Kids' skateboard: how to choose

Kids' skateboard: how to choose (without "buying the wrong one")

Skateboarding can be a fantastic sport for children — but the experience changes completely depending on the deck size , stability , and protective gear . A very narrow skateboard, with very loose trucks and "difficult" wheels, turns learning into frustration.

EN 13613 standard: the technical filter for skateboards

The European standard EN 13613 specifies requirements and test methods for non-motorized skateboards supplied as complete items and classifies them according to performance criteria for different weight categories.
As with EN 14619, there is an important detail: EN 13613 does not apply to skateboards for users weighing up to 20 kg ; in these cases, the toy standard EN 71-1 applies.

How to use this when buying

  • Very young children/lightweight children under 20 kg: clearly look for a children's/toy category skateboard with appropriate information.

  • For children weighing over 20 kg: it makes sense to refer to EN 13613 as an indicator of requirements and testing.

What really matters when choosing a children's skateboard?

1) Deck width (board): comfort and control

A practical way to choose deck width is to consider your shoe size (wider foot = more comfortable width). Decathlon provides guidelines by shoe size and typical deck width ranges.

Simple rule for beginners: if you're unsure between two widths, the slightly wider one usually provides more stability (especially for children).

2) Trucks (and stability)

  • To start, tighten the trucks more (reduce the "wobble").

  • As the child gains confidence, you can gradually loosen the reins.

3) Wheels: don't just choose "any" wheels

Without getting into technical numbers, you think like this:

  • Softer, slightly larger wheels tend to be more forgiving on rough surfaces.

  • "Stiffer" wheels tend to be better on very slippery surfaces and for maneuvering, but require more technique.

For Portugal (with its uneven pavement and road surface), the choice should prioritize control and safety , not "maneuvering performance" on the very first day.

4) Complete vs. assembling piece by piece

For beginner children, a good quality complete skateboard (deck + trucks + wheels) is usually the simplest and most balanced choice.

Protective equipment (non-negotiable at the start)

  • EN 1078 helmet : the standard applies to helmets for cyclists and users of skateboards and roller skates; APSI recommends confirming the EN 1078 designation.

  • EN 14120 protective gear : knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards for users of wheeled sports equipment.

How to get started (to learn faster and fall less)

  1. Ideal location : a flat, wide area, free of cars (or a skatepark during quiet hours).

  2. First objective : balance and simple braking (stopping with one foot on the ground).

  3. "Safe" falls : teach how to lower the center of gravity and not "stretch out rigid arms" (protective gear helps, but technique counts).

Shopping checklist (kids' skateboard)

  • If >20 kg: look for reference EN 13613

  • Deck with comfortable width (can be guided by shoe size)

  • Stable setup for beginners (firmer trucks)

  • Helmet EN 1078 + protectors EN 14120

FAQ

What is the best size for a children's skateboard?
It's not about "age." The deck pad should be comfortable for your foot; using shoe size as a reference helps with choosing the right one.

Is EN 13613 really important?
It's a good technical criterion: it defines requirements and tests for non-motorized skateboards and considers weight categories.