How do you stop speed wobble on an electric skateboard?

Understanding Speed Wobbles on Electric Skateboards

Speed wobbles can be a frightening experience for any electric skateboard rider. It’s a phenomenon that occurs when the front trucks of the board start to oscillate rapidly from side to side. This can cause the rider to lose control, potentially leading to a dangerous fall. Understanding the factors contributing to speed wobbles is essential in learning how to prevent them.

The primary cause of speed wobbles is when the rider’s weight distribution becomes unbalanced. This can happen when the rider shifts their weight too far forward or backward on the board, causing the trucks to lose stability and start shaking. Other factors, such as high speeds, uneven terrain, and loose or worn-out components, can also increase the likelihood of experiencing speed wobbles.

What are speed wobbles?

Speed wobbles, also known as speed shakes or wobble oscillations, are rapid and uncontrollable oscillations or vibrations in an electric skateboard’s front or back trucks. They usually happen at high speeds and can cause the rider to lose control of the board.

Speed wobbles can be caused by various factors, including:

1. Improper weight distribution: Uneven weight distribution on the board can reduce the balance and stability, leading to speed wobbles. It is important to distribute your weight evenly and maintain a balanced stance.
2. Inappropriate truck tightness: The tightness of the truck affects the stability and maneuverability of your electric skateboard. Tightening your trucks too much or too little can contribute to speed wobbles. Finding the right balance is crucial.
3. Inconsistent riding technique: Abrupt movements, sharp turns, and sudden weight shifts can trigger speed wobbles. It is important to ride with smooth and consistent movements and avoid sudden jerks or aggressive maneuvers.
4. Uneven or rough terrain: Riding on uneven, bumpy, or rough surfaces can increase the chances of experiencing speed wobbles. As mentioned earlier, choosing smooth and even terrain and using an all terrain electric skateboard is important to minimize the risk of speed wobbles.

Why do speed wobbles occur on electric skateboards?

Electric or motorized skateboard have powerful motors that allow riders to reach high speeds quickly. However, this increased speed can also contribute to speed wobbles. The faster you ride, the greater the chances of experiencing oscillation and instability.

Additionally, the design and components of the electric skateboard can play a role in speed wobbles. Electric skateboards typically have larger and heavier batteries, which can affect the weight distribution and balance of the board. If the weight is evenly distributed, it can lead to stability and speed wobbles.

Furthermore, the skateboard’s trucks also play a crucial role. The trucks connect the wheels to the deck and provide stability and maneuverability. If the trucks are too loose, they can be more prone to wobbling. On the other hand, if the trucks are too tight, they can restrict the board’s ability to turn and make it more unstable.

Understanding these factors can help riders take the necessary steps to prevent speed wobbles and ensure a smooth and stable ride on their electric skateboards. By addressing the potential causes of speed wobbles, riders can make adjustments and modifications to minimize the risks.

Factors That Influence Speed Wobbles

In addition to the terrain, other factors can influence the occurrence of speed wobbles on an electric skateboard. These include:

Speed and stability

Speed and stability go hand in hand when preventing speed wobbles. The faster you go, the more prone you are to experiencing wobbles. This is because higher speeds increase the forces acting on the skateboard, making it more difficult to maintain control.

To combat this, finding a comfortable speed where you feel in control and stable is important. Pushing the limits of your electric skateboard’s capabilities without proper experience and control can lead to speed wobbles. Gradually increase your speed as you gain confidence in your riding abilities.

Truck looseness

Truck looseness is another factor contributing to speed wobbles on an electric skateboard. If your trucks are too loose, it can create instability and increase the likelihood of wobbling at higher speeds.

You can tighten the kingpin nuts on your trucks to address this issue. The kingpin is the large bolt located in the center of each car, and tightening it will help stabilize the trucks. However, be careful not to overtighten them, as it can restrict the board’s maneuverability and make it harder to turn.

Bushing stiffness

Another factor to consider when addressing speed wobbles is the stiffness of your trucks’ bushings. Bushings are the rubber or urethane components that sit between the truck’s hanger and baseplate, allowing for smooth turning and stability.

Experimenting with different durometer ratings can help you find the perfect compromise between stability and maneuverability. Heavier riders benefit from using harder bushings, while lighter riders find softer bushings more suitable.

Foot placement

Foot placement is crucial in reducing speed wobbles on an electric skateboard. A stable and balanced foot position can help distribute weight evenly, minimizing the chances of wobbling.

Avoid putting too much weight on the front or back foot, as it can disrupt the balance and increase the likelihood of speed wobbles. Instead, try to distribute your weight evenly between both feet. By doing so, you can better absorb any vibrations or uneven terrain, reducing the chances of wobbling.

Body position and weight distribution

In addition to finding the right foot placement, your body position and weight distribution on the electric skateboard can also affect speed wobbles. Here are some tips to help you achieve a stable and balanced body position:

1. Stay relaxed: Tension in your body can disrupt your balance and contribute to speed wobbles. Keep your body relaxed, particularly your upper body and arms. Try to maintain a natural and comfortable posture while riding.
2. Center your weight: Similar to foot placement, it’s important to distribute your weight evenly on the electric skateboard. Keep your weight centered over the board, avoiding excessive leaning or shifting in any direction. This balanced weight distribution helps maintain stability and reduces the risk of speed wobbles.
3. Bend your knees: Keeping your knees slightly bent while riding can act as shock absorbers and provide better stability. This allows you to adapt more effectively to uneven terrain or sudden obstacles and minimizes the likelihood of speed wobbles caused by sudden jolts or vibrations.
4. Engage your core: A strong core provides better overall stability on the electric skateboard. Engage your abdominal muscles to maintain a stable center of gravity. This helps control unwanted side-to-side movements and reduces the potential for speed wobbles.

Techniques to Prevent Speed Wobbles

Choose the right equipment.

Choosing the right equipment prevents speed wobbles on an electric skateboard. Here are a few factors to consider when selecting your skateboard:

1. Quality and stability: Invest in a high-quality electric skateboard known for its strength. Look for features such as a longer wheelbase, stiffer deck, and quality trucks. These factors can greatly reduce the chances of speed wobbles and provide a more secure riding experience.
2. Wheel size: The size of the wheels can also affect stability. Larger wheels offer better stability at higher speeds. They help navigate rough terrain and reduce the impact of bumps, which can contribute to speed wobbles. Consider opting for larger wheels, typically between 85mm and 100mm, to enhance riding stability.
3. Trucks and bushings: The trucks and bushings on an electric skateboard play a significant role in stability and control. Not too tight or loose trucks can help maintain stability and reduce the likelihood of speed wobbles. It is important to find the right level of tightness that suits your riding style. Additionally, consider upgrading your bushings to firmer ones, as they provide better stability and control.

Adjust your trucks and bushings.

To further prevent speed wobbles on your electric skateboard, adjusting your trucks and bushings is important. Here’s what you can do:

1. Tighten or loosen the trucks: The tightness of your skateboard’s trucks can greatly affect stability. If your trucks are too tight, it can limit your ability to turn smoothly and increase the chances of speed wobbles. On the other hand, if your trucks are tight enough, it can make your board feel stable and wobbly.
2. Upgrade your bushings: Bushings are the rubber or urethane components that fit inside your skateboard’s trucks and provide cushioning and control. Upgrading to firmer bushings can help reduce speed wobbles by providing more stability and responsiveness.

Find your center of gravity.

Another important factor in preventing speed wobbles on an electric skateboard is finding and maintaining your center of gravity. Your center of gravity is the point on your body where your weight is evenly distributed. When riding, it’s crucial to have a balanced and stable position.

1. Stance: Start by finding a comfortable stance on your electric skateboard. Most riders prefer a slightly wider stance, with their feet shoulder-width apart. This wider stance provides better stability and control. Experiment with different foot positions to find what feels most secure for you.
2. Bend your knees: Keeping your knees slightly bent while riding helps absorb vibrations and maintain stability. It also allows for better control and maneuverability. This slight flexion in your knees acts as a shock absorber, reducing the chances of speed wobbles.
3. Engage your core: Strengthening your muscles can help maintain stability and balance while riding an electric skateboard. Focusing on your core can significantly reduce the risk of experiencing speed wobbles.

Distribute your weight properly.

To distribute your weight properly, follow these tips:

1. Balance your weight: Keep your weight centered over the board, with equal pressure on both the front and back trucks. Avoid leaning too much towards one side, as it can throw off your balance and increase the chances of speed wobbles. Imagine an invisible line running through the center of the board, and distribute your weight evenly on both sides.
2. Use your arms: Your arms can also help maintain balance. Keep your arms relaxed and slightly bent, and use them to make subtle adjustments as needed. Using your arms as counterweights can help stabilize your body and reduce the likelihood of speed wobbles.
3. Control your speed: Speed wobbles often occur when riding at high speeds. If you notice the wobbles starting, gradually slow down rather than abruptly slamming on the brakes. Gradual deceleration gives you more control and stability. Practice riding at different speeds to find the threshold at which speed wobbles occur for you, and avoid exceeding that limit.

Advanced Techniques for Controlling Speed Wobbles

Perform speed checks.

Performing speed checks is an advanced technique that can help you control speed wobbles on an electric skateboard. By regularly checking your speed and adjusting it accordingly, you can maintain a safe and stable riding experience. Here’s how to perform a speed check:

1. Find a flat and open area: Look for a straight and level stretch of road or pavement with plenty of space to ride safely.
2. Gradually increase your speed: Start by riding at a comfortable and controlled speed. As you gain confidence, gradually increase your speed while paying close attention to how your board feels.
3. Shift your weight backward: When ready to perform a speed check, shift your weight slightly toward the back of the board. This helps to stabilize the board and reduce the risk of speed wobbles.
4. Bend your knees and crouch down: As you shift your weight backward, bend your knees and crouch down slightly. This lowers your center of gravity and adds more stability to your ride.

Use the foot brake.

Another advanced technique for controlling speed wobbles is to use the foot brake. Most electric skateboards have a foot brake feature that allows you to slow down your speed gradually. Here’s how to use the foot brake effectively:

1. Gradually apply pressure to the foot brake: Gently apply pressure with your weight shifted forward. Avoid slamming your foot down, as this can cause the board to jerk and lead to speed wobbles.
2. Gradually release pressure: As you slow down, release progressively pressure from the foot brake. This allows for a smoother deceleration and minimizes the risk of sudden wobbles or loss of control.

Check your equipment and settings.

It’s crucial to regularly check your electric skateboard’s equipment and settings to ensure they are in good working condition. Loose bolts, worn-out bushings, or incorrect truck settings can contribute to speed wobbles. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Tighten all the bolts: Check all the bolts and screws on your skateboard to ensure they are securely fastened. Pay attention to the trucks, deck, and wheels.
2. Check the bushings: Bushings are the rubber components between the trucks and the deck. If they are worn out or too loose, they can affect the board’s stability. Consider replacing them if necessary.
3. Adjust the truck settings: The tightness of the trucks affects the board’s stability. Experiment with different truck tightness settings and find the best one for you. Remember that too loose or tight trucks can result in speed wobbles.

Correctly navigate curves and turns.

Proper techniques and body positioning are essential to prevent speed wobbles when navigating curves and turns on your electric skateboard. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

1. Bend your knees and lower your center of gravity: Before entering a curve or turn, bend your knees slightly and lower your center. This helps to stabilize your body and maintain better control over the board.
2. Shift your weight to the front foot: As you approach the curve or turn, shift your weight towards your front foot. This helps to initiate the turn and provides more stability. Keep your back foot lightly on the board for balance.
3. Lean into the turn: Once you’re in the curve or turn, lean your body toward the direction you want to go. This helps to maintain balance and control. Avoid leaning too far or making sudden movements, leading to speed wobbles.
4. Use controlled carving techniques: Carving involves sweeping S-shaped turns to control your speed and navigate curves smoothly. Gently apply pressure to your toes or heels to initiate the carve, then shift your weight from one edge of the board to the other as you turn.

Utilize the carving range.

1. Understand your board’s carving capabilities: Different electric skateboards have varying degrees of carving ability. Familiarize yourself with your board’s specific carving range. Some boards may have a limited range, while others allow more aggressive carving. Knowing your board’s limits will help you navigate curves and turns safely.
2. Practice controlled carving: To prevent speed wobbles during turns, utilize controlled carving techniques. Begin by making small, gradual turns to gauge your board’s responsiveness. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the intensity and angle of your carves. This gradual progression will help you maintain stability and control.
3. Find the optimal speed: Speed can greatly impact your ability to maneuver and control the board. Going too fast in a turn can lead to instability and speed wobbles. Experiment with different speeds to find the optimal pace for navigating curves. Balancing speed and control is crucial, ensuring you have enough stability to handle the turn.

Focus on weight distribution: Know the skateboard weight limit as proper weight distribution is crucial during turns. As you carve and lean into the turn, distribute your weight evenly between your front and back foot. Avoid putting too much weight on either foot, as it can throw off your balance and lead to instability. Align your upper body over your board to maintain a stable center of gravity.