What equipment do roller speed skaters use?
Officials' detail · Races and courses · 2 of 2Skates may have up to five wheels in line, or two pairs side by side, at most 50 cm long and with no brakes. Wheels are at most 110 mm across (125 mm for the marathon) and smaller for under-15s. A certified hard helmet must stay fastened throughout. Skaters from one country wear identical national suits and race numbers.
How it works
- Skates: up to five wheels in line, or two pairs side by side; at most 50 cm.
- Brakes: not allowed.
- Wheels: up to 110 mm; 125 mm in the marathon.
- Young skaters: up to 90 mm under 13, 100 mm under 15.
- Helmet: hard, certified, regular shape, always fastened.
- Racing suit: identical for one country, with the nation's name.
- Race numbers: three on the body and two on the helmet.
- Not allowed: radios, earphones and hard casts.
The glossary has the skates (speed skating), the helmet (speed skating), the racing suit, the race numbers, the transponder and the call area.
Tricky cases
A skater undoes their helmet strap on the last lap. What happens?
Disqualification for a technical fault.
Can a time trial helmet be aerodynamic?
Yes. In time trials it may have a profiled shape.
May a skater wear a heart rate monitor?
Yes. Monitors and watches are allowed.
Who checks equipment before a race?
The call area judge, including wheel size and race numbers.
Why the rule exists
Limits on wheels and frames keep the racing fair. Helmet rules protect skaters in falls at speed.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Marathon | Wheels up to 125 mm | Art 85.3 |
| Under 13 and under 15 | Smaller wheels allowed | Art 85.4 |
| Time trials | Profiled helmet allowed | Art 84.2 |
From the rule book
World Skate, Speed Rulebook 2026, Articles 82 to 87, 125 and 159. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the World Skate Speed Rulebook 2026.