26 de setembro de 2025

The Magic of Light Up Wheels: Inline & Quad Skating with a Glow

Hello Hello. Stephen @whataspoon here. If you’ve ever seen someone rolling past at night with glowing wheels, you’ll know how eye-catching light up wheels are. They don’t just look cool, they’re also a clever piece of design that works without batteries or charging. In this blog, I’ll break down how light up wheels for inline and quad skates actually work, why skaters love them, and the options available at Slick Willies.

How do light up skate wheels work?

Inside the luminous wheels (for Example) is a small magnetic generator hub. As the wheel spins, the movement generates electricity, which powers tiny built-in LEDs. The faster you skate, the brighter the lights shine. This means no wires, no batteries, and no fuss. It’s simple, reliable, and designed to last the lifetime of the wheel.

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Why skaters use them

Visibility: Light up wheels aren’t just stylish. They also make you more visible when skating in low-light conditions, which adds an extra layer of safety.
Fun factor: Whether you’re cruising the streets, hitting a night skate, or heading to a roller disco, glowing wheels instantly stand out.
All skaters can use them: Light up wheels work for both inline skates and quad skates, so every style of skater can enjoy the glow.

Do light up skate wheels spin slower?

This is a question we receive very often in store. The correct answer is technically yes, but it's very subtle and you would probably never notice unless you were a speed skater. The reason is that the magnetic generator inside the hub creates a tiny bit of resistance as it produces power for the LEDs. It’s minimal, but it does mean the wheel doesn’t spin quite as freely as a standard one. I wouldn't recommend luminous wheels to someone who was trying to win a marathon or doing large jumps off roofs with their skates but for a casual street skater, they are perfectly fine.

Choosing the right size

When picking light up wheels, it’s important to choose the right size for your setup:

Inline skates: These wheels usually come in multiple sizes (72mm, 76mm, 80mm, etc.). The right size depends on your frame and skating style. Smaller wheels are great for agility and tricks, while larger wheels offer more speed and smoother rides. There are also some colours available in 110mm.
Quad skates: Quad luminous wheels are often available in 58mm–62mm ranges. These are perfect for both indoor roller discos and outdoor cruising.

At Slick Willies, we stock luminous wheels in a variety of sizes, so you can match them easily to your skates. There are other brands that offer the light up effect but we at Slicks know and trust that Luminous wheels are good quality.

Where to use light up wheels

Light up wheels can be used anywhere you’d normally skate, but they shine (literally) in certain situations:

Night skates in the city: Rolling through London or any city after dark looks incredible when your wheels are glowing.
Roller discos: Under UV or disco lights, luminous wheels really pop and add to the atmosphere.
Group skates: Being visible makes it easier for your friends to spot you, and it adds a fun, collective vibe when multiple people have light up wheels.
Filming content: If you’re making skating videos for YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram, luminous wheels add a unique visual touch.

Maintenance tips

Caring for light up wheels is the same as any regular skate wheel:

Rotate your wheels to make sure they wear evenly.
Check bearings regularly for dirt and replace them if needed.
The LEDs and generator are sealed inside the wheel, so there’s nothing extra to maintain. They’ll keep glowing until the wheel itself wears down.

Style options

Light up wheels come in a range of colours and LED styles. Some glow a solid colour like blue, green, or red, while others mix colours for a rainbow effect. Whether you want something subtle or something that screams “look at me,” there’s a set that fits your vibe.

Options at Slick Willies

Here at Slick Willies, we stock luminous wheels for both quad skates and inline skates, available in a range of sizes and colour options. Whether you’re looking to brighten up your night skates, stand out at the park, or simply add some flair to your everyday sessions, there’s a set of wheels waiting for you.

If you’ve never tried them before, light up wheels are an easy upgrade that bring instant fun to your skating. Give them a spin and you’ll see the difference!