Best Skateboards For Kids
When choosing a skateboard for kids, it’s essential to find a balance between safety, ease of use, and fun. Kids’ skateboards should be durable enough to withstand rough use while being lightweight for easy handling. The right skateboard can help young skaters develop coordination and confidence while ensuring they stay safe.
To delve deeper into the ultimate choice, consider factors such as deck size, material, and the type of skateboarding they’re interested in. From cruiser boards perfect for casual rides to more specialized boards designed for tricks, understanding these aspects will help you select the best skateboard tailored to your child’s needs and interests.
1. SkateXS Complete (High Quality and Safe)
- Brand: SkateXS
- Color: Black Grip Tape / Black Wheels
- Age Range: Kid
- Skill Level: 28
- Material: Bamboo
- Wheel Size: 53 Millimeters
- Durometer Hardness: 90A
- Customizable Options: Panda, Pirate, Starboard, and Unicorn designs available
- Design: Made by Skateboarding parents specifically for kids; custom assembled in the USA
- Components: High-quality, top name-brand components
- Deck: High-performance SkateXS bamboo skateboard deck, properly sized smaller for kids
- Benefits: Appropriate sizing enhances safety, ease of use, and fun
The SkateXS Beginner Complete stands out as the ultimate choice for young skaters, offering a blend of quality and performance tailored specifically for children. Constructed from a robust combination of maple wood and bamboo, the deck ensures durability and resilience, making it suitable for a range of activities from sidewalk cruising to skate park tricks. The board is available in various sizes with vibrant graphics, catering to both boys and girls, and is designed to accommodate kids from 6 to 12 years old. Its well-balanced construction not only offers longevity but also ensures a smooth ride, even on rough surfaces.
The skateboard features high-quality components that contribute to its superior performance. The wheels are colorful and provide excellent grip and stability, essential for young riders who are still mastering their balance. For those seeking a more advanced option, the SkateXS also offers the possibility of upgrading to higher-quality Spitfire wheels. The trucks are available in either premium Thunder or SkateXS street trucks, with the latter being particularly kid-friendly due to its lightweight build and softer bushings, which enhance maneuverability and ease of turning.
Beyond its impressive build, the SkateXS Beginner Complete comes with the added benefit of customization options, including personalized grip tape and matching protective gear. While it is the most expensive skateboard on this list, the cost reflects the high-quality parts and exceptional customer service provided. SkateXS stands out not only for its superior products but also for its commitment to customer satisfaction, with owner Bryan renowned for his helpful and supportive approach. This skateboard delivers a premium experience, ensuring that young skaters get the most out of their first rides while staying safe and having fun.
2. Magneto Mini Cruiser (Best Beginner Kids Cruiser)
- Brand: Magneto
- Color: Heart Beat
- Age Range: Kid, Teen, Adult
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Deck Length: 27.5 Inches
- Deck Width: 7.5 Inches
- Item Weight: 6 Pounds
- Material: Maple Wood
- Load Capacity: 275 Pounds
- Wheel Size: 60 Millimeters
- Design:
- Made by skaters, inspired by Southern California surf culture
- Simple aesthetics with emphasis on customer satisfaction and prompt support
- Portability:
- Compact size for easy carrying
- Ideal for cruising and versatile riding
- Dimensions: Length = 27.5″, Width = 7.5″, Wheelbase = 18.5″
- Kicktails:
- Double kick tails for versatility (mannies, ollies, flip tricks)
- Asymmetric design with a surf style aesthetic
- Deck Quality:
- 6-ply Canadian Maple construction
- Sand grit finish for grip and durability
- Trucks:
- Made from quality gravity cast aluminum
- 5-inch hanger, 55-degree kingpin angle
- SHR polyurethane wheels and bushings, no plastic parts
The Magneto Mini Cruiser stands out as an excellent choice for kids seeking a reliable and affordable skateboard designed primarily for cruising. While it isn’t tailored for tricks, it excels in providing a smooth cruising experience, making it an ideal learning board for young riders. This cruiser helps kids master the basics of skateboarding, including navigating around obstacles like cracks and pebbles, while delivering an enjoyable ride. Although not the highest quality option on the market, it pleasantly exceeded expectations in its price range.
The deck of the Magneto Mini Cruiser, while somewhat basic, offers a comfortable stance with its medium concave, allowing for quick foot adjustments during rides. The kicktail is a notable feature that enhances control, especially at higher speeds, and the transparent grip tape makes stance adjustments straightforward. The 60mm wheels are designed to handle uneven terrains effectively, which is crucial for young riders encountering gravel and cracks. Though not as smooth as premium wheels, they provide adequate performance for beginners.
The trucks on the Magneto Mini Cruiser may require minor adjustments straight out of the box for optimal stability, with a recommendation to loosen the back trucks slightly more than the front for better handling. The bearings, while not top-of-the-line, work well in conjunction with the larger wheels to ensure a smooth ride. Overall, this cruiser offers a great value for kids of all ages interested in learning skateboarding on various surfaces. Both my child and I found it enjoyable, making it a solid choice for those looking for a budget-friendly entry into skateboarding.
3. Santa Cruz Classic Dot
- Brand: SANTA CRUZ
- Color: Pink
- Age Range: Youth
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Deck Length: 28.25 Inches
- Deck Width: 7.5 Inches
- Item Weight: 2.04 Kilograms
- Material: Aluminum
- Load Capacity: 440.9 Pounds
- Wheel Size: 52 Millimeters
- Perfect Entry-Level Complete: Ideal for beginners of any age or gender
- Quality Deck: Lightweight and durable 7-ply birch construction
- Balanced Trucks: Strong cast aluminum with 85a cushions (super-micro, micro, & mini) or 90a cushions (mid-large sizes)
- Versatile Wheels: High-rebound urethane wheels with 83a hardness (super-micro, micro, & mini) or 95a hardness (mid-large sizes)
- Durable Components: Professional-grade grip tape and high-speed precision steel bearings with oil lubricant for smooth rolling
Santa Cruz has tailored its skateboards specifically for younger riders with softer wheels and smaller sizes to ensure a comfortable and safe skateboarding experience. The range includes various sizes to suit different age groups: the Super Micro (7.25in x 27.00in) for children aged 3 to 6 years, the Micro (7.75in x 30.00in) for kids aged 4 to 8 years, the Mini (7.50in x 28.25in) for those aged 8 to 12 years, and the Mid (7.8in x 31in) for ages 8 to 13 years. Each board is designed to handle both tricks and regular rides effectively, making them versatile for different skateboarding environments.
The Santa Cruz Classic Dot model is particularly notable for its 52mm OJ wheels with a hardness of 92A, which offer a good balance between smooth cruising and performance on rougher surfaces. These wheels are effective at absorbing the impact from small pebbles and cracks, which is crucial for young riders navigating various terrains. The skateboard’s design ensures it performs well in both park and street settings, and it is available in a range of sizes and graphics to suit individual preferences.
However, the board’s construction does have some drawbacks. The deck is made from birch wood, which is less durable compared to the 7-ply maple decks found on some other models. While the deck provides stability and is adequate for both cruising and tricks, it offers slightly less pop. The Bullet trucks are well-suited to the deck size and ensure a smooth ride without interference, and the OJ Slimeball wheels, being wider than average, contribute to greater stability. Although the bearings might not be the fastest, a bit of silicon lube can enhance their performance. Overall, while the Santa Cruz Classic Dot offers a balanced ride with decent components, it is priced similarly to the higher-quality SkateXS skateboard, but with somewhat lower quality parts.
4. Penny Cruiser (Best Beginner Kids Cruiser)
- Brand: Penny Australia
- Color: Chuck Shaka
- Age Range: Adult
- Skill Level: All
- Deck Length: 56 Centimeters
- Deck Width: 15 Centimeters
- Item Weight: 4.3 Pounds
- Material: Plastic
- Load Capacity: 220 Pounds
- Wheel Size: 59 Millimeters
- Authenticity: Authentic Penny Skateboard Cruiser
- Deck Material: Secret plastic formula for strength and flexibility
- Wheels: Premium quality 59mm 83A wheels for a smooth ride
- Bearings: High-quality color-coded ABEC 7 stainless steel bearings
- Warranty: Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
Penny boards are renowned for their durability and safety, making them an excellent choice for kids who are just learning to ride, as well as for older kids and adults who already have skateboarding experience. Combining aesthetics with performance, Penny boards offer a smoother ride compared to alternatives like the Magneto cruiser. Their large, soft wheels and decent bearings contribute to a comfortable glide over various surfaces, making them ideal for both novice and seasoned riders. The board’s classic design is not only visually appealing but also functional, providing a reliable and enjoyable riding experience.
The deck of a Penny board is characterized by its classic tail design and a balance of stiffness with a touch of flexibility, enhancing stability and control. The Penny trucks are engineered to provide excellent turning capabilities and are highly durable. They can be adjusted for tighter turns, which is beneficial for beginners who may need more control. The large, soft wheels are particularly noteworthy, as they allow the board to glide smoothly over small obstacles like cracks and patches of gravel, ensuring a seamless riding experience on abrasive surfaces.
Penny boards also feature a distinctive waffle pattern on the deck that offers superior grip, contributing to the overall stability while riding. The bearings, though not the fastest, complement the wheels well, providing consistent performance. The 22-inch version of the board is well-suited for younger kids, typically ages 6 to 9, while the larger 27-inch version is better for kids aged 10 to 12. With significant discounts available, these boards offer excellent value, but buyers should be cautious of counterfeit products. Overall, Penny boards are celebrated for their classic vibe, impressive performance, and reliability, making them a favorite among a wide range of riders.
5. Powell-Peralta Golden Dragon
- Brand: Powell Peralta
- Color: Multi
- Age Range: 5 years
- Skill Level: All
- Deck Length: 31.63 Inches
- Deck Width: 7.63 Inches
- Item Weight: 5 Pounds
- Material: Wood, Metal
- Theme: Skateboarding
- Load Capacity: 250 Pounds
- Dimensions:
- Width: 7.625 inches
- Length: 31.625 inches
- Wheelbase: 13.75 inches
- Target Audience:
- Ideal for smaller riders, beginners, and price-conscious advanced skaters
- Endorsement: Backed by Steve Caballero, praising it as perfect for beginners with unbeatable quality and price
- Warranty: Comes with a warranty against manufacturer defects
- Manufacturing: Produced in a Chinese factory using AirLam presses and quality glue, ensuring a high-quality deck
The Powell Peralta Golden Dragon skateboard exceeds expectations, proving to be a solid choice for young riders despite initial skepticism. With its well-performing trucks and forgiving wheels, it offers a dependable ride that balances both functionality and affordability. This skateboard is particularly well-suited for kids aged 8 to 12, providing a good mix of performance and value, often available at a great price.
The deck measures 7.625 inches wide, making it a suitable size for younger skaters. Its concave design facilitates both comfortable cruising and the execution of basic tricks. While the deck may not offer the same pop as higher-end models due to its budget-friendly design, it is durable enough for beginners and provides a stable platform for learning. The board’s construction, featuring a birch deck, contributes to its overall sturdiness, although it is on the smaller side for more advanced tricks.
The Golden Dragon skateboard features reliable mini logo trucks that offer excellent turning capability, though they may need adjustment if they are too loose initially. The wheels, designed to be softer than those found on professional skateboards, provide good grip and stability on various surfaces such as asphalt and concrete. While the bearings are not exceptional, they perform adequately for a beginner board. Overall, the Powell Peralta Golden Dragon skateboard offers decent wheels, sturdy trucks, and a reasonable deck, making it a commendable choice for young skaters just starting out.
Conclusion
When selecting the best skateboards for kids, it’s crucial to focus on safety, durability, and ease of use. The ultimate choice will depend on factors such as the child’s age, skill level, and intended use. Skateboards with wider decks provide better stability for beginners, while those with more flexible materials can be ideal for performing tricks. Additionally, investing in a skateboard with quality grip tape and sturdy trucks ensures a safer and more enjoyable ride. By evaluating these features, you can ensure a skateboard that supports your child’s growth and skill development.
In conclusion, the right skateboard can significantly enhance a child’s skating experience, combining fun with functionality. Brands that prioritize safety and offer adjustable or customizable features often provide the best value. As kids grow and their skills advance, choosing a skateboard that can adapt to their changing needs will keep them engaged and motivated. Delve into reviews and seek recommendations to find a board that balances quality and affordability. Ultimately, the goal is to find a skateboard that nurtures their enthusiasm for the sport while ensuring they ride with confidence and enjoyment.
