by Chris |
Last Updated: September 1, 2021 Acton Blink Lite Review
Pros
- It’s powered by a single in-hub motor, preventing the loss of kinetic energy for better momentum
- The in-hub motor also means this board can be pushed, should you run out of power
- It’s extremely lightweight, easy to carry under the arm
- Regenerative braking for safer stops and energy-efficiency
- Because it’s powered by an in-hub motor, it’s naturally quiet
- The accompanying mobile app offers low battery warnings for ease of planning
- Slow starts ensure the board stays beneath your feet – it won’t shoot out ahead of you – even if you’re a novice
Cons
- Its maximum speed is 10 mph, equivalent to a sprint on foot
- Small wheels mean each bump is well-felt
- The startup is not very responsive – this may be a pro or a con depending on your needs
- The braking is more abrupt if you switch to reverse and immediately back to forward rather than using the regenerative braking system
- This board is not intended for city-traffic or bumpy roads
Acton is one of the pioneers in the micro-transportation industry. Their products are used by budget-conscious students and established thrill-seeking influencers, alike. Acton is a brand to take note of, not only do they cater to a wide niche, they’re also dead-set on improving each new generation of products.
Keeping their ears to the ground in over 100 countries, they’ve responded to criticism by actively ironig-out flaws in other models) and the Blink Lite is no exception.
It emerges on the market as part of their second gen range. It’s pricing is entry-level, how does its value compare?
Let’s hop on and push the boundaries to unpack the secrets of the Acton Blink Lite, the lightest electric skateboard on the market.
Table of Contents
Key features of the Acton Blink Lite
These specs may appeal to different needs, therefore, it is always important to consider your needs and how it will fit into your lifestyle. Decide which boxes are important for the purpose it will serve you.
Here are the specs:
- Speed: 10 mph – this is a low speed for the micro-transportation industry, but still faster than a speed walk on steroids.
- Range: 5 miles / 8km
- Charge time: 2 hours for around 5 miles’ use – depending on your weight (take note – its passenger weight limit is 180 pounds)
- Regenerative braking: The Acton Blink Lite uses its motor to generate power when braking, in effect, recharging the battery.
- Single in-hub motor: In-hub motors are inside the wheels. They allow the wheels to still spin freely like a traditional skateboard wheel. This means you can push it should you run out of power. The alternative to an in-hub motor is a belted motor. Belted motors offer a little more torque and power, as well as faster braking, but belted motor skateboards can’t be pushed. The belts can also tear – which makes belted motors more work to maintain, potentially. The other benefit of an in-hub motor is its natural stealth mode, belted motors tend to announce your arrival with a loud vibrating noise.
- Flex test: Little flex. Deciding whether or not you need flex is like ordering eggs – some people like them soft and some people need them practically rubberized and stamped with the Dunlop logo. No one can tell you which is best, it’s down to personal preference. For the novice, flex can be challenging. Experienced boarders enjoy the effect of a little flex, it’s like a shock absorber over bumps. It also means the board is less likely to snap. Flex is not practical for high speeds, as you need total stability to fly.
- Wheels: The wheels are soft but relatively small. You will experience the full texture of the surface beneath you – bumps and all. These wheels perform very well on pavements and smooth concrete. As it is intended for quiet areas, this shouldn’t impact your overall experience with the product drastically if you use it is was intended.
- Deck: 27.5 inches long – this is a shortboard, balancing may be challenging.
The Unique ‘Acton Blink Lite’ Effect
What makes this board unique is its companionability. That’s right, it’s like the best friend you never had – tuck it under your arm and take it everywhere you go.
It weighs about the same as a laptop and, being a shortboard, it’s not a massive inconvenience in terms of its 27.5-inch length. It’s the type of travel system you can commute to college on, safely forget about during your day, and ride home on.
That, on its own, is a major selling point, but Acton made sure to use the weight wisely.
It’s also one of the safest boards with its regenerative braking. It also comes with safety lights, allowing you a clear view of your terrain in poor light and alerting others of your presence.
A major safety feature is placed in the palm of your hand too – control.
The Bluetooth remote ensures you are always fully in control. We also love that the mobile app furthers this sense of empowerment. It gives users the option to choose their skill level. Just starting out? Throttle your speed by selecting “beginner” mode. Level up to the next two modes when you are ready.
Ultimately, this skateboard encompasses everything you need for it to be practical, serving as a mode of transport.
Let’s dig deeper and review the Acton Blink Lite
Ease of use
The Bluetooth remote and the mobile app make this model easy to use. The app also allows you to connect with other Acton Blink Lite users nearby you, should you wish to do so.
The really handy aspect of the mobile app is that it also keeps a record of your rides, top speeds, etc. The app is compatible with both IOS and Android. Ease of use: 5/5
Hill Climbing
8% gradient. Its hill-climb abilities are not great, as the power and torque are fairly low. If your commute contains lots of steep inclines, look at getting a model that can handle around 25% gradients rather.
That said, you can also assist it with a push – unlike many other models that work on a belted motor – if you do encounter the occasional inclines. Hill climbing abilities: 3/5
Hardware
The board is stiff, short, and the wheels are small. This can make the ride bumpy. However, this is also precisely why it’s lightweight and compact enough to carry around. The wheels are nice and soft, which helps somewhat with absorbing shock and maintaining grip.
The single in-hub motor pushes out 450 watts which powers the 3 ride modes available, to be chosen via the app. The 25.5 volts and 2.2 Ah Lithium-ion battery require only 2 hours of charging to power a 5-mile ride – remarkable, actually. 4/5
Range
The Acton Blink Lite’s range is 5 miles, as mentioned. The range is fairly low when compared to other brands and models. This is definitely not a mode of transport for longer commutes.
This point needs to be evaluated against your needs – how far do you need it to take you? Range: 2/5
Spare parts and support
Acton has a clear returns policy which favours the consumer: All products come with a 14-day satisfaction guarantee and a 6-month warranty.
While the support section on the website is easy to navigate, sourcing parts, especially mechanical parts, seems to be challenging. Accessories are readily available. Support and spare parts: 4/5
Multi-surface performance
This model performs best on smooth terrain. ⅖
Safety
The board is great quality, made from Canadian maple wood. It carries a respectable weight considering its own lightweight. Acton included LED lights on the board, as mentioned, which alert others of your presence and indicate to you, what speed you are moving at, at a glance.
The only possible downside to this board’s safety features is its conservative deck size of 27.5 inches. Safety rating: ⅘
Price
This product retails at around $299, some claim to have ordered it for $249 – either way, a fraction of the cost of any other board. The price is exceptionally low, but the quality is still on par with its competitors making it a great value-for-money purchase.
Should I buy it?
It’s certified safe for air travel, it’s the easiest board to keep on your person and it’s packed with safety features. It’s easy to use, connects you with the community, and serves its practical purpose with unwavering loyalty.
If you’re just entering the market, or, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to commute, it’s money well-spent. If you’re looking for a toy that’s going to give you thrills, perhaps keep looking.
How does the Acton Blink Lite stack up to competitors?
As mentioned, it is important to identify your needs. Many influencers, like Casey Neistat, are looking for a major thrill. They’re accomplished riders, with a need for excellent performance and precision in the busiest street of New York City. This model will not fulfil those needs, it’s fully geared at practicality.
Acton Blink Lite vs Boosted Mini S
Comparing the Acton Blink Lite to the famous Boosted Mini S reveals a similar 3-speed mode. Its range is slightly greater, at 7 mph on battery-saving mode. Its top speed is 18 mph, far greater than the Acton, but it’s also far heavier at 16 pounds and longer, at 38 inches – this means, not only can you ride for longer distances, you may have to.
This board is not going to be lightweight and easy to carry home, should you run low on power.
The Boosted Mini S enters the market at $749, whereas the Acton retails as low as $249. In terms of value for money, they’re both packed with quality, it’s really about matching the board to your priorities.
The Boosted Mini S is a great option for the speed enthusiast looking for a budget-friendly slightly higher-end product. The Acton is ideal for the student that needs to commute around campus, or the young teenager entering the industry.
Acton Blink Lite vs Juiced Dual
The Juiced Dual has a maximum speed of 20 mph, a range that is marginally above the Acton’s 5 / 6 miles, and dual in-hub motors, as opposed to Acton’s single in-hub motor. Single and double motors each have their strengths – with the doubles obviously providing double the power.
In the case of belted motors, around 30% of your power may be lost in a dual motor, affecting your range. In the case of an in-hub motor, the regenerative properties neutralise this.
The Juiced board weighs 13 pounds, almost double that of the Acton, again, making the Acton the easiest and most lightweight to transport. The juiced, on the other hand, will facilitate a novice right through until he reaches thrill-seeker status.
This makes the Juiced board a better option for those seeking to pursue a skateboarding hobby, from beginning stages, rather than commuting.
In conclusion…
The Acton Blink Lite is designed to get young people from A to B, safely. Its emphasis is on practicality, both in terms of its use and its price. It’s the perfect board for those still finding their feet.
Paying for it barely lightens the pocket, and carrying it barely adds any weight to your proverbial “pocket”.
We recommend this board to anyone looking to get started with an electric skateboard or seeking a cost-effective means of travel.