A newbie at electric skateboarding here, but thought I'll try to revive this thread.
Bought a Acton Blink Lite last month from Amazon, total cost is US$200+US$80 overseas shipping= S$400, and tried it out for the first time yesterday. Except for 1 incident where I fell of the back of the board and used my right leg to brace my fall (slightly sprained my knee and ankle ouch!), everything was smooth.
Some background: Last Saturday was my first time on a skateboard, electric or otherwise, but I picked it up rather quickly because I used to snowboard a few years ago and balancing wise, it's quite similar. A total newbie might need more time to pick it up. I still don't dare to go too fast though
First impressions of the Acton Blink Lite: For a S$400 eboard from a recognizeable brand, I can't complain much. Build quality is very good, weight is the lightest I can find for an eboard. Since it uses only 1 hub motor, and not the most powerful at that, the incline climbing ability leaves alot to be desired.
Speed and acceleration on flat ground is more than sufficient for a noob like me.
Remote is ok, but you can't control the speed and acceleration, it's either go (push up), cut off acceleration (let go), or brake (push down). As a result, the acceleration and especially the braking, is very abrupt and not smooth, a problem if you want to accelerate or brake downhill.
Pricewise and specs wise, this seems like the perfect board for a beginner but the sudden braking can throw newbies off easily.
Yesterday I met up with the local eboard company Arcboard EV to try out their first Arc board and the latest 121C board on KS. The experience (and of course price) is worlds apart from my Blink Lite.
First impression of the penny Arc Board: First off, I wasn't used to the remote coming from the Blink Lite. The Arc remote is very sensitive, allowing me to control my acceleration and braking very very well. First time I didn't know that and pushed it all the way. The sudden acceleration and braking gave me a shock. But once I knew how to use it, I was able to move well. However, due to the small size of the Arc Board, my comfort speed is quite low.
First impression of the 121C Arc Board: Remote wise, it's identical to the penny, so the acceleration and braking is top notch, and with its larger size, I was able to go much faster too. Compared to my Blink Lite and penny Arc, this is definitely more fun.
I'm now seriously hopping on to the Kickstarter for the 121C Arc board. But for someone who is complaining about the price, this is how I look at it:
121C Arc board is S$1,200 if I get the buddy pack.
S$1,200 - S$100 (overseas shipping) = S$1,100 / 1.07 (7% GST) = S$1,028 / 1.45 (approx ex rate) = US$709.
And what better option do you have at US$709?
There is the Blink S at US$699, but single hub motor and less power, less range, AND it's heavier (wtf?)
The Yuneec E Go 2 is also at US$699, longer range but less power and heavier weight.
Lastly, don't forget that Arc Board is Singapore based. If your board has any issue, even outside warranty, it's easier to bring it to Arc directly to have it check out compared to shipping the board overseas (another S$100...)
Hope this post can generate more interest in electric skateboard in Singapore!
