We often receive questions about which skateboards are best for beginners, prompting us to write a  whole post  on the subject. Today, though, it’s time to discuss mini skateboards.

These boards typically measure about a foot in length with standard-sized trucks. If your child is quite small, the temptation to opt for one might be strong, especially since they are the cheapest thing on the market.

Not long ago, a relative asked us to recommend a skateboard for their young child. After much careful reviewing of various high-quality, reasonably priced completes, we provided several attractive options. However, when the birthday rolled around and we inquired about the chosen skateboard, they revealed a mini skateboard, a choice that was disappointing.

Why did they choose a mini skateboard? The reasoning was to “test the waters” of skateboarding interest before investing more significantly. While understandable, this approach has a major downside.

Starting with the basics, mini skateboards are often of poor quality. Their affordability comes at the cost of substandard components: plastic wheels that offer no grip and slide on smooth surfaces, terrible bearings that barely allow the board to roll, plastic trucks that make turning nearly impossible, and low-quality wood decks that don’t last.

Yet, the biggest issue is their safety — or lack thereof. We always advise beginners to keep their feet widely spaced and knees bent for better stability and balance. Mini skateboards, with their cramped deck space, make this crucial stance nearly impossible, even for experienced skaters.

On top of everything, these boards aren’t just scaled-down skateboards. The mismatch of normal-sized trucks and wheels with a tiny deck greatly increases the risk of falls.

However, we did stumble upon an unexpected use for them. While researching, we noticed some Amazon reviews where individuals used these skateboards to aid in recovery from knee surgery — a surprising but evidently effective rehabilitation tool. This usage, though, has little to do with skateboarding itself.

If you’re considering a skateboard for a young child, we implore you to avoid mini skateboards. They’re more likely to hinder than help.

Fortunately, after much persuasion, our relative did purchase a full-sized, properly balanced skateboard for their child, which he now enjoys safely. And as for the mini-board? We haven’t seen it since.