Skateboarding is one of the most popular and thrilling sports in the world. It can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age, gender, or skill level. But before you can start shredding the streets or the skate parks, you need to have a good skateboard.
But how much does a good skateboard cost? And what are the hidden costs that you might not know about?
In this article, we will answer these questions and help you find the best skateboard for your budget and needs. We will also compare the prices of different types of skateboards, such as complete boards, custom boards, electric boards, and more.
So, let’s get started!
What Factors Affect the Cost of a Skateboard?
- The size and shape of the board
- The quality and materials of the components
- The brand and reputation of the manufacturer
- The style and preference of the skater
Each of the factor influences the cost dissentingly. Sometimes the shape and size may not matter as quality of the skateboard.
The Size and Shape of the Board
The size and shape of the board affect the cost of a skateboard because they determine how much material is used and how complex the design is.
Generally speaking, larger and more complex boards are more expensive than smaller and simpler ones.
For example, a cruiser board or a longboard will typically cost more than a standard street board because they require more wood, more glue, and more cutting and shaping.
Similarly, a board with a special shape or a graphic will usually cost more than a board with a regular shape or a solid color because they require more skill, time, and equipment to produce.
Less Costly Skateboards
- Street Skateboard
- Skateboard with a regular shape
- Skateboard with solid color
Costly Skateboards
- Cruiser Board
- Longboard
- Skateboard with special shape or graphic design
More or less opting for a costly or less costly skateboard relies greatly on the interests, preferences, and the purpose you need it for!
The Quality and Materials of the Components
The quality and materials of the components affect the cost of a skateboard because they determine how well the board performs and how long it lasts.
Generally speaking, higher-quality components made of durable and lightweight materials are more expensive than lower-quality components made of cheaper and heavier materials.
For example, carbon fiber decks or ceramic bearings will typically cost more than maple wood decks or steel bearings because they offer better strength, stiffness, speed, and durability.
Similarly, branded components from well-known and reputable manufacturers will usually cost more than generic components from unknown or low-quality manufacturers because they offer better quality control, warranty, and customer service.
The Brand and Reputation of the Manufacturer
The brand and reputation of the manufacturer affect the cost of a skateboard because they determine how much value and trust the skater places on the product.
Generally speaking, well-known and reputable brands will charge more for their products than lesser-known or generic brands because they have built a loyal fan base, a strong reputation, and a distinctive identity.
For example, a Tony Hawk or a Beatles skateboard will typically cost more than a blank or a mini logo skateboard because they have a higher demand, a higher recognition, and a higher prestige.
Similarly, a skateboard from a skate shop or an online store that specializes in skateboarding will usually cost more than a skateboard from a big-box store or an online retailer that sells everything because they have more expertise, more variety, and more customer support.
The Style and Preference of the Skater
The style and preference of the skater affect the cost of a skateboard because they determine how much customization and personalization the skater wants on their board.
Generally speaking, more customized and personalized boards are more expensive than less customized and personalized boards because they require more choice, more input, and more work from the skater.
For example, a custom board that is built by the skater themselves with their own choice of components will typically cost more than a complete board that is ready-made with all the necessary components because they require more research, more shopping, and more assembly.
Similarly, a board with a specific color, design, or graphic that matches the skater’s taste will usually cost more than a board with a random or generic color, design, or graphic that does not matter to the skater because they require more searching, more ordering, and more paying.
How Much Does a Complete Skateboard Cost?
A complete skateboard is the most common and convenient type of skateboard for beginners or intermediate skaters. It is a board that comes with all the necessary components already installed and ready to use.
The average price range for a complete skateboard is between $50 and $150. However, this can vary depending on the factors we discussed above.
For example, you can find a cheap complete skateboard for as low as $20 at a big-box store or an online retailer, but it will probably have low-quality components that will break easily or perform poorly.
On the other hand, you can find a high-quality complete skateboard for as high as $200 at a skate shop or an online store that specializes in skateboarding, but it will have high-quality components that will last longer and perform better.
Therefore, when buying a complete skateboard, you should consider the quality and durability of the components, not just the price. A good tip for you here is is to avoid buying skateboards that are too cheap or too expensive, and instead look for skateboards that are in the middle range of prices.
How Much Does a Custom Skateboard Cost?
A custom skateboard is the most advanced and flexible type of skateboard for experienced or expert skaters. It is a board that is built by the skater themselves with their own choice of components.
The average price range for a custom skateboard is between $100 and $300. However, this can vary depending on the factors we discussed above.
For example, you can build a basic custom skateboard with decent components for around $100, but it might not have the best performance or durability.
On the other hand, you can build a deluxe custom skateboard with high-end components for around $300, but it will have the best performance and durability.
Therefore, when building a custom skateboard, you should consider the performance and compatibility of the components, not just the price. A good rule of thumb is to avoid buying components that are too cheap or too expensive, and instead look for components that are in the middle range of prices.
How Much Does an Electric Skateboard Cost?
An electric skateboard is the most innovative and convenient type of skateboard for skaters who want to have more speed and range without having to push or pedal. It is a board that is powered by an electric motor and battery, and can be controlled by a remote or an app on the phone.
The average price range for an electric skateboard is between $300 and $1000. However, this can vary depending on the factors we discussed above.
For example, you can find a cheap electric skateboard for as low as $200 from an unknown or low-quality brand, but it will probably have a weak motor, a low battery, and a poor design.
On the other hand, you can find a high-quality electric skateboard for as high as $2000 from a well-known or premium brand, but it will have a powerful motor, a high battery, and a sleek design.
Therefore, when buying an electric skateboard, you should consider the quality and reliability of the electric components, not just the price. A good rule of thumb is to avoid buying electric skateboards that are too cheap or too expensive, and instead look for electric skateboards that are in the middle range of prices.
| Type of Skateboard | Budget |
| Complete Skateboard | $50 – $150 |
| Custom Skateboard | $100 – $300 |
| Electric Skateboard | $300 – $1000 |
What are the Hidden Costs of Skateboarding?
Besides the cost of the skateboard itself, there are some hidden costs that skaters might not be aware of. These include:
- The cost of protective gear
- The cost of skate shoes
- The cost of maintenance and repair
- The cost of accessories and extras
Let’s take a closer look at each of these hidden costs.
The Cost of Protective Gear
Protective gear is essential for preventing injuries and ensuring safety while skating. It includes items such as helmets, pads, gloves, etc. The average price range for protective gear is between $20 and $100. However, this can vary depending on the quality and brand of the gear.
For example, you can find cheap protective gear for as low as $10 at a big-box store or an online retailer, but it might not offer enough protection or comfort. On the other hand, you can find high-quality protective gear for as high as $200 at a skate shop or an online store that specializes in skateboarding, but it will offer more protection and comfort.
Therefore, when buying protective gear, you should consider the level of protection and comfort you need, not just the price. A good rule of thumb is to invest in good-quality protective gear that fits well and feels comfortable.
The Cost of Skate Shoes
Skate shoes are specially designed for skating and provide comfort, grip, and durability. They include brands such as Vans, Nike SB, Etnies, etc. The average price range for skate shoes is between $50 and $100. However, this can vary depending on the quality and brand of the shoes.
For example, you can find cheap skate shoes for as low as $20 at a big-box store or an online retailer, but they might not offer enough grip or durability. On the other hand, you can find high-quality skate shoes for as high as $200 at a skate shop or an online store that specializes in skateboarding, but they will offer more grip and durability.
Hence, to buy skate shoes, you should consider the level of grip and durability you need. The price on the contrary is not the sole factor to consider.
The Cost of Maintenance and Repair
Maintenance and repair are necessary for keeping the board in good condition and improving its performance. It includes tasks such as replacing worn-out or broken components, cleaning and lubricating bearings, tightening or loosening trucks, etc. The average price range for maintenance and repair is between $10 and $50. However, this can vary depending on the frequency and complexity of the tasks.
For example, you can do some basic maintenance and repair yourself for free or for a low cost, such as changing the grip tape, adjusting the skateboard trucks, or cleaning the bearings. On the other hand, you might need to pay for some professional maintenance and repair at a skate shop or an online service, such as replacing the skateboard deck, installing new wheels, or fixing the electric components.
So that means maintenance and repair require to consider the level of skill and time you have, not just the price. Another tip here is that regular maintenance lessens the budget on repair.
The Cost of Accessories and Extras
Accessories and extras are optional but can add some flair and functionality to the board. They include items such as stickers, decals, patches, tools, wax, etc. The average price for accessories and extras ranges between $5 and $25. However, this can vary depending on the quantity and quality of the items.
For example, you can find cheap accessories and extras for as low as $1 at a dollar store or an online retailer, but they might not have much value or quality. On the other hand, you can find high-quality accessories and extras for as high as $50 at a skate shop or an online store that specializes in skateboarding, but they might have more value or quality.
Important here is noticing the worth and value delivered by the quality of the accessories rather than noticing the price.
| Hidden Costs | Budget |
| Protective Gear | $20 – $100 |
| Skate Shoes | $50 – $100 |
| Maintenance and Repair | $10 – $50 |
| Accessories and Extras | $5 – $25 |
Want Some Tips to Save Money?
Skateboarding can be an expensive hobby, but there are some ways to save money on it. Here are some tips:
Tip 1:
Buy used or second-hand skateboards or components from online platforms, such as eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, etc. These can be much cheaper than buying new ones, but make sure to check the condition and quality before buying.
Tip 2:
Buy blank or generic skateboards or components from online retailers, such as Amazon, Walmart, AliExpress, etc. These can be much cheaper than buying branded ones, but make sure to check the reviews and ratings before buying.
Tip 3:
Buy skateboards or components in bulk or wholesale from online or offline suppliers, such as Skate Warehouse, CCS, Tactics, etc. These can offer discounts and deals for buying multiple items at once.
Tip 4:
Buy skateboards or components during sales or promotions from online or offline stores, such as Zumiez, Skate America, Active Ride Shop, etc. These can offer discounts and deals for buying items at certain times or seasons.
Tip 5:
Buy skateboards or components during sales or promotions from online or offline stores, such as Zumiez, Skate America, Active Ride Shop, etc. These can offer discounts and deals for buying items at certain times or seasons.
Wrapping Up The Discussion
In this article, we have discussed how much does a good skateboard cost and what are the hidden costs that you might not be aware of. We have also compared the prices of different types of skateboards, such as complete boards, custom boards, electric boards, and more. We have also given you some tips on how to save money on skateboarding.
So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and get yourself a good skateboard and enjoy the ride!
