Editing Wheelbase (section)

=== Skateboards ===

In skateboarding the word 'wheelbase' is used for the distance between the two inner pairs of mounting holes on the deck. This is different from the distance between the rotational centers of the two wheel pairs. A reason for this alternative use is that decks are sold with prefabricated holes, but usually without trucks and wheels. It is therefore easier to use the prefabricated holes for measuring and describing this characteristic of the deck.

A common misconception is that the choice of wheelbase is influenced by the height of the skateboarder. However, the length of the deck would then be a better candidate, because the wheelbase affects characteristics useful in different speeds or terrains regardless of the height of the skateboarder. For example, a deck with a long wheelbase, say {{convert|22|in|cm|1}}, will respond slowly to turns, which is often desirable in high speeds. A deck with a short wheelbase, say {{convert|14|in|cm|1}}, will respond quickly to turns, which is often desirable when skating backyard pools or other terrains requiring quick or intense turns.