Terrain-Adaptive Skateboards
Traditional skateboard designs struggle with urban terrain variations, where gaps as small as 15mm can cause wheel lockup and sudden deceleration. Field measurements show that typical sidewalk expansion joints range from 12-25mm, while surface irregularities can create elevation changes of 5-30mm—both presenting significant challenges for conventional four-wheel configurations.
The fundamental challenge lies in maintaining rolling momentum and rider stability across surface discontinuities while preserving the board's maneuverability and responsiveness.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including auxiliary wheel systems, flexible suspension trucks, multi-material deck designs, and adaptive wheel platforms. These and other approaches focus on practical implementations that improve terrain handling without compromising the core skateboarding experience.
1. Skateboard Truck with Pivoting Arms and Rotation-Inhibiting Structures
Karsten Manufacturing Corporation, 2023
A skateboard truck that reduces wheel interaction when the skateboard rolls over uneven surfaces like cracks. The truck has arms that pivot on a central hanger. Rotation-inhibiting structures limit how far the arms can rotate.
2. Skateboard Suspension System with Flexible Leaf Spring Between Truck and Deck
Bajaboard International Pty Ltd, 2022
A simple and lightweight suspension system for off-road skateboards that provides improved stability and handling on rough terrain without adding excessive weight or complexity. The suspension uses a flexible member, like a leaf spring, positioned between the truck and the deck of the skateboard. The leaf spring can flex and absorb impacts to smooth out the ride over bumps and uneven surfaces. It provides predictable and stable handling in various terrains without adding excessive weight, cost, or complexity.
3. Skateboard Truck with Pivotable Arm Assembly and Auxiliary Wheels Incorporating Rotation-Inhibiting and Friction-Reducing Structures
KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION, 2022
A skateboard truck with moving wheel platform that reduces shock and vibrations when riding over uneven surfaces. The truck has rotation-inhibiting structures that limit over-rotation of the arms. There are also friction-reducing elements between the arms and hanger to prevent binding. The arms are pivotably attached to the hanger and have auxiliary wheels in addition to the main skateboard wheels. This allows the truck to roll smoothly over cracks and gaps in the pavement without the wheels dropping into the gaps and causing jarring impacts.
4. Skateboard Truck with Rotating Arm Suspension and Multi-Wheel Attack Angle Configuration
KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION, 2021
A skateboard truck with a unique wheel arrangement providing a suspension system and attack angle to better traverse uneven surfaces with less shock. The truck has auxiliary wheels located ahead and behind a central wheel on rotating arms that allow them to move up and down. This provides suspension to absorb impacts. The spatial arrangement of the wheels creates an attack angle that helps the skateboard smoothly ride over obstacles approached from different directions.
5. Skateboard Truck with Independently Rotating Wheel Arms and Pivoting Hanger
KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION, 2021
Skateboard truck with moving components to reduce wheel impacts on uneven surfaces. The truck has a hanger that pivots on a baseplate. The hanger has arms with wheels that can rotate independently of the hanger. The rotation of the arms is limited by structures to prevent them from over-rotating. A friction reducing element between the hanger and arms reduces friction and wear.
6. Skateboard with Adjustable Height Mechanism and Integrated Shock Absorption System
LUAN NISHAN TECH CO LTD, LUAN NISHAN TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2021
Skateboard with adjustable height and shock absorption to prevent wear and injury when riding on uneven terrain. The skateboard has a sliding support structure that can raise or lower the deck height. The structure has a movable column, sliding rod, and fixed column with threaded grooves. A bolt connects to one groove. To adjust height, rotate the bolt to disengage, move the base up, then reconnect the bolt. This slides the rod and column to adjust deck height. A compression spring connects the base and absorbs shocks. The adjustable height prevents wheelbite and ground contact on bumps. The spring prevents shock transfer to the rider's legs.
7. Skateboard Truck Assembly with Outboard Secondary Wheels
KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION, 2021
A skateboard design to improve riding over cracks like those in sidewalks. The skateboard has two additional secondary wheels on each truck, in addition to the primary wheels. The secondary wheels are positioned outboard of the primary wheels. When the primary wheels hit a crack, the secondary wheels span the crack, preventing the board from abruptly stopping. This allows the board to ride over cracks more smoothly and reducing shock to the rider.
8. Skateboard Deck with Central Narrow Wood Core and Fiber Reinforced Plastic Layers for Reduced Torsional Rigidity
Hasegawa Corporation, 2021
A skateboard deck design that allows the front and rear wheels to stably contact a 3D road surface while ensuring usability and operability. The deck has multiple board materials with a central wood board narrower in width than the outer wood boards. The narrower central wood board reduces torsional rigidity. Fiber reinforced plastic boards are added above and below the wood core. The plastic boards extend fully but the wood boards narrow at the center. This reduces torsional rigidity at the center, allowing twist while maintaining overall deck width and stability. The plastic boards also fill the remaining gaps around the wood core.
9. Skateboard Suspension System with Angled Flexing Plates and Integrated Truck Mounting Openings
Cruz Control Skate Company, LLC, 2021
Skateboard suspension system that raises the wheels for a softer ride and provides better traction over rough terrain. The suspension has angled plates that flex when weight is applied to the deck. This reduces the vertical distance between the deck and wheels, providing a more comfortable ride and better traction over bumps. The suspension can be mounted at the ends of the deck and allows the rider to leverage the deck as a fulcrum to pivot the skateboard. The plates have angled surfaces that flex under downward force. This increases the wheel clearance and lowers the board. The plates have openings for mounting skateboard truck components. The flexing suspension reduces shock and improves ride quality compared to direct-mounted trucks.
10. Skateboard Truck with Rotating Wheel Platform and Rotation Inhibiting Structures
KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION, 2020
Skateboard truck design with a rotating wheel platform to reduce negative feedback experienced when maneuvering over uneven surfaces. The truck has a hanger, arms with wheels, and rotation inhibiting structures. The hanger pivots on a baseplate-mounted axle. The arms attach to the hanger via apertures and have wheels. Rotation inhibiting structures limit arm rotation. This allows the wheels to tilt and absorb uneven surfaces without popping up. A friction reducing element between the hanger and arms reduces friction and galling. The truck configuration dampens shocks and vibrations from cracks and uneven terrain for a smoother ride.
11. Skateboard with Dual-Wheel Configuration for Crack Bridging
KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION, 2020
A skateboard design that allows it to glide smoothly over sidewalk cracks. The skateboard has eight wheels, with four primary wheels positioned inboard and four secondary wheels positioned outboard. When the primary wheels hit a crack, the secondary wheels bridge over it, preventing the primary wheels from dropping in. This reduces shock, noise, and impact when riding over cracks. The secondary wheels are positioned outboard of the primary wheels to maintain stability and turning ability.
12. Skateboard Shock Absorption Structure with Hinged Transmission Member and Ribbed Base Plates
BAHABO TECH CHENGDU CO LTD, BAHABO TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2020
Shock absorption structure for skateboards that improves off-road performance and durability. The structure has a base beam, transmission member, and shock absorber. The transmission member connects the base beam to external parts and has hinged ends for shock absorption. This allows the base beam to pivot and absorb shocks from rough terrain. The transmission member also has parallel base plates connected by a rib. This provides stability and prevents beam misalignment.
13. Skateboard with Dual-Wheel System Featuring Inboard Primary and Outboard Secondary Wheels
KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION, 2020
Skateboard design to allow it to glide smoothly over sidewalk cracks. The skateboard has eight wheels - four primary wheels that support most of the weight and four secondary wheels that only touch the ground when the primary wheels cross a crack. The primary wheels are located inboard of the secondary wheels on each truck.
14. Skateboard Truck with Integrated Spring-Coupled Base and Wheel Components
Sayar Singh Choudhary, 2019
Skateboard truck design with integrated springs to absorb shocks and reduce wear on skateboards when riding over rough terrain or landing jumps. The truck has a detachable base component that attaches to the skateboard deck, and a separate wheel component that attaches to the base. The base and wheel each have hollow receptacles that couple together. Springs are inserted into these receptacles to compress and expand as the truck moves over bumps. This isolates the wheels from the deck and prevents shocks from transferring directly to the skateboard.
15. Suspension System with Shock Absorber and Linkage Assembly for One-Wheeled Self-Balancing Vehicles
Future Motion, Inc., 2019
Suspension system for one-wheeled self-balancing vehicles like electric skateboards, that allows the board to move vertically relative to the wheel in response to bumps. The suspension uses a shock absorber and linkage assembly to isolate the frame from terrain impacts. This prevents jolts and improves ride comfort compared to rigid one-wheelers. The suspension has swingarm or bell crank linkages connecting the shock absorber between the wheel axle and board.
16. Self-Balancing Electric Skateboard with Single-Wheel Linkage and Shock Absorption System
Future Motion, Inc., 2019
A self-balancing electric skateboard with a resilient suspension system to absorb shocks from uneven terrain. The skateboard has one wheel, sensors to detect board orientation, and a motor to propel it. The wheel is connected to the board through a linkage assembly and a shock absorber. The linkage allows the wheel to move vertically relative to the board. This isolates the board from bumps, providing a smoother ride while maintaining stability.
17. Skateboard with Rotatable Middle Section Featuring Dual-Sided Adjustable Anti-Skid Surface
Nanning University, 2019
Skateboard with adjustable anti-skid surface for customizable grip on different terrain. The skateboard has a removably connected middle section with a rotating joint. The middle section can be flipped over to expose a rough anti-skid surface on one side and a smooth non-slip surface on the other. This allows adjusting the grip level by rotating the middle section depending on the riding conditions. The adjustable anti-skid surface provides versatility and comfort compared to fixed anti-skid features.
18. Skateboard Trucks with Dual-Level Wheel Configuration for Crack Bridging
KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION, 2018
Skateboard trucks with a multi-wheel arrangement that enables them to glide smoothly over sidewalk cracks. The trucks have four primary wheels and four secondary wheels. The primary wheels support the board most of the time, while the secondary wheels engage cracks. This allows the board to bridge gaps and cracks smoothly rather than dropping into them.
19. Eight-Wheel Skateboard with Dual Primary and Secondary Wheel Sets for Enhanced Crack Navigation
Karsten Manufacturing Corporation, 2018
Eight-wheel skateboard configuration with four primary wheels and four secondary wheels to improve gliding over sidewalk cracks. The skateboard has two primary wheels and two secondary wheels at both front and rear truck. The primary wheels support most of the weight while the secondary wheels support the end of the skateboard when primary wheels cross a crack. This allows the skateboard to ride smoother and continuous over the crack compared to a regular skateboard.
20. Suspension Mechanism with Independently Pivoting Arm and Curved Connector for Vibration Absorption in Slide Plates and Casters
R, 2017
Vibration-absorbing suspension mechanism for slide plates and casters like skateboards and scooters that improves stability, ride quality, and safety on rough terrain. The suspension has an independently pivoting arm that contacts other arms or structures when loaded. This arm deforms and provides continuous resistance until the main seat engages. The arm absorbs vibrations and rocks. The mechanism also has a curved connector that aligns the wheel axis as the suspension compresses.
Innovations in skateboard design are revolutionizing how riders tackle uneven surfaces. With advanced suspension systems, dual-wheel setups, and improved truck designs, these technologies provide a smoother, more stable ride on rough terrain. As skateboarding evolves, these developments are opening up new possibilities for where and how riders can enjoy the sport, making it more versatile and accessible for adventurers and urban explorers alike.
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