Unagi Scooter — Your Quick Guide

Are you looking for a way to get around town without relying on a car? If so, the Unagi Scooter might just be the perfect solution. This eco-friendly, electric scooter has been gaining popularity in cities all over the world, and it’s easy to see why. With its sleek design, powerful motor, and long-lasting battery, the Unagi Model One Scooter is the perfect way to get where you need to go in style and comfort. 

In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the features and benefits of the Unagi Model One Scooter and why it might just be the perfect transportation solution for you.

Speed and Acceleration

There are three riding modes so that you can customize your ride. With a top speed of 9 mph, mode one is good for new riders or “eco riding” to get the most out of the battery. Here, there is a gradual rise in speed that makes you feel in charge. Mode two has a top speed of 12 mph and is great for daily riding or commuting. 

Because the throttle is balanced, you can keep the scooter going at a steady speed. The third mode, called “sport,” gives you faster acceleration and a top speed of about 17 mph. Overall, though, the acceleration and top speed will be perfect for anyone who wants to cruise around town instead of going on thrill-seeking trips.

Range

As you might expect, the range depends on how much the rider weighs. The team at Unagi says that the Model One can go 15.5 miles on a single charge, but this depends on a few factors, such as a light rider, riding in “eco” mode, a flat road, and good weather. If you ride in “sport” mode, you’re more likely to get 10 miles.

 

Unagi scooter range

The Unagi is a great scooter if you want one that looks great but doesn’t have much power. To be honest, it’s great for taking short trips or cruising around on the weekend. On the other hand, if you don’t mind giving up a little style for more power, you can choose cheaper models that are either as good as or better than the Unagi. You just won’t have a scooter that looks like it was made in Silicon Valley.

Hill Climb Test

In technical terms, the Model One’s motors can provide up to 32 newton-meters of torque, which is enough to get up 15-degree hills. But you’ll have to pay more because this amount of torque is only available with the dual motor model, which costs more. The single, cheaper model can only handle slopes of 6 degrees, which, to be honest, is pretty bad. 

Other scooters, like the Segway Ninebot Max and the Horizon 13, that cost about the same can go up 15- to 20-degree slopes with no problem. Stay away from the single motor scooter if you live in a hilly area.

The Braking System

Even though it might not sound as cool as when speed is concerned, the Unagi has pretty good stopping power and can come to a stop pretty quickly. There are electric brakes in the front and back, as well as a brake on the back fender. Some people aren’t sure if electric brakes are as good as mechanical ones, but the brakes on the Model One show how good they can be.

What is the best thing about the electronic brake? There is no need for maintenance. But it’s clear that electronic brakes won’t work if the power goes out suddenly, so Unagi added the rear fender brake as an extra safety measure. Also, while going downhill, the motors control your speed so that the scooter doesn’t “run away” from you.

Unagi scooter braking

This is a great safety feature for a beginner rider who is still learning how to control the scooter. This also makes sure that the brakes work well enough to stop the scooter when needed.

Charging Time

Always plan ahead and make sure your scooter is fully charged before you ride it. Even though it’s easy to forget about charge time when thinking about an electric scooter, it’s an important thing to think about, especially since some have seen charge times as long as 20 hours.

The Model One can be fully charged in just under 5 hours. When it is fully charged, the small LED on the charging brick changes from red to green. When compared to cheaper models, like the Gotrax XR Elite, which takes only 3 to 4 hours to charge and gives you 3 miles more range, the 5 hour charge time seems slow.

This is a small thing, but the Model One would feel a little bit more agile if it had a charger built in so you wouldn’t have to remember to bring it with you every time. Another problem is that there is no companion app for smartphones, so you can’t get accurate information about the battery capacity. 

The five-segment battery readout on the screen is the best way to figure out how much time you have left before you need to charge. Even though the Model One doesn’t always know how much battery is left, it does everything it can to save it. For example, if the rider doesn’t do anything for three minutes, the scooter will give a warning beep and turn itself off to save battery.

unagi scooter charging time

The Handlebars

The handlebar made of magnesium alloy on the Unagi is a beautiful thing. The top bar is made from a single piece of magnesium alloy and is milled to be smooth, which is something that not many electric scooters can do. The Unagi is elegant because the throttle, brake, horn, LED headlight, and command center are all built into the top bar. 

So, it shouldn’t have been a surprise that it took more than thirty prototypes before the final design for the handlebars came together.

Frame

The Unagi Model One is made with no expense spared, so it makes sense that the carbon fiber frame comes from TORAY, which is the best carbon fiber manufacturer in terms of performance, quality, and volume. In simple terms, TORAY carbon fiber is the strongest material ever made and is also very light.

The Unagi team even used a specific method to layer the fiber in places where the frame needs it most to make it stronger. Oh, and if you really want to, you can tell your friends that your scooter is made from the same material that Elon Musk’s Space-X rockets are made from.

Deck

The 5-inch-wide deck is wide enough for most people, but if your feet are big, you may have to squeeze a bit. Because the footplate isn’t very long, one foot has to be perpendicular to the other. This can be a little awkward the first few times you ride, but it makes it easier to carry or store the scooter.

Unagi scooter deck

This won’t be a problem for people with smaller frames, but if you’re bigger, you might want to think about how this might affect how well you can ride the scooter. The top of the deck is covered with a rubber that sticks to your feet. The Unagi Model One is safe to ride because it has this much grip. 

With the single piece of machined aluminum and the gripping silicon that is built in, you get the rigidity you need and the comfort you want. The deck is designed differently from other scooters, so it doesn’t have the stitches, joints, and seams that come with most other scooters. This is a big plus for riders who care about how their scooters look.

The Wheels

Have you ever tried to fix a flat scooter tire by putting a new inner tube in it? Many people would like it if a flat tire on the way to work didn’t cause them stress. Not only that, but there are also air pockets around the outside of the tires that help absorb shocks and make the scooter feel responsive to the road.

But if you want a better ride, these aren’t for you. They are only 7.5 inches tall, and even though they have holes all around the edge, they can’t compare to the comfort of larger pneumatic or tubeless tires. On smooth asphalt, they’ll do fine, but if the road is rough, you’re in for a bumpy ride.

Lights

You’ll be happy to know that the Model One makes it easy to see and be seen, which is very important when riding in busy cities during rush hour. The flush-mounted 47-lumen LED front headlight and blinking LED at the back will make sure that other cars can see you, and you’ll be able to see them too.

unagi lights

Portability

The Model One is all about how easy it is to use. Without a doubt, it’s the best folding mechanism ever seen on a scooter. All you have to do is press the button at the bottom of the stem, fold the scooter, and wait for it to “click.” This is a great feature compared to some other scooters’ folding systems, which can be hard to use. 

The Model One’s hinged stainless steel system makes folding the scooter very easy. Moving on foot is easy with the Unagi folded. Let’s not forget that it’s one of the lightest electric scooters on the market, which makes it easy to move around the city. The one thing Unagi may have done wrong is that the handlebars don’t fold up.

Build Quality

You should already have a good idea that Unagi pays a lot of attention to quality standards in the way it designs and makes its food. From its carbon fiber and magnesium alloy parts to its shiny finish, the Model One is a very well-made car. This scooter looks like a Ferrari except for the hard plastic latch release.

The premium lithium-ion batteries work best and are protected by a waterproof case with an IP54 rating and an intelligent battery management system. The Model One can also be used on wet ground because it has front and rear mudguards. However, it’s not a good idea to go for a ride in a torrential downpour. 

Mainly because it’s important to stay out of puddles that would cover even just the bottom edge of the hub motors. The Model One has a low center of gravity and is 8 centimeters off the ground, which makes it feel stable and easy to ride. It goes without saying that the Unagi doesn’t like hopping on and off curbs, but you can be sure that riding it around the city will make you look cool and feel safe.

unagi built quality

Whether you choose the E250 with a single motor or the E500 with two, both have a monitoring system to keep the batteries from getting too hot and make sure they last a long time.

The Quality of the Ride

There is no suspension on the Model One. There are some benefits to this, like making the scooter very light and making it easier to take care of, but on rough roads, the ride quality isn’t as good as on scooters with suspension. The Model One doesn’t have any suspension, but the ribbed tires do a good job of absorbing some of the shock. 

One of the best things about them is that they won’t get holes, which should make you feel a lot better. Even though the Unagi doesn’t absorb shocks very well, it does well on smooth asphalt. Also, the rubberized, ergonomic handlebar grips are comfortable and don’t hurt your hands.

When you speed up, the rubberized throttle paddle under your right thumb feels smooth, while many other throttles can feel jerky. This level of responsiveness is good for both new riders and experienced ones.

Is the Unagi Scooter Worth Buying?

The Unagi Model One Scooter is a great option for those looking for an eco-friendly, reliable, and stylish way to get around town. Its powerful motor, long-lasting battery, three riding modes, and responsive brakes provide a comfortable and safe ride, while its lightweight and easy-to-fold design make it great for portability.

unagi scooter1

Its carbon fiber frame and magnesium alloy handlebars make it look great, and its ribbed tires make it comfortable to ride, even on bumpy roads. With all these features, the Unagi Model One Scooter is definitely worth the price.

Can You Fly With Your Unagi Scooter?

Most folding electric scooters for adults can’t be brought on as carry-on or checked luggage unless they are marked as a mobility aid. The Unagi Model One is not marked as a mobility aid, so it cannot be brought on a plane. However, the Unagi team does recommend that you check with the airline first before flying with your scooter.

Conclusion

The Unagi Model One Scooter is a great option for an electric scooter. Its powerful motor, long-lasting battery, three riding modes, and responsive brakes make it a great choice for a commuter scooter, while its lightweight and easy-to-fold design make it great for portability. 

Its carbon fiber frame and magnesium alloy handlebars make it look great, and its ribbed tires make it comfortable to ride, even on bumpy roads. All in all, the Unagi Model One Scooter is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and stylish way to get around town.

Writer

Lucas Travis
Lucas Travis
Lucas is far from your regular skater boy—he is knowledgeable beyond riding basics and tricks; he knows the technicalities and specifics of every type of modern skateboards, bikes, and scooters. His passion for skateboarding inspired him to bring together a team of skateboard-lovers and experts to test new and popular models and come up with recommendations that will help every skateboard, bike or scooter enthusiasts like them.
Back to Top