A longboard is only half the setup. The other half is the stuff that protects your body, upgrades your ride, and keeps your deck rolling smooth for years. We have crashed in cheap helmets, blown out bargain-bin bearings, and learned the hard way which accessories are worth the money and which ones just look cool in the cart. This page is the short version of all that trial and error.
We have grouped everything by what it actually does for you, not by brand or price. Whether you are a brand-new cruiser who just wants to feel safe rolling to class, or a speed junkie chasing your first stand-up slide, the right accessory makes the difference between loving longboarding and giving up after one nasty fall. Every pick below is a real, widely available accessory type you can find on Amazon in minutes.
None of this is fluff. We tell you what each thing is best for, the one detail that actually matters when you buy it, and a sensible search to get you to good options fast. Start with safety gear, then upgrade your ride as your skills grow. Your future self, and your skin, will thank you.
Top picks at a glance
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Longboard Accessories by use case
Safety & sliding gear
This is where every rider should spend first. A certified helmet is non-negotiable, and a set of knee and elbow pads turns most beginner spills into a shrug instead of a trip to urgent care. Once you are ready to learn controlled slides for stopping on hills, slide gloves with replaceable pucks let you drag a hand down safely. If you are still choosing your first deck, our guide to the best longboard for beginners pairs perfectly with a starter safety kit.
Performance upgrades
Once you are comfortable, small parts make a big difference. Fresh wheels in the right size and durometer change how your board grips and rolls, quality bearings add speed and longevity, and the right bushings dial in exactly how sharp or stable your turns feel. None of these cost much, and together they can make a budget board ride like a much nicer one. Browse our full lineup over at shop longboards to see which decks take which upgrades.
Maintenance
Keeping a board healthy is mostly about two things: a good skate tool and the discipline to use it. Check your axle nuts and kingpin every few rides, clean grit out of your bearings before it grinds them down, and replace bushings when your turns start feeling sloppy. A little upkeep doubles the life of every part and keeps the ride feeling tight. If you want a reminder of why it is worth the effort, see why longboarding is good for you.
Transport & storage
If you commute or travel with your board, a padded bag or carrier saves your deck from dings and your shoulder from awkward carrying. Look for one rated for your board length, with a strap that frees up your hands for stairs, doors, and transit cards. A bag also keeps grime off your seat and grit out of your bearings between rides. For board options that travel well, check out our shop skateboards selection too.
What to look for
- Helmet certification and fit for your speed: Look for CPSC or dual CPSC/ASTM certification, and if you ride fast or bomb hills, consider a fuller-coverage or full-face model rather than a basic skate lid.
- Slide glove pucks: Choose gloves with thick, replaceable pucks held on by screws, so you can swap worn pucks instead of buying new gloves, and make sure the palm coverage matches how you slide.
- Wheel size and durometer: Bigger, softer wheels (around 70mm and 78a to 80a) roll over cracks and cruise comfortably, while smaller, harder wheels suit sliding and downhill control.
- Bearings: Do not chase ABEC numbers alone; look for sealed bearings from a reputable maker with built-in spacers, since smooth, grit-resistant bearings matter more than a high rating.
- Bushing hardness: Match bushing durometer to your weight and style, firmer for heavier riders and high-speed stability, softer for lighter riders and easy carving.
- Skate tool coverage: Pick an all-in-one tool that fits your axle nuts, truck bolts, and kingpin, ideally with a Phillips and Allen end so it handles every fastener on the board.
- Bag length and padding: Confirm the bag or carrier is rated for your deck length and has real padding plus a comfortable strap, so your board actually fits and rides protected.
A closer look at each pick
Certified longboard helmet
Every rider, every speed
A dual-certified helmet protects your skull whether you are cruising at 8 mph or bombing a hill. Look for one with multiple vents so you actually wear it instead of leaving it at home.
Slide gloves with pucks
Learning to slide and stop
Replaceable plastic pucks on the palms let you put a hand down at speed without shredding your skin. The pucks wear out and swap with screws, so you are not buying new gloves every month.
Knee and elbow pad set
Beginners and downhill riders
A combined pad set covers the joints that hit the pavement first when you bail. Hard caps slide instead of grabbing, which keeps a fall from turning into a tumble.
Replacement longboard wheels
Refreshing grip and ride feel
Worn or rock-hard stock wheels make a great board feel terrible, and a fresh set transforms the ride for the price of a pizza. Match the size and softness to how you skate.
Skate bearings (set of 8)
Smoother, faster rolling
Quality bearings spin longer and resist grit far better than the no-name set that came pre-installed. A set of eight does all four wheels, and most include the little spacers and washers you want.
Replacement bushings
Dialing in your turn feel
Bushings are the cheap rubber pieces that control how your board leans and steers, and swapping hardness changes everything. Heavier riders and faster speeds want firmer bushings; mellow cruisers want softer.
All-in-one skate tool
Every owner, day one
One compact tool handles every nut and bolt on your board, including the axle nuts and the hard-to-reach kingpin. Keep it in your bag and you can tighten trucks or swap wheels anywhere.
Longboard bag or carrier
Commuters and travelers
A padded bag or simple shoulder sling makes hauling your board on transit, at school, or through an airport far less awkward. Check the length rating so your specific deck actually fits inside.
Guides & related reads
Why trust ScooterMcGoo?
We ride this stuff before we rank it, and we tell you the truth — including when something isn’t worth your money.
Frequently asked questions
What longboard accessories do I actually need as a beginner?
Start with a certified helmet, then add knee and elbow pads and a basic skate tool. That trio keeps you safe and lets you maintain your board from day one. Slide gloves, fresh wheels, and a bag can wait until you know how you like to ride.
How do I choose the right replacement wheels?
Match size and durometer to your riding. For cruising and commuting, larger soft wheels around 70mm and 78a to 80a roll smooth over rough pavement. For sliding and downhill, go smaller and harder, generally 83a and up, for predictable break-away and control.
Are expensive bearings worth it?
Up to a point, yes. Mid-range sealed bearings from a known brand roll smoother and last far longer than the cheap set that ships pre-installed, especially if you keep them clean. You do not need the priciest option, just avoid the bottom of the barrel.
What are bushings and when should I replace them?
Bushings are the rubber pieces inside your trucks that control how the board leans and turns. Replace them when your turns feel sloppy, the rubber looks cracked, or you want a firmer or softer feel. They are cheap and make a surprisingly big difference.
Do I really need slide gloves?
If you ride hills or want to learn to slide for speed control, yes. The replaceable pucks let you put a hand down at speed without tearing your skin. For flat cruising and commuting, you can skip them and focus on a helmet and pads instead.