Jason – InternationalSkateboardersUnion.com Most boys and girls under the age of five do not have the coordination to skateboard properly. And if they do, well, they just might be the next Sky Brown!
The only reason to buy a skateboard for little one 4 years old or younger is to help them to start getting use to a board and learn how to balance. Smaller boards can help children learn best since they come sized for smaller feet.
However, it is our belief here at the International Skateboards Union, there is ONE BOARD that is in a class by itself when it comes to teaching beginners, anyone 4 years old or younger to skate. We have that article here, The Undisputed Best Way for Young Kids to Learn to Skateboard.
Many parents and grandparents are excited about giving their young loved one their first skateboard, and we can certainly appreciate that. You know, with a small shift in thinking, you could give your loved one their first “training skateboard”.
Based on our research, we’ve compiled and surveys conducted by the International Skatebaorders Union, her is a list of the best skateboards for young children who are beginners.
| Best Kids Skateboard | Why It’s Best | Customer Rating |
| RIMABLE Complete 22 Inch Skateboard | 360-Degree Caster Wheels | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| Eggboards Mini Longboard Cruiser Skateboard | Shortest Board at 19 Inches Long | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| Skatro Mini Cruiser Skateboard | Longer design and 22 available colors | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| Flybar Skate Cruiser Boards | Pick From Two Sizes – 24 or 27.5 Inches | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
| Magento Skateboard for Beginners | Affordable 31 Inch Shortboard | ♥♥♥♥♥ |
2020’s Best Skateboards For Kids from International Skatebaorders Union
RIMABLE Complete 22 Inch Skateboard
Best Kids Skateboard Overall
If you are looking for a short board for a beginner skater of any age, go with the RIMABLE Complete 22 Inch Skateboard. Choose from over thirty different colors or patterns. This is a board we feel very confident recommending for beginners.
The deck is 22 inches long and 6 inches wide, made of 100% fresh material. The max weight is 198 pounds, so it’s large enough for virtually all children ten and under. A great board for practicing and moving around the neighborhood with a low price tag.
Enjoy strong materials such as smooth bearings and 60mm PU wheels with solid 3-inch aluminum trucks. The board only weighs four pounds, thanks to the plastic construction. The board is light enough for most children to carry in their backpack. It comes fully assembled and ready for the beginner.
Eggboard’s Mini Longboard Cruiser Skateboards
Best Kids Skateboard for Ages 4
Eggboard’s Mini Longboard Cruiser Skateboard comes in the smallest usable skateboard size at just 19 inches long and 9 inches wide. This is a little wider than the average 6 inch, so smaller kids and beginners can find their balance easier.
The Eggboard is made of four-ply cold-pressed bamboo wood, which is great for eco-friendly parents. In the picture above we are showing you both sides of the board, don’t get confused, THIS DOES NOT COME IN A 2-Pack. The company does not sell 2-pack, just one board, we just want to show both sides of the board.
Their twelve-inch wheelbase is a little bigger than traditional skateboards for increased stability while remaining compact. The truck (or the part that connects the wheels to the board) keeps your child steady with extreme durability and maneuverability. Large, soft wheels (69mm with ABEC-9 bearings) work on soft or bumpy surfaces and give more grip when turning and learning basic beginner skateboard tricks.
Your child can use the skateboard as a toddler and keep it until they are old and gray. It supports up to 250 pounds and is popular with older long board skaters. The wide deck includes black grip tape for added security.
The red wheels and lightening design on both sides looks modern and appeals to all ages.
Finally, the small size allows beginner skatebaorders to dodge obstacles. The giant wheels mean your child can glide longer without having to kick off. This skateboard works well for beginners, as it provides added balance and security.
Issues
The wide wheels mean this skateboard will not fit well in a backpack. You can, however, attach it to the back of a backpack with a strap or skateboard backpack.
Thank goodness the board works for all ages and your child can use it for their entire childhood and teen years as the price is a little on the high side for a beginners board, at around $117.00 the last time we checked.
Also, at six pounds, this skateboard may be sturdy, but your toddler might struggle to pick it up. Make sure you plan on carrying the skateboard, some parents have found a way to add a handle so their child can roll it behind them.
Skatro Mini Cruiser Skateboard
Best Kids Skateboard for Ages 2-3
Little children love lots of fun colors which is one aspect where Skatro Mini Cruiser Skateboard’s shine. Pick from 22 different colors, including colors for girls and boys, or choose a more neutral color if you prefer.
For performance, the board includes Abec 7 Skatro Bearings, 59mm urethane wheels, and 3inch lightweight aluminum trucks. The Skatro Flexy tech uses a manufacturing process to ensure optimal flexibility.
All this at half the price of the Eggboard above, but mind you, this board is 3 inches longer and not as wide.
The board includes a T-tool for easy adjustments of wheels. The steel bearings ensure a sturdy and comfortable ride on the six-inch-wide deck. The board is waterproof just in case it is left outside in the rain. This board works best on smooth surfaces such as asphalt, concrete or skate parks.
Lastly, as the board is made of plastic, it will work well for cruising, but not as well as a wood board for tricks. At 2-3 though, most children won’t be doing a lot of tricks unless they are a some kind of skating prodigy.
Issues
At 4.7 pounds, this board may be too heavy for your young tot, but they can keep this board for the entire childhood and up to their teen years with good care. Although, they may want to upgrade once they have mastered this board.
Flybar Skate Cruiser Boards
Best Kids Skateboard for Ages 4-
Preschoolers through second graders can enjoy the Flybar Skate Cruiser Boards. These boards come in smaller sizes, such as 24 inches and 27.5 inches, but in limited colors. The decks are slightly wider than normal boards as well, at 6.25 inches which is great for beginners.
The board is made with 7 ply Canadian maple construction for top quality. Even includes a kick-board (the part that curls up at the end of the board). Printed grip tape provides more control and stability.
The Flybar board comes with five-inch aluminum trucks and 4mmm riser pads for lightness and a better ability to turn. For higher height, the board offers 4mm rubber riser pads. With A bec 9 chrome bearings and 60mm wheels, the polyurethane wheels can keep up with your child progression as they get older.
Finally, the small size and lightweight of only four pounds means smaller kids can carry the board. Though the size is small, it’s closer to the traditional sized skateboard to grow with your child.
Teenagers and adults can use this board as it supports up to 220 pounds safely.
This skateboard is better for cruising but works for starter tricks too.
Issues
The price runs a little high and does not run as well as a traditional longboard, but those with smaller legs won’t notice the difference in price or size.
Magneto Kids Skateboard | Maple Deck with Components – Designed for Kids and Teens
Best for 4 year old – 15 years old
The 27.5″ x 7.75″ Compact skateboard designed specifically for kids ages 4-15 years old
The deluxe Deck is made with 7 plies of hard maple with double kicktails on the front and back of the board.
No assembly, this board is ready to ride out of the box with 5″ aluminum trucks with a steel axel for extra strength and durability.
Super Soft, high traction 52mm 95A polyurethane wheels that make the ride really smooth and extra stability for beginners.
Razor RipStik Ripster Caster Board
Best Kids Skateboard for Ages 8-10
Though the RipStik Ripster Caster Board is not as large as some of the ones above, it comes with a unique shape – like a bow, but futuristic.
This kids skateboard is made of high-tech polymer with a removable deck plate and steel torsion bar. The bar has inclined 360-degree caster trucks and a pivoting deck.
Also, the steel torsion bar comes rubber padded and includes 66mm high-grade urethane wheels with Abec05 bearings. The deck has a kick at the nose and the tale all with the low weight of 4.5 pounds.
Lastly, the concave deck increases foot control and the rubber padded allows for acceleration and turning without a lot of pushing.
This skateboard works on a sidewalk or a skate park, all for a very affordable price.
Issues
The 360 spinning wheels often feel unstable, therefore, we do not recommend this board until 8 years old or older. Although, younger kids with lots of practice may handle the extra spinning capacity.
Check the wheels though, as they may become loose.
FAQ’s About The Best Skateboards for Kids
Does my child need kneepads and a helmet when skateboarding?
Yes! Children fall. Some kids fall a lot. Skateboard Helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads protect kids when they tumble.
Even when your child has mastered the skill, something else could trip them and cause a wipeout, like a rock. Protect your child because a fall may mean a trip to the hospital.
When is my child ready to go to a skate park?
Most pros didn’t start skateboarding until they were teenagers, but children with skills can start at a skate park between the ages of 6-10.
As long as your child can squat and figure how to roll out of an injury with training, they can skate at a park at the right age.
How long will a skateboard last?
The deck of the skateboard can sadly break, often even on the best skateboards for kids. Breaks happen more so when doing tricks than when cruising.
As most skateboards are made of wood or plastic, they can break. However, both are light enough to do what a skater needs.
Many people build their own skateboards by buying different decks, so they can replace just the deck and keep the existing trucks and wheels.
Does my kid need special shoes for skating?
Skater shoes offer flat gripping soles to keep feet on a skateboard. The tough leather on the shoes helps to keep feet from injury. The list of benefits goes on, because skater shoes were designed for skating.
Your child may get away with their regular sneakers for a while when cruising around the neighborhood, but when they are at the skate park, they need skating shoes.
Final Thoughts About The Best Skateboards for Kids
The best skateboards for kids offers you value for your money and keeps your kid safe.
My choice for the best kids skateboard is the RIMABLE Complete 22 Inches Skateboard as it’s small, works for many sizes and comes highly rated. While the board can break easily, as it’s made of plastic, most skateboards break including wood ones.
The RIMABLE skateboard is at least an affordable option. Even if your child is simply cruising around the neighborhood, this skateboard works well for cruising too.
By the time a beginner skateboarder reaches 12 or 13 years of age, there’s no question that he or she is going to want a skateboard that feels like what the pros use—both in size and grade. But what about really young skateboarders—the four- or five-year-olds who are just getting into the sport? What guidelines are there for parents choosing a model for the youngest skateboarders?
Kid Size or Adult Size?
On the basic level, there is no difference between skateboards for kids and skateboards for adults. Some companies do make smaller, short skateboards about 21″ or 22″ in length as we have shared with you. Honestly, this is more a matter of marketing than genuine consumer need.
Smaller skateboards can be fun, but it’s better for kids to grow into the sport using a full-size skateboard, 27″ to 31″ inches in length. Plus, full-size skateboards aren’t that large. Most 4-year-olds should be fine with a standard-size board. Plus, kids’ skateboards are usually about 6″ wide, and kids may actually do better with the 7.5″-inch wide deck on a full-sized board.
How About Grade?
Different manufacturers categorize their different skateboard grades using different terminology. Some version of Beginner, Advanced and Pro is a class system used by many of them. For others manufacturers, it’s a Rookie series vs. a Pro series.
The differences are really in the materials used in the wheels and bearings, with the Beginner boards using a slightly softer material in the wheels, which works better in street/sidewalk skating. Pro boards, on the other hand, have very hard wheels and high-quality bearings.
They are intended for durability and speed, and really shine in skatepark use. There may also be differences in the construction of the board itself (called the deck). Pro boards may use a multi-ply construction designed to resist breaking under the hard use of a skater who does tricks.
For kids just beginning, though, there is no reason to splurge on a very expensive board, because kids won’t really benefit from the added features of a pro-grade board. A $25 or $30 22-inch long board will do quite nicely until a young skater is 10 or 12 years old. If he or she is still enthusiastic about the sport at that point, you can consider moving up to board costing $100 or more.
Where to Buy Your Kid’s Skateboard
If you’d like to save a little, there are several brands ideal for young skaters out there. But one strong recommendation is to NOT buy a skateboard from some massive department store or mass merchandise Those generic skateboards aren’t good quality and will give your kid a bad experience. Stick with known manufacturers of quality skateboards. Those companies that also make good pro-level boards are a good bet when it comes to buying a rookie-grade board. At the InternationalSkateboardersUnion.com if we recommend a board, we stand behind it.
Buying a skateboard online is just fine, provided it’s manufactured by a reputable company
we have shared with you here.
And go ahead and let your child pick out a board with graphics they like. This might seem petty to a parent who is more concerned about the quality of construction, but the graphics on the skateboard are strangely important to a skater and can greatly increase their enjoyment of the sport when they have a board they feel looks cool.
Don’t Forget the Protective Gear
One final word—don’t put off buying protective gear and make sure you get a skateboard helmet. After that, you can get him or her elbow pads, too. Knee pads and wrist guards can also help. Beyond that, you should be fine. Termite and other brands make skateboard pad kits for kids. And review the information on skateboard safety. Your child—not to mention you as the parent—will enjoy the sport a lot more if you avoid serious injuries.
Razor RipStik Ripster Caster Board
Best Kids Skateboard for Ages 8-10
Though the RipStik Ripster Caster Board is not as large as some of the ones above, it comes with a unique shape – like a bow, but futuristic.
This kids skateboard is made of high-tech polymer with a removable deck plate and steel torsion bar. The bar has inclined 360-degree caster trucks and a pivoting deck.
Also, the steel torsion bar comes rubber padded and includes 66mm high-grade urethane wheels with Abec05 bearings. The deck has a kick at the nose and the tale all with the low weight of 4.5 pounds.
Lastly, the concave deck increases foot control and the rubber padded allows for acceleration and turning without a lot of pushing.
This skateboard works on a sidewalk or a skate park, all for a very affordable price.
Issues
The 360 spinning wheels often feel unstable, therefore, we do not recommend this board until 8 years old or older. Although, younger kids with lots of practice may handle the extra spinning capacity.
Check the wheels though, as they may become loose.
FAQ’s About The Best Skateboards for Kids
Does my kid need kneepads and a helmet when skateboarding?
Yes! Children fall. Some kids fall a lot. Helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads protect kids when they tumble.
Even when your child has mastered the skill, something else could trip them and cause a wipeout, like a rock. Protect your child because a fall may mean a trip to the hospital.
When is my child ready to go to a skate park?
Most pros didn’t start skateboarding until they were teenagers, but children with skills can start at a skate park between the ages of 6-10.
As long as your child can squat and figure how to roll out of an injury with training, they can skate at a park at the right age.
How long will a skateboard last?
The deck of the skateboard can sadly break, often even on the best skateboards for kids. Breaks happen more so when doing tricks than when cruising.
As most skateboards are made of wood or plastic, they can break. However, both are light enough to do what a skater needs.
Many people build their own skateboards by buying different decks, so they can replace just the deck and keep the existing trucks and wheels.
Does my kid need special shoes for skating?
Skater shoes offer flat gripping soles to keep feet on a skateboard. The tough leather on the shoes helps to keep feet from injury. The list of benefits goes on, because skater shoes were designed for skating.
Your child may get away with their regular sneakers for a while when cruising around the neighborhood, but when they are at the skate park, they need skating shoes.
Final Thoughts About The Best Skateboards for Kids
The best skateboards for kids offers you value for your money and keeps your kid safe.
My choice for the best kids skateboard is the RIMABLE Complete 22 Inches Skateboard as it’s small, works for many sizes and comes highly rated. While the board can break easily, as it’s made of plastic, most skateboards break including wood ones.
The RIMABLE skateboard is at least an affordable option. Even if your child is simply cruising around the neighborhood, this skateboard works well for cruising too.
By the time a youngster reaches 12 or 13 years of age, there’s no question that he or she is going to want a skateboard that feels like what the pros use—both in size and grade. But what about really young skateboarders—the four- or five-year-olds who are just getting into the sport? What guidelines are there for parents choosing a model for the youngest skateboarders?
Kid Size or Adult Size?
On the basic level, there is no difference between skateboards for kids and skateboards for adults. Some companies do make smaller, short skateboards about 21″ or 22″ in length, but this is more a matter of marketing than genuine consumer need. Smaller skateboards can be fun, but it’s better for kids to grow into the sport using a full-size skateboard, 27″ to 31″ inches in length. Plus, full-size skateboards aren’t that large. Most 4-year-olds should be fine with a standard-size board. Plus, kids’ skateboards are usually about 6″ wide, and kids may actually do better with the 7.5″-inch wide deck on a full-sized board.
How About Grade?
Different manufacturers categorize their different skateboard grades using different terminology. Some version of Beginner, Advanced and Pro is a class system used by many of them. For others manufacturers, it’s a Rookie series vs. a Pro series. The differences are really in the materials used in the wheels and bearings, with the Beginner boards using a slightly softer material in the wheels, which works better in street/sidewalk skating. Pro boards, on the other hand, have very hard wheels and high-quality bearings. They are intended for durability and speed, and really shine in skatepark use. There may also be differences in the construction of the board itself (called the deck). Pro boards may use a multi-ply construction designed to resist breaking under the hard use of a skater who does tricks.
For kids just beginning, though, there is no reason to splurge on a very expensive board, because kids won’t really benefit from the added features of a pro-grade board. A $25 or $30 22-inch long board will do quite nicely until a young skater is 10 or 12 years old. If he or she is still enthusiastic about the sport at that point, you can consider moving up to board costing $100 or more.
Where to Buy Your Kid’s Skateboard
If you’d like to save a little, there are several brands ideal for young skaters out there. But one strong recommendation is to NOT buy a skateboard from some massive department store or mass merchandise Those generic skateboards aren’t good quality and will give your kid a bad experience. Stick with known manufacturers of quality skateboards. Those companies that also make good pro-level boards are a good bet when it comes to buying a rookie-grade board.
Buying a skateboard online is just fine, provided it’s manufactured by a reputable company.
And go ahead and let your child pick out a board with graphics they like. This might seem petty to a parent who is more concerned about the quality of construction, but the graphics on the skateboard are strangely important to a skater and can greatly increase their enjoyment of the sport.
Don’t Forget the Protective Gear
One final word—don’t put off buying protective gear and make sure you get a skateboard helmet. After that, you can get him or her elbow pads, too. Knee pads and wrist guards can also help. Beyond that, you should be fine. Termite and other brands make skateboard pad kits for kids. And review the information on skateboard safety. Your child—not to mention you as the parent—will enjoy the sport a lot more if you avoid serious injuries.
