A Penny Board is a style of mini-cruiser skateboard recognized by its small size, bright colors, and durable plastic deck. The term “cruising” refers to casual riding, generally for short-distance transportation or leisurely travel on flat ground. Penny Boards are good for a particular kind of cruising, serving as an efficient tool for quick, short trips where portability is the highest priority. However, their specialized design means they excel in specific environments while becoming less effective in others.
Key Design Features that Aid Cruising
The compact dimensions of the Penny Board are its primary asset for urban cruising and short-haul commuting. The classic model is typically 22 inches long and weighs around 4 pounds, allowing it to be easily carried in a backpack or tucked under an arm. This lightweight design is highly advantageous in crowded environments like a college campus or city sidewalks, where a rider must frequently transition between riding and walking.
The board’s short wheelbase and responsive trucks give it a tight turning radius compared to larger skateboards or longboards. This high degree of maneuverability allows riders to weave through pedestrians or navigate around unexpected obstacles. This agility makes the board an ideal choice for navigating the tight confines of busy, flat areas.
Penny Boards are generally equipped with large, soft polyurethane wheels (59mm, 83A durometer). These softer wheels absorb vibrations more effectively than the harder wheels found on trick skateboards, ensuring a smoother and quieter ride over typical street surfaces. Coupled with high-speed bearings, these wheels enable the board to maintain momentum and roll for longer distances.
Practical Limitations for Everyday Cruising
The features that make the Penny Board portable also introduce limitations regarding stability and comfort. The standard 22-inch board features a narrow deck, typically around 6 inches wide, which restricts foot placement and forces a short, cramped stance. This reduced standing platform makes it more challenging to maintain balance, especially for riders with larger feet or those new to boarding.
This lack of foot space and the short wheelbase (about 11 3/8 inches on smaller models) contribute to reduced stability at higher speeds. When momentum increases, the short distance between the trucks makes the board susceptible to speed wobble, an uncontrolled oscillation. This means Penny Boards are generally best kept at moderate speeds on flat ground, rather than being ridden down steeper inclines.
While the soft wheels handle smooth pavement well, the board’s compact size does not handle variations in terrain as well as larger cruisers. The short wheelbase struggles to span or roll over larger sidewalk cracks, pebbles, or small debris, which can cause the board to stop abruptly. This makes the board less reliable for commuting on poorly maintained streets or rough asphalt, where a wider, longer board offers a more forgiving experience.
The design also makes the board less optimal for long-distance transportation. The cramped stance and constant need for small adjustments can become uncomfortable over extended periods, requiring the rider to push more frequently than on a longer board. Furthermore, the lack of a usable kicktail and the short deck make it difficult to execute essential maneuvers like quick emergency stops or lifting the nose to clear an obstacle.