type of Road
The intensity depends on the type of road you ride. If the roads you plan to ride are rough, gritty, or full of cracks, it will require more effort. Smooth asphalt and pavements don’t require much pushing, allowing you to ride long distances without much effort.
Ride Comfort
The wider your board, the more comfortable your commute is going to be given the wheelbase and lenght of the board are properly designed. Comfort also comes from big soft wheel and the rights bearings. For longer rides, you might want to look into Zealous bearings. They take some time to break in, but keep going for a longer time compared to standard skateboard bearings.
Experience
if you’re new to riding a skateboard or longboard, it can be quite exhausting at first. it takes time to learn how to push a skateboard properly, and when your balance is off, it just takes more effort.
Experienced riders waste less energy compared to new riders. Mainly because they know how to properly position their body and push efficiently. Don’t worry if it’s exhausting at first, once you learn how to ride properly you will be able to ride for longer without getting too tired.
Wheel Size And Durometer
Probably the most important factor are the hardness of the wheels and the size. Soft wheels give you the comfort you need when riding longer distances, and bigger wheels help you to travel further without having to push as much.
The bigger the wheel, the more ground you can cover in a single push. Remember that most cruisers can handle wheels between 65mm to 70mm depending on the amount of clearance.
I’m an aged skateboarder and still shred responsibly. Started skateboarding 25 years ago, peaked in the 2000’s, and still ride to this day. I am a total geek when it comes to skateboard gear, love test to stuff and share my findings.