After moving to Oregon in 2017, I saw many people using longboards to go here and there, even adults. It made me curious, so I researched and found several beneficial factors, like being nearly zero-cost, eco-friendly, etc. And I become a part of this group of over 200,000 Oregon residents.
Quick List: Best Longboards for Commuting 2024
- Retrospec Zed – Best Cruiser Longboard for Commuting ($39-$79)
- Loaded Boards – Best Tan Tien Bamboo Longboard for Commuters ($269-$369)
- VOLADOR Boards – Best Freeride Longboard for Commuting ($39-69 pounds)
- Retrospec Rift – Best Drop-Through Longboard for Commuting ($49-$89)
- DB Boards – Best Long Distance Commuter Longboard ($139-$199)
- M Merkapa Boards – Best Free-Style Commuter Longboard ($33-$59)
Surprisingly, this scenario is similar in every state of the US and in semi-urban areas. A noticeable number of people use cruiser longboards for commuting.
Whether you are planning to join this community or are already in, there are numerous options available on the market. And choosing the best longboards for commuting is always difficult. To assist you in overcoming this, I have developed this comprehensive list with reviews. Let’s check it out.
7 Best Commuter Longboard Reviews
Below is the list of the top 7 longboards. Make sure to go through them in detail to find the one that best meets your needs!
01. Retrospec Zed Best Cruiser Longboard for Commuting
Core Features
- Age Range: Kids and adults
- Size and weight: Length 44 inches, width 10 inches, and weighs 9 pounds
- Material: Aluminium
- Load Capacity: 220 pounds
- Durometer: 85A
- Maneuverability: Minimum skill is required
- Speed: 6–8 mph while cruising and 48–60 mph for downhill riding.
- Durability: Durability depends on maintenance; my one is still fine even after 1.5 years of rough use
Price: Check on Amazon
With their eye-catching look and stunning color contrast, Retrospec commuter longboards are always a personal favorite. Two superior competitive advantages have made this longboard a perfect example of urban longboards.
First of all, the associated shock-absorbing 70 mm polyurethane wheels are perfect for the tiny hitches on the roads or pedestrian walkways. Also, the wheels contain a rock finish characteristic that ensures better gripping capability.
Secondly, the ball bearings are empowered by an ABEC-7 tolerance grade, which supports greater speed and running accuracy.
This board’s assembly is very easy. And an ultimate solution for cruising, joyriding, etc.
Pros
- Very easy to turn and weave; best for city roads
- It has the right amount of flex
- Lightweight
- High-quality lamination allows for keeping it roughly
Cons
- The board’s length is not suitable for kids under 9 years old
- Adjustment of trucks may require
02. VOLADOR Best Freeride Longboard for Commuting
Core Features
- Age Range: Kids and adults; best for those above 5 years old
- Size and weight: Length 42 inches, width 10 inches, and weighs 3 kilograms
- Material: Maple
- Load Capacity: 200 pounds
- Durometer: 78A Hardness
- Maneuverability: No skill is required
- Speed: 6–8 mph while cruising and 48–60 mph for downhill riding.
- Durability: Durability depends on maintenance; the average lifespan is 4.5 years
Price: Check on Amazon
Volador is run by a bunch of professional skaters who know the needs of a daily commuter. Following this, the longboard is a perfect showcase of longboard engineering, one of the best longboards for college.
One of the best campus longboards for practicing tricks, learning, local commute, joy riding, etc.
In my personal view, the most impressive feature of this board is the improved push efficiency that saves energy. Here, the ABEC-9 precision bearings act as an added advantage in the cases of speeding, kick efficiency, and smooth riding.
Additionally, the cravings at the ends are highly suitable for the sharp turns of the urban passages. And this characteristic makes it stand top on the list of ride-to-work longboards. The look is professional, and the ornamentation contains art from Russia, Europe, Asia, etc.
Pros
- Highly suitable for beginners
- Wheels are not too hard; ensure dealing with the bumps smoothly
- Unisex design and color combination
- Functional customer service
Cons
- Wheels need cleaning in a frequent manner
- Grip tape wears off faster
03. Retrospec Rift Best Drop-Through Longboard for Commuting
Core Features
- Age Range: Kids and adults; best for those above 5 years old
- Size and weight: Length 42 inches and width 9.5 inches; weighs 3.2 kilograms
- Material: Canadian maple
- Load Capacity: 220 pounds
- Durometer: 78A
- Maneuverability: No skill is required
- Speed: 4-6 mph while cruising and 36–50 mph for downhill riding.
- Durability: Durability depends on maintenance; the average lifespan is 2.5 years
Price: Check on Amazon
Retrospec Rift Drop-Through Longboard Skateboard is a superior solution for your daily commute. I used this board at the beginning of my skating journey.
Restrospec daily driver longboards are highly suitable for leveling up your skills from novice to professional. Most importantly, the bearings and wheelsets do not allow you to gain a sudden high speed. This is crucially helpful for roaming around in the crowd.
The assembling function is standard and you can use this board for training, practicing tricks, local commute, etc.
Pros
- The best skating solution for new users
- Suitable for bumpy streets and sharp corners
- Unisex design and color combination
- Higher cost-benefit ratio
Cons
- Wheels need to be lubricated often
- Lower kick-efficiency
04. Loaded Boards Best Tan Tien Bamboo Longboard for Commuters
Core Features
- Age Range: Adults
- Size and weight: Length 39 inches, width 8.75 inches, and weighs 12 pounds
- Material: Wood
- Load Capacity: 210 pounds
- Durometer: 80A; equipped with Jehu V2 bearings
- Maneuverability: Advanced skill is required
- Speed: 6–12 mph while cruising and 48–65 mph for downhill riding.
- Durability: Durability depends on maintenance; the average lifespan is 5 years
Price: Check on Amazon
This longboard is for professional skaters; supports cruising, joy riding, performing critical tricks, local commutes, etc.
I suggest you use these transportation longboards only if you have a minimum of six months of skating experience. Here, the reason is simple: it can gain speed very quickly, which challenges the users while taking turns, dealing with bumps, etc.
With a minimum of experience, you will find this board meeting all of your requirements, from flexibility to balance. Here, the assembly is very easy. One more thing—the Paris 180mm, 50° matte black longboard trucks will amaze you with smoothness in riding.
Pros
- Higher kick efficiency
- High-performance flex
- Absorbs vibrations and speed gain is prompt
- Supports heavy riding and long-distance covering within a shorter period
Cons
- High price
- Advanced skill is required to ride safely
See also: Top 10 Best Longboards for Beginners 2024: Begin Journey!
05. DB Longboards Best Long Distance Commuter Longboard
Core Features
- Age Range: Adults
- Size and weight: The length is 32.5 inches, and the weight is 3.10 kilograms
- Material: Maple
- Load Capacity: 225 pounds
- Durometer: 78A
- Maneuverability: Minimum skill required
- Speed: 6–12 mph while cruising and 48–65 mph for downhill riding.
- Durability: Durability depends on maintenance; the average lifespan is 3 years
Price: Check on Amazon
With a high brand image on the market, the Long Distance Pusher/Commuter is another superb addition to the DB work commute Longboards family. It is one of the best longboards for campus use with a moderate assembly function.
This board is highly suitable for cruising, adventure, racing & chasing, joy riding, local commuting, etc.
I highly recommend this board if you ride daily through roads with lots of speed breakers, ups, and downs, bumps, etc. It offers advanced control features. And the wheels are capable enough to deal with deep hitches on the street. The bearings support noise-free riding.
Pros
- Highly responsive
- A larger wheel bus ensures the safe crossing of road debris, rocks, etc.
- Absorbs vibrations and gains speed quickly
- Greater balance while riding through slopes
Cons
- Heavy weight; not that suitable for tricks
- Truck adjustment is essential
06. Gonex Best Surfskate Commuter Longboard
Core Features
- Age Range: Adults and teenagers
- Size and weight: Length is 42 inches, width is 9 inches and weighs is 7.5 pounds
- Material: Maple and aluminum
- Load Capacity: 220 pounds
- Durometer: 78A
- Maneuverability: Minimum skill required
- Speed: 6–8 mph while cruising and 40–55 mph for downhill riding.
- Durability: Durability depends on maintenance; the average lifespan is 1.5 years
The very first thing I would like to mention about this board is its shape—a missile look! Also, the shock absorption feature is top-notch, offering a smooth riding experience, one of the top city longboards.
Another crucial reliance is on the ABEC-11 bearings. These high-quality bearings offer increased kick efficiency. Lastly, the wheels are empowered by anti-bite technology.
Again, the assembly is standard. You can use this board for cruising, free riding, adventure, racing & chasing, local commuting, etc.
Pros
- Grip tape is abrasive and waterproof
- Allows loose steering with greater balance
- Higher weather resistance feature
- A superior tool to gain confidence in skating
Cons
- The bottom side may receive scratches easily
- Wheel screws must be serviced on a regular basis.
07. M Merkapa Best Free-Style Commuter Longboard
Core Features
- Age Range: Above 10 years
- Size and weight: Length 41 inches, width 9.8 inches, and weighs 3.10 kilograms
- Material: Maple and aluminum
- Load Capacity: 220 pounds
- Durometer: 90A
- Maneuverability: Minimum skill required
- Speed: 4–8 mph while cruising and 45–60 mph for downhill riding.
- Durability: Durability depends on maintenance; the average lifespan is 3.5 years
Price: Check on Amazon
This is one of the most desirable daily commute longboards and offers a higher cost-benefit ratio. Two must-mention characteristics of this board are its 4-flushing PU wheels and no-slip deck.
The wheels ensure safe riding in dark surroundings as they allow sudden breaks and releases. Also, it contains an artistic design and is suitable for adventure, trick practice, joy riding, commuting, etc.
Additionally, the bearings ensure smooth riding. Here, I should mention that you will find the assembly function at a moderate level.
Pros
- Good for sharp turning
- Appropriate flex
- Highly suitable for learning tricks
- Comparative low price
Cons
- Need to take out the trucks to get rid of plastic covering
- Low distance covering per kick
FAQs Regarding Commuter Longboards
Here are the answers to some common questions.
Can I use a longboard for commuting to work or school?
Sure, you can. There is no certain law restricting the riding a longboard. Still, busy streets must not use. And commuting through one may hamper traffic flow. However, the respective street should have no pits.
Is it safe to ride a longboard on busy roads and sidewalks?
It is not safe if you are not skilled enough. However, riding the longboard on busy streets, even for professionals, is not a good idea at all. For sidewalks, you may ride at a very slow speed.
Do I need to wear protective gear when commuting on a longboard?
Protective Wearings are a must. You should wear protection for wrists, knees, etc. Expect to receive cuts and scratches without wearing these protective measures.
Can I carry a backpack or bag while riding my longboard to work?
Carrying a heavy backpack is not suggested, as it will make you tired easily. However, a lightweight backpack with proper strapping facilities can be carried while boarding.
How do I store my longboard at my workplace or school?
Check out for a designated space. Also, some keep it in their personal locker, which is high enough.
Is it legal to ride a longboard on the street in my city?
Yes, it is legal to ride on sidewalks as long as you are not causing accidents. However, do not go on a busy road.
How do I maintain my longboard to ensure it lasts for my daily commute?
Always keep it inside while not using it, and do basic repair tasks weekly. Most importantly, try not to ride in the rain as rainwater negatively affect the lifespan of the board’s components.
Can I ride my longboard in inclement weather?
It’s better not to ride; it reduces the life of the board. The wheels and other metal parts may become rusty. Also, the deck may become weaker.
Final Thoughts
I hope that the above-mentioned longboards for commuting will be helpful in making a purchasing decision. You must look for five cores: material, wheel, bearings, design, and durability. If you see any board that ensures above-average performance in these criteria, you can rely on that.
Most importantly, you should not go for a very cheap board; find a balance between budget and quality. However, I would like to suggest two more things. Before making a purchase, check for a hard or soft copy of user manual; getting one will help you in the long run in repair works. Also, inquire about the refund policy to avoid any sort of inconvenience.
