If you’ve ever seen Penny Boards zipping through campus or downtown, you’ve probably wondered whether they’re actually good for commuting or just a trendy toy. Penny Boards are marketed as ultra-portable cruisers, and many brands and retailers position them as short-distance city commuters thanks to their compact plastic decks and soft wheels.
In this guide, I’ll break down how they perform for everyday travel in terms of speed, maneuverability, comfort, and safety—and whether you should actually rely on one for your daily commute.
What Makes Penny Boards Different from Regular Skateboards?
Before judging commuting performance, it helps to understand what Penny Boards really are. A Penny board is a short, narrow, plastic skateboard, typically around 22–27 inches long, with a flexible deck and soft wheels. This setup is very different from a standard wooden skateboard or a longboard.
The plastic deck and compact size make Penny Boards extremely lightweight and portable—you can toss one in a backpack, carry it into class, or store it under your desk with ease. That portability is a huge selling point for commuters who don’t want to lock up a bike or drag a full-size board everywhere.
However, that same small size means a shorter wheelbase and less standing room, which directly affects stability and comfort at speed. This is why opinions are so divided: some riders love them for quick city cruising, while others find them twitchy and unforgiving.
Are Penny Boards Good for Commuting Short Distances?
For short, flat commutes—think riding across campus, from the train station to the office, or around your neighborhood—Penny Boards can work surprisingly well. Several guides and brand articles highlight that they’re designed for quick rides, urban cruising, and short-distance commuting.
Their soft, relatively large wheels help smooth out small cracks and rough sidewalks better than many traditional street skateboards, making them practical for typical city pavement. And because the setup is light, you can easily pick the board up and walk when you hit crowded spots, stairs, or bad surfaces.
Where Penny Boards shine most is “last-mile” transportation—when you’re connecting walking with public transit. For a 0.5–1.5 mile commute on mostly smooth ground, they’re convenient, fun, and easy to stash once you arrive.
How Fast Can You Realistically Go on Penny Boards?
Let’s talk speed. Penny Boards can roll quickly thanks to decent bearings and soft wheels, and on flat ground you can maintain a comfortable cruising pace without pushing every second.
However, compared to longboards and larger cruisers, they are not built for high-speed commuting or hills. The narrow deck and short wheelbase make them unstable at higher speeds; multiple longboard experts point out that Penny Boards feel sketchy when you pick up too much momentum or head downhill.
In practice:
- On flat city streets, they’re fine for casual cruising speed.
- On moderate hills, they can feel wobbly and hard to control.
- On steep hills, they’re generally a bad idea and can be dangerous for most riders.
So if your commute involves steep downhills or you like bombing at speed, Penny Boards are not the right tool.
Are Penny Boards Easy to Maneuver in City Traffic?
This is where Penny Boards really stand out. Their compact size and tight turning radius make them very nimble in crowded environments. You can weave through pedestrians, make quick adjustments around obstacles, and carve short turns in bike lanes or on sidewalks.
That said, the responsiveness cuts both ways. The board reacts quickly to your movements—and your mistakes. For beginners or taller/heavier riders, that can make it harder to balance, especially on rough ground or at higher speeds.
If you already have some skating experience, you’ll probably enjoy the “snappy” maneuverability for short commutes. If you’re brand new to skating, a wider cruiser might feel much more forgiving.
Are Penny Boards Comfortable for Longer Rides?
Most evidence suggests Penny Boards are not ideal for long-distance commuting. Many reviewers and specialty skate sites note that the small standing platform leads to cramped feet and fatigue on rides that go beyond a couple of miles.
The soft wheels help with vibrations, but the deck itself is narrow and flexy, so you’ll likely feel unstable or uncomfortable if you’re riding for 20–30 minutes straight. Longboards or larger wooden cruisers spread your stance out and absorb more road chatter, which is better for:
- Commutes over 2–3 miles
- Riders with larger feet
- Anyone carrying a backpack or extra weight
Bottom line: for quick errands and short commutes, Penny Boards are fine. For daily 3–5 mile rides, you’re better off with a larger cruiser or longboard.
Who Should Use Penny Boards for Commuting (and Who Shouldn’t)?
Best suited for:
- Riders with at least basic skate experience
- Short, mostly flat commutes (campus, downtown, neighborhood)
- People who prioritize portability and storage
- Lighter or smaller riders who are comfortable on compact decks
Not ideal for:
- Total beginners who want a stable learning platform
- Long, daily commutes over several miles
- Riders regularly tackling steep hills
- Heavier riders who need more deck width and stability
If you see your commute as a series of short hops with lots of walking and public transit, Penny Boards can be a smart, fun option. If your commute is more like a daily endurance ride, they’re not the most comfortable or safest choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Penny Boards good for beginners who want to commute?
Penny Boards aren’t the best starting point for most beginners. Their short length and narrow width make them feel twitchier and less stable than larger cruisers or longboards. If you’re brand new, a wider wooden cruiser will give you more room for your feet and a more forgiving ride. Once you’re confident pushing, turning, and stopping, you can switch to Penny Boards if you want something more compact.
2. Can I use Penny Boards for commuting to school or college every day?
You can use Penny Boards for daily commuting to school or college if your route is short, mostly flat, and has decent pavement. Many riders use them exactly that way—especially for campus rides and “last-mile” trips from transit stops. Just be realistic: if your commute gets longer, hillier, or rougher over time, you might outgrow the comfort and stability of a Penny and want a bigger cruiser.
3. Are Penny Boards safe for city commuting?
Penny Boards can be safe for city commuting if you stay within their limits: short distances, moderate speeds, and flat terrain. Their small size makes them less stable at higher speeds, and they’re not recommended for fast downhills. Always wear a helmet, avoid steep hills, watch for cracks and traffic, and don’t ride faster than you can stop or safely bail.
4. What’s better for commuting: Penny Boards, cruiser boards, or longboards?
For pure commuting comfort and stability, cruiser boards and longboards usually win. They offer more deck space, more stability, and a smoother ride over distance. Penny Boards win on portability and convenience—they’re easier to carry and stash during the day. If your priority is a board you can throw in a backpack and ride a mile or less, Penny Boards work. If you want the most comfortable daily commuter, look at larger cruisers or longboards.
So, Are Penny Boards Good for Commuting After All?
In the end, Penny Boards are good for commuting only in specific scenarios: short, flat, urban routes where portability matters more than all-out comfort and stability. They’re nimble, light, and surprisingly capable for quick rides—but they’re not designed for long distances, steep hills, or brand-new riders.
If your daily ride is a quick cruise from the bus stop to the office or across campus, Penny Boards can absolutely do the job and keep things fun. If your commute is longer or faster, you’ll likely be happier—and safer—on a larger cruiser or longboard in the long run.
