Best Penny Boards and Plastic Mini Cruisers (2026)
Small, light and fun: how penny-style boards ride, which size to choose and the best options for kids, teens and adults.
What Is a Penny Board?
"Penny board" started as the name of plastic cruisers from the Australian brand Penny, and it's now used for most small plastic skateboards. They have a short, flexible plastic deck with molded grip, small trucks and relatively large, soft wheels. That combination makes them light, portable and smooth over small cracks, ideal for short trips to class, the shops or the beach.
Penny's own 22-inch board is sold on Amazon through Penny's store, and the brand's other sizes are sold through Penny and skate shops. We've linked the Penny 22 below alongside other penny-style cruisers. See also nickel board vs penny board.
Retrospec Quip Mini Cruiser
Best penny-style board on Amazon
- Plastic deck with soft cruiser wheels
- 22.5-inch and 27-inch sizes
- Many colors
KMX Classic Retro Mini Cruiser
Best budget mini cruiser
- Retro plastic shape
- Soft wheels for cruising
- Light enough for kids
KO-ON 22-Inch Mini Cruiser
Best low-cost starter
- 22-inch plastic deck
- Compact and portable
- Simple first board
22-Inch vs 27-Inch Boards
| 22-Inch | 27-Inch | |
|---|---|---|
| Portability | Fits in a backpack or locker | Still easy to carry |
| Stability | Twitchy, quick to turn | More stable and roomy |
| Foot room | Tight for big feet | Fits most adult feet |
| Best for | Kids, short hops, carrying everywhere | Teens and adults, longer cruises |
If you're unsure, the 27-inch size is easier to ride for most people over about 5 feet tall.
The Best Penny-Style Boards
1. Retrospec Quip Mini Cruiser
The Quip is a widely available penny-style cruiser with a plastic deck, soft wheels and a range of colors. It comes in a 22.5-inch size and a larger 27-inch size, so you can choose by rider size.
Check Price on Amazon2. KMX Classic Retro Mini Cruiser
KMX makes a low-cost retro mini cruiser with a plastic deck and soft wheels. It's a simple, light option for kids and casual riders. Some riders loosen the trucks slightly out of the box for easier turning.
Check Price on Amazon3. KO-ON 22-Inch Mini Cruiser
The KO-ON is a 22-inch plastic cruiser aimed at beginners and kids. It's an inexpensive way to see whether a mini cruiser suits you before spending more.
Check Price on AmazonPenny's Own Boards
Penny's Original 22-inch and Nickel 27-inch boards are the originals of the category. Published specs list 59mm, 83A wheels on both sizes and a plastic deck with a waffle-top grip. The 22-inch is available on Amazon from Penny's store; for the Nickel, check Penny or authorized skate shops.
Check Price on the Penny 22How to Choose a Penny-Style Board
Size
Choose 22 inches for portability and small riders, 27 inches for stability and adult feet. Larger plastic cruisers exist too, but at that point a standard cruiser may suit you better; see cruiser skateboards.
Wheels
Larger, softer wheels (around 59mm to 60mm and in the low 80s on the A scale) roll over cracks and pebbles. Many budget boards come with harder or lower-quality wheels; upgrading them makes a big difference.
Deck Material
Plastic decks flex a little, which smooths out bumps. Good-quality plastic resists cracking; cheap plastic can split in cold weather or after hard landings.
Trucks and Bearings
Trucks that are too tight make small boards hard to turn; too loose and they wobble. Adjust the kingpin nut a quarter turn at a time. Clean bearings keep the board rolling; see how to clean skateboard bearings.
Upgrading a Budget Mini Cruiser
Inexpensive plastic cruisers can ride much better with a couple of upgrades. Softer, better-quality wheels make the biggest difference on rough ground. Better bearings roll further. Some riders also replace the bushings with softer ones for easier turning. These parts are standard skateboard sizes on most boards.
Plastic Cruiser vs Wooden Cruiser
| Plastic Mini Cruiser | Wooden Cruiser | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Very light | Heavier |
| Deck feel | Flexible, slippery without molded grip | Stiffer, griptape grip |
| Durability | Can crack in cold or on hard impacts | Generally tough |
| Tricks | Basic only | Kick turns, ollies and more |
| Portability | Excellent | Good |
Penny Boards for Kids
Plastic cruisers are popular with kids because they're light and colorful. A 22-inch board suits small feet, but it's twitchy, so start on smooth, flat ground with a helmet, wrist guards and knee pads. For learning skateboard basics and tricks, a small wooden complete is often easier; see kids' skateboards.
Carrying and Storing a Penny Board
Their size is the main appeal: a 22-inch board fits in many backpacks and lockers. Store boards indoors away from heat, which can warp plastic, and keep them dry to protect the bearings.
Riding Tips for Small Cruisers
- Stand with your front foot over the front bolts and your back foot near the tail. There's little room, so foot placement matters.
- Keep your knees bent and weight centered; small decks react quickly.
- Avoid going fast: short wheelbases are prone to speed wobbles.
- Watch for pebbles and cracks, even with soft wheels.
- Wear a helmet and wrist guards.
Want to try some moves? See penny board tricks. Weighing your options? Compare with longboards and beginner skateboards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are penny boards good for beginners?
They're fine for cruising short distances on smooth ground, but their short, narrow deck can feel twitchy and less stable than a full-size skateboard or longboard. Many beginners find a 27-inch board easier than a 22-inch one.
What is the difference between a 22-inch and 27-inch penny board?
The 22-inch is more compact and portable but less stable, and suits kids and smaller feet. The 27-inch (often called a nickel) has more foot room and stability, which suits teens and adults.
Can you do tricks on a penny board?
Some, like kick turns, manuals and small ollies, but plastic cruisers are made for cruising rather than flip tricks or grinds.
Are penny boards good for commuting?
For short trips on smooth paths, yes. They're light and easy to carry. For longer or rougher commutes, a longboard or larger cruiser is more comfortable.
What age is a penny board for?
Many kids can ride a 22-inch plastic cruiser once they can balance on a skateboard, often from around age 6 with supervision. Always use a helmet and pads.