How do You Steer an Electric Skateboard?

What Makes an Electric Skateboard Steer

Unlike cars or scooters, the remote doesn’t steer your electric skateboard—it only manages acceleration and braking. Steering happens when you lean your body to shift pressure on the trucks, which tilts the wheels and changes the board’s direction.

Think of it like riding a bike or a snowboard. Your shoulders, hips, and body weight work together to guide where you go. The more naturally you lean, the smoother and more controlled your turns will feel.

Finding the Right Stance

Before you even try to steer, your stance matters. Place your feet about shoulder-width apart with one foot near the front truck and the other slightly angled behind it. This wide stance gives you better leverage over the board.

Keep your knees bent slightly to absorb movement and maintain balance. Look ahead in the direction you want to ride instead of staring at your feet.

Most riders naturally fall into either a “regular” stance (left foot forward) or a “goofy” stance (right foot forward). Try both—whichever feels more comfortable and stable is the one you should use.

How to Steer Step by Step

Lean With Control

To turn, shift your weight. For toe-side turns, press gently into your toes. For heel-side turns, roll your weight back onto your heels. Always initiate the turn with your front foot; the back foot will follow smoothly.

Use Your Whole Body

Don’t just rely on your feet. Turn your shoulders and hips toward the direction you want to go, and keep your knees bent to absorb vibrations. This full-body motion creates more controlled, natural steering.

Practise Small First

Start simple with gentle S-shaped turns on flat, smooth ground. As you gain confidence, move on to wider arcs and eventually figure-8s. Building up gradually will help you feel in control without pushing past your comfort zone too quickly.

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Important Things to Keep in Mind

Similar to a regular skateboard: Steering works the same way as on a non-electric board.
Trucks guide the wheels: When you lean, the truck pivots shift and cause the wheels to turn.

Balance is essential: Proper weight distribution keeps you steady while adjusting speed or direction.

Safe Places to Practise Steering

Your learning environment matters. Empty parking lots, smooth bike paths, or quiet neighborhood streets are the best spots for beginners.

Avoid wet surfaces, painted road lines, or steep hills until you feel steady, as these can cause your wheels to slip. Always start at low speeds, preferably in beginner or eco mode, and only increase speed as your skills improve.

Adjusting Your Electric Skateboard for Easier Steering

Sometimes the board itself makes steering difficult. Truck tightness plays a big role: tighter trucks provide stability but limit turning, while looser trucks make the board more agile but less steady at higher speeds.

Bushings also matter. Softer bushings allow easier turns, while harder ones keep the board stable when you’re going faster. If you’re hitting the deck with your wheels during deep turns (called wheelbite), adding risers or adjusting wheel size can solve the problem.

Safety Gear You Shouldn’t Skip

Falling is part of learning, but you can protect yourself. Always wear a helmet—this is non-negotiable. Wrist guards and knee pads give you the confidence to practise turns without worrying about scrapes.

Skate shoes with a good grip make it easier to lean and stay balanced compared to flat-soled casual shoes. Safety gear not only protects you but also makes the learning process less intimidating.

Simple Drills to Build Confidence

• Static practice: Stand on grass or carpet and practise leaning from toe to heel without rolling.

• Slow S-curves: At low speed, make gentle side-to-side turns to feel how the board reacts.

• Figure-8s: Practise continuous turns to build flow and coordination.

• Throttle + steer: Once comfortable, add small amounts of acceleration after a turn, then ease off before the next one.
  

These drills help you build muscle memory so steering becomes second nature.

Try a Board That Makes Steering Easier

If you're interested in a reliable and efficient way to get around town, our Maxfind Electric Skateboard Cyber Max (NEW) is the perfect choice for commuting. Combining convenience, portability, and speed, our electric skateboard offers a smooth ride whether you’re heading to work or just enjoying a weekend ride.

Why Choose the Maxfind Cyber Max Electric Skateboard?

• Smooth Ride: Equipped with advanced shock-absorbing technology, the Cyber Max ensures a smooth ride even on rougher surfaces.

• Powerful Motor: The skateboard is powered by a high-performance motor, offering consistent speed and the ability to conquer moderate hills effortlessly.

• Long Battery Life: With a range of up to 20 miles on a single charge, the Cyber Max gives you the freedom to travel longer distances without worrying about recharging.

• Portability: Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry and store, whether you’re hopping on public transport or need to stow it in tight spaces.

• Safety Features: Equipped with reliable braking systems and high-quality, durable construction, the Cyber Max ensures a safe ride in both urban and suburban environments.

• Top Speed: Reach speeds of up to 25 mph (40 km/h), making it perfect for commuters and thrill-seekers alike.

• Customizable Ride: Adjust the ride experience with multiple speed modes, giving you full control over your experience.

If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line electric skateboard for commuting or cruising around, the Maxfind Cyber Max is your ideal choice. With superior motor power, longer battery life, and excellent safety features, it's designed to make every ride more enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you steer an electric skateboard with the remote?
No. The remote only controls speed and braking. Steering is done entirely by shifting your body weight.

Can you brake while turning?
It’s safer to straighten out before braking. Braking while leaned over can throw off your balance, especially for beginners.

Why does my board wobble when I lean?
Speed wobbles often happen if your trucks are too loose or if your weight is too far back. Keep your knees bent, shift more weight onto your front foot, and consider tightening your trucks slightly.

Is it easier to steer with dual kingpin trucks or regular ones?
Dual kingpin (DKP) trucks allow sharper turns and are great for carving at low to medium speeds. Regular reverse kingpin (RKP) trucks are more stable at higher speeds but don’t turn as tightly.

How tight should my trucks be for learning?
Start with trucks on the tighter side for stability, then gradually loosen them as you gain confidence. Make adjustments in small increments—a quarter turn at a time.

Conclusion

Learning to steer an electric skateboard is all about balance and practice, not force. With the right stance, steady leaning, and a safe place to practise, you’ll find steering becomes more natural every ride.

Start slow, make small adjustments, and take your time. Above all, prioritize safety so you can enjoy the thrill of carving and cruising with confidence. Once you get the hang of it, steering will feel like second nature—and that’s when the fun really begins.

More Reading: FAQ for Beginners on Electric Skateboards