Taking A Look At The Front End of A 2Swift

One of the most unique features of the 2Swift Mark II is its steering geometry. Riders often point out that the board looks a bit like a scooter without handlebars — but the way the front fork is designed is very different from a scooter, bike, or motorcycle. This difference is what gives the 2Swift its signature stability and carving feel.

Negative Rake: What It Means

The 2Swift uses a negative rake, trailing fork. To understand what that does, think of the front steering axis on a typical bike or scooter. On those vehicles, the bottom of the head tube is tilted forward — a “positive rake.” This pushes the wheel forward and gives stability at higher speeds.

The 2Swift does the opposite. By tilting the top of the head tube forward, it creates a negative rake angle. This unique design changes the steering arc in a very important way.

The Self-Centering Effect

If the head tube were perfectly vertical (90 degrees to the ground), the front wheel would simply rotate in the same plane as the ground. There would be no natural resistance or centering force.

But with the 2Swift’s negative rake + trail distance, the steering arc is no longer flat. Instead, when the fork turns, the wheel has to lift up the board and the rider slightly. That means the natural “lowest energy position” is dead center. In practice, the weight of the board and rider pulls the wheel back to center automatically.

This self-centering effect gives the 2Swift a planted, stable feel — especially compared to something like a scooter with handlebars removed (which would chatter uncontrollably).

Low-Speed vs. High-Speed Dynamics

Another layer of stability comes from the gyroscopic forces of the front wheel.

• At low speeds, the caster moves easily side to side, giving the rider excellent maneuverability.

• At high speeds, the spinning front wheel generates strong gyroscopic resistance, making it harder to turn suddenly. This keeps the wheel centered and stable while still allowing smooth carving.

It’s the best of both worlds: nimble at slow speeds, and rock solid at high speeds.

Carving Like a Motorcycle

The result is a ride that feels more like a motorcycle leaning into a turn than a skateboard or scooter. Instead of forcing the front wheel to change directions, the rider leans and lets the tire profile do the carving. At speed, you’ll notice how the front wheel stays almost perfectly in line with the rear wheel — tracing smooth arcs and delivering that endless, flowing sensation that 2Swift is known for.