The Uditer Board Blog

Maybe you've seen someone cruising down the sidewalk on a colorful little board and thought, "That looks fun — could I do that?" The short answer is yes. A penny board is one of the easiest ways to get into skating, whether you're a teenager heading to school or an adult looking for a fun way to commute.

But here's the thing — not every penny board is right for a first-time rider. The wrong size, the wrong wheels, or the wrong deck material can turn what should be a fun hobby into a frustrating experience.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know before buying your first penny board. We'll cover sizing, compare the top boards on the market, teach you the basics of riding, and even look at electric options if you want to skip the pushing. Let's get into it.

Are Penny Boards Good for Beginners? (The Honest Answer)

Yes — with one big catch. Penny boards are great for beginners, but only if you pick the right size.

Here's why penny boards work well for first-time riders:

• They're lightweight. Most penny boards weigh between 3.5 and 5 pounds. You can toss one in a backpack, carry it on the bus, or clip it to a bike rack without breaking a sweat.
• The learning curve is gentle. Unlike a traditional skateboard with its concave deck and hard wheels, penny boards are flat, wide, and roll smoothly over rough pavement. That makes them more forgiving when you're still finding your balance.
• They're low maintenance. Plastic decks don't chip or delaminate like wood. Soft cruiser wheels handle cracks and pebbles that would stop a street skateboard dead in its tracks.

But penny boards aren't perfect for everyone. Here's when you should probably look at a different board:

• You want to learn tricks. Kickflips, ollies, grinds — penny boards aren't built for any of that. If skatepark tricks are your goal, get a traditional wooden skateboard.
• You weigh over 200 pounds. Heavier riders may notice the board flexing under their feet, which can feel unstable. A longboard with a wider deck would be a safer bet.
• You need speed and distance. Penny boards are great for short rides — a mile or two at a casual pace. For longer commutes or hilly terrain, you'll want something bigger (or electric).

The bottom line: If you want a lightweight board for casual cruising and short commutes, a penny board is a fantastic starter. Just make sure you choose the right size.

Penny Board Sizes Explained: Which Size Is Right for You?

This is the single most important decision you'll make. Penny boards come in four main sizes, and picking the wrong one is the number-one reason beginners have a bad experience.

Why Size Matters So Much

The 22-inch Penny is the classic size that most people picture when they think of a penny board. It's tiny, adorable, and incredibly portable — you can slide it right into a backpack. But for a first-time rider, that small deck means less room for your feet. A 22-inch board is only about 4 inches wide, and if your feet hang over the edges, turning feels sketchy and falls are more likely.

The 27-inch Nickel is what we (and most skate shops) recommend for beginners. It gives you a full 27 inches of deck to stand on, which makes a huge difference in stability. Your feet fit comfortably, turning feels natural, and you won't feel like you're about to fall off every time you hit a small crack. According to Penny Skateboards' own size guide, the 27-inch is specifically marked as "Better for beginners."

The 29-inch Surfskate uses a special truck system that mimics the feel of surfing on pavement. It's a blast, but it's more of a niche product — great if you already surf or want that surfy carving feel, but overkill for a first-timer.

The 32-inch Long Penny is essentially a mini longboard. It offers the most stability and foot space, making it a solid choice for taller riders or anyone who wants a more relaxed ride.

Pro tip: When in doubt, go bigger. A 27-inch board is easier to learn on than a 22-inch, and you won't outgrow it as quickly.

Wheel Size Matters Too

Most 22-inch penny boards come with 54mm wheels, while 27-inch and larger boards typically use 59mm wheels. The difference? Bigger wheels roll over cracks and rough pavement more smoothly. They also pick up slightly more speed. If you're riding on city streets with lots of sidewalk cracks, 59mm wheels will make your life a lot easier.

Penny Board vs Skateboard vs Longboard: What's the Difference?

If you're new to the skating world, you might be wondering how a penny board stacks up against other board types. Here's a quick comparison:

Think of it this way:

• Penny board = The everyday commuter. Light, portable, and perfect for short rides around the neighborhood or campus. It's the bike of the skate world — simple, fun, and practical.
• Standard skateboard = The playground athlete. Built for ollies, kickflips, grinds, and everything you see at a skatepark. The deck is curved (concave) to lock your feet in during tricks, and the hard wheels slide smoothly on smooth surfaces.
• Longboard = The road trip cruiser. Longer, wider, and designed for distance riding, downhill speed, and smooth carving. If you want to ride three miles to work without breaking a sweat, a longboard is your best friend.

Each type has its place. But if your goal is casual, no-fuss riding, a penny board is the easiest entry point.

5 Best Penny Boards for Beginners in 2026 (Tested & Compared)

We've researched dozens of boards, read hundreds of user reviews, and talked to skaters at every level. Here are the five boards we'd recommend to a friend who's just getting started.

1. Penny Original 27" — Best Overall for Beginners

The gold standard for first-time riders.

The Penny Original 27" (often called the "Nickel") is the board most skate shops hand to beginners, and for good reason. Its 27-inch plastic deck gives you plenty of room to find your stance, while the 59mm 83A soft wheels roll smoothly over sidewalk cracks, pebbles, and rough asphalt.

Why we like it:

• The deck is waterproof and virtually indestructible — drop it, leave it in the rain, it'll be fine
• The softer wheels absorb bumps that would rattle your teeth on a cheaper board
• Penny offers a one-year warranty, which is rare at this price point

The downside:

• The plastic deck can feel slippery in wet conditions
• No grip tape — the deck uses a waffle-pattern texture that some riders find less grippy than tape

Best for: Adults and teens who want a reliable, no-headaches first board that will last years.

2. Penny Classic 22" — Best for Kids & Teens

The original penny board — compact, fun, and iconic.

The 22-inch Penny is the board that started it all. It's the smallest in the lineup, weighing just 3.7 pounds, and it's small enough to fit inside a standard backpack. If you're buying for a child (ages 8 to 14) or a smaller-framed teen, this is the size to get.

Why we like it:

• Super portable — fits in lockers, backpacks, and under desks
• Comes in over 20 color options, so kids can pick their favorite
• The smaller wheels and narrower trucks make it quick and responsive

The downside:

• Tight standing space — adults will find their feet hanging off the edges
• Less stable than the 27-inch, especially at higher speeds

Best for: Kids ages 8–14, or anyone under 5'3" who wants maximum portability.

3. Rimable Complete 22" — Best Budget Penny Board

Solid quality at a fraction of the price.

Not everyone wants to drop $100 on a first board — and that's completely fair. The Rimable Complete 22" gives you the penny board experience for about half the price. It uses a slightly wider deck (4.5 inches vs. Penny's 6 inches) and ships fully assembled with everything you need to start riding.

Why we like it:

• Unbeatable price for a complete setup
• The extra-soft 78A wheels provide a surprisingly smooth ride
• Includes a skate tool and carry bag in most bundles

The downside:

• Build quality isn't on par with name-brand boards — expect some wear and tear faster
• Limited color options
• Bearings are entry-level and may feel sluggish out of the box

Best for: Anyone on a tight budget who wants to try penny boarding without a big investment.

4. Retrospec Zed 31" Bamboo Longboard — Best Penny Board Alternative

More space, more comfort, more board.

Strictly speaking, the Retrospec Zed isn't a penny board — it's a mini longboard. But if you've read the sizing section above and realized that a standard penny board might be too small for you, the Zed is the perfect alternative. Its 31-inch bamboo-and-maple deck offers way more foot room, while the 70mm wheels absolutely devour rough pavement.

Why we like it:

• The bamboo deck has a natural flex that absorbs road vibrations
• 70mm wheels are massive for a board this size — cracks and pebbles are a non-issue
• Supports up to 275 lbs, making it one of the most accessible options for heavier riders
• The drop-through truck mounting lowers the deck, making it easier to push

The downside:

• Not as portable as a true penny board — it won't fit in a backpack
• Bamboo requires more care than plastic (keep it dry)

Best for: Taller riders, heavier riders, or anyone who wants a more comfortable ride on rough city streets.

5. UDITER Pixel Mini Electric — Best Electric Penny Board for Beginners

Ready to upgrade from pushing to powering?

If you've looked at all the manual boards above and thought, "This is cool, but I don't want to push with my foot the whole way," an electric penny board might be exactly what you need. The UDITER Pixel Mini packs a dual-motor system, swappable batteries, and a DIY programmable LED screen into a compact 27-inch deck.

Why we like it:

• The DIY LED screen on the deck is genuinely unique — you can display custom designs, animations, and patterns. No other board on the market offers this
• Swappable batteries mean you can carry a spare and double your range. No other electric mini board at this price does this
• Dual motors provide smooth acceleration and can handle hills that would stop a manual board
• Regenerative braking charges the battery when you slow down
• Three riding modes (beginner/eco/sport) let you start slow and work your way up

The downside:

• Heavier than manual boards at 12.1 pounds — not backpack-friendly
• Higher upfront cost, though you're getting motor, battery, and electronics for the price
• Learning curve for the remote control takes a few rides to get comfortable

Best for: Commuters who want to arrive at work or class without sweating, anyone who rides in hilly areas, and riders who want the coolest board on the block.

If electric is the direction you're leaning, check out UDITER's full electric skateboard collection for more options at different price points.

How to Ride a Penny Board: Step-by-Step Beginner Guide

Buying the board is the easy part. Now let's teach you how to actually ride it.

Finding Your Stance (Regular vs Goofy)

Before you step on a board, you need to know which foot goes in front. This is called your stance.

• Regular stance: Left foot forward
• Goofy stance: Right foot forward

Not sure which one you are? Try this: stand up straight and have a friend push you gently from behind (or imagine it — no need to actually get shoved). Whichever foot you step forward with to catch yourself is probably your front foot on the board.

Most riders are regular (about 70%), but goofy is totally normal. There's no "right" way — just whatever feels natural to you.

5 Steps to Start Riding

1. Practice on grass first. Before hitting pavement, stand on your board on a patch of grass or a carpet. This gives you a feel for balancing without the board rolling away. Place your front foot on the front bolts, angled slightly forward.

2. Find your balance. Bend your knees slightly. Keep your weight centered over the board — not on your heels, not on your toes. Look straight ahead, not down at your feet. Your body follows your eyes, so look where you want to go.

3. Push off. Take your back foot off the board and place it on the ground. Push backward two or three times to build speed. Keep your pushes smooth and controlled — no need to sprint.

4. Place your back foot on the board. Once you're moving, bring your back foot onto the deck and place it behind your front foot. Both feet should be roughly perpendicular to the board's length (pointing sideways).

5. Turn by leaning. To turn left, gently shift your weight onto your toes (or heels, depending on your stance). To turn right, lean the other way. Start with small, gentle turns. Sharp turns at high speed are a recipe for wipeouts.

How to Stop on a Penny Board

Stopping is the one skill most beginners neglect — and it's the one you'll need most.

Foot braking (the standard method):

• Take your back foot off the board and slowly drag it along the ground
• Apply gentle, even pressure — don't slam your foot down
• Keep most of your weight on your front foot, which stays on the board
• Start braking early. It takes more distance to stop than you'd think, especially going downhill

Jumping off (the emergency method):

• If things go sideways and you can't foot-brake in time, just step off the board and let it roll away
• Jump forward, not backward — you're less likely to land on your back
• This is why we always recommend wearing shoes when riding

Avoid the heel drag. Some beginners drag their heel on the back of the board to slow down. This wrecks your shoes and doesn't work well. Stick with foot braking — it's safer and more effective.

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

• Staring at your feet. Look where you want to go, not at the board. Your brain uses visual cues to balance, and looking down throws everything off.
• Riding too fast, too soon. Build up speed gradually. Most beginner falls happen because the rider is going faster than their skill level allows.
• Riding on wet pavement. Even a little moisture makes the board slippery. If it rained recently, wait for the ground to dry.
• Barefoot riding. This is a bad idea on so many levels. Wear closed-toe shoes with flat soles — skate shoes, Vans, or Converse all work great.

How Much Should You Spend on a Penny Board?

You don't need to spend a fortune to get a decent penny board. Here's a breakdown of what you get at each price point:

The sweet spot is $80 – $120. That's where you'll find boards from reputable brands (Penny, Retrospec) with good-quality components, proper safety features, and warranty coverage. Spending less is fine if you're just testing the waters, but don't go below $25 — ultra-cheap boards have wobbly trucks, low-quality bearings, and wheels that barely roll.

On the flip side, don't overspend on your first manual board. You can always upgrade later once you know what you like. The exception is if you're going electric — the UDITER Pixel Mini at $299 offers features (swappable batteries, LED display, dual motors) that justify the price for daily commuters.

Safety Gear Every Beginner Needs

We know — safety gear isn't the most exciting topic. But according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), wrist injuries account for nearly one-third of all skateboarding injuries. A $30 helmet and $15 wrist guards can save you a hospital trip.

Must-have gear:

1. Helmet. Look for a CPSC-certified skate helmet (not a bike helmet — they're designed for different types of impact). Triple Eight and Pro-Tec make solid options in the $30–$50 range.

2. Wrist guards. Your natural instinct when falling is to catch yourself with your hands. Wrist guards protect against sprains and fractures. They cost about $10–$20 and are absolutely worth it.

3. Knee and elbow pads. Especially important during your first week of riding. Once you're comfortable staying on the board, you can skip these for casual cruising — but always wear them when learning.

Optional but helpful:

• Closed-toe skate shoes — flat soles grip the board better than running shoes
• Slide gloves — only needed if you plan to learn advanced sliding techniques later on

Penny Board Maintenance Tips to Make It Last Longer

A little upkeep goes a long way. Here's how to keep your penny board rolling smoothly for years:

Clean the deck regularly. A damp cloth and mild soap will do the trick. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers — they can damage the plastic finish. For stubborn dirt, a soft-bristle toothbrush works wonders.

Check your wheels and bearings. Every couple of months, spin each wheel with your hand. They should spin freely for several seconds. If a wheel feels gritty or makes noise, it's time to clean or replace the bearings. A bottle of Bones Speed Cream ($5) will keep your bearings running fast.

Inspect your trucks. Tighten any loose nuts with a skate tool. If your board pulls to one side, adjust the kingpin nut on each truck until the tension feels even.

Store it properly. Keep your board out of direct sunlight and extreme heat. Prolonged sun exposure can warp plastic decks over time. A closet or under-bed storage spot works great.

For electric boards like the UDITER Pixel Mini, follow the manufacturer's battery care guidelines — avoid letting the battery drain to 0% and store it at around 50% charge if you won't be riding for a while.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are penny boards good for beginners?

Yes, especially the 27-inch "Nickel" size, which offers more foot space and stability than the 22-inch model. Penny boards are lightweight, easy to carry, and have a gentle learning curve for casual cruising. The soft wheels handle rough pavement better than traditional skateboards, making them more forgiving for new riders.

Q: Can adults ride penny boards?

Adults can absolutely ride penny boards, but should choose the 27-inch or 32-inch size for adequate foot space. Adults over 200 lbs (90 kg) may find penny boards less stable due to deck flex and should consider a longboard or a wider deck option like the Retrospec Zed.

Q: What is the weight limit for a penny board?

Most standard penny boards support up to 220 lbs (100 kg). However, heavier riders may experience more deck flex and reduced stability at higher speeds. Electric penny boards like the UDITER Pixel Mini support up to 264 lbs (120 kg) thanks to their reinforced maple-and-plastic composite construction.

Q: Is a 22-inch or 27-inch penny board better?

For beginners, the 27-inch is almost always the better choice. It provides significantly more standing room, better stability, and a smoother ride on rough surfaces. The 22-inch is best for kids, teens, or experienced riders who prioritize portability over comfort.

Q: Can you do tricks on a penny board?

Penny boards are not designed for traditional skatepark tricks like kickflips or grinds. Their plastic decks don't have the concave shape needed to "pop" the board, and their cruiser-style trucks aren't meant for grinding rails. If learning tricks is your goal, a standard wooden skateboard is the way to go. Penny boards are built for cruising, carving, and commuting.

Q: How long do penny boards last?

A quality penny board typically lasts 2 to 5 years with regular use. The plastic deck is extremely durable and resistant to weather, but wheels and bearings are wearable parts. Expect to replace wheels every 8–12 months and bearings every 6–12 months, depending on how often and where you ride.

Q: Are electric penny boards worth it?

Electric penny boards are worth considering if you plan to use your board for daily commuting (over 1 mile), want to avoid arriving sweaty, or live in a hilly area where pushing is exhausting. They typically cost $200–$500 and offer speeds of 15–20 mph with ranges of 8–15 miles per charge. The UDITER Pixel Mini stands out with swappable batteries and a programmable LED display — features rarely seen at its price point.

Q: Can you ride a penny board in the rain?

It's not recommended. While plastic penny boards handle water better than wooden boards, wet pavement dramatically reduces tire traction and increases stopping distance. If you get caught in light rain, slow way down, avoid sharp turns, and foot-brake early. Save your board for dry weather — your shoes (and your bones) will thank you.

Final Verdict: Which Penny Board Should You Buy?

Let's make this simple:

For most first-time riders, the Penny Original 27" is the safest bet. It's the right size, built to last, and backed by a solid warranty. Start there, learn the basics, and figure out what kind of riding you enjoy most. You can always upgrade later — that's the beauty of skating.

Ready to start riding? Check out UDITER's full collection of boards — from classic manual cruisers to electric boards that do the pushing for you.

What size penny board are you planning to get? Drop a comment below and let us know!