The younger you learn to skateboard, the more time you have to grow and improve as a skater.
Tony Hawk is a prime example, as the GOAT began skating when he was just 9 years old and was entering competitions within 2 years.
If you have younger kids, you don’t need to wait until they are 9 years old.
There are boards specifically tailored to kids as young as 6, and most experts agree that this is the youngest age for kids to start skateboarding.
Are Skateboards Safe for 6-Year-Olds?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children under the age of 5 shouldn’t be allowed on a skateboard and 6 is the ideal starting age.
Their balance is a little better and they can learn relatively quickly, but they should also be supervised at all times and equipped with adequate safety gear.
What Kind of Skateboard Should a 6-Year-Old Have?
It goes without saying that kids’ skateboards should be a little smaller.
For a 6-year-old, the ideal width is between 7″ and 8″ with a length up to 31″.
The exact size will depend on your child’s height and weight.
The board should be sturdy and reliable, as you don’t want it breaking or falling apart and injuring your child.
Protective gear is another important consideration and includes knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and a helmet.
What Should I Look for in a Kid Skateboard?
Quality and affordability aren’t the only considerations when it comes to choosing a skateboard for kids.
The first consideration is whether you need a shortboard or a longboard.
The former is often known simply as a “skateboard” or “traditional skateboard” while the latter is called both a “longboard’ and a “cruiser”.
There are also “mini cruisers”, which are shorter versions of the same board type.
Traditional skateboards are what most kids want to ride.
They are used for performing tricks and can be taken to the skate part, ridden over kickers, up vertical jumps, and on rails.
Longboards feature big wheels with long and narrow decks.
They are designed for speed and travel—it’s about going from one place to the next and not performing tricks in the skate park.
Finally, look for a “complete skateboard” when buying online.
If something is listed as a complete skateboard, it means it includes the full board and is ready to be ridden.
If not, you might end up with just the deck and grip tape.
What are the Best Skateboards for 6-Year-Olds?
You can buy kids’ skateboards, knee pads, elbow pads, and helmets from your local skate shop.
They’re also available from Amazon.
All of the kids’ skateboards listed below can be purchased from Amazon right now.
When it comes to protective gear, however, we recommend checking your local skate shop as you need a helmet that fits perfectly.
PHOEROS 31 Inch Skateboard for Kids
The PHOEROS is a 31-inch skateboard for boys and girls.
It’s available for between $29.99 and $39.99 and comes in a few stylish designs, including a Father Christmas illustration and some abstract prints.
The skateboard deck is made from 7 layers of Canadian maple, the trucks are aluminum, and there is a waterproof non-slip grip tape.
It’s a relatively simple board, but for $30 or so, you can’t complain and it’s one of the best skateboards for riders aged 6 and up.
PlayWheels Ultimate Spider-Man 28 Inch Complete Kids Skateboard
At 28 inches in length and 7 inches in width, this is the perfect skateboard for kids aged 6 to 10.
It is a complete skateboard and it comes with a 9-ply maple skateboard deck.
It supports up to 110 pounds in weight and features super-strong PVC injected wheels that deliver a smooth ride.
Magneto Kids Complete Skateboard
At $49.99, this kid’s skateboard is a little more expensive than some of the other options on this list, but it’s worth the extra cash.
It’s just under 28 inches in length and 7.75 inches in width, and it features a maple skateboard deck and some cool design options.
Our personal favorite is the “Video Game”, which shows an Xbox controller on the underside along with a list of tricks. There are also ice creams, Rocketship, and candy designs.
It’s the best beginner skateboard for 6-year-old gamers, as well as parents who are happy to spend a little more to get a higher quality board.
Complete 22-Inch Mini Cruiser from Meketec
A 22-inch mini cruiser skateboard that comes in over 2 dozen color options and costs between $30 and $40.
The skateboard deck is 6 inches wide and it’s great for kids who are just learning and want a compact board they can take anywhere.
Fish Skateboards Cruiser Kids Skateboard
Looking for a kids skateboard for less than $20? The Fish Skateboards 22 inch cruiser could be perfect. It comes in a variety of bright and bold colors and is currently available for just over $15.
It’s durable, strong, and promises a smooth ride, even over rough surfaces.
It’s a mini skateboard, so it’s easy to carry around and is the perfect size for young children.
Easy Way Kid Skateboard for Kids
The Easy Way is a beginner skateboard targeted at younger riders.
It’s priced at just over $30 and there are a number of different colored skateboard decks to choose from.
The deck itself is made from 7-ply maple wood and it has a weight capacity of 224 lbs.
Skatro Mini Cruiser Skateboard
The Skatro Mini Cruiser Skateboard is the most expensive option on this list, but it’s also the perfect mini cruiser for kids looking to start skateboarding.
There are currently 27 different styles and colors to choose from and the 22×6 inch mini cruiser also comes with a skate tool.
At $60, it’s not a cheap board, especially when you consider that most skateboards for kids are available for half this amount. It’s also made from plastic and not Canadian maple.
But don’t let that put you off, as it’s a solid mini cruiser that will last for years and withstand whatever your young child throws at it.
