Convertible Skateboards for Multi-Mode Transport
Modern skateboard designs face competing demands between portability, versatility, and performance. Field measurements show that typical skateboards require 85-120 cm of storage length, while conversion mechanisms can add 0.5-2.0 kg to the overall mass. These constraints directly impact both usability and riding dynamics.
The fundamental challenge lies in creating reliable conversion mechanisms that maintain structural integrity and riding characteristics while enabling quick transitions between different configurations.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including pivotable bracket systems, modular component architectures, reconfigurable wheel orientations, and integrated motor-manual conversion designs. These and other approaches focus on practical implementations that balance conversion functionality with durability and ride quality.
1. Detachable Skateboard Truck Assembly with Elastomeric Centering Element
HLC SB Distribution, S.L., 2023
Detachable skateboard truck assembly that can be easily added to a traditional skateboard to convert it into a high maneuverability surfskate. The assembly allows the skateboard to turn much tighter and with greater response than a standard truck. It uses an elastomeric element between the base and upper truck parts that compresses during turns to center the wheels. This eliminates the need for a centering spring and complex mechanisms. The truck can be attached to a skateboard using existing bolt holes, and the elastomeric element is enclosed in housings on both parts. A nut locks the truck together. This allows easy removal without disassembling the skateboard.
2. Personal Mobility Vehicle with Modular Wheel Assemblies and Tool-Free Adjustable Positioning Mechanism
RAZOR USA LLC, 2023
Personal mobility vehicles like skateboards and scooters with adjustable wheel positions to customize ride characteristics, enable tricks, replace worn parts, and upgrade features without tools. The vehicles have modular wheel assemblies that can be easily swapped between multiple fixed positions on the vehicle frame using complementary structures that tightly engage and prevent rotation when locked. A release feature allows repositioning without tools. The wheel assemblies can be swapped in and out of the frame to change the wheel placement.
3. Skateboard with Independently Pivotable Front and Rear Wheel Assemblies
WU JUN FENG, WU JUN-FENG, 2021
A skateboard design that allows the rider to easily transform the direction of travel without lifting the board. The skateboard has separate front and rear wheel assemblies that can pivot laterally. This allows the rider to shift their weight to deform the frame and change the gap between the wheels on one side, causing the board to pivot and turn. It's like having independent steering on each end. This allows quicker, more agile turns compared to a traditional skateboard where the whole board has to be lifted and rotated.
4. Skateboard with Independently Pivoting Front Truck Wheels and Static Rear Truck Configuration
SURFSKATE IND LLC, SURFSKATE INDUSTRIES LLC, SWELLTECH SURFSKATE LLC, 2021
A skateboard that provides greater freedom of movement, stability, and turning ability compared to conventional skateboards. The skateboard has a unique front truck design that allows the front wheels to pivot and move independently from the truck base. This allows the front wheels to freely move forward or backward relative to the truck, providing a wide range of dynamic movement from the front end of the skateboard. The rear truck is mounted to the board like a regular skateboard. This allows the skateboard to turn and carve like a surfboard by pivoting from the rear. The front truck's independent wheel movement enables turning and maneuverability without tilting the board. It also allows the skateboard to be pushed forward from a dead stop without pushing off the ground. The front truck's pivoting action captures the feel of a surfboard's keel, while the rear truck provides stability.
5. Skateboard Truck Adapter with Pivoting Plate and Flexible Shock-Absorbing Members
D&D Broadcast Inc., 2021
Skateboard truck adapter that improves maneuverability and turning ability by adding a pivoting plate between the truck and the skateboard. The pivoting plate has a smaller pivot angle than the base plate, allowing the truck to turn more easily and rapidly. The plate also tilts on flexible members to absorb shock and dampen vibrations. This provides a smoother ride and more agile turning compared to using the truck directly on the skateboard. The adapter can be easily installed on existing trucks and decks.
6. Convertible Skateboard with Pivotable Bracket for Scooter Handle Formation
Pascher + Heinz GmbH, 2020
A convertible skateboard/scooter that can be easily switched between skateboard and scooter mode. The skateboard has a pivotable bracket in the front that extends beyond the skateboard length. When folded down it creates a gap to grip the bracket. When folded up it locks into place to form a scooter handle.
7. Convertible Skateboard-Scooter with Pivotally Mounted Bracket and Locking Mechanism
Pascher + Heinz GmbH, 2020
Convertible skateboard/scooter device that can be easily converted between skateboard and scooter modes and is also easy to transport. The device has a pivotally mounted bracket on the front of the skateboard that is longer than the skateboard length. When folded, the bracket clears the rear of the skateboard and can be gripped for transportation. A locking mechanism fixes the bracket in the folded or extended positions. This allows converting between skateboard and scooter modes by pivoting the bracket. The clearance between the skateboard and bracket makes it easy to grip and carry the folded device.
8. Convertible Skateboard with Sliding Symmetrical Halves and Telescoping Rail-Connected Wheels
HUANGHE S & T COLLEGE, 2020
A multifunctional skateboard that can convert between a regular skateboard and a self-propelled board like a hoverboard. The skateboard has two symmetrical halves that can slide and lock together. The lower ends of the halves have telescoping rails that connect to wheels. This allows the skateboard to be merged into a single board with regular skateboard wheels, or separated into two boards with wheels that can be adjusted for hoverboard-like propulsion using body motion.
9. Convertible Skateboard with Reversible Curved Platform and Dual Mounting Truck System
Jordan Jacobsma, 2020
A skateboard design that allows flipping the board to convert it for different riding styles and user preferences. The skateboard has a uniquely curved platform that is bent upwardly at one end and downwardly at the other. The trucks can be mounted on either end so that the board can be ridden with the curved end facing upward or downward, enabling different styles of riding depending on the user's preference.
10. Skateboard with Adjustable Middle Plate Using Pivoting Links for Configurable Riding Styles
J D COMPONENTS CO LTD, J.D COMPONENTS CO LTD, 2020
A versatile skateboard that can switch between different styles like longboarding and cruising by adjusting the position of a middle plate using pivoting links. The skateboard has a front plate, front wheels, a rear plate, rear wheels, and connecting links. The middle plate pivots on the links to move between a first position where it connects the front and rear plates like a longboard, and a second position where it stacks on the front plate and rides like a cruiser. This allows the skateboard to adapt to different gameplay styles by changing the middle plate position.
11. Electric Skateboard with Interchangeable Components and Integrated Speed and Acceleration Sensors
Evolve Skateboards Pty Ltd, 2020
An electric skateboard that can be easily converted between different configurations for commuting, carving, and all-terrain riding. The skateboard has interchangeable components like decks, wheels, and drive systems that can be quickly swapped to adapt the skateboard for different uses. The skateboard also has sensors to measure speed, distance, and acceleration based on motor RPM, wheel size, and gear ratios.
12. Mobility Device with Rotatable Wheel Orientation System for Dual-Directional Alignment
Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, 2019
Mobility device with a unique wheel orientation system that allows it to switch between low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability. The device has four wheels mounted at the corners of a rectangular platform. The wheels can rotate 90 degrees to change the direction of travel. This is achieved using a braking mechanism on each wheel that can be released to allow rotation or engaged to lock the wheel in place. By adjusting the brakes, the wheels can be oriented parallel to the long side of the platform for high-speed straight-line travel or parallel to the short side for low-speed turning in tight spaces.
13. Skateboard Conversion Apparatus with Trunnion-Mounted Handlebar and Spindle Assembly
Ryan O'Toole, 2019
Apparatus for converting a standard skateboard into a scooter-like board with a handlebar. The apparatus includes a trunnion that mounts to the skateboard deck, a spindle that passes through the trunnion and attaches to the skateboard truck, and a handlebar that clamps onto the spindle above the trunnion. Additional components like a deck stiffener and base plate may be used to reinforce the skateboard deck.
14. Removable Handlebar Attachment System for Converting Skateboard to Four-Wheel Scooter
SISTAC AZNAREZ GERMAN, 2019
Device to convert a regular skateboard into a four-wheel scooter by adding a handlebar/joystick that attaches to the skateboard deck. The handlebar can be easily removed and fixed to the skateboard using removable connections. This allows transforming a skateboard into a scooter by attaching the handlebar, and then easily removing it to convert back to a skateboard. The handlebar connects to the skateboard using a fixing piece on the deck and a removable connecting piece. This allows the handlebar to be removed for skateboard use, or attached for scooter use. It also has transport belts to move the skateboard/scooter horizontally when not in use.
15. Convertible Wheeled Board with Flexible Structure and Shape-Memory Support
Roberto Alegre Smith, 2019
Wheeled boards that can be converted to ride on land as a longboard. The boards are formed of flexible materials that allow strength to account for longer length; flexion, rebound, stability and vibration-damping. The boards are assembled of skateboard trucks and structural supports. The support structures are designed for shape-memory while having sufficient stiffness to prevent over-flexion at the middle of the board (bowing).
16. Skateboard with Reversible Extension and Secure Fastening Mechanism for Variable Tail Configurations
HYVE AG, 2018
Customizable skateboard with reversible extension providing standing surface options of either a pintail or kicktail at the front and/or rear. A fastening device allows attaching a standing surface extension to convert a pintail to a kicktail or removing it to revert to a pintail. The extension locks securely onto the skateboard for stability. This lets riders customize their skateboard configuration for optimal performance in different riding styles.
17. Removable Skateboard Conversion Assembly with Adjustable Tilting Front Truck
DRYSURF, S.L., 2018
Removable assembly that can be added to a traditional skateboard to convert it into a surfskate. The assembly improves the skateboard's turning and maneuverability without changing the wheelbase. It consists of a mounted base piece that attaches to the skateboard deck and a tilting front truck unit that connects to the wheels. The tilting truck allows the front wheels to turn more freely and tighten the turning radius. The tilting truck can be adjusted with torsion springs to control the resistance and feel.
18. Skateboard Truck Assembly with Independent Suspension Arms and Castering Center Wheel
Steen Strand, 2018
A laterally-sliding skateboard truck assembly that allows the board to smoothly slide, drift, and stop laterally while preventing wheel catch and maintaining stability. The assembly has independent suspension arms on each side that rotate around separate axes. A spring biases each arm away from the deck. The center wheel casters. This enables carving and omnidirectional motion. Limiting the downward travel of the outer wheels prevents catching during slides.
19. Skateboard with Interchangeable Wheel Configuration and Torsion Bar-Connected Pedals
J D COMPONENTS CO LTD, J.D COMPONENTS CO LTD, 2018
Skateboard with changeable wheel configuration to allow customization and adaptability to suit different user preferences and riding styles. The skateboard has a platform with front and rear pedals, a torsion bar connecting them, and detachable wheel sets that can be swapped between the pedals. The wheel sets can be arranged in different configurations, like 2 wheels on each pedal or 4 wheels on the rear pedal. This allows users to optimize wheel setup based on factors like speed, stability, turning, and push distance.
20. Modular Skateboard with Torsion Bar Platform and Configurable Pedal-Wheel Assemblies
J D COMPONENTS CO LTD, J.D COMPONENTS CO LTD, 2018
A versatile skateboard device that can be configured in multiple ways for different purposes. The skateboard has a torsion bar platform with front and rear pedals, and removable support assemblies with wheels. The pedals and torsion bar allow reverse body twisting to propel the skateboard. The removable support assemblies with wheels can be attached or detached as needed, transforming the skateboard into a snake board with connected pedals and wheels, a double dragon board with independent pedals and wheels, or a regular skateboard without pedals. This allows the user to switch between different skateboard styles and configurations for variety and versatility.
21. Convertible Skateboard with Split Board and Detachable Skate Wheels
LEE GANG MOON, Lee Kang-moon, 2018
Convertible skateboard that can be used as a skateboard or roller skates. The skateboard has a split board that can be connected to skate wheels using a central connector. This allows the skate wheels to be removed and the board to be used as a traditional skateboard. The split board also has adjustable length sections, hinged sections, and width extenders to accommodate different foot sizes. This provides a customizable fit when using the skateboard as roller skates.
22. Modular Skateboard with Adjustable Length via Removable Center Deck Section
MUFFBRAND LLC, 2017
A modular, adjustable length skateboard that allows customization of the board's overall size for different riding situations. The skateboard has a front deck section with wheels, a rear deck section with wheels, and a removable center deck section that can be coupled between them. Fasteners connect the sections together. This allows the board to be shortened by just using the front and rear sections, or extended by adding the center section. It provides options for urban riding with better handling versus longer distance riding with more speed.
23. Adjustable Split-Board Skateboard with Detachable Components for Roller Skate Conversion
LEE GANG MOON, 2017
Convertible skateboard that can be transformed into roller skates. The skateboard has split boards that can be adjusted in length to fit the user's foot size when converted to roller skates. The rear wheel, brake pads, and straps can be removed to convert back to a skateboard. This allows the user to switch between skateboarding and roller skating without needing separate equipment.
24. Foldable Skateboard with Hinged Side Boards and Collapsible Deck Mechanism
DO HA JUN, 2017
Foldable skateboard that is easy to carry by allowing the deck to collapse and expand. The deck has a main board and two side boards connected by hinges. When folded, the side boards rotate inward to contact the same side of the main board. A cord or strap can wind around the other side of the main board. This allows the skateboard to collapse into a compact size for carrying. When unfolded, the side boards extend out for riding.
25. Electric Skateboard with Pivoting Separable Decks and Rear Wheel Motor
ROWHEEL INC, 2017
Electric skateboard with improved steering, stability, and maneuverability compared to conventional skateboards. The skateboard has a separable front and rear deck that pivots relative to each other. A driving motor on the rear wheel provides propulsion. This allows the front deck to turn in place by pivoting while the rear deck remains stable. It also allows the front wheels to lean into turns. This reduces turn radius compared to leaning a single deck. The pivoting front deck also allows folding the skateboard for transport. The separated decks and pivoting mechanism also provide better shock absorption compared to a single deck.
26. Skateboard with Vertical Axis Folding Mechanism and Concealed Wheels
Andrew Leigh Christie, 2015
Folding skateboard that can be concealed and carried like a briefcase when folded, then unfolded and ridden as a regular skateboard. The skateboard folds by hinging the two platforms together around a vertical axis, with the wheels tucked inside. This reduces length for carrying and storage. The wheels are concealed when folded to avoid stigma and make it look like a briefcase. When unfolded, the skateboard operates normally.
Innovations in convertible skateboards are expanding the possibilities of skateboarding, offering riders unmatched versatility. With adjustable components and customizable features, these designs allow skateboarders to easily adapt their boards for different terrains and styles. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more transformative features that make skateboarding more adaptable and accessible for everyone.
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