Skateboard Risers

What Are Skateboard Risers?

Skateboard risers, sometimes called riser pads or skateboard truck risers, are rigid plastic elements designed to prevent wheel bite and offer greater clearance during rides. By placing skateboard riser pads between your trucks and deck, the height of your board increases from the ground. Wheel bite can pose risks and damage your board, so obtaining risers is a straightforward and cost-effective way to avert this issue.

Skate risers are often mistaken for skateboard shock pads. Risers are crafted from plastic and aim to elevate your deck's height to avoid wheel bites. In contrast, shock pads typically consist of rubber or dense foam, designed to absorb impacts and minimise vibrations when skating.

Which Size Skateboard Risers Are Necessary?

The size of risers required will rely on the dimensions of your wheels and the height of your trucks. For example, if you are using a setup with larger wheels and have low or mid-height trucks, then thicker risers may be necessary. In general, if your wheels are under 54 mm, risers are probably not needed. Common riser sizes include 1/8" (3.175 mm), 1/4" (6.35 mm), and 1/2" (12.7 mm), depending on the level of clearance desired.

Bear in mind that adding risers will necessitate hardware long enough for the new setup. To ensure you choose the correct size, refer to our Buying Guide for Skateboard Bolts and Riser Pads.

Another consideration is the preferred shape of the pads: rectangular or angled. Rectangular pads have a classic design and are the most common on skateboards. Angled or wedged risers modify the trucks' angle, which impacts riding style more significantly. Angled risers are more frequently used with cruisers and longboards.

For new nuts and bolts appropriate for your new setup, explore our selection of Skateboard Hardware.