Cautionary Note: Pediatricians highly recommend that children under age 5 not be introduced to skateboarding. Teach your child responsible skating habits, including the use of protective gear and safety near streets and in skate parks.
So, whether they saw someone skateboarding at the park, their older sibling is already a skater, or they were tipped off on YouTube, your little one has it in their mind to be the next Tony Hawk.
It can be tough to find the best skateboard for a 5 year old child or older. There are so many different brands, styles, and price points, how do you know which one is right for them?
Outdoor Family HQ has all the information you need to make the best decision for your child when it comes to choosing a skateboard. We have reviewed what we believe to be the best skateboard buys on the market, from high-end professional makes to mass-produced boards for the average driveway skater.
- OFHQ’s Top Picks
- How to Choose the Right Size Skateboard for Kids
- Top 10 Professionally Crafted Skateboards for Kids and Beginners
- 1. Stoked Ride Shop Complete (6 years +)
- 2. Zero Skateboards Assembly Bold Black (6 years +)
- 3. Plan B Original Metallic Skateboard (6 years +)
- 4. CCS Skateboard Complete (6 years +)
- 5. Arbor Collective Whiskey Recruit (6 years +)
- 6. Santa Cruz Skateboard (8 years +)
- 7. Element Section Complete 32″ Skateboard (8 years +)
- 8. Globe Big Blazer (8 years +)
- 9. Landyachtz Tugboat (10 years +)
- 10. Arbor Collective Oso (10 years +)
- The Best Beginner Skateboard for 5-Year-Old Kids (and Older)
- 1. Meketec Complete 22″ Mini Cruiser (5 years +)
- 2. Magneto Mini Cruiser Longboard (5 years +)
- 3. Magneto Kids Complete Skateboard (6 years +)
- 4. White Wave Bamboo Drop-Through Longboard (9 years +)
- 5. METROLLER 31″ Skateboard (8 years +)
- 6. Eggboard’s Mini Longboard Cruiser Skateboards (10 years +)
- 7. Letskate Complete 31″ Skateboard (10 years +)
- 8. RipStik Ripster Caster Board (6 years +)
- 9. Skatro Mini Cruiser Skateboard (5 years +)
- 10. Playshion Drop Through Freestyle Longboard Skateboard (10 years +)
- 11. PlayWheels Ultimate Spider-Man 28″ Skateboard (5-10 years)
- 12. PlayWheels Spider-Man 21″ Wood Cruiser Skateboard (5-10 years)
- 13. Skitch Complete 22″ Mini Cruiser Skateboard Set (5 years +)
- 14. NPET Pro Complete 31″ Skateboard (8 years +)
- Kids Skateboard Brands to Avoid
- Wrapping Up the Best Kid Skateboards
OFHQ’s Top Picks
The following skateboards have distinguished themselves from the rest in some form or fashion. Have a look!
1. Magneto Mini Cruiser Longboard
This mini cruiser from Magneto is the perfect board for a beginner and is a great balance between cost and quality. The 78A wheels are a mid-grade hardness that bridges the gap between cruising and pulling off tricks. The narrow deck size makes it suitable for all ages 5 and up.
- No plastic parts
- Skate tool included
- Almost perfect cost-to-quality ratio
- Super-soft wheels make for a comfortable, stable ride even on rough terrain
- ABEC 7 bearings provide frictionless riding
- Weight, dimensions, and design are great for any age
- Double kicktails allow for more tricks and versatility
- Don't get caught in the rain! The clear sandblast grip on the deck will dissolve if left out in wet weather!
2. CCS Complete Skateboard
A professional-grade skateboard, the CCS Complete features the hardest polyurethane wheels (100A) and ABEC 7 bearings making it a fast and proficient skate park board. The 7.75″ wide deck makes it best for ages 6 and up (but nothing says a 5-year-old couldn’t learn to handle it).
- A solid, durable board backed by 37 years of experience
- Includes skate tool and stickers (and who doesn't love stickers?)
- 100 A wheels suitable for street or skatepark cruising, bowls, ramps, and all smooth surfaces
- ABEC 7 bearings provide a frictionless ride
- None to speak of
3. Letskate Complete 31″ Skateboard
The wide 9″ deck of the Letskate is more suited for larger, older riders (10 years and up); but, it’s a quality build for a wallet-friendly price. The 95 A wheels and ABEC 9 bearings make it a fast board that is comfortable to ride on rougher terrain (like asphalt) but can still handle some moderate tricks.
- Wallet-friendly price-point
- Skate tool included
- 95A wheels are excellent for urban street skating
- ABEC 9 bearings provide frictionless, fast riding
- ABEC 9 bearings are lightning-fast! Beginners should be cautious.
4. Eggboard’s Mini Longboard Cruiser Skateboards
For those who prefer the less-extreme sport of cruising over intense skatepark tricks, the Eggboard is a uniquely designed alternative to the traditional longboard cruiser.
Built of high-quality components, the Eggboard’s price is a bit high, but it will last you for years.
- LIFETIME WARRANTY!!
- A portable, light-weight board that can fit in a backpack
- Longboard trucks and large wheels allow for a superb turning radius and maneuverability
- 95A wheels are faster and excellent for urban street skating
- ABEC 9 bearings provide frictionless, fast riding
- Pricey ... but the cost is reflected in the quality and company reputation
- ABEC 9 bearings are lightning-fast! Beginners should be cautious
5. Razor RipStik Ripster Caster Board
If you have a flat surface to skate and love the carving motions of snowboarding, the Ripstick offers a truly unique take on skateboarding. It’s the only non-electric skateboard you’ll ever ride without touching the ground!
- A genre-bending twist on traditional skateboarding
- Unique design delivers more of a snowboarding feel when riding
- ABEC 5 bearings provide a slower ride making it more suitable for younger, inexperienced riders
- 6-month warranty
- The rider cannot stand on the board unless it is moving, making kicking off and dismounting a challenge ... but, this becomes simple with practice.
- Suitable only for smooth, flat surfaces. Do NOT ride this thing downhill!
How to Choose the Right Size Skateboard for Kids
There’s no hard-and-fast rule for choosing a skateboard size, only suggested guidelines. Ultimately, the width is the important thing, not so much the length. Riders with larger shoe sizes need a board of larger width to ride comfortably and stably on the deck.
Also, younger, smaller riders need to be able to plant one foot on the board while pushing off with the other, requiring a narrower, lighter-weight design.
These are some commonly held guidelines for selecting a board for a child:
| Child’s Age and Size | Skateboard Width |
|---|---|
| 5 Years Old (Height: Under 3’4″; Shoe Size 3 or smaller) | 7 -7.5″ |
| 6-8 Years Old (Height: 3’5″ – 4’4″; Shoe Size: 4 – 6) | 7.5 – 7.75″ |
| 8 Years and Older (Height: 4’5″ and up; Shoe Size 7 and up) | 7.75 – 8.25 |
Download this guide to get your kids outside and off screens.
Download The FREE Guide NowTop 10 Professionally Crafted Skateboards for Kids and Beginners
In the realm of skateboards, you get what you pay for. So, if you’re looking for a high-quality skateboard for your child (or beginner), you’re going to have to spend a little more ($70 – $180) than you would on a less-expensive, common-market board.
We’ve put together a list of the 10 best high-end skateboards for beginners and children. These boards are made by reputable brands renowned in the realm of skateboarding, with high-quality materials and components.
But, don’t let the price tags scare you off! Many of these boards sit in a price range that is still affordable for the average family.
And, remember, it’s always important to buy a board that is appropriately sized for your child. You can find our suggestions for appropriate board sizes in the table above.
1. Stoked Ride Shop Complete (6 years +)
Specs:
- Materials: 7-ply premium maple
- Wheels: 54 mm / 100A
- Trucks: Litespeed 5.25″
- Bearings: Fireball Dragon
- Grip: MOB Grip (considered one of the two best on the market)
Dimensions: 7.75″ width (length not specified)
- A solid, durable, professional-quality board by a specialized company
- 100A wheels suitable for street or skatepark cruising, bowls, ramps, and all smooth surfaces
- Skate tool and board wax included
- Dragon bearings are fast and long-lasting
- 3 board widths available (7.75, 8.0, and 8.25")
- Reasonably priced
- None determined
The Stoked Ride Shop Complete skateboard is perfect for beginner and experienced riders alike.
The deck is made of high-quality materials and is designed to be durable and easy to maneuver.
Additionally, the board comes complete with all the necessary hardware, so it’s ready to ride right out of the box. This makes it a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable and quality skateboard.
2. Zero Skateboards Assembly Bold Black (6 years +)
Specs:
- Materials: 7-ply premium maple
- Wheels: 52 mm / 99A
- Trucks: Aluminum Core
- Bearings: Abec 5
- Grip: Unspecified
Dimensions: 7.75″ width (length not specified)
- A solid, durable, professionally crafted board by a specialized company
- 99A wheels suitable for street or skatepark cruising, bowls, ramps, and all smooth surfaces
- ABEC 5 bearings deliver slower speeds making this safer for beginners and young children
- Expensive
- ABEC 5 bearings deliver "average" performance
Zero decks are made of 7-ply, high-quality maple wood and have superior performance and durability.
The Core trucks are crafted of light-weight heavy-duty aluminum with grade 8 steel kingpins and axles and USA-made bushings and pivot cups.
The 52mm 99A wheels are perfect for both street and park skating.
Amphetamine bearings are stimulants for your wheels, just like the name states! Light synthetic oil, Delrin Crowns, and Rubber Serviceable Shields make these Abec 5-rated bearings among the finest on the market.
3. Plan B Original Metallic Skateboard (6 years +)
Specs:
- Materials: 7-ply premium maple
- Wheels: 52 mm / 99A
- Trucks: 5.0 High
- Bearings: Abec 7
- Grip: Unspecified
Dimensions: 7.75″ width (length not specified)
- A solid, durable, professionally crafted board by a specialized company
- 99A wheels suitable for street or skatepark cruising, bowls, ramps, and all smooth surfaces
- ABEC 7 bearings provide a frictionless ride
- Expensive
Since 1991, Plan B was the result of skate enthusiast Mike Ternasky breaking away from H-Street and forging his own path with a super-team of skateboard designers.
The Plan B Original Complete is perfect for the young and inexperienced as well as older kids and adults who have years of experience under their belts.
4. CCS Skateboard Complete (6 years +)
Specs:
- Materials: Canadian 7-ply premium maple
- Wheels: 52 mm / 100A
- Trucks: CCS
- Bearings: CCS Abec 7
- Grip: CCS black
Dimensions: 7.75 x 32″
- A solid, durable board backed by 37 years of experience
- Includes skate tool and stickers (and who doesn't love stickers?)
- 100 A wheels suitable for street or skatepark cruising, bowls, ramps, and all smooth surfaces
- ABEC 7 bearings provide a frictionless ride
- None to speak of
While CCS typically sells skateboard decks and components separately for riders to custom build their own, they offer some completes that are perfect for first-time riders and veterans alike.
With a classic shape and maple wood construction, this board is perfect for cruising and tricks. The deck is made of high-quality Canadian maple, which gives you the right mix of flex and stiffness.
Additionally, the board comes with everything you need to get rolling, so you don’t have to spend a fortune.
5. Arbor Collective Whiskey Recruit (6 years +)
Specs:
- Materials: Canadian Hardrock 7-ply maple
- Wheels: 56 mm / 92A
- Trucks: Ace 55
- Bearings: Abec 7
- Grip: CCS black
Dimensions: 7.75 x 32″
- 3 year limited warranty
- Harder, faster wheels reduce grip but are still soft enough to roll over bumps
- ABEC 7 bearings provide a frictionless ride
- Solidly built from sustainable materials by an environment-conscious company
- Very pricey
Kids’ skateboards with the Certified Arbor logo on them are fully built and ready to ride. They’re made from high-end parts that complement each of our shapes’ performance and geometry.
Each package is designed to accommodate: the angle, geometry, and size of the trucks; the size, form, and diameter of the wheels; the hardness and rebound characteristics of the bushings; wheel well position; and all aspects of design.
6. Santa Cruz Skateboard (8 years +)
Specs:
- Materials: 7-ply birch
- Wheels: Slimeballs 95A
- Trucks: Raw polished Element
- Bearings: Abec 5
- Grip: Professional grade grit and adhesive
Dimensions: 8″ x 31.25″
- A solid, durable entry-level board backed by 40 years of crafting experience
- Fairly reasonably priced for a specialized skateboard
- Harder wheels make this board adaptable to street and skatepark riding, bowls, ramps, and nearly all smooth surfaces
- ABEC 5 bearings deliver slower speeds making this safer for beginners and young children
- ABEC 5 bearings are "average" quality
Specifically built for easier foot placement and shorter wheelbases for ease of turning, the Santa Cruz Screaming Hand has a wider deck than most, making it an ideal entry-level board for any age
The ABEC 5 bearings act as a governor limiting the speed of this board giving novices a chance to build their skills before graduating to higher speed bearings (ABEC 7 and up).
7. Element Section Complete 32″ Skateboard (8 years +)
Specs:
- Materials: Maple wood and stainless steel
- Wheels: 60 mm / 78A
- Trucks: Raw polished Element
- Bearings: Abec 5
- Grip: Standard black
Dimensions: 8.25″ x 32″
- A solid, durable, professionally crafted board by a reputable company
- Reasonably priced for a specialized skateboard
- Super-soft wheels make for a comfortable, stable ride even on rough terrain
- ABEC 5 bearings deliver slower speeds making this safer for beginners and young children
- ABEC 5 bearings are "average" quality.
- Warranty info is only available by contacting the company
Founded in 1992 by Johnny Schillereff and based in California, Element Skateboards has as its purpose to make a positive difference in the world through the “landscape of skateboarding.”
The Section Complete Skateboard is as traditional as they come. Available in four sizes, with all the technical features you’d expect from a completely assembled board. The bottom of the deck features ELEMENT’s distinctive logo
The ABEC 5 bearings act as a governor limiting the speed of this board giving novices a chance to build their skills before graduating to higher speed bearings (ABEC 7 and up).
8. Globe Big Blazer (8 years +)
Specs:
- Materials: Bamboo (harder and stiffer than maple)
- Wheels: Globe 62 mm / 83A Conical Cruisers
- Trucks: Tensor 6.0 alloy
- Bearings: Globe Abec 7
- Grip: Unspecified
Dimensions: 9 x 32″
- A ruggedly built board by a specialized company
- Wide deck for older, bigger riders
- Softer wheels provide greater comfort and grip
- ABEC 7 bearings provide frictionless riding
- Built-in (Coca-Cola) bottle opener
- A pain in the wallet
- Only a 90-day warranty
The Big Blazer is a medium-length diamond tail cruiser with a built-in bottle opener and soft conical wheels. It features a medium concave deck built from sustainable bamboo that is harder and stiffer than hard rock maple.
With its 7 ” aluminum trucks with grade-8 kingpins and high-rebound urethane bushings, this mid-size cruiser board is a great option for both intermediate and expert riders.
The smooth, steady ride of the Globe 62mm 83a high-rebound urethane conical cruiser wheels allows for easy handling and sliding. They’re sticky enough to keep turns and slide without getting clogged.
9. Landyachtz Tugboat (10 years +)
Specs:
- Materials: Canadian 7-ply maple
- Wheels: 60 mm / 78A Lil EZ Hawgs
- Trucks: Polar Bear 155 mm
- Bearings: Unspecified
- Grip: Unspecified
Dimensions: 9.24 x 30″
- A ruggedly built, all-terrain skateboard that can be ridden on any surface ... within reason
- Very wide deck comfortable for riders with larger shoe sizes
- 1 year limited warranty
- The price is a choker
- Um . . . bearing information???
The Landyachtz Tugboat is a cruiser board that is perfect for larger riders. The wider platform provides a more comfortable experience, while the Canadian maple construction makes it lightweight and poppy.
The trucks are stable and the wheels provide a smooth ride. This board is perfect for anyone looking for a wide cruiser board that can handle tricks.
10. Arbor Collective Oso (10 years +)
Specs:
- Materials: Canadian 7-ply maple with Palisander wood top sheet
- Wheels: 61 mm / 78A Bogart (Arbor Easy Rider Series)
- Trucks: Paris Street 169 mm
- Bearings: Abec 7
- Grip: Recycled glass re-grit
Dimensions: 10 x 30″
- A ruggedly built, all-terrain skateboard that can be ridden on any surface ... within reason
- Very wide deck comfortable for riders with larger shoe sizes
- ABEC 7 bearings provide frictionless riding
- 3 year limited warranty
- Your wallet would like a word with you ...
Skateboards with a Certified Arbor Completion are fully constructed and equipped with high-end components that work in tandem with the excellence and geometry of each of their forms.
To ensure a top-quality product, all components in a package are carefully investigated: the slope, form, and size of the trucks; the size, shape, and diameter of the wheels; the hardness and rebound of the bushings; wheel well location; and every detail of form.
The Best Beginner Skateboard for 5-Year-Old Kids (and Older)
So, why would you buy a less-than-high-end skateboard for your child?
It could be that, as with most kids, they may try it a few times only to leave it collecting dust in a remote, cob-webby corner of the garage for all eternity.
Mine did.
The following skateboards (2 being our personal choice) are a nice balance between quality and cost. The majority of them will provide years of fun if properly cared for (meaning, don’t leave it out in the rain or back over it with the car).
1. Meketec Complete 22″ Mini Cruiser (5 years +)
Specs:
- Materials: Polypropelene and plastic
- Wheels: 60 mm / 78A
- Trucks: Aluminum
- Bearings: Abec 7
- Grip: Integrated “waffle” tread on the deck surface
Dimensions: 6 x 22.5″
- A tough-built board that meets CE Safety requirements
- Compact, lightweight construction is easy for youngsters to handle and maneuver
- 200 lb. capacity makes it suitable for even adults
- Super-soft wheels make for a comfortable, stable ride even on rough terrain
- ABEC 7 bearings provide frictionless riding
- Lots of different colors to choose from
- Budget-friendly
- Skate tool not included
- Not suitable for tricks
From the family of penny boards, the Meketec skateboard is a great choice for the beginner or experienced riders. It has a 3.25 inch truck with a different color that makes it unique and outperforms many leading brands.
The deck is 22.5 inches long by 6 inches wide and can hold up to 200 pounds. It also has 60mm smooth wheels and high-speed ABEC-7 bearings. This skateboard is sturdy and flexible, and the 78A wheels are soft enough to ride on any surface.
2. Magneto Mini Cruiser Longboard (5 years +)
Specs:
- Materials: Canadian 6-ply maple
- Wheels: 60mm / 78A polyurethane
- Trucks: Gravity cast aluminum
- Bearings: Abec 7
- Grip: Sand grit finish
Dimensions: 7.5 x 27.5″
- No plastic parts
- Skate tool included
- Almost perfect cost-to-quality ratio
- Super-soft wheels make for a comfortable, stable ride even on rough terrain
- ABEC 7 bearings provide frictionless riding
- Weight, dimensions, and design are great for any age
- Double kicktails allow for more tricks and versatility
- Don't get caught in the rain! The clear sandblast grip on the deck will dissolve if left out in wet weather!
The Magneto Mini Cruiser skateboard is the perfect kids’ skateboard, for beginner and intermediate riders alike.
The deck is made of Canadian maple, ensuring a high level of quality and durability. Additionally, the board comes equipped with double kick tails, making it easier to perform tricks and maneuvers.
Whether you’re looking for a board to take with you on the go or one that can handle a variety of terrain, the Magneto Minni Cruiser is perfect for you.
3. Magneto Kids Complete Skateboard (6 years +)
Specs:
- Materials: Canadian 7-ply maple
- Wheels: 52mm / 95A polyurethane
- Trucks: Gravity cast aluminum
- Bearings: Abec 7
- Grip: Sand grit finish
Dimensions: 7.75 x 27.5″
- No plastic parts
- Skate tool included
- Almost perfect cost-to-quality ratio
- Weight, dimensions, and design make it a great board for kids 5-15 years of age (or even adults!)
- Double kicktails allow for more tricks and versatility
- Harder wheels allow for faster riding and are suitable for smoother surfaces
- ABEC 7 bearings provide frictionless riding
- Harder wheels provide less grip and are less comfortable on rough terrain
This skateboard, from Magneto, is made specifically for youngsters and teenagers seeking to learn how to ride a board. The deck is a little shorter than a typical skateboard at 27.5 inches, making it the ideal size to learn on.
This board is great for both kids and adults as well as intermediate skaters looking for a smaller ride. The deck is constructed of rock hard maple with a shallow concave for enhanced comfort while skating. With two double kicktails, you’ll be able to rip this deck out!
4. White Wave Bamboo Drop-Through Longboard (9 years +)
Specs:
- Materials: 9-ply laminated maple and bamboo hybrid
- Wheels: 70mm / 85A polyurethane
- Trucks: Aluminum
- Bearings: Abec 9
- Grip: OS780 black grip tape
Dimensions: 9.5 x 41″
- Comfortable, large deck for distance cruising and downhilling
- Maple/Bamboo hybrid deck increases flexibility
- Softer wheels are great for slower, long-distance sidewalk and smooth-asphalt cruising
- Skate tool not included
The Drop-Through Longboard is a great option for anybody wanting all of the benefits of a regular drop-through but with a more confined turning radius. Whether you’re threading your way through individuals or cones, this expert carver will get the job done.
The 41″ Drop Through Longboard is a hard-to-beat all-rounder with its low deck height for simple pushing, 9.5″ wide deck for power going through curves, and 70mm PU wheels for a Cadillac smooth ride and ultra-low rolling resistance.
The Drop-Through Longboard is super-stable, ideal for downhill riding, while its simplicity of propulsion makes it perfect for long-distance travel or simply cruising around town/campus.
5. METROLLER 31″ Skateboard (8 years +)
Specs:
- Materials: 7-ply Canadian maple
- Wheels: 54mm / 95A polyurethane
- Trucks: Aluminum
- Bearings: ABEC 9
- Grip: waterproof, high-quality sandpaper
Dimensions: 8 x 31″
- 220 lb. capacity
- Skate tool included
- Harder wheels are suitable for smooth surfaces and some rough terrain
- ABEC 9 bearings provide super-fast riding
- Lots of color and design options
- Comfortable price-point
- Wheel lugs can arrive overtightened. Check to ensure they are just tight enough not to wobble and are loose enough to spin freely
- ABEC 9 bearings are lightning-fast! Beginners should be cautious
The Metroller skateboard is perfect for beginner riders; with the exception that the equipped bearings make it ultra-fast. Take care that it doesn’t shoot out from under you when getting on and off (or anytime in between)!
It is made of sturdy and durable materials, with a 7-layer Canadian maple deck and 5-inch reinforced aluminum alloy trucks. The Metroller also has anti-shock 54mm 95A High Rebound PU car line wheels and carbon steel high-speed mute ABEC-9 bearings, which make it smooth and stable to ride.
The cool punk graphics design will also appeal to beginner riders.
6. Eggboard’s Mini Longboard Cruiser Skateboards (10 years +)
Specs:
- Materials: 6-ply Bamboo
- Wheels: 69mm / 95A polyurethane
- Trucks: Aluminum longboard
- Bearings: ABEC 9
- Grip: waterproof, high-quality sandpaper
Dimensions: 9 x 19″
- LIFETIME WARRANTY!!
- A portable, light-weight board that can fit in a backpack
- Longboard trucks and large wheels allow for a superb turning radius and maneuverability
- 95A wheels are faster and excellent for urban street skating
- ABEC 9 bearings provide frictionless, fast riding
- Pricey ... but the cost is reflected in the quality and company reputation
- ABEC 9 bearings are lightning-fast! Beginners should be cautious
Eggboards possess a unique design that not only turns heads, they’re also smart and practical. The compact, smaller skateboard design makes it ultra-portable for a skateboard (it’s even accepted by airlines as a personal item), the perfect size a standard backpack.
The large 69mm / 95A wheels are great for street or sidewalk cruising and handle bumps smoothly. Add in the extra durability of a bamboo deck backed by a Lifetime Warranty you have a skateboard that will serve you well for years and years!
7. Letskate Complete 31″ Skateboard (10 years +)
Specs:
- Materials: 6-ply Bamboo
- Wheels: 54mm / 95A polyurethane
- Trucks: Aluminum longboard
- Bearings: ABEC 9
- Grip: waterproof, high-quality sandpaper
Dimensions: 9 x 19″
- Wallet-friendly price-point
- Skate tool included
- 95A wheels are excellent for urban street skating
- ABEC 9 bearings provide frictionless, fast riding
- ABEC 9 bearings are lightning-fast! Beginners should be cautious.
The Letskate skateboard is a sturdy and reliable board made of seven layers of Canadian maple wood.
The deck is matched with reinforced aluminum alloy trucks and anti-shock 54mm 95A High Rebound PU car line wheels, providing a smooth and stable ride.
The skateboard also has a cool patterns design and is equipped with a waterproof and grippy top layer ensuring a stable foothold on the board.
The double kick tail and concave design make for a versatile board that provides a comfortable ride.
It is an ideal gift for teen boys and girls who want to enjoy a wonderful skate experience. Thanks to its high-quality construction, the Letskate skateboard will provide years of fun and excitement.
8. RipStik Ripster Caster Board (6 years +)
Specs:
- Materials: Plastic deck and rubber padded steel torsion bar
- Wheels: high-grade urethane roller-blade style
- Trucks: 360° casters
- Bearings: ABEC 5
- Grip: rubberized insets
Dimensions: 9 x 19″
- A genre-bending twist on traditional skateboarding
- Unique design delivers more of a snowboarding feel when riding
- ABEC 5 bearings provide a slower ride making it more suitable for younger, inexperienced riders
- 6-month warranty
- The rider cannot stand on the board unless it is moving, making kicking off and dismounting a challenge ... but, this becomes simple with practice.
- Suitable only for smooth, flat surfaces. Do NOT ride this thing downhill!
I learned to ride the original Ripstik when it first hit the market in 2006. They are neither fast nor suited for tricks, just moderate, flat-surface cruising.
But, they are a blast to ride! The initial experience will require the rider to develop a whole new skill set: standing on a swiveling deck supported by two in-line roller-blade style wheels.
However, my 6-year-old son became adept at riding it up and down our driveway in an afternoon.
Rather than kicking off with one foot to propel the board, the rider hops on and immediately begins “carving” as if they were riding a snowboard. The swiveling motion causes the two-deck platform to swivel along the torsion bar and the wheels to do the same on the casters, providing forward thrust.
It’s truly a unique, genius spin on traditional skateboarding! It’s also surprisingly easier to learn to ride than most beginner skateboards!
Helpful Tip: for riders over age 12, we recommend the larger Original Razor Ripstik.
9. Skatro Mini Cruiser Skateboard (5 years +)
Specs:
- Materials: Plastic
- Wheels: 59mm / 78A polyurethane
- Trucks: Aluminum
- Bearings: ABEC 7
- Grip: integrated “waffle” tread on the deck surface
Dimensions: 6 x 22″
- Wallet-friendly price-point
- Skate tool included
- 78A soft wheels provide a comfortable ride on rough surfaces and are ideal for cruising
- ABEC 7 bearings provide a frictionless ride
- Lots of color and design options
- ABEC 9 bearings are lightning-fast! Beginners should be cautious.
- Not suitable for tricks
This is the board my boys learned on. We first bought it 6 years ago and they still ride it from time to time.
Available in a wide variety of colors and designs, Skatro offers these penny boards (weight capacity 200 lbs.) with an almost unbreakable deck at a very reasonable price. It is compact, lightweight, and a fun ride for 5 year olds up to teens.
Keep a torque wrench handy: those trucks will need tightening and adjusting from time to time.
10. Playshion Drop Through Freestyle Longboard Skateboard (10 years +)
Specs:
- Materials: 8-ply maple
- Wheels: 70mm / 78A
- Trucks: Aluminum
- Bearings: ABEC 9
- Grip: standard black grip tape
Dimensions: 9.1 x 39″
- Reasonable price point
- 78A soft wheels provide a comfortable ride on rough surfaces and are ideal for cruising
- ABEC 9 bearings provide a frictionless ride
- ABEC 9 bearings are lightning-fast! Beginners should be cautious.
- Skate tool not included
- Not suitable for tricks
Longboards have large decks making foot placement easy and comfortable for distance cruising.
Although they’re not designed for skatepark tricks, they are excellent for beginners still developing their “skate legs” due to the low deck, making mounting and dismounting easier.
They are also the go-to for experienced riders who are just looking for a leisurely cruise through town or the neighborhood.
11. PlayWheels Ultimate Spider-Man 28″ Skateboard (5-10 years)
Specs:
- Materials: 9-ply maple
- Wheels: 50mm / Unspecified
- Trucks: Composite
- Bearings: 608 ZB (typical size used in inline skates and boards)
- Grip: Unspecified
Dimensions: 7.5 x 27″
- Very low price ... to the point of suspicion
- More information on the bearings and wheel hardness would be nice.
- Skate tool not included
- Max capacity only 110 lbs.
- Longevity?
PlayWheels’ Skateboards have been ultra-popular on Amazon, and no wonder with such a low, affordable price point. However, I am a bit suspicious about the durability of the materials and the customer service of a company that is so vague on many details.
Check your board carefully upon receipt: PlayWheels will only take it back within 30 days so long as it shows no sign of wear or use.
Either way, it’s sure to last long enough to give your youngster a taste of the sport; however, be prepared to buy a replacement in the near future.
12. PlayWheels Spider-Man 21″ Wood Cruiser Skateboard (5-10 years)
Specs:
- Materials: 9-ply laminated maple
- Wheels: 50mm / Unspecified
- Trucks: Composite
- Bearings: Nylon
- Grip: Unspecified
Dimensions: 6 x 21″
- Very low price ... to the point of suspicion
- More information on the bearings and wheel hardness would be nice.
- Skate tool not included
- Nylon bearings ... that's why it's so cheap!
- Max capacity 100 lbs
If you suspect that your child will play with their skateboard for a few days and then abandon it to a solitary, dust-collecting life in the garage … get this mini skateboard. The moths in your wallet won’t even know you spent anything.
I wouldn’t expect it to last too long; however, this type of board serves a purpose. It spares mom and dad the sting of buyer’s remorse as well as satisfies fickle-minded younger kids.
13. Skitch Complete 22″ Mini Cruiser Skateboard Set (5 years +)
Specs:
- Materials: Plastic
- Wheels: 60mm / 82A
- Trucks: Composite
- Bearings: ABEC 9
- Grip: “Waffle” tread integrated into the plastic deck surface
Dimensions: 6 x 22″
- Good price point
- A virtually unbreakable plastic deck still provides a nice amount of flexibility
- 200 lb. capacity
- Includes skate tool and carry a backpack
- ABEC 9 bearings provide a frictionless ride
- 82A wheels suitable for most surfaces
- Adjustable bearings ... see description below
- Not suitable for tricks
- ABEC 9 bearings are lightning-fast! Beginners should use caution
An uncanny resemblance to the Skatro and Meketec, the Skitch at least adds some unique (and practical) extras. With a handy “Skitch tool” and a custom-fit carry bag, this set is a practical, affordable option for those that leave the house often.
The board is equipped for quick, smooth cruising, and boasts adjustable bearings to control speed … um
… don’t all skateboards feature this? All you have to do is tighten the wheel lugs.
Well, they were the first company to use it as a selling point! Kudos to them.
14. NPET Pro Complete 31″ Skateboard (8 years +)
Specs:
- Materials: 7-ply maple
- Wheels: 60mm / 95A
- Trucks: Composite truck
- Bearings: ABEC 11 (!!!)
- Grip:
Dimensions: 8 x 31″
- 220 lb. capacity suitable for kids and adults
- ABEC 11 bearings provide a greased-lightning ride
- 95A wheels suitable for most surfaces
- LIFETIME Quality Guarantee
- Not recommended for the inexperienced or children under 8 years old ... those ABEC 11 bearings are designed for high-speed!
For a company that also manufactures pet supplies, the NPET Pro is a surprisingly good skateboard. It’s made with a 7-ply maple wood deck, composite trucks, and 95A PU wheels with ABEC 11 bearings that make for a super-fast ride.
The concave design of the deck provides great foot grip and control while riding. It comes in 4 cool color combinations and has a lifetime quality guarantee. This makes it a great choice for beginner and experienced riders alike.
Kids Skateboard Brands to Avoid
While researching for this post, I had the educational experience of perusing a smattering of professional skating blogs.
Numerous Asian and Canadian-based brands are looking to score a piece of the market by offering consumers poorly equipped and constructed boards.
They have even managed to achieve high consumer ratings on Amazon (often by paying for positive reviews) and will even set up legitimate-looking websites, touting themselves as professional skateboard manufacturers.
To learn about some of the worst skateboard brands out there, start here.
Wrapping Up the Best Kid Skateboards
There you have it! The best skateboards for kids on the market today … or a few of them anyway.
Remember, when choosing a skateboard for your child (or yourself), it’s important to consider the rider’s skill level, riding style, and what kind of skating they want to do.
You might also want to invest in some wrist guards and knee pads because bumps and bruises will happen when your child is just learning.
If your child wants to learn tricks, select a board with kick tails and harder wheels for maneuvering on smooth concrete and ramps. If cruising is their thing, go for the longboards with larger, softer wheels.
Skateboarding is a great way for kids to get active and have fun. It’s also an activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start skating!
Joshua Davis
Being outdoors is freedom! Being outdoors with my wife and two boys is LIVING! Whether in my backyard or getting lost in a National Park, there’s nothing I’d rather do than explore, discover, and experience the paradise that surrounds us. Give me my family, a backpack, and a trail and my life is full!Download this guide to get your kids outside and off screens.
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