11+ Best Kids Skateboards | Tested By Kids of All Ages + Video!

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After buying and testing many skateboards, it’s time to review the best skateboards for beginner kids beginners that are safe. Because there is so much poor advice out there, I want to share some real experience.

I and my son have been skateboarding for a while and tested many skateboards for kids. We love to ride and we learned a lot over the years.

Over the years, I bought many boards that work well for kids. Decent skateboards are a bit more expensive than low quality skateboards. You need something reliable, safe, and fun to skate.

I won’t be recommending $40 boards other ‘skateboarding’ sites and ‘advisors’ talk about, it’s low-quality and unsafe, with the exception of one skateboard that did meet our safety standards..

Skip directly to our recommended boards or keep on reading to learn what to look for.

First, let’s talk a bit about what to look for when buying a kids skateboard, so you can make an educated choice. It’s not just about the skateboard but also about safety, where it’s going to be used, and its purpose.

Note: this post contains sponsored links which might earn me a small commission without additional costs to you.

What Are The Best Skateboards For kids?

After extensive testing we recommend the following skateboards for beginner kids. If you are on a budget we suggest the Powell-Peralta Golden Dragon. For the highest quality we recommend the SkateXS beginner skateboard. For kids who just want to ride comfortably we recommend the Magneto Mini Cruiser and Penny.

How Much Does A Kids Skateboard Cost?

Skateboards for kids cost between $30USD and $120USD. Cheaper skateboards are often unsafe and break easily. Keep in mind that you also need a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and skate shoes are recommended. The additional gear costs between $70USD and $120 USD.

What’s A Good Age For Kids To Start Skateboarding?

The best age to start skateboarding is 6 years and older. Kids under 5 should not ride a skateboard, their bodies can’t handle the stress and their little skeletons aren’t ready yet (link to scientific study).

Be responsible and wait until a child is old enough. We don’t recommend skateboards for toddlers. There are always exceptions, not every kid is the same. I personally waited until my son was 6 years old just to be safe.

What To Look for When buying a Kids Skateboard

Before we get to the recommended skateboards, make sure to know what you need. There are many unsafe skateboards out there and if you don’t know anything about skateboards you, end with an inferior product. Consider the following:

1. Protective gear.
2. Terrain where to board is going to be used.
3. Proper size skateboard for children.
4. Get familiar with the parts of a skateboard
5. Cool graphics are highly motivating.
6. Type of skateboard: popsicle or cruiser?
7. Custom and standard skateboard.
8. Quality and brand.

1. Kids Safety and Skateboarding: Protective Gear and Shoes

The first to consider is protective gear, get a helmet and a set of decent knee and elbow pads. Not only does it help to keep kids unharmed when they fall, it also is a big motivator and makes it all less scary. A kid will not enjoy skateboarding if they hurt themselves, at least most kids.

Often overlooked but very important are skate shoes. The shoes need to have a flat outsole (like Vans) to provide grip and stability. Snickers with thick outsoles make it very hard to control a skateboard. So at least get a helmet and skate shoes (often on sale).

All things considered, this seems like a huge investment. If you compare it to other sports, it’s not that bad. You can save a lot buying stuff on sale!

2. Type of Terrain and Wheels

Smaller harder wheels are suitable for tricks where softer and larger wheels offer a stable ride.

Riding on rough terrain requires different wheels than riding on smooth concrete. Think about where the skateboard is going to be used and what the main purpose is. Just keep in mind that softer wheels make less noise, and roll smoothly over small pebbles and cracks.

Consider a popsicle skateboard with slightly softer wheels for outdoor skateboarding on surfaces like asphalt, sidewalks, or front yard (brick) pavements.

For skate parks (usually concrete) a popsicle with harder wheels work well. Consider a cruiser if a kid just wants to learn to ride.

Here’s a very simplified overview of wheel hardness and their purpose.

Wheel Hardness	Purpose
80A to 90A	Learning to ride & cruising on rough surfaces
90A to 95A for	Learning to ride, less issues with pebbles
96A to 101A	Great for concrete and skate parks

3. Proper Skateboard Size

While a kid can learn to ride on an adult sized skateboard, a smaller size popsicle skateboard is recommended. The proper size depends on their height. Note that it’s about the width, not the length of a skateboard. The length of a skateboard is adjusted to the width. Here’s a kids skateboard size table as a general guideline:

Age	Kid height	Skateboard width
5 or under	3’4 or under	6.5″ to 7.0″
6 to 8	3’5 to 4’4	7.0″ to 8.0″
9-12	4’5 to 5’2	7.5″ to 8.0″
13 and over	5’3 or over	8.0″ and wider

4. Skateboard Parts Explained

I’ll briefly explain the parts of a skateboard so you know what I mean when we get to the boards I recommend. Here are the most important parts of a skateboard:

• Deck: usually made of 7 plies of hard rock maple, cheaper skateboard decks are made of birch and are less durable. A quality deck is stiff and not too flexible. On top of a deck is grip tape (sand paper like material) to prevent slipping.
• Trucks: T-shaped metal components that allow a skateboard to turn, quality varies a lot.
• Bushings: Plastic barrel-cones that are part of the trucks and guide the trucks when turning.
• Wheels: wheels vary in sizes and hardness (durometer). Softer (and bigger) wheels deal well with rough surfaces where harder (smaller) wheels offer more stability when doing tricks in skate parks. Softer wheels aren’t as loud as small hard wheels.
• Bearings: fit inside the skateboard wheels, allowing them to spin smoothly and efficiently on the axle of the skateboard truck.

5. Graphics & Motivation

Graphics are important. Not for how a board performs but to get a kid stoked (as skateboarders often say). A nice graphic speaks to a child and motivates to go out there and skate. Skateboarding is a great way to make friends and a good exercise, so any positive encouragement is a plus.

6. Types of Skateboards to Consider

There are 2 types of skateboards you can pick for a child, some are meant for tricks and some for cruising. We only recommend popsicles and cruisers for kids, and advice against longboards for kids under 13.

The classic popsicle: The name comes from its resemblance to a popsicle stick, with a symmetrical shape where both the nose (front) and tail (back) are rounded, and the middle section is largely straight. Popsicle skateboards are great for skate parks en learning tricks. They have smaller and harder wheels which makes them less suitable for riding on rougher surfaces.

Cruiser Skateboards: Cruiser skateboards are great for learning how to ride and have a directional shape. They consist of big soft wheels which don’t get blocked by cracks or pebbles making it a safe choice. The downside is that they aren’t meant for tricks and skate parks. It’s a bit of a mix between a classic skateboard and a longboard.

Longboards: A longboard is longer than a typical skateboard or cruiser. Longboards are bulky and heavy and not great for kids. Longboards reach higher consistent speeds than cruisers and skateboards.

7. Complete Skateboard or Custom Assembled

Most people pick a complete or per-assembled skateboard. They are cheaper than a custom skateboard but have flaws. If you buy a complete from a reputable brand, you’re usually safe. Amazon offers many low quality completes which are cheap but don’t ride well and break easily.

A complete skateboard costs between 70 and 100 bucks, a custom starts around $130 and requires you to do extensive research picking the right parts.

Keep in mind that you often have to adjust a new skateboard if it turns too fast or too slow. All it requires is too loosen the trucks or tighten them a bit. This is a very common issue.

8. Quality and Brands

As a skateboarder that bought many cheaper skateboards, I strongly advice against unknown brands you often see on Amazon. If a skateboard is under $50 USD, it’s very likely a low quality skateboard. Brands links SkateXS, Enjoi, Santa Cruz, and Powell Peralta are a safe choice. Here’s more about about low quality skateboards and what to avoid.

A Selection of Beginner Skateboards For Kids

We’ve selected a couple of skateboards that work well for kids who are about to ride a skateboard for the first time. From the age of 12 and up I recommend assembling a skateboard yourself. 

We tested all the skateboards here to the extreme just to make sure they won’t fall apart easily. They can take lots of abuse even from an adult skateboarder.

SkateXS Complete (High Quality and Safe)

Let’s start with the winner, because the SkateXS Beginner complete is the best skateboard for kids. You get high-quality trucks, SkateXS branded bearings, and colorful SkateXS wheels. This skateboard offers a smooth ride on asphalt, sidewalks, and skate parks.

Suitable for kids from 6 to 12 years old. Tap/click for larger images

The SkateXS Beginner complete stands out as the top choice for kids’ skateboards. It consists of a durable environmentally friendly deck, high-quality trucks, SkateXS bearings, and colorful SkateXS wheels. This is a very versatile skateboard ensuring a smooth ride across all types of terrain, from sidewalks to skate parks.

• Deck: Made from a mix of quality maple wood and bamboo, ensuring durability. Sized ideally for kids of all ages, with guidance from SkateXS to pick the perfect size. Its construction ensures longevity and resilience against wear and tear, with both boys’ and girls’ graphics available.
• Wheels: SkateXS wheels are colorful, providing grip and stability for young riders, with an option for higher-quality Spitfire wheels for more advanced young skaters.
• Trucks: Offers either premium Thunder trucks or the reliable SkateXS street trucks. The latter is especially kid-friendly, featuring lightweight construction and softer bushings for easy turns and stability.
• Bearings: The SkateXS bearings guarantee smoothness, ideal for beginner skaters.

The board also offers options for personalization, a range of sizes and colors, and matching protective gear. The SkateXS skateboard is one of a kind, and is a cut above the rest.

A kids skateboard should be configured in a specific way, and SkateXS does it right. Softer wheels and softer bushings which allows kids to really get to know a skateboard while reducing risk of falling.

The SkateXS skateboard is the most expensive on this list, but not much more expensive compared to boards from known brands (often offering low quality parts).

If you had to buy all the components yourself you would pay a lot more. You get excellent customer service and the owner Bryan is one of the kindest persons I’ve ever met, always willing to help out.

Check SkateXS for availability.

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Magneto Mini Cruiser (Best Beginner Kids Cruiser)

The Magneto Mini Cruiser offers an excellent cruising experience for kids at an affordable price. It’s not designed for tricks, but for cruising. It serves as an ideal learning board for kids, helping them navigate and avoid obstacles like cracks and pebbles. While it may not be of the highest quality, it exceeded my expectations.

A decent cruiser that works for all ages! Tap/click for larger images

• Deck: The deck might appear a tad cheap, but it provides enough space for a comfortable stance. The medium concave allows for rapid foot adjustments during rides, and the kicktail adds control at higher speeds. The transparent grip makes it easy to adjust the stance.
• Wheels: These 60mm wheels handle uneven terrains efficiently, making it easy for kids to ride over gravel and cracks. Although they aren’t as smooth as some premium brands, they’re sufficient for kids.
• Trucks: Out of the box, they might feel loose, so a slight adjustment is recommended for better stability. Ideally, the back trucks should be looser than the front.
• Bearings: While they might not be top-tier, but they work, especially when paired with the board’s larger wheels, ensuring a smooth ride.

Overall, this cruiser is perfect for kids of all ages who are keen to learn skateboarding on diverse surfaces without breaking the bank. My kid enjoyed riding it, and so did I (to some extent).

If you want to learn more about this cruiser check out my extensive Magneto Cruiser review.

It’s often on sale for half the price, so if you have patience keep an eye on it you could get a good deal. Currently available (sponsored link) on Amazon.

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Santa Cruz Classic Dot

Santa Cruz offers skateboard specifically for kids with softer wheels and smaller sizes.

• Super micro: 7.25in X 27.00in for kids between 3 and 6 years old
• Micro: 7.75in X 30.00in for kids between 4 and 8 years old
• Mini: 7.50in X 28.25in for kids between 8 and 12 years old
• Mid: 7.8in X 31in for kids 12 between 8 and 13 years old

The Santa Cruz classic dot is equipped with 52mm OJ wheels at 92A hardness, the Classic Dot is designed for both tricks and regular rides. Works great on rougher surfaces, and handles obstacles well, ensuring safety from small pebbles and cracks.

The board is versatile, great for park and street skateboarding. It’s available in different sizes and graphics, make sure to get the one with the softer OJ wheels.

Suitable for kids from 6 to 12+. Tap/click for larger images

• Deck: unfortunately it’s made birch wood which isn’t the best material. The deck is stable, and ideal for both cruising and tricks. It has slightly less pop compared to a 7-ply maple deck.
• Trucks: Equipped with Bullet trucks that are aligned perfectly with the deck size, ensuring smooth rides without the wheels interfering. They’re comfortable for beginners, free of squeaky noises, and add a level of safety for younger riders.
• Wheels: The OJ Slimeball wheels with a hardness of around 92a, makes them suitable for streets and skate parks, or a smooth cruise. Because the wheels are wider than average they offer more stability.
• Bearings: These might not be the fastest, but perform considerably better in skate parks. A little silicon lube can boost their speed.

The Santa Cruz Classic Dot stands out as a reliable option for kids keen on both cruising and mastering tricks. It offers a balanced ride and decent components. It costs almost as much as the SkateXS skateboard but comes lower quality parts.

If a kid is between sizes, get the bigger one. Check for prices and availability (sponsored link to Amazon).

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Penny Cruiser (Best Beginner Kids Cruiser)

Penny boards are durable and safe and great for kids who want to learn how to ride. They also works well for older kids (like me) who already know how to ride. It combines aesthetics with performance and offers a smoother ride compared to the Magneto cruiser.

It turns well and performs great on abrasive surfaces largely attributed to its large soft wheels and decent bearings. The waffle pattern offers grip and a gentle push makes the board glide effortlessly.

Suitable for kids aged 6 to 40. Tap/click for larger images

• Deck: classic tail, stiff with a little flexibility.
• Trucks: Penny trucks turn well and are extremely durable, can be tightened for beginners if it turns too fast.
• Wheels: Large and soft, capable of ignoring obstacles like small cracks and can even handle patches of gravel and gritty roads.
• Bearings: The bearings are great and work well with the wheels.

Overall, this board is highlighted for its classic vibe, superior performance, durability, and reliability.

This is not only great for kids, I really enjoy riding the cruiser version. The 22″ is a bit small and works for kids from 6 to 9. The 27″ version is better suited for kids from 10 to 12. The are extremely cheap right now (50% to 60% off. Watch out for fakes!

Check for prices and availability (sponsored link to Amazon).

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Powell-Peralta Golden Dragon

I expected the Golden Dragon to be underwhelming but it’s actually a pretty decent skateboard. The trucks turn well and wheels are pretty forgiving, and it feels like a solid skateboard overall. It’s also cheap and often you can get a good deal.

Suitable for kids aged 8 to 12. Tap/click for larger images

The trucks turn well and the bushings aren’t too soft, depending on your kid’s weight you might want to tighten them a little. In the video you can see the trucks are a bit to loose at first but after riding it for a while it gets better.

You get decent wheels, sturdy trucks, mediocre bearings, and a reasonable deck made of birch.

• Deck: Despite being on the smaller side (at 7.625″ wide), its size makes it apt for kids under the age of 12. The concave design facilitates both easy rides and basic tricks. While it might not have the best ‘pop’ due to its budget-friendly nature, it serves as an excellent starter board for kids.
• Trucks: The board boasts of reliable mini logo trucks which are strong and reliable. Great turning ability though you might need to adjust them if they turn too fast.
• Wheels: Designed to be softer than the wheels on professional skateboards, they offer the much-needed grip and stability for young riders. They work well on terrains like asphalt, concrete, and wood.
• Bearings: Not great but not the worst.

Check for prices and availability (sponsored link to Amazon).

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Alternatives: Enjoi, Meow, Blind

Enjoi, Meow, and Blind also offers a wide range of kid friendly skateboards. The graphics are especially appealing to kids.

All the brands offer softer bushings help your kids to steer and correct their stance without losing balance. The smooth wheels makes it easier to control the board on rougher terrain.

Cute panda’s, cats, dogs, colorful board/wheel designs, and quality components, Enjoi is a great and safe choice. Amazon still has a few Enjoi skateboards available: Check for prices on Amazon.

Meow Skateboards offers both skateboard and cruisers and Blind has a range of skate park skateboards with cool graphics.

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Taking Care of A Skateboard

Take care of a skateboard and it will last for a long time. Leave it out of the rain, sun, store it in a dry place, and avoid sand and dust. Store it somewhere high so nobody steps on the board when not paying attention.

If a board gets wet, dry it with a towel. Water is devastating to bearings and wood so make sure to avoid that.

Teaching a Kid Skateboarding for The First Time

1. Inspect the board first, make sure everything is working properly.
2. Strap on safety gear, at least a helmet (seriously).
3. Place the skateboard on a patch of grass to prevent it from moving.
4. Now it’s time to jump on and off the board, feet should be near the bolts.
5. Ask the child to bend their knees knees and lean in all directions to learn how the board responds.
6. See if you can find out if they are regular (75%) of goofy (25%). Left foot in from is regular, right foot in front is goofy. This might take some time but will become clear soon.
7. Time to ride. Gently push your kid, just place your hand on their shoulder. Knees should be bend, face to the riding direction. Make sure they keep their stance centered. They should not lean forward or backwards.
8. Once comfortable ride them around while holding their hands and find out which foot they prefer in front. Ask which direction they feel most comfortable with.
9. Stand next to your kid and let them place their preferred foot near the bolts of the trucks.
10. Tell them to slowly move forward by just walking using one foot (push foot), do this for a couple of minutes. You can either hold their hand or let them do it themselves. Always stay close.
11. Once they can ‘walk’ a little tell them to take one step and put the other foot on the board. Rinse and repeat and they will pick it up.

Here’s a more detailed guide on how to teach a child to skateboard.

Start with the basics and kids become familiar with a board quickly. A patch of grass really works wonders, it also help to figure out if the board is working properly.

Related posts:

• Skateboards for 5-year-olds
• Skateboards for 6-year-olds
• Skateboards for 7-year-olds
• Skateboards for 8-year-olds
• Skateboards for 9-year-olds

Last Words

I hope you found what you’re looking for, or at least learned something. There is a so much more I would like to tell you but it’s already a lengthy post. Once you decided on the right skateboard, make sure to identify the front and back of a skateboard and learn how to adjust the tightness of the trucks if a skateboard turns too much or just won’t.

Learn how to adjust the trucks so when it turns to slow or too fast! This is very common with new skateboards.

Last tip: Don’t push kids because it only will backfire, all kids are unique and some learn faster than others. It’s all about fun. If a kid needs time to gain confidence, let them watch other skaters and help them out when they are ready.

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