This ACTON Blink S-R electric skateboard review takes a fresh look at one of the boards that helped kick-start the budget e-skate movement. The “S-R” (S-Revised) fixed the original Blink S’s biggest weakness — weak hill climbing — by re-gearing its single hub motor, while keeping the feature that made it famous: a feather-light 10 lb body you can sling over your shoulder.
Years on, is the Blink S-R still worth tracking down, or have newer boards left it behind? We break down its real-world speed, range, ride quality and value — and point you to live, in-stock alternatives if you want something you can buy new today.
The ACTON Blink S-R is a genuinely portable 10 lb commuter board that’s easy to carry and beginner-friendly, with a 15 mph top speed and a TSA-friendly battery. But its 7-mile range and aging tech mean newer boards now offer more for the money. Buy it for portability and simplicity — not for performance.
ACTON Blink S-R — At a Glance
Key Features
At just 10 lbs, the Blink S-R is one of the easiest electric skateboards to carry, slip into a locker or strap to a backpack — its defining advantage.
The “R” revision re-gears the single hub motor for noticeably better hill climbing than the original Blink S, while keeping a quiet, smooth ride.
The compact 80Wh battery sits under the airline carry-on limit, so you can legally fly with the board — rare among e-skateboards.
That small battery fully recharges in about an hour, so a quick top-up between rides is easy.
The wireless remote offers smooth, progressive regenerative braking that feeds a little charge back to the battery on downhills.
A no-frills Bluetooth remote keeps the learning curve gentle — throttle, brake, and a couple of speed modes, nothing to overcomplicate.
Detailed Review
1. Build Quality & Design
The Blink S-R uses a 27.5″ maple-composite deck that’s shorter than a classic longboard but easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Fit and finish are clean and minimalist, with the battery and motor neatly integrated. It’s not a rugged off-road build — the small wheels and low clearance keep it firmly on smooth pavement — but for an ultralight commuter it feels solid and well thought out.
2. Performance
Top speed lands at about 15 mph, which feels brisk on this short deck. The headline improvement over the original Blink S is hill climbing: the re-geared motor pulls up moderate inclines that made the older board struggle. Acceleration is gentle and predictable — good for beginners, less thrilling for experienced riders who want instant punch.
3. Battery & Range
Here is the Blink S-R’s biggest trade-off. The TSA-friendly 80Wh battery is wonderful for travelers, but it caps real-world range at around 7 miles — less if you’re heavier or climbing hills. The upside is a one-hour charge. If your commute is short and you value flying with your board, it’s a fair deal; if you need distance, look elsewhere.
4. Comfort & Usability
The short wheelbase makes the ride nimble but a little firm over cracks, since there’s no suspension and the wheels are modest. The light weight is the usability win — carrying it up stairs or onto a train is effortless. The remote is intuitive, and at 10 lbs nearly anyone can handle the board off the pavement.
5. Safety
Braking is smooth and progressive thanks to the regenerative system, though stopping power is modest compared with modern boards — give yourself room. As always, a helmet and pads are essential, even at 15 mph. There’s no built-in lighting, so add your own for night riding.
Pros & Cons
- ✓ Ultra-light 10 lb — supremely portable
- ✓ TSA-friendly battery you can fly with
- ✓ Re-geared motor climbs hills better than the S
- ✓ Fast ~1-hour charge time
- ✓ Beginner-friendly, smooth braking
- ✕ Short 7-mile range
- ✕ Older model — limited/used stock
- ✕ No suspension; firm over rough ground
- ✕ Modest brakes vs modern boards
- ✕ No lights for night riding
Real-World Performance
In daily use, the Blink S-R shines on the “last mile” — rolling from a train station or parking lot to the office, then tucking under a desk. On flat pavement it holds 15 mph comfortably, and the re-geared motor handles gentle hills that stump many lightweight boards. Heavier riders (near the 230 lb limit) will see range and hill performance dip noticeably.
Where it struggles is anything beyond a short, smooth commute: the 7-mile range disappears fast with hills or spirited riding, and the firm, small-wheel ride gets tiring on cracked roads. It’s a precision tool for light, portable commuting — not an all-rounder.
ACTON Blink S-R vs. Live Alternatives
Since the Blink S-R is an older model with limited stock, here are three current boards — all live on Amazon — that beat it on range, performance or value while keeping things portable.
The closest modern match: an ultra-thin, 11.6 lb board with a hidden battery and similar speed, but a newer drivetrain and remote. The portability pick.
Dual brushless motors, more speed and nearly double the range for around the same money. The best all-round value upgrade.
A true performance step up — 28 mph, a 330 lb capacity and enthusiast-brand build quality in a compact cruiser. For riders who want real speed.
Who Should Buy It
- Last-mile commuters with short, flat routes
- Travelers who need a TSA-friendly board to fly with
- Riders who prize portability above all else
- Beginners wanting a light, gentle first board
Who Should Avoid It
- Riders needing more than 7 miles of range
- Anyone wanting high speed or strong acceleration
- Heavier riders near the 230 lb limit
- Buyers who want a new-with-warranty board in stock
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Verdict: A Portable Classic, Outpaced by Time
The ACTON Blink S-R earned its reputation for one reason: portability. At 10 lbs with a fly-anywhere battery, nothing made carrying an electric skateboard easier. For short, flat commutes and frequent travelers, it’s still a charming, beginner-friendly ride — we rate it 3.8/5. But its 7-mile range and aging tech mean most riders today are better served by a current board. If you can find a Blink S-R in good condition, it’s a fun, ultralight pick; if you want new-in-box performance, grab one of the live alternatives below.
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Last updated: June 2026 · Reviewed by Marcus Reid · Affiliate disclosure