How to choose the right kids skateboard ?
Choosing a kids skateboard is not just about picking a “mini” version of an adult board. For the experience to be fun, safe, and motivating, the equipment must be truly adapted to the child’s body type, age, and skill level. Here are the essential criteria to consider in order to make the right choice.
1 - A BOARD SIZE ADAPTED TO THE CHILD’S BODY TYPE
Board size is a fundamental factor. A board that is too long or too wide will be difficult for a child to control and can quickly lead to frustration.
For a child, it is recommended to choose a board:
shorter than an adult skateboard: 29" (73.6cm) is often a good choice for maximum versatility. Do not go for a 31-32" board: this is the standard for adults but is unsuitable for children.
with a width adapted to shoe size: 7.5" is a good compromise. A wider board can be preferred for greater stability, but once again avoid adult standards (8.0", 8.25").
easy to manoeuvre at low speed: a wheelbase (distance between the two trucks) of around 13" is a good compromise between stability and manoeuvrability. It will allow a child to manoeuvre the board more easily than with an adult standard (the standard for adults is often 14-14.25").
These recommendations are indicative but will suit the majority of children who want to start skateboarding and then progress. A properly sized board makes it easier to position the feet, turn more easily and quickly gain confidence.
The younger the child (5 years old, for example), the more advisable it is to choose a shorter board while making sure not to compromise too much on width (for stability). For a 15-16-year-old teenager with an adult-like build, it will of course be better to opt for an adult skateboard.
2 - WEIGHT: AN OFTEN UNDERESTIMATED CRITERION
The weight of the skateboard is a key factor when learning. A board that is too heavy can quickly become restrictive: it is difficult to carry, harder to pick up after a fall and less easy to control, especially for younger children.
A skateboard designed for children should therefore be:
lightweight,
easy to carry independently,
easy to manoeuvre from the very first pushes.
For this reason, it is preferable to choose a board made with 6 plies of Canadian maple, rather than the traditional 7-ply construction used for adult skateboards. This reduces the average weight from 1.3 to 1.5 kg for an adult board to around 900 g to 1 kg for a children's board. The components are also adapted: narrower trucks and, in some cases, slightly smaller wheels can further reduce the overall weight without compromising the board's handling.
Choosing a 6-ply construction does not mean compromising on strength. The design is specifically engineered to maintain a good balance between strength and durability. In addition, the child's lighter weight naturally reduces the stresses placed on the board.
A lightweight skateboard therefore promotes independence, confidence and enjoyment while riding, all of which are essential to encouraging a child to improve and continue skateboarding.
3 - STABILITY AND MANEUVERABILITY FOR CONFIDENT BEGINNINGS
During their first sessions, children are primarily focused on finding and mastering their balance. A stable, properly adjusted and well-balanced board is essential to help them progress with confidence.
For beginners, it is preferable to prioritise:
good stability at low speed,
enough manoeuvrability to turn without forcing it,
a forgiving ride, capable of accommodating the small mistakes that are inevitable when starting out.
These qualities directly result from the choices discussed above: suitable dimensions, controlled weight and well-matched components. It is also important to point out that there is no need, and it may even be counterproductive, to equip a children's skateboard with high-end bearings. A child should first learn to move at low speed, without finding themselves struggling because the board is too fast. Good-quality mid-range bearings are therefore more than sufficient and much better suited to learning.
A well-balanced setup allows children to gradually develop coordination, balance and control while riding without apprehension.
4. A KIDS SKATEBOARD DESIGNED FOR LEARNING, NOT A TOY
Not all skateboards designed for children are created equal. Some entry-level models are often too heavy, too stiff or equipped with unsuitable components, which can quickly hinder learning and the enjoyment of riding. For example, many children's skateboards come with very hard, entry-level wheels, whereas slightly softer wheels (90A-95A) are often more comfortable for absorbing bumps on uneven surfaces.
A good children's skateboard should be:
durable, to withstand regular use,
carefully assembled, with well-matched components,
designed as a genuine skateboard, rather than simply being a smaller version of a recreational toy.
The quality of the manufacturing has a direct impact on the durability of the board and the riding comfort. It is therefore important to avoid skateboards marketed as being "for children" simply because they are smaller. Similarly, be wary of boards chosen solely for their visual appeal: extravagant graphics, LEDs inside the wheels... The choice should be made from the outset between a toy and genuine equipment designed for skateboarding.
It is better to choose a genuinely high-quality board designed specifically for children, ideally made in France. Turning to the expertise of a shaper helps meet these requirements for quality and suitability, while also providing genuine support and contributing to the local economy.
5. WHICH SKATEBOARD FOR WHICH AGE?
Although there is no universal rule, age remains a good indicator when choosing a suitable skateboard for a child.
In general:
From the age of 5, a child can start skateboarding with a board measuring 24 to 27" in length and 7.5 to 7.8" in width.
Up to around 10–14 years old, a children's skateboard as described above is the most appropriate: around 29" long and around 7.5" wide.
Afterwards, the transition to a standard format can be made gradually, depending on the child's height, weight and skill level. The child can gradually move towards adult standards: for example, 8.25" x 31.5" for street skateboarding.
The key is to choose an evolutive board, capable of growing with the child over several years. It is only when the child approaches an adult build or takes up a more intensive form of skateboarding (club lessons, regular training, competitions) that this choice should be refined, ideally by discussing it with a skateboarding instructor or a specialist.
6. COMPLETE SKATEBOARD OR CUSTOM ASSEMBLY ?
For a child, it is strongly recommended to choose a complete skateboard. This option offers several advantages:
a coherent setup, with components that work well together,
adjustments suited to the child’s size and level,
immediate use, without requiring technical knowledge.
It is also a simpler and more reassuring choice for parents. The board can always be upgraded later by replacing certain components as the child progresses: higher-performance bearings for increased speed, harder or softer wheels depending on the terrain and riding style.
CONCLUSION
Choosing the right skateboard for a child is above all about finding the right balance between suitable dimensions, controlled weight, stability, build quality and riding enjoyment. A board genuinely designed for learning allows a child to progress gradually and confidently, while developing balance, coordination and independence.
There are not many brands on the skateboard market that take all of these criteria into account. Too often, you will find boards that are primarily toys, poorly adapted versions of adult skateboards, or simply low-quality boards. In particular, be cautious when the product description mentions "wood" rather than "Canadian maple", which is nevertheless a guarantee of build quality.
Finally, if your goal is to purchase a genuine children's skateboard, we recommend turning to an artisan shaper. This ensures a quality board that is designed and adapted to the child's needs, while also offering the possibility of customising certain elements according to your preferences.
