Unagi Model One: The Tesla of electric scooters

If you are into electric cars, you will certainly know that Tesla is the best in the game. But do you know who’s the Tesla of electric scooters? Unagi model one, a lightweight machine made from carbon fibre, magnesium and aluminium. It is a fantastic electric scooter the most aesthetic and powerful scooter you will ever ride. There are tons of features that make it stand out in the market.

Explore everything about Unagi model one in the detailed review below:

Overview

Let’s have a quick glance at the pros and cons of Unagi model one:

Pros

Elegant design
Powerful motors
Easy braking
Maintenance-free tires
Clear display
Smooth ride
Lightweight
Waterproof protection for the wires
LED headlight and taillight

Cons

No cruise controls
No kinetic energy recovery system
Expensive
No smartphone app

Unagi model one – Unboxing

The packaging is great and reflects the quality of the product. The setup is quite simple and user friendly. All you need to do is to assemble the handlebar which comes detached for easier transportation.

Unagi model one – Features

Design and construction

The build quality of Unagi is what makes it superior to the other scooters. The tube is strong and unbreakable. It is made out of carbon fibre, the exact material used in Elon Musk’s SpaceX project. The brilliantly designed handlebar is made up of magnesium. The paintwork is on point and controls are easy to get used to. There is a wider front that can somehow protect you from rain. On top of that, the folding mechanism of Unagi is another brilliant addition to its features. It has the easiest and fastest folding mechanism you’ll ever find in the market. The stand of Unagi model one is also durable and long-lasting.

Tires

Unagi model one has solid tires with small airbags to make your ride smoother. Probably, the best thing about them is that they are non-pneumatic and maintenance-free. With these tires the braking and turning are perfect. The 7.5-inch wheelbase is smaller than the standard models but still, they perform well even in wet and uneven tracks.

Motors

Unagi model one scooter comes in two versions, a single motor and a dual-motor version. The single motor version has a 250W motor installed in the rear wheel while a dual motor model possesses a second 200W motor in the front wheel. The maximum torque produced with a single motor is 16 N.m and 28 N.m with the dual motor. The dual-motor version is quicker and able to ride uphill. The incline capability of the single motor version is 6% as compared to the 15% of the dual-motor version.

Handlebars and the buttons

The handlebar is pretty decent, one of the best you will see. There is a small button just above the throttle which is used to switch between the three gears (Double click) and between trip mileage and total mileage (Single click). On the other side, there is a horn, loud enough to warn the insolent pedestrians. Furthermore, the throttle of the scooter is also quite easy to use.

Brakes

Brakes are the most critical safety components in an electric scooter. Unagi electric scooter is integrated with electric ABS system which feeds on electricity. An empty or almost empty battery means weaker brakes. In such a case the mudguard of the rear wheel can be used as emergency brakes.

Display

The display of Unagi model one only reflects the essential information such as speed, total distance, trip distance. An indicator is also there that tells you the status of dual motor mode.

Unagi model one – Performance

Range

The Unagi model one has various improvements but it lacks KERS (kinetic energy recovery system). Moreover, it doesn’t generate energy when going downhill like other models do. The standard mode with single motor has a range of 15 kilometers (9 miles) on a flat surface. Under same conditions, the standard mode with dual motor has 15.2 kilometers range which is almost similar to the single motor. The maximum range can be achieved by eco mode while the sports mode has a shorter range than the standard mode. Dual motor provides better control but they consume more battery. Overall, the range and battery consumption depend on the weight of the rider. The maximum weight limit of Unagi model one is 275lbs and people of different weights will get different outputs.

Riding modes

Unagi model one offers different riding modes to suit your driving style. There are three gears, the first gear is 9-11 mph (15 kph), the second gear (the standard mode) is 12.4 mph (approx. 20 kph) and the third gear (the sports mode) is 15.5 mph (25 kph). You can switch the gears by pressing the power button twice.

Portability

Unagi model one is one of the most portable and easy to store scooter. The one click folding mechanism and lightweight add to its portability. The single motor version weigh 23 lbs whereas dual motor is slightly heavier weighing 26.5 lbs. The amazing one touch folding mechanism immediately turns it into a compact unit.

Unagi model one – Price

The price for single motor version is $840 and $990 for dual-motor version. It may appear expensive but considering its design and quality construction, it is fairly priced.

Return Policy

Unagi has absolute confidence in its product’s quality. The company backs its electric scooters with a 30 days return policy. If you don’t like the scooter, you can return it within the 30 days of purchase and get your money back.

Specifications

Size (folded): 37.8 x 16.5 x 14.96 inches
Size (unfolded): 37.8 x 16.5 x 43.31 inches
Weight: 26.5 pounds
Max Speed: 20 mph
Range: 15.5 miles
Brakes: E-ABS
Tires material: Rubber
Max Rider Weight: 275 pounds
Motor: 250-watt, all-wheel drive
Battery: 33.6 V, 9.0 Ah
Charging time: 4 to 5 hours
Water-resistant: IP54

Drawbacks

Unagi model one is a top-notch electric scooter but there are also a few imperfections in its construction:

There is little backlash in the tube by default, it can act as a shock absorber but many users may not like it.
The cables may get detached on a bumpy surface.
It does not recover electricity when brakes are applied – no KERS.

Conclusion

Unagi model one is not just an average scooter. It is for those riders who want something innovative. The price of Unagi model one may be too steep for some buyers but powerful motors, incline rate, clear display and great sense of style will not make you regret it in any way.

Learn about other electric scooters here.

Links

YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zSDpSUWI0Q

Unagi Model One: http://bit.ly/2kr7ccC