Image: Momjunction Design Team
Skateboarding is a fun sport that teaches precision and balance. It also encourages your kids to be active and socialize with others. You may want to look at some of the best skateboards for kids. Skateboarding enhances coordination, reflexes, flexibility, and stamina in the hands, eyes, legs, and feet (1).
Get your child started with a beginner’s skateboard that can help them learn to balance on their tiny feet. Several studies and tests state that skating can help with mental health and resilience (2). This post includes a list of some of the best-selling skateboards for kids currently available on the market. Check them out and buy the most suitable one.
Top Picks
Safety Measures To Take When Skateboarding
Before we move on to the list of the best skateboards for kids, here are a few safety features you must be aware of.
- Whether your child is a beginner or advanced skater, wearing a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads is a must when they skate. The protective gear prevents injuries in case of accidents and makes the rides safer.
- The bearings of the skateboard must be tested and checked before every ride. They must also be replaced regularly.
- You must also ensure that the trucks of the boards are tight before every ride. Loose trucks could lead to difficulty in maneuvering and cause falls.
Types Of Skateboards
There are four types of skateboards you can choose from.
- Longboard: Any skateboard that is 33in or longer is classified as a longboard. It is suitable for regular riding and not built for performing tricks. It can be ridden on a downhill, smooth roads, and even cover long distances comfortably.
- Cruiser: It is shorter than longboards and offers easy movements. The cruiser board is suitable for children above nine years of age. It can be ridden on smooth surfaces.
- Mini-cruiser: This is smaller than a cruiser, is lightweight and portable. It is suitable for beginners and can be used downhill, skate parks, and other smooth terrains.
- Double-kick: It has lifted edges and a lowered center and is ideal for performing tricks. The double-kick skateboard is suitable for any age.
13 Best Skateboards For Kids
1. Best Asymmetric Kick-Tailed Skateboard: Magneto Mini Cruiser Skateboard
If you’re in search of a durable deck, this time-tested 27.5-inch Magneto mini-cruiser skateboard with double-kick trails can be a good choice. It has beginner-friendly features to help your child learn the general tricks such as flips, ollies, and mannies with high control. The grip tape feature for easy stopping makes this a complete board set for kids.
Pros
- Lightweight, portable, and wide board
- Asymmetric kick tails for changing direction
- Unique graphics and a sand-grit Canadian maple finish
- Trucks made of high-quality cast aluminum
- Skateboard’s wheels and bushings are made of SHR polyurethane
Cons
- Wheels might stick out slightly
"I bought this skateboard for my son as a Christmas present, and we are impressed with its functionality and size. The bearings and wheels needed an upgrade after consistent use, but overall, it is a solid choice for beginners."
2. Best Fully Assembled Skateboard: Retrospec Quip Skateboard
For a flexible board to enable free movement, consider the plastic skateboard from Retrospec. Due to its molded pattern and six-inch deck width, this retro-styled, kid-friendly skateboard offers style, control, and maneuverability. Liked by several reviewers, your child can carry in their backpack to school or the park as it is portable and lightweight.
Pros
- Contains ABEC-7 bearings for precise control
- Weighs only 4lb
- Five-inch trucks attached to hard wheels made of polyurethane
- Injection-molded style
- Fully assembled
- Can hold weight up to 220lb
- Available in lengths of 22.5 inches and 27 inches
Cons
- Might require some adjustments for optimal performance
- May feel small to some
"This one's really classy and neat! I like that it is portable and crafted from quality materials, but I don't find it beginner-friendly as it has a smaller wheelbase that needs skills to stabilize properly. It's not the best for tricks, but it offers a smooth ride."
Quick tip3. Best Beginner-Friendly Skateboard: Apollo Longboards
If you’re looking for a tried-and-tested board that provides smooth and stable performance on both smooth and rough surfaces, this kids’ skateboard from Apollo is what you need. With a 38 x 9 deck, this starter board can be a good pick for beginners. The lightweight board for kids can provide a great start to your child’s longboarding journey.
Pros
- Made from Canadian maple wood
- Firm traction provided by sandblasted grip tape
- Features 7 inches aluminum trucks
- Has HR78A purple wheels for smooth rides
- T-tool can be used to customize rides
Cons
- Paint might start to peel off with time
- May make creaking noises
"I've been enjoying this longboard as it has a nice flex, thanks to its bamboo and fiberglass construction, and its premium bearings ensure a smooth ride. It also has a durable deck and quality wheels, but I've occasionally noticed a strange clicking sound. Still, it's a solid choice for leisure rides."
Magneto Mini Cruiser Skateboard Best Assymetric Kick-Tailed Skateboard | Retrospec Quip Skateboard Best Fully Assembled Skateboard | Apollo Longboards Best Beginner-Friendly Skateboard | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Maple Wood | - | Aluminum, Maple Wood |
| Weight | 6 Pounds | - | - |
| Color | Heart Beat | Americana | - |
| Dimensions LxWxH | 27.5 x 7.5 x 6 inches | 23 x 7 x 4 inches | - |
| Wheel Material | Polyurethane | Polyurethane | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 3,184 | 11,836 | 2,823 |
| Price | $79.99 | $33.99 | $53.01 |
4. Best Durable Skateboard: WhiteFang Skateboards
The 31.75in WhiteFang longboard with precise bearings offers high spin speed and can be used by your child for commuting or skateboarding on ramps or in the skate parks. This durable, large board for kids has a concave design and lets your child master new tricks effortlessly.
Pros
- Sand papered surface locks the feet
- Made from seven-layered maple deck
- Can support a maximum weight capacity of 330lb
- Durable Wheels are made of polyurethane with ABEC-9 bearings and 95A PU bushings
Cons
- Deck might be slightly warped
"I found this skateboard pretty comfortable and stable. It's easy to learn on, but I had to tweak the wheels and trucks at the start. It works well on smooth surfaces, although navigating bumpy terrain was challenging. Overall, its solid build and attractive design make it a good option for me."
Quick tip5. Best Uniquely-Designed Skateboard: Meketec Skateboards
Weighing only 3.8lb and measuring 22.5in in length, this parent-recommended plastic board from Meketec can serve as a compact and portable commuting option for both children and adults. Your child can roll on any terrain with its sturdy polyurethane deck material without compromising on safety. This cruise starter board with fun designs for kids is suitable for beginners and makes an ideal gift for children.
Pros
- Available in 27 color combinations
- Supports maximum weight capacity of 200lb
- Skateboard’s wheels are made of polyurethane with ABEC-7 bearings
- Unique, pleasing design
- Tested and certified safe
- Can be used for cruising and rolling in the skate park
Cons
- Might not be suitable for advanced learners
- Some might find it small
"This skateboard has impressive durability; it easily handles my five-year-old's rough play. Its smooth handling wheels make cruising a joy, and the size is just right. Also, my kid loves the vibrant colors."
6. Best Skateboard With LED Wheels: Merkapa Skateboard For Beginners
The kids’ skateboard from Merkap is built with LED wheels to make your child’s ride fun. Its hard wheels auto-charge when they spin and don’t require any batteries or electric charge to function. With its six-inch deck width and durable deck material of polypropylene, this 22in single-kick cruiser deck would make a good present for your child’s outdoor adventures.
Pros
- High-quality truck made of aluminum alloy
- Large polyurethane 78A wheels with ABEC-7 bearings
- Supports maximum weight capacity of 180lbs
- Provides high abrasion resistance and firm grip
Cons
- Might bend slightly due to weight
- Wheels might not light up well over time
"This board is solid pick for newbies. My kids loved it from the get-go, and the colorful designs have really captivated them. I think it's a reliable choice for learning since it's quite stable and sturdy."
Do remember7. Best Durable Skateboard: Hikole Skateboard
The Hikole skateboard for children is made of high-quality materials and offers a comfortable, stable ride to beginners. Due to its durable, high-quality truck, your child can learn basic tricks such as OL action and 360s without any difficulty and gain a competitive edge over their peers. With a five-year warranty, this 31in cruise board with 8in width is an ideal purchase for growing children.
Pros
- Made of seven-layered Canadian maple wood
- Can withstand 220lb maximum weight
- Wheels are made of polyurethane and have ABEC-7 bearings for precise control
- Black grip tape provides traction
- CE, CPC, EN71, and UKCA tested and certified to ensure your riding safety.
Cons
- Might wear out with extensive use
- Trucks may require frequent tightening
"This skateboard has been a reliable and sturdy choice for my kids, providing comfort and confidence as they learn their first tricks. The vibrant, eye-catching design makes it even more impressive. While it's not professional-grade, it's a great first board for rookies."
8. Best Versatile Board: Metroller Skateboards
The 31in kid skateboard has a double kick concave body, suitable for beginners and skilled riders. Due to the support provided by its aluminum alloy trucks, your child can learn new skills or excel in the learned ones. Bring the joy of longboarding into the lives of your children with this versatile board by Metroller.
Pros
- Made of seven-layered Canadian maple wood
- Supports 220lb maximum weight capacity
- Known for its safety and control
- Shock-absorbent and durable wheels made of 95A rebound polyurethane
- ABEC-7 bearings with PU bushings for a smooth and stable ride on all terrains
- Sandpaper provides traction and anti-slip feature
- Intricate and colorful prints
Cons
- Might need some adjustments for optimal performance
"I found this board great for tricks and skate parks. It's durable and the design is exactly to my taste. There's room for some adjustments and upgrades, but even without those, it gives me a decently smooth ride and is nice for casual skateboarding."
9. Best Customizable Design Skateboard: Sangde Standard Skateboards
If you’re looking for a longboard with colorful designs, high-performance features, and several positive reviews, you can opt for Sangde’s kid skateboard. It has a five-inch aluminum truck made of polyurethane to make your child’s ride comfortable. The safety of your child is assured with its water-resistant grip tape that provides traction. Due to its double warped support and a length of 31inches, this skateboard supports strength to make difficult tricks such as pivots and slides effortless.
Pros
- Self-generating polyurethane flashing hard wheels
- Made from natural wood
- Can hold 220lb maximum weight capacity
- Aluminum alloy wheels with ABEC-7 bearings
- Offers customizable decoration
Cons
- Might not be suitable for intermediate learners
- Wheels may require frequent tightening
10. Best High-Stability Skateboard: Geelife Mini Cruiser Skateboard
Encourage your child to skate with this colorful 22in mini cruiser board from Geelife. The aluminum alloy base plate with chromium steel bearings offer stability to both beginners and pro-riders. The lightweight and portable skateboard let your child commute, cruise, and roll at a skate park. With its webbed board design available in multiple colors, this colorful board for kids can provide a great start to your child’s skateboarding journey.
Pros
- Deck material is reinforced to provide stability
- Can hold a maximum weight of 330lb
- Self-charging and illuminating skateboard wheels
- Waterproof grip tape provides traction
Cons
- Illumination might be a bit flackery
"I recently picked up this skateboard for my son, and he loves it. He loves the stylish design, and the light-up wheels have definitely won him over. I like that it is lightweight and easy to transport. Moreover, it delivers on performance and style."
11. Best Threaded-Wheel Skateboard: Andrimax Skateboards
The Andrimax skateboard with beginner-friendly features for kids is a comfortable and safe way to introduce your child to skating. It has threaded wheels that offer a smooth and stable ride on any surface, making it a trusted choice of many parents. With its non-slip and waterproof grip tape and 31in length, it is easy to operate by children and supports advanced tricks such as sliding, pivoting, and sharp turns.
Pros
- Made of seven-layered maple wood
- Can hold 220lb weight
- Rebound wheels made of 95A polyurethane with noise-free ABEC-11 bearings
- Base truck is made of aluminum alloy
- PU damping system in the base provides safety and comfort
- Ideal for children above four years of age
Cons
- Might be slightly challenging for beginners
"This skateboard is bigger than I expected, so it works well for me and my son. He adores it—especially the light-up wheels and fun graphics. I liked that it came fully assembled and ready to roll; however, I needed a T-tool to make adjustments."
12. Best Small-Sized Skateboard: Gonex Mini Cruiser Skateboard
The Gone Cruiser board is convenient for children to have a ride to the skate park or class. Made of high-quality components, this plastic skateboard for young riders offers resistance and control effortlessly. With only 22in in length, the high-quality board can fit right into your child’s backpack and let them enjoy a safe skating session anytime they want to.
Pros
- Made of high-quality polypropylene
- Polyurethane wheels have ABEC-7 bearings
- Aluminum alloy truck for grip
- Supports 198 Lb maximum weight
- Available in many patterns
- Ideal for children above three years of age
Cons
- Bearings might not be sturdy enough
"The vibrant colors and solid construction make this board stand out. It has a great size, and its smooth and stable wheels make learning easy. Surprisingly, it holds up well, even with adult weight, though the size was a bit small for my feet. All in all, it's worth considering."
13. Best With High-Rebound Wheels: Gieeu Colorful Skateboard
Flaunt your colorful and lightning-fast wheels the next time you go skateboarding with this awesome board. It comes with an eight-inch deck width and is made from a sturdy combination of aluminum and maple, making it durable enough to withstand up to 220lbs. Ideal for experienced skaters and beginners alike, the high-quality board features anti-shock and high-rebound wheels to give you a smooth, safe, and seamless ride. You can use it even in the dark as it features light-up wheels.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Safe for all levels of riders
- Ideal for all surfaces, including rough surfaces
- Super-easy to stop and maneuver
- Enough space for both feet
Cons
- Non-skid material might peel off over time
"I picked this board for its durable build and smooth ride, making it easy for my kids to learn the basics. They love the light-up wheels, although they were dimmer than I expected. While it is not built for advanced tricks or speed, it's a pretty decent option overall."
How To Choose The Right Skateboard For Kids?
Now that you’ve read about the best skateboards for kids, you might have understood a bit more about their construction. Here are a few more features to consider.
- Style: A skateboard can be used for commuting or performing different tricks. You can opt for a longboard if you want your child trained in tricks or go for a cruise board that is only meant for riding around. Cruise boards have a higher deck width and offer smoother rides.
- Materials: Most skateboards either use plastic or natural wood as deck materials. Maple wood is usually used for construction and is piled in seven or nine layers for firmness. It is durable and promises strength. On the other hand, plastic deck material is used in the construction of cruisers. Though these models are inexpensive, they may not be long-lasting. Few manufacturers also construct the board using bamboo and fiberglass.
- Deck shape: This may vary based on your preference. A skateboard’s deck comes in the following shapes:
- Drop through: These models are stable as they place the legs at a lower level to trucks. Due to their concave board design, they provide a low center of gravity, ideal for cruisers.
- Pintail: These models have a flat platform and slim tails to accommodate larger wheels. They provide high stability and are ideal for beginners.
- Short board: These boards are small and suitable for skating on the streets. They are easy to perform tricks.
- Cruiser: These boards have kicktails, offer high stability, and are suitable for just rolling around.
- Trucks: These parts attach the wheels to the deck. Aluminum trucks are usually sturdy and offer easy maneuverability. For any skater keen to perform tricks, the trucks should be made of metal to ensure safety and stability.
- Bushings: The tiny rubber pieces inside the trucks are called bushings. They are usually made of polyurethane and help in the effortless turning of the wheels in the prescribed directions.
- Wheels: These are made of hard polyurethane, which is firm and vibration-absorbent. They can be used in skate parks and on cracked roads as they are shock-resistant. On the other hand, large wheels, usually seen in cruise skateboards, are only suitable for riding on smooth surfaces.
- Bearings: These skate tools connect the wheels to the trucks. They help the wheels spin and have American Bearing Manufacturers Associations (ABEC) ratings given to them that determine their quality
- ABEC 1 is the inexpensive bearings but the least precise.
- ABEC 3 bearings are usually found in low-quality skateboards. They may not offer a smooth ride.
- ABEC 5 provides good speed and available at a reasonable price.
- ABEC 7 bearings are of good quality and offer smooth performance. They are expensive but are suitable for committed skaters.
- ABEC 9 bearings are suitable for fast riders. They are highly expensive.
- ABEC 11 bearings are of a high standard and offer high tolerance. They are also expensive.
- Grip tape: The black part that is seen on top of the deck is called grip tape. It prevents your feet from slipping and provides traction while riding.
[ Read : Jaspo Hurricane Wooden Skateboard Review ]
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does my child need knee pads and a helmet when skateboarding?
Yes, anybody who skateboards needs knee pads, helmets, and other safety gear. Skating requires safety gear even after your child has mastered it. Accidents could happen anytime, so it is better to be safe than sorry and prevent unforeseen injuries.
2. When is my child ready to go to a skate park?
If your child can squat and balance the board well after training and gets up after a fall, they can skate at a park. The ideal age is between six and ten years. Falling right to prevent severe injuries is one of the essential tricks of skateboarding. If your child has mastered this art, they are ready to go to a skate park.
3. How long will a skateboard last?
The skateboard decks may not last long when regularly used as they are made of plastic or wood and are prone to breakage during tricks. To avoid any excess cost, you can purchase several decks and replace them when broken rather than getting a new skateboard.
4. What skateboard should kids start with?
Mini cruiser kids skateboards, beginner-friendly longboards, or starter boards might be a better choice for beginners as they are easy to maneuver and balance.
5. What is the best size skateboard for kids?
Skateboards for kids come in different sizes, and you should choose one based on the rider’s age, height, shoe size, and weight recommendations by the manufacturer. You can choose a junior skateboard in size ranging between 27 and 31 inches in length and between seven and eight inches in width.
6. What is a good size skateboard for a 6-year-old?
Mini child-sized skateboards with a width of 6.75 to 7.25 inches might be a good size for children between six and eight years old.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose has years of experience creating informative and engaging content. With a keen attention to detail, her experience lies in the categories of toys and gifts. Passionate about bringing curated lists to her audience, she gives you this list of the best skateboards for boys and girls. Choosing the right skateboard for your child will be a breeze as she provides a detailed review of each product and its pros and cons. She also includes a detailed buying guide to make your purchasing experience easy.
The Bottom Line
Gifting your child a skateboard can encourage them to explore an exciting new outdoor activity while getting sufficient exercise and fresh air. To select the best skateboard for kids, you must consider quality, durability, weight, portability, and safety. Our list includes the top skateboards available online with information on their specifications, such as maximum weight capacity, wheel material, body material, and traction. Before purchasing a skateboard, ensure its style and size suit your child. Considering these factors, we recommend the retro-style and portable Retrospec Quip Skateboard with a molded pattern, and the beginner-friendly WhiteFang Skateboards with precise bearings.
Infographic: How To Maintain A Skateboard?
Skateboards are the ultimate urban mobility tools for riders of all ages, offering a thrilling way to explore and perform tricks. By regularly maintaining skateboards, riders can enhance their safety, maximize the board’s functionality, and extend its lifespan, enabling endless hours of thrilling rides. Check out the following infographic to learn how to care for your skateboard efficiently.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Health Benefits of Skateboarding; Science in Our World: Certainty and Controversy
https://sites.psu.edu/siowfa16/2016/09/11/health-benefits-of-skateboarding/ - Groundbreaking Study Redefines Skateboarding Culture; Pullias Centre for Higher Education
https://pullias.usc.edu/blog/groundbreaking-study-redefines-skateboarding-culture/ - Skateboarding Activity Card
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/bam/cards/skateboard.html
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