Acton is an American manufacturer that offers a wide range of electric scooters, bicycles and skateboards . Based in California, it started its activity in 2013. Currently, it is represented in more than 100 countries around the world . It also offers turnkey MAAS (mobility as a service) solutions combining IoT technologies and innovative vehicles, including the M Pro e-scooter, the Nexus e-bike, and the 3Ike Cargo e-bike.
Having acquired great expertise in the electric micromobility sector, Acton is renowned for building robust, dynamic and high-performance e-skates. In this Acton Blink electric skateboard comparison, we will discover 4 flagship models of the American manufacturer: SR, S2, Qu4tro, and Lite.
The main features of Acton Blink electric skateboards
With more than 100 patents to its credit, Acton is one of the manufacturers who embody the highest level of design and manufacturing quality . In addition to high quality materials, it adopts innovative design and manufacturing processes to further boost the performance and comfort of its skates. In this Acton Blink electric skateboard review , you will discover the main characteristics of the new electric skateboards offered by the Californian brand.
Tray structure
Acton Blink skates combine handcrafted old school design with innovative manufacturing technologies. The decks of the Lite, SR, and S2 models are made of an aircraft-grade aluminum frame and several layers of Canadian maple wood. They have undergone innovative manufacturing processes (graining, shaping, contouring, gluing and pressing) which have improved their resistance to torsion, bending and deformation.
For the high-end Blink Qu4tro model , the deck is made of an aluminum frame and carbon fibers. These ultralight materials offer many advantages in terms of design, manufacturing quality, and performance.
Apart from the Lite version, all skateboards in the Acton Blink range adopt an almost rectangular shaped deck. In addition to the original stylistic aspect, this design helps to reinforce the sturdy look of the skateboard as well as the stability and balance of the user.
electric motors
For its Blink line of electric skateboards, Acton ditched the belt-drive system (used on earlier models) for new brushless motors . Integrated into the wheels, these motors are lighter, balanced and powerful. In addition, due to the absence of a transmission belt, they are quieter and require no maintenance .
Each motor has a regenerative electronic braking system. As its name suggests, this system regenerates the kinetic energy dissipated during braking and transforms it into electrical energy that can be stored in the battery. In this way, it is possible to slightly increase the autonomy .
Acceleration, like deceleration, is controlled using a Bluetooth remote control offered as standard. The tilting from front to rear (or vice versa) is done quickly and without much resistance thanks to an electronic system that manages the operation of the engine. On all Acton Blink models, the power and torque are adapted according to 3 driving modes : Eco, Standard, and Sport.
The batteries
Like many premium skateboard manufacturers, Acton uses renowned equipment manufacturers for the development of its batteries. The models reviewed in this Acton Blink electric skateboard review are equipped with lithium-ion batteries supplied by Samsung . These batteries use very recent technology and are therefore more efficient, smaller and lighter. They also have a longer life of up to 1000 charging cycles .
An integrated electronic controller automatically manages charge and discharge cycles. It optionally protects the battery cells in the event of overheating or overvoltage. Only drawback, the batteries of the Blink range are not removable . They cannot be recharged separately and must be removed using suitable tools in the event of replacement.
The charging time varies according to the characteristics and performance of each model. It's around an hour for the Blink SR, an hour and a half for the Blink S2, two hours for the Blink Lite, and three hours for the Blink Qu4tro. In addition to the remote control delivered with the skate, all models can be paired with a smartphone . A dedicated application allows you to display the autonomy and the charging time in a detailed and user-friendly way.
Mechanical elements
All models in the Acton Blink range have polyurethane wheels ranging in diameter from 70 mm (for the Lite version) to 88 mm (for the Qu4tro version). Ball bearings designed according to the technical specifications of each skate reduce friction and contribute to improving the comfort of use.
The Lite, SR, and S2 models have reinforced trucks whose axles can be adjusted with great precision. If necessary, the rider can adapt other rubbers to further personalize his skateboard.
The great feature of this range of skateboards is that the trucks of the Blink Qu4tro are equipped with a suspension system called “Tension Suspension”, never seen before on a longboard in this category! These patented trucks incorporate smart “C” shaped springs allowing the deck to move up and down a few centimeters.
The “Tension Suspension” system not only helps to absorb a large part of the vibrations and irregularities of the road, but also contributes to improving the control of the skate especially during acceleration, braking, and changes of direction.
Comparison of the 4 best Acton Blink electric skateboards
The new Acton Blink range replaces the “Blink Board” model. It includes three urban skates (SR, S2, and Lite) and an all-terrain skate (Qu4tro). With the launch of this second generation of electric skateboards, the American manufacturer has made a big qualitative leap in terms of technical performance and stylistic design.
Acton Blink SR Electric Skateboard
Let's start our Acton Blink electric skateboard comparison with the Blink SR model. It is an elegant cruiser that offers a good compromise between performance, handling and light weight.
The drive system consists of a wheel motor delivering 600 W of power. It is powered by a Li-ion battery with a capacity of 80 Wh offering a range of 12 km . The torque generated by the motor is sufficient to overcome slopes of up to 8.5° . For reasons of compliance with current European legislation, the maximum speed is electronically limited to 25 km/h.
On the design side, the SR displays a trendy look with in particular a black and gray deck and green wheels. It is equipped with front and rear LED lighting, side light strips, and a Bluetooth remote control.
The deck is 69.8 cm long and 20.3 cm wide. Made of a combination of Canadian maple wood and aluminum, it is sturdy enough to support a weight of up to 100 kg . The top layer of the board is covered with an anti-slip coating (grip) displaying a bear and a star. This design also recalls the emblem of California, the state where the manufacturer's headquarters are located. The deck has a functional tail allowing better control of the skateboard, especially in tight turns. The slightly concave shape of the nose also aids maneuverability and stability at high speeds.
The adventurous aspect of the skate is reinforced by 83 mm puncture-proof wheels made of polyurethane. Thanks to the use of composite materials, the Blink SR weighs only 5 kg , which makes it rank among the lightest skates in its category.
Blink SR Highlights
- Light.
- Functional design.
- Fast.
- Affordable.
Blink SR Weaknesses
- Less efficient braking when the battery is low.
Acton Blink S2 Electric Skateboard
At first glance, the Blink S2 adopts a design similar to that of the SR: it has a rectangular deck, green wheels, and a black and gray grip bearing the California emblem. And yet, it is indeed a versatile skateboard that stands out for its large size and advanced performance. Like the SR version, the top consists of several layers of Canadian maple wood and an aluminum frame. It measures 80 cm long and 21.6 cm wide, which makes the Blink S2 classify in the category of e-longboards .
For this model, Acton has chosen a dual motor drive system delivering a cumulative power of 1000 W , hence the designation S2 (2 motors of 500 W). This system makes it possible to reach a maximum speed of 28 km/h and to overcome slopes of up to 11° .
Autonomy has been pushed to 22 km thanks to the adoption of a powerful 160 Wh battery . Due to the additional weight imposed by the design of the motors and battery, the Blink S2 weighs 6.8 kg . The wheels have a diameter of 83 mm and a hardness of 78A. They are also interchangeable with those of the Blink SR.
The skate comes standard with LED lighting on the front, back, and both sides. The side light strips are discreetly integrated under the top and are almost invisible when not switched on.
Blink S2 Highlights
- Fast.
- Dual motor.
- Very stable.
- Comfortable.
Blink S2 Weaknesses
- Relatively heavy.
Acton Blink Qu4tro Electric Skateboard
Let's continue this Acton Blink electric skateboard comparison with the flagship model of the range: the Blink Qu4tro ! It is an off-road electric longboard designed entirely for speed and thrills.
From the first glance, we are seduced by its dynamic design. The top, measuring 99 cm long and 23 cm wide, is entirely constructed of carbon fiber and aluminum. Robust and durable, it can support a weight of up to 125 kg . The wheels are made of polyurethane. With a diameter of 88 mm, they make it easy to ride on off-road terrain: gravel, sand, mud, grass, etc.
Of course, the great feature of this electric longboard is its drive system with 4 brushless motors ( a 500 W motor in each wheel ). With a cumulative power of 2000 W , the Blink Qu4tro can easily reach a speed of 37 km/h and go up slopes of up to 16° . This performance makes it one of the fastest and most powerful electric skateboards in the world . On the autonomy side, the Qu4tro is equipped with a 270 Wh battery allowing you to travel up to 37 km on a single charge. Like the other models in the range, it is equipped with a Bluetooth remote control and LED lighting.
Despite its many advantages, the Blink Quatro does have a few drawbacks. Indeed, with its long wheelbase, its high mass (7.7 kg), and its flat surface, it is difficult to control in tight turns. The lack of a kicktail also makes it difficult to change direction quickly.
Blink Qu4tro Highlights
- Robust.
- Neat design.
- Powerful.
- Very fast.
- Good autonomy.
- Good ability to cross slopes.
Blink Qu4tro Weaknesses
- Heavy.
- Difficult to transport.
- Relatively long charging time (3 h).
- Reserved rather for experienced riders.
Acton Blink Lite Electric Skateboard
Measuring 68.6 cm long and 19 cm wide, the Blink Lite is practically the most compact electric skateboard on the market. It is also the lightest skateboard, weighing only 3.5 kg . Now in its second generation (V2), it now features 70mm wheels and a new brushless motor delivering a maximum power of 250W .
Unlike the previous version, whose drive wheel is driven by a belt, the motor is integrated into the left rear wheel. The latter allows the skate to be propelled to a maximum speed of 15 km/h . It is therefore less torquey compared to other models in the Acton Blink range and can hardly cross slopes greater than 4.5°.
The power supply is provided by a Li-ion battery with a capacity of 55 Wh placed in a central position under the deck. On paper, the autonomy is 8 km, which is in the norm for an entry-level skateboard.
Aesthetically, the Blink Lite has an Old School look reminiscent of the legendary skateboards of the 80s. The deck is constructed of several overlapping layers of Canadian maple wood. It is equipped with a non-slip coating and LED lighting which gives it a futuristic look without affecting the retro design of the board.
With a load capacity of 80 kg, this ultralight e-skate has an excellent weight/load capacity ratio. It is also the most affordable skate of the models featured in this Acton Blink electric skate review !
Blink Lite Highlights
- Compact and lightweight.
- Easy to carry.
- Affordable.
- Robust.
- Excellent weight/carrying capacity ratio.
Blink Lite Weaknesses
- Less powerful than other Acton Blink models.
- Relatively long charging time (2 hours).
Conclusion
As a conclusion to this Acton Blink electric skateboard comparison , it is clear that the Blink Lite is one of the lightest electric skateboards in the world. Affordable and compact , it is perfectly suited for beginners, especially children or teenagers. The SR and S2 models are suitable for intermediate level riders . As the Blink Qu4atro is more difficult to maneuver especially in tight turns or when changing direction, it is reserved more for experienced riders .
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