How to Rotate Inline Skate Wheels

Hello Hello. Stephen @Whataspoon here. Let's have a look at how to rotate your Inline skate wheels.

Rotating your wheels is essential if you want them to last longer and save money in the long run. Typically, the inside edge of your wheels wears down faster than the outside, especially if you favor certain techniques or skating styles. By rotating your wheels, you help balance out this wear, keeping your setup smoother and more consistent.

Rotating also helps you:

• Maintain a natural rocker (where the middle wheels sit lower than the others for easier turns).

• Keep a flat setup (where all wheels sit evenly on the ground) if that's what you prefer.

Your rotation pattern might vary depending on how you skate. For example, I tend to wear down the back two wheels on my right foot more than the others. This pattern may differ for each skater and also between 4-wheeled skates and 3-wheeled (tri-skate) setups. Let’s look at how to rotate both types.

Rotating Wheels on 4-Wheeled Skates

Here’s a simple method to get started:

1. Remove each wheel and flip it, so the worn inside edge is now facing outward. This helps even out the wear over time.

2. To go a step further, swap wheel positions between skates and change their order:

   • Not only flip the wheels, but also move them to a different position or even to the opposite skate.

   • This helps maintain your current setup (rocker or flat) or even adjust it depending on your preference.

Below is a diagram illustrating a typical 4-wheel rotation pattern.

Rotating Wheels on 3-Wheeled (Tri) Skates

For tri-skates, the approach is similar:

1. Flip each wheel, placing the outer edge where the inner edge was.

2. Change wheel positions based on wear:

   • Typically, swap the front two wheels.

   • Then interchange the back and middle wheels, as you would with 4-wheeled skates.

Again, follow the diagram below for guidance.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, wheel rotation depends on your personal skating style. If your wheels aren’t wearing evenly after following a typical pattern, don’t hesitate to experiment with positions until your setup feels and looks right.

Regular rotation can make your wheels last significantly longer and improve your ride quality.

Here is a video where Ilaria Di Maio and I show you how to rotate your inline skate wheels.