How to Choose Best Skateboard for Kids: The Definitive Guide

By looking up to other professional skateboarders or even you – their parents – while skating around the parks, kids feel more and more eager to start learning this interesting sport.

Then, why not?

Gift them a good skateboard on their birthday (or Christmas) and start right away, making their dream come true and learn more preciously practical lessons.

This article today will not only list out 15 best skateboards for kids but also let parents understand how important it is as well as the best way to teach them. Read on!

See also:

• Top 19 Best Skateboards For Beginners Reviews In 2019: Selected By Me
• Top 15 Best Roller Skates For Kids, Children And Toddler Reviews In 2019
• Top 18 Best Longboard For Beginners Reviews In 2019 [NEW LIST]

Why Should I Teach My Kids To Skate? What Are The Benefits?

Skateboarding is considered a dangerous sport, which I don’t deny. But if parents you just get scared of everything to abandon your kids to do anything, they will never grow up.

While there are ways to avoid dangers, skateboarding gives kids many precious lessons:

Perseverance and endurance

Learning skateboarding means the beginner keeps falling down continuously. With proper encouragement and coaching, kids won’t feel dispirit to get back on, learn a certain lesson when they fall down and try again.

In that way, they get better and better from practices and each time falling down, at least they will find a way to avoid hurting themselves.

That’s why skateboarding is like a special exercise to help kids learn perseverance and endurance.

Non-judgment

This is a common “disease” of most people. We judge people through their fashion style, looking, or the tattoo on their body like judging a book through its cover.

Skateboarding is a good way for both kids and parents to learn about inclusion and non-judgment somebody based on their outlook.

When falling down, there is always somebody to come and help you get back on your skateboard and that’s the point. Sooner, kids will learn how to find a true friend and maybe, they can become a part of the friendship that only skaters have with others.

Confidence

Skateboarding engages confidently self-building for not only normal kids but also special needs kids like the autistic. According to many organizations specialized in teaching autistic kids, they said that after a period of time learning skateboarding, kids start to look up and speak.

Physical exercise

This sport urges the skaters to move their entire body to get proper moving, which means they are getting a full workout on their torso (for turning), arms (to keep balance), legs, and feet.

It might be a bit less with beginner skateboarders but once getting to know all the basics, the amount of physical movement and muscle work needed to skateboard will give great advantages to their health.

Top 15 Best Skateboard For Kids Reviews In 2019

Skateboards For 2-3 years old

Playshion Skateboard

Start off with the Playshion skateboard that’s recommended for 3-year-old kids and older with a totally of 15 color options to choose from.

Even so, the fiberglass compound deck is made rather durably which enables us to hold up well a max load of 220 pounds. Therefore, might its affordability remind you of Walmart’s junks, it, in reality, isn’t.

Of course, with a 3-year-old kid or toddler, it’s too early to learn stunts or tricks so the trucks, in this case, is really stiff. You know what is this feature for? They help the practice of cruising more easily as the board gives nearly zero flex.

For older riders, this is something so uncomfortable but remember that with little kids, it helps them gain more confidence, less fear to play with the board.

There’s more – the quite soft, big wheels for balance and smoother rolling, the lightweight trucks, the additional bushings deliver better control and brake and a multi-function skate tool.

Product specs

Skatro Skateboard

Made for beginner riders, the Skatro complete skateboard bolds two things: The Skatro Ultimate Abec 7 Bearings and the Skatro Flex Technology. They are also the exclusive features of this brand.

The biggest selling point in the first component is its bearing steel metal to be much harder. In other words, they eliminate wheels’ friction efficiently while rolling and therefore, giving a smoother and faster performance. They are “bone reds” for beginners.

That’s also the reason why Skatro skateboard is known for its longevity.

Combining with the smooth rotary of bearings and wheels is a reasonably flex deck. That’s when the second feature comes into place.

By precisely controlling the amount of plastic used in each board, the manufacturer can keep track tightly to the board’s flex. From this point, Skatro skateboard is considered as a perfect dub to the smoothest mini-cruiser nowadays.

Product specs

Skateboards For 4-7 years old

MEKETEC Skateboards

The blue MEKETEC 22” Mini Cruiser is designed perfectly for kids. While featuring a plastic deck with a compact body for lighter carrying and easier maneuvering, the material is CE certificated for humans’ health safety.

Fans of this skateboard also commented on its decent stability.

It’s a big thank you to the combination of soft casters and sturdy but bendable polypropylene materials.

But on the other hand, the board isn’t too slow to make the rider get bored soon. With ABEC-7 bearings, whether it’s beginners, intermediates or professionals, you will find lots of fun.

With extra-big wheels of 60mm diameter, it’s a great companion for beginners to start learning or cruising. Another bonus is the wheels’ softness – 78A durometer – that allows riders to ride on various terrains.

Product specs

PlayWheels Skateboard

Made of 9 pliers of high-quality maple, the wooden deck of this PlayWheels is unbeatably durable and stiff. It makes the skateboard become a nice choice for parents who want their kid’s first board to hold up well under harsh abuse.

The additional single kicktail design is another outstanding feature as it provides an easier way to brake while highlighting better control. Combining with a special grip surface, kids can quickly get feel with the board and learn better with less fear to fall down.

I’d like to implement to the manufacturer’s claim of “this board is perfect for kids within 5 to 10 years old” that it’s only true with lightweight riders with smaller feet.

Since the board’s weight capacity is just 100 pounds while the deck’s width is 6”, there’s no chance for a big kid who still keeps growing can ride comfortably on this. Instead, it would be best for kids within 5 years old or 6 years old.

Product specs

Merkapa Skateboard

Equipped with colorful light-up wheels with no batteries needed, the Merkapa Skateboard has increased the game. They are iconic, attractive, blending nicely to the classic solid-colored deck, and important, very helpful for visibility at night.

Regardless, I’m strongly impressed by how well-made of them with fine abrasion resistance and super shock absorption.

Deck flex is excellent. Size-wise and the right speed for kids with no prior riding experience.

The skateboard is a bit heavier than the other 22” by 6” models but that just lets me know how good quality materials it is made of. The heft isn’t overly for children to ride on or carry around. And this is for sure.

Also, rest assured that the PP plastic meets all safety certifications to ensure no toxic chemicals contained to cause harm to humans’ health.

Overall, though you might need to loosen a tad for sharper turns later, this single kickboard is much comparable with other costlier competitors.

Product specs

Cal 7 Skateboard

The girly Cal 7 skateboard has been fully assembled before arriving at your front door, which is a good present for kids under 7 years old to ride it out of the box and also the good news for low-tech parents.

Other than that, there are many worth-mentioning features about this cute board. Such as the slightly extended deck length of 22.5 inches to give a little comfier riding pose for bigger kids while still ensuring the compact body to fit in any skateboard backpacks.

With the Cal 7, there are tons of cool graphics options to let kids feel free to choose their most favorite. The colors are true to images so parents can feel ease in mind.

All-in-all, if your kids don’t intend to stick to their skateboard but just to get fun during their weekends, I highly recommend this.

Product specs

Skateboards For 8-12 years old

Skitch Premium Skateboard

With older kids like age 10 and up, they not only focus on learning how to move forward, downhill, and stop the board but also making curves and carvings. For that reason, I find the Skitchen Premium Skateboard deserves to be the best pick.

It highlights custom quality bushings that riders just feel free to adjust them (by using a skate tool) to satisfy preferred stiffness and fit their riding style. That also means you can make it turn or carve sharply if that’s what you’re looking for.

A bit update in this Skitch skateboard is the ABEC-9 bearings. To notice their difference, try flicking them right out of the box, you will see how smooth and long they keep rolling.

While soft wheels are the big plus for younger riders, the stiffer ones (like these 85A models) are the favorite of kids from 8 years old and older

It’s because such this kind of wheels takes less effort to roll in the long distances and when making turns, it delivers good balance without losing out due to increased wheel traction.

Product specs

RIMABLE Complete 22” Skateboard

The RIMABLE skateboard is designed with an extra length of 22 inches and a max load of 198 pounds to freely handle heavy riders age 9 or older like a breeze.

With this model, the highlight lies in its wheels – they are soft gel, 60mm-diameter, PU models –rolling smoothly and lighting up with no batteries needed. Instead, the operation is based on physical motion. When wheels start turning, they light up.

In combination with flexible trucks and high-speed bearings, they are very responsive and fast.

It keeps beginners and intermediates from crashes while riding on uneven surfaces, tiny rocks, or other tough paths. If you loosen the bearings, they will get a lot further in a push.

Product specs

KPC Pro Skateboard

The very first skateboard for kids within 8 – 12 years old is made of Canadian maple wood. And accordingly, it emphasizes superior durability to handle 200 pounds of maximum weight load.

While featuring expanded 7.75” width on the deck which is the favorite option for large-footed riders, I find their wheels are a bit smaller than the averages in this list – only 52mm diameter.

In other words, it would be faster and better maneuverable that intermediate to higher-level riders might be fond of this board. Build with high-quality materials, they perform quite well on roads but for longer-lasting, I suggest using it in skateparks only.

The unisex checkerboard painting will make it a good choice for both boys and girls, so parents, if your family has many kids, this is a good option to let them practice together.

Product specs

Chrome Wheels 31-inch Skateboard

Chrome Wheels 31” skateboard is size-wise for riders from 10 years old or up and skill-wise for intermediate riders to upgrade to higher skills.

While providing smaller wheels of 50mm diameter, which many customers commented for its phenomenal durability and good shock absorption, the board has a double kick concave.

And what’s it for?

It makes a firmer stance for riders under high speeds and on the other hand, flexibility and control to make stunts and tricks. To ensure your kids will get the best riding experience with safety, the manufacturer also added an emery non-slip surface to the deck.

You will also have got a carry bag so that kids can put their skateboard inside it and easily carry along with them to wherever.

And though I’m impressed more with the extremely huge weight capacity (of 220 pounds) that even adults too can try it, can’t deny that the Chrome Wheels do add a touch of stylish for riders.

Product specs

ENKEEO Skateboard

For kids that want to focus on practicing double kickflip, kickflip, nollie, or nose pickup, the ENKEEO skateboard is good to go due to its sully SYMMETRICAL double kick concave.

Like the previous one, it allows riders to control their skating movements and their board but much better in this case. The trucks and deck are upgraded to the hardest materials to handle well against strong impacts, hence, they last longer.

Of course, safety is always the top priority, there is a high-quality grip tape on the top of the deck and shock-absorbent layer on wheels to give smoothly balance.

While featuring smaller wheels with good maneuverability, some other components are specifically designed to support the given speed, such as the ABEC-9 bearings and flexible trucks.

The ENKEEO skateboard comes in an affordable price tag with so many good features claimed. And I think that’s why the manufacturer provided a 1-year warranty for this line to consolidate their customers’ trust. And they’ve made it!

Product specs

Krown Rookie Skateboard

Another board that’s designed for tricks and again, it is perfect for rookies.

While the manufacturer keeps almost components of this skateboard quite similar to the previous designs, such as the deck measurements, trucks’ materials, and the black grip tape, I believe its expanded 52mm wheels do make a focal point.

For skateboarders, such minor change can give a big difference in their riding performance and with the intermediates, this gives more stable rolling while getting a better balance.

From the side look, you can find a slight W shape on its deck, which is the key feature to help riders stand more firmly while riding or doing tricks. The special deck shape also lets you brake easily or pick up the board quickly without bending your back.

The last thing I’d like to talk about is the Canadian Maple material. Apparently the maple deck of a nearly $37 won’t be as durable as the $100 models’, at least I feel it’s robust enough to stand the test of time.

Product specs

MINORITY Skateboard

I would say the artwork of Minority skateboard is 100% my style. It brings a unique 70s old-school vibe with carefully technical printing to last for years – something that many previous counterparts can’t do.

Out of the quality and beautiful painting, the skateboard is impressive on its deck quality.

It’s cold-pressed maple wood with eco-friendly epoxy glue. There’s also a spacious kicktail and nose combining with a medicate concave to highlight superior maneuverability and physical performance.

The trucks, in this case, is leveraged up to 5 inches – more flexibility, more balance, and more sturdiness.

They are compatible with 32mm wheels but the worth-considering thing here is its stiffness – up to 102A durometer, and meanwhile, the bearings are ABEC-9.

In other words, the skateboard is as fast as a beast.

Product specs

Magneto Skateboard

It’s time to invest in a better workhorse to stick with your kids a little longer! And the Magneto skateboard is a no better option for that.

This is actually a mini-cruiser skateboard with an emphasis on the double kick tails to take itself from a better edition of performance (and fun, as well).

Also thanks to this wonderful feature, the skateboard is not just “to be fun to ride around” as claimed by the manufacturer but also support riders to practice general tick-tacking, flip tricks, ollies, and mannies more controllable.

Grip tape is another feature that I’d like to mention to. It does its great job to keep riders from slipping off the board while riding. Furthermore, this sand grit finish can be seen through to just show off the beauty of its maple wood deck.

If you’re looking for a good skateboard to ride every day and everywhere, it’s essential to consider the style. With the Magneto, its graphics are bold and character to do just that.

Product specs

NPET Pro Skateboard

No matter which materials it’s made of, the weight capacity of NPET Pro might shock you – 440 pounds – to be the skateboard with unbeatable endurance. Meanwhile, the deck’s width is leveraged to 8 inches, meaning that this is made specifically for big riders.

Regardless of such durability, what satisfies me the most is not only the high-density emery non-slip surface but also its waterproof features.

It’s equivalent to a decent grip that this skateboard provides, even under slightly wet conditions, like riding through splashes. Good to know that the deck’s surface design performs well in different weathers.

The graphics patterns at its bottom is another great plus. Instead of a sticker, this design is heat transferred to be more durable and longer-lasting.

There is also a 30-day money-back guarantee for customers. Out of such highlights, guess the price! It’s just under 45 bucks for a full set – a skateboard and a free carry bag. What else to ask?

Product specs

Tips That Will Help Your Kids Learn How To Skate Like A Pro

Before showing your kids how to learn skateboarding, parents should make up your mind and remember these things firstly:

• Teaching a kid to learn skateboarding requires much more patience than that with an adult even though he/she is the one who begs you to teach them. Kids are easily distracted by other subjects, even a rock or flowers so, the smaller the kid, the more patient the parents.
• Always stay positive. Don’t yell or shout at them when they can’t keep up to your instruction or be overly frightened when they fall down.
• Don’t expect kids to be the best, just all about fun to let them feel comfortable and enjoyable to learn it

Now, is the 4-step instruction for kids to learn to skate.

Step 1: Teach your kids to jump on/off, lean forward/backward to keep balance and get a feel.

Don’t force them to skate right away. Of course, safety is a top priority.

Place the board on a piece of carpet or a patch of grass and on this first lesson, you’d better lift them and put on your skateboard. Consider whether their feet are in the right position or not.

Step 2: Find kids’ favorite foot

In other words, do they regular or goofy?

Kids might not have enough experience to determine it immediately like adults so, parents should patiently help them. Ask them questions like:

• Which foot do you prefer to put in the front if you find an icy road ahead while you’re running?
• Or, which foot do you feel comfortable to kick a ball?

If your kids are too little, you can show them how to run and jump or kick a ball, then, ask them to do that after you. Repeat this test several times to ensure his favorite foot.

Another way to check again whether your kids are goofy or regular is to tell him to jump on the board and wiggle while bending their knees and keeping his back straight. You can walk alongside them to support and notice which direction is their preference.

Step 3: Doing the first pushes

Teach your kid to place his favorite foot on the ground and use it to walk while the other is near the bolts on his deck, pointing forward.

Hold their arms to reassure your kids as well as keep them from losing balance.

Now, tell them to walk slowly by his favorite foot and remain this step until they are better in keeping balance while “walking”.

Once they have been already influent in this lesson, you can ask them to place the kicking foot on the board after pushing while moving the front one sideways and bending both knees. Some kids need you to teach them while others just do it naturally.

Let your kids know that never put both feet next to each other and parallel to the deck’s length because of dangers. It’s better to grab your skateboard and show them what you have just said. This will be more helpful for little kids to understand your instruction.

Don’t worry, this will only take you a few minutes until they have got the idea and while teaching them, pleasantly remind kids if they forget something.

Step 4: Practicing downhill

Only move on to this step until your kids have been good at keeping balance, feeling the board, and riding a bit. It’s time to let them practice riding downhill now!

Find a not too steep hill without glass, twigs, or rocks that could clog the skateboard wheels. Start with letting them sit on the board to engage their confidence.

Allow your kids to start at half or 1/3 of the slope, put the skateboard on the ground, block it by your feet and let them stand on. Once let the board go, remember to run alongside your kids to catch them in case of falling down.

A few times will be enough to help them get used to the speed and keep balance, then, they are allowed riding from the 2/3 and later is the top of the hill.

Some more tips to help your kids learn skateboarding better:

Let them watch skateboarding tutorial videos.

Kids should wear proper clothing to skate comfortably.

Reward them after achieving a step.

Skating with kids by letting them make several pushes and then, you follow.

Teach them how to… fall: This is essential because in the worst case, what will happen if your kids don’t know to land to the ground while falling? Practice this special course in the grass, teach them how to react in such cases and feel how the board responds.

Always have your kids wear protective gear like helmet, wrist guards, knee and elbow paddings for safety.

Don’t make a fuss if they fall down and hurt themselves. The best ways, in this case, is to comfort them and afterward, put them back in the board to avoid any negative feel coming to their mind

Schedule reasonably. It depends on how good your kids’ muscle memory to organize a plan to teach and practice for them. If the weather isn’t allowed or your free time amount is limited, try to keep up at least once a week.

FAQs

What Types of Skateboard For Kids Exist?

There are two ways to classify skateboards: Due to deck shapes and due to deck sizes. The first method is more for adult riders because each of them is designed for specific skating styles.

Conversely, the second is more suitable for kids because they are too young to determine which skating style is for them. Not to say that most the kids who learn how to skateboard are just for fun.

Accordingly, there are four types:

• The micro boards (with 6.5” to 6.75” deck width)
• The mini boards (with 7.0” deck width)
• The mid-sized boards (with 7.3” deck width)
• The full-sized boards (with over 7.5” deck width)

What age should a child start skateboarding?

It’s best to start at 4 years old but if your kids grow faster or early show their talents at skateboarding, you can let them try this sport from 2 or 3 with careful watching.

What kind of skateboard should a 7-year old have?

If they are outstandingly growing with 4’5” to 5’2” height and shoes’ size of 7 or 8, parents should consider choosing a mid-sized skateboard featuring a deck width of 7.3”.

Conversely, with normal 7-year-old kids whose height is within 4’ to 4’4” and shoes’ size of 5 or 6, a mini-sized model with 7.0” deck width is ideal.

What size skateboard should I get for a 5-year-old?

It’s more based on the height and shoe size of your kids rather than their age. If your kids are 5 years old and their height is under 3’4” while the shoe size is under 3, a micro skateboard (with a deck width of 6.5” to 6.75”) is what they should be after.

What’s the easiest skateboard to ride?

A skateboard is made of 6 major parts, including hardware, bearings, grip tape, trucks, deck, and wheels. The easiest model to ride should combine nicely all these together.

Accordingly, it should feature:

• The right size (length and width)
• Grippy, durable grip tape
• Reasonable board shape
• Suitable deck material
• Good concave’s depth
• Ideal wheel diameter and durometer

What size skateboard should an 8-year-old have?

The ideal size of a skateboard might be based on several elements:

• Your skateboarding style
• Your foot size

The narrower the feet, the narrower the deck’s width to give better control. besides, the younger the riders, the shorter the decks.

For an 8-year-old kid with 4-6 of shoes’ size and 3’5” to 4’4” tall, it’s best to go for a mini-sized deck of 7”.

Can you learn to skateboard at any age?

As mentioned, skateboarding is an adventurous sport that limits the age range of skaters. Kids under 2 years old aren’t allowed trying it while those at 2 to 10 should be under adults’ careful watching.

How Much Should I Spend On A Skateboard For Kids?

As your kids’ safety is the most important thing, try to invest a good skateboard for them even if you’re on a tight budget.

Never go for a Walmart skateboard as it is just a toy deck that never lasts another a month. Not to say that such this kind of board is hard to learn with poor maneuverability and safety. Instead, look for one at the local skateboard stores.

The cheapest one might be designed with no decoration and it’s still better than Walmart junks. The price is flexible amongst different stores and countries but usually within $50 to $120.

Conclusion

I hope the provided skateboard list is helpful to you to find out the best skateboard for kids. About the extra tips for parents while teaching them how to skate, rest assured that they are useful for both kids and toddlers to follow.

Thanks for reading!