Selecting the perfect skateboard for your child involves considering size, safety, and quality. While price and appealing graphics are important, safety should be the top priority. Avoid cheap toy skateboards and invest in quality gear. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the best choice for your young skater.
Kid-Sized Skateboards: Why They Matter
child holding a skateboard
Kid-sized skateboards are designed to enhance control and make learning easier. These boards allow children to adopt a natural stance, with their feet positioned comfortably shoulder-width apart. In contrast, a wider or longer deck can force a child to spread their feet too far, hindering balance and control. A properly sized board allows kids to ride more naturally, without needing to overcompensate for a board that is too big. When using a board that is too big, kids often bend their knees excessively to keep their center of gravity low, which can be tiring and less effective for learning. While some children may initially find a wider deck easier due to the extra foot room, it can hinder their progress as they start riding and performing tricks.
Child Skateboard Size Chart: Finding the Perfect Fit
The right size of skateboard depends on your child’s height and age. Here’s a helpful chart to guide you:
| 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 7.5″ |
| 9 to 12 | 4’5″ to 5’2″ | 7.5″ to 8.0″ |
| 13 and over | 5’3″ or over | 8.0″+ |
These recommendations are based on practical experience, but individual needs may vary.
Safety First: Essential Protective Gear
kid in skateboard protective gear
Never compromise on safety. Alongside the skateboard, your child needs a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and proper skate shoes. It’s important to ensure the protective gear fits snugly without being too restrictive. Look for brands like TSG, Protec, or Triple Eight, known for their quality and reliability. Consider buying combo sets for the best value. A well-fitting helmet is essential for protecting your child’s head, and you should also invest in quality knee, elbow, and wrist pads to reduce the risk of injury.
Skate shoes provide better grip and control over the skateboard. Their design enhances the connection between the feet and the board. Visit our recommended protective gear sets for kids and a quality helmet page for more information.
The Cost of a Good Setup
skateboard helmet, shoes, and protective gear
A quality kids’ skateboard can range from $50 to $130. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of protective gear and skate shoes. Helmets typically cost between $30 and $50, while a set of knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards can be found for $25 to $40, especially if you buy a combo pack. Skate shoes, often available on sale, will likely cost between $30 and $50. Investing in all these items will help keep your child safe and comfortable.
Ideal Age for Kids to Start Skateboarding
baby sneakers on a hand skateboard
Generally, children under the age of 5 should not skateboard. Doctors recommend waiting until at least 5 years old for safety reasons. While some talented young children may start earlier, these cases are typically guided by experienced skateboarders. It’s crucial to supervise younger children closely. Here’s a breakdown by age:
Skateboarding at 3: Not Recommended
At age 3, children’s muscles, particularly their neck muscles, aren’t fully developed, making skateboarding risky. Constant supervision is crucial if you decide to let a child of this age try.
Skateboarding at 4: Proceed with Caution
Children at the end of age 4 might start with a small, junior-sized protective set and helmet. Although some 4-year-olds display talent, they often receive guidance from professionals, not reflecting the average experience.
Skateboarding at 5: A Good Starting Point
By age 5, children typically have the motor skills and muscle strength needed for skateboarding. Supervise them closely, ensure they wear protective gear, and consider a skateboard between 6.5″ and 7.0″ wide. Check out the skateboards we tested for 5-year olds.
Skateboarding at 6 to 10: Perfect Age Range
This age range is ideal for kids to learn skateboarding. Continue to supervise them until age 10. We’ve tested many skateboards for this age group, including recommendations for:
- Skateboards for 6 year olds
- Skateboards for 7 year olds
- Skateboards for 8 year olds
- Skateboards for 9 and 10 year olds
Types of Skateboards for Kids
a cruiser and a skateboard next to eachother
For children, we recommend either a cruiser skateboard or a classic popsicle-shaped skateboard.
Cruiser skateboards feature larger, softer wheels, making them easier to ride and navigate small obstacles. They are excellent for beginners but not suitable for performing tricks.
Popsicle skateboards have a nose and a kicktail with harder, smaller wheels. They are designed for tricks and performing well in skate parks. Kid-sized popsicle skateboards often have slightly softer wheels for a smoother ride.
Understanding Skateboard Components
It’s beneficial to understand what a skateboard is made of. Here are the key parts:
Skateboard components
- Deck: A 7-ply maple wood board, compressed into a mold.
- Grip tape: Prevents slipping off the deck.
- Trucks: T-shaped components that hold the wheels. They include a baseplate attaching to the deck, bushings that enable turns, and a hanger that connects all components.
- Wheels
- Bearings: Allow the wheels to spin.
- Spacers: Protect bearings from damage.
- Hardware: Used to attach the trucks to the deck.
All parts are replaceable as they wear out.
Why You Should Avoid Toy Skateboards
minority skateboards suck
Steer clear of cheap, unsafe “toy” skateboards, often sold at big-box stores or online marketplaces. These boards are made from low-quality materials and break easily, which is particularly dangerous for kids. These brands to avoid include:
- Minority
- White fang
- Merkapa
- Hikole
- Puente
- Cal 7
- Krown Wolf
- KPC Pro
- Beleeve
A good skateboard will outlast a cheap one by eight times or more. Toy skateboards often come as a complete setup sealed in plastic, have decks made of bendable birch wood, are excessively heavy, and have wheels that stop spinning quickly.
Recommended Skateboards for Kids
We’ve tested many skateboards and recommend the following for children. These boards are chosen for their safety, durability, and suitability for young riders.
SkateXS Skateboards
SkateXS kids skateboard
SkateXS offers custom, durable boards made from bamboo. They can be customized with your child’s name and feature excellent designs for both boys and girls. While they are not the cheapest option, their quality is exceptional, and they’re specifically designed for kids.
SkateXS Kids Beginner SKateboard
The boards feature soft wheels, quality maple/bamboo decks with great graphics, quality bearings, and decent trucks. They perform exceptionally well on sidewalks, concrete, and asphalt, handling cracks and pebbles effectively.
SkateXS Kids Beginner SKateboard
Our Score
SkateXS Kids Skateboard
Performs great on sidewalks, concrete, and asphalt. Offers a smooth and reliable ride straight out of the box.
- Custom Designed for kids
- Can handle pebbles and cracks
- High-quality Parts
- Excellent customer support
- Safest skateboard we tested
Buy at SkateXSRead Review
SkateXS skateboard up close
SkateXS provides excellent customer support and is committed to ensuring kids have a positive skateboarding experience. Their basic skateboards are great for beginners and offer great stability.
Boy on a SkateXS skateboard
Check out their skateboards at SkateXS or read our full SkateXS review.
Santa Cruz Skateboards
Santa Cruz Complete skateboard classic dot
Santa Cruz is one of the oldest skateboard brands and offers smaller-sized boards with high-quality components. The OJ wheels are perfect for street skating, handling rough surfaces, small rocks, and twigs. The soft wheels also reduce noise and vibration. Check Amazon for availability.
Enjoi Skateboards
Enjoy kids skateboard
Enjoi skateboards are known for appealing graphics and quality construction. The softer bushings help kids steer without losing balance, and the smooth wheels enhance control on rough surfaces.
Enjoy complete skateboard
Enjoi provides colorful designs and quality components, making them a safe and fun option.
Magneto Mini Cruiser
Magneto mini cruiser longboard
The Magneto Mini Cruiser is great for kids who want a board for cruising rather than tricks. The large, soft wheels handle rough terrain well. While the bearings could be improved, it is a solid choice. Read our review or check prices on Amazon.
Meow Skateboards
Meow kids Skateboard
Meow offers a range of sizes for kids and adults with quality parts. The 53mm 99a wheels are great for both street and skatepark use. The bearings are slower than other options, but the build quality and price make it an excellent choice. Click here for availability on Amazon.
Skateboarding: A Fun and Healthy Activity
girl riding a skateboard for the first time
Skateboarding provides essential physical activity, strengthening muscles and improving motor skills. While safety concerns are valid, they are manageable with proper gear. Consider visiting a skate park when your child has progressed; do so during less crowded hours and encourage them to interact with other skaters.
Replacing Skateboard Parts
Be aware that skateboard parts need to be replaced over time. The deck, in particular, may wear down, chip, or develop a sharp “razor tail.” Replace a skateboard deck when needed to ensure safety.
Final Thoughts
Start skateboarding around age five, steer clear of toy skateboards, and consider visiting your local skate shop or buying from a reputable online brand. Check out our recommended skateboards for kids. A used skateboard may be an option, but ensure its condition is good. Make sure your child always wears protective gear and stay close when they’re young.
Ruben vee
Ruben Vee
I’m an aged skateboarder and still shred responsibly. Started skateboarding 25 years ago, peaked in the 2000’s, and still ride to this day. I am a total geek when it comes to skateboard gear, love test to stuff and share my findings.
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