Top Skateboards for 6-Year-Olds: Safe, Tested, and Ready to Roll

Choosing the right skateboard for a 6-year-old can be tricky. There’s a lot of low-quality equipment out there that might look appealing but isn’t safe or durable. This guide will help you find the best skateboards for 6-year-olds, focusing on safety and performance based on our testing and experience.

Six years old is an excellent age for kids to start skateboarding, and it aligns with recommendations from The American Academy of Pediatrics. However, every child develops at their own pace. Some might be ready at 5, while others might not be until 7. While it’s not necessary to invest in a professional-grade skateboard, expect to spend between $70 and $120 for a safe, quality board. Before we get to our recommendations, let’s discuss ideal sizes and safety tips.

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What’s the Right Skateboard Size for a 6-Year-Old?

child wearing full protective gear and holding a skateboard

The ideal skateboard width for a 6-year-old falls between 7.0″ and 7.25″. If your child is taller than average or you’re looking for a board that will last for a few years, opt for a 7.25″ deck. By the time most kids reach 10 years old, they’ll typically need a larger board. While larger boards are usable, it’s best to avoid anything wider than 8.0″ for beginners. Kids can adapt to larger skateboards by bending their knees and riding in a crouched position, but a smaller deck will be much easier to control.

If you’re on a tight budget, you could consider a slightly larger board, like a 7.5″ or 7.75″. Your child will adjust, but it might take a little longer to get comfortable. These sizes can last for several years, and you can replace components like wheels, trucks, and bearings as needed. However, starting with a smaller skateboard will make the learning process easier and more enjoyable. Here’s a general guideline:

Age	Kid Height	Skateboard Width
5 and under	3’4″ and under	6.5″ to 7.0″
6 to 8	3’5″ to 4’4″	7.0″ to 7.5″
9 to 12	4’5″ to 5’2″	7.5″ to 8.0″
13 and over	5’3″ and over	8.0″ and over

How to Ensure Safe and Fun Skateboarding

Safety is paramount when kids are learning to skateboard. Make sure they always wear a well-fitting skateboard helmet and bright clothing for visibility. Consider knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards to help keep them safe and motivated. Falling can be discouraging, and proper protective gear can prevent injuries and make the learning process more fun. A helmet should fit snugly, covering the back of the head, and should not move while being worn.

Choose a safe, traffic-free area, such as an empty parking lot, or visit skate parks early in the morning before they become crowded. A smooth surface will make it much easier to learn. Check the area for any potential hazards like pebbles or glass.

Essential Protective Gear for 6-Year-Olds

A variety of skateboard helmets

A helmet is the most crucial piece of protective equipment. Opt for an ASTM-certified helmet for safety and trustworthiness. Cheaper or non-certified helmets may also work, but they might be less comfortable and not offer the same level of protection. An uncomfortable helmet might lead your child to remove it, so it’s essential to find one that fits well and feels comfortable.

Always supervise your child when they’re skateboarding!

You can also find helmets that are suitable for both skateboarding and biking. In this case, you’ll need one that is both ASTM and CSPC certified. Check out our helmet recommendations, and remember that a skateboard helmet should protect the back of the head. We also highly recommend knee pads, wrist guards, and elbow pads. You can often find combo packs that offer good value, like the Protec combo set my own son uses.

What’s the Cost of a Good Kids’ Skateboard?

The price of a skateboard varies, but safe, quality kids’ skateboards generally cost between $60 and $120 USD. Cheaper boards can be found for around $30, but these are often unsafe and not worth the risk. Remember to budget for protective gear and, optionally, skate shoes, which can provide extra grip and balance. Here’s a rough breakdown:

Skateboard: $60 – $120 USD
Helmet: $30 – $50 USD
Protective gear (set): $25 – $40 USD
Skate shoes: $30 – $50 USD

Keep an eye out for sales, as skate shoes are often discounted, and it’s worth checking multiple websites for the best prices on protective gear.

Recommended Skateboards for 6-Year-Olds

While building a skateboard yourself can be a rewarding experience, it can also be a bit daunting, especially if you are new to it. Applying grip tape might be a challenge the first time. Luckily, local skate shops are often willing to help. They can even assemble it for you. Here are a few of the skateboards we have tested and recommend for 6-year-olds:

1. SkateXS Complete

Skate XS skateboard for 6 year old kids

The SkateXS complete skateboard stands out as a superior option. Unlike many kids’ skateboards made with lower-quality birch, SkateXS boards use bamboo combined with maple, making them incredibly durable and more eco-friendly. The softer wheels help avoid getting stuck on cracks and pebbles, making the board easier to control and minimizing the risk of falls.

SkateXS skateboard close upPerfect size

The lightweight trucks offer predictable turning, and the bushings are specifically chosen for 6-year-olds. It comes with high-quality mini logo bearings that perform just as well as top brands. You can customize your board with colorful wheels, kid-friendly graphics, or even your child’s name. Starting at $119.95, SkateXS boards are well worth the investment. Visit SkateXS for more information.

SkateXS Kids Beginner Skateboard

SkateXS Kids Skateboard

This board performs exceptionally well on various surfaces. It offers a smooth, reliable ride straight out of the box.

Custom designed for kids
Handles cracks and pebbles effectively
High-quality parts
Excellent customer support
Safest skateboard we tested

Buy at SkateXS Read Review

2. Santa Cruz Complete

Santa Cruz kids skateboard

The Santa Cruz Complete is another excellent choice. We’ve used this board for several years and have found it to be extremely durable. The combination of a smaller deck, softer wheels, and softer bushings provides a forgiving ride, especially for beginners. Bushings are the plastic tubes that make the board turn. Softer bushings help to correct the direction of the skateboard more easily.

Santa Cruz offers a variety of skateboards designed for kids. Their super micro-sized boards (ideal for 5- to 6-year-olds) come with very soft 83A wheels and 90a bushings. The same goes for micro and mini skateboards (for ages 7 to 9). Santa Cruz’s regular-sized completes use 95A wheels and (still fairly soft) 95A bushings. This board performs well at local skateparks as well as on pavements and rough asphalt, easily handling twigs, small rocks, and cracks. The wheel hardness is an important factor: harder wheels make it more difficult to learn and tend to be very noisy. This board has standard ABEC 3 rated bearings, hardware, Bullet trucks, and grip tape. Check prices and availability on Amazon.

3. Powell Peralta Golden Dragon

Powell Peralta Golden Dragon Skateboard

At 7.625″, the Powell Peralta Golden Dragon is a good choice if you want a skateboard that will last a few years. Although it’s slightly wider than our recommended size for 6-year-olds, it’s suitable for kids up to age 10. The 54mm wheels have a 99a durometer, making them better for skateparks and smooth surfaces. While they can handle rough asphalt, they aren’t designed for long-distance cruising. This board features standard trucks that can handle some wear and tear. It’s a great option for beginners, but not designed for extreme tricks or jumps. Always check the board when it arrives. Make sure the wheels spin freely. If they don’t, simply loosen the nut on the truck axle. This applies to any skateboard you buy, so always inspect it before the first ride. Available on Amazon.

4. Magneto Mini Cruiser

Magneto mini cruiser longboard

Magneto offers reasonably priced skateboards suitable for both kids and beginners. While not a professional-grade skateboard, this mini cruiser features large, soft 60mm wheels that easily roll over cracks and pebbles. The trucks are rather loose, so you may need to adjust them based on your child’s preferences. Many kids enjoy the board right out of the box. It’s very lightweight and easy to carry. This is a solid choice that turns well, and it’s often available at a discount. Available in several prints on Amazon. Check out our Magneto Mini Cruiser review.

5. Meow Skateboards

Meow skateboard from different angles

Meow Skateboards feature fun, eye-catching cat designs. They offer a smooth ride on rough surfaces and aren’t very loud. The board comes with Meow’s own parts and soft wheels that provide good grip. It’s especially suitable for 6-year-olds because the wheels are big and soft, making it stable and easy to ride over small obstacles. At 7.0″ wide, it will also work for 7 and 8-year-olds. Initially, we had some issues with the wheels not spinning properly, but after adding some lubricant and loosening the axle nut a little, it worked great.

6. Arbor Pocket Rocket

Arbor Pocket Rocket

The Arbor Pocket Rocket is a 26″ mini cruiser that provides a very stable ride, despite its compact size. While it is more expensive, it will last for many years, making it a good investment for smaller riders. After a few years, your child can decide if they want to focus on cruising or more technical skateboarding tricks. The Arbor Bogart wheels offer a very smooth ride, easily rolling over cracks, pebbles, and other obstacles. This board is not designed for tricks, but it is great for riding around the playground or sidewalk. It handles rough surfaces well. While this board is excellent, the price point may not be suitable for all parents. Check out Arbor boards on Amazon.

Conclusion

Many great options are available for 6-year-old beginner skateboarders. Be sure to avoid very cheap boards priced below $40-50, as these are usually not very fun to ride. They often break after just a few rides, and their bearings are of very low quality. Investing in a quality board is the best approach. They are safer, last longer, and the components are easier to replace if necessary. While you don’t need to purchase a skateboard specifically sized for kids, it can help them learn faster. However, you might need to buy a new skateboard every three years as your child grows.

Ruben vee