Unagi Model One (E500) Electric Scooter Review

Being an enthusiast of electric scooters, I've had the pleasure of zipping around the city on various models. My latest ride is the Unagi Model One (E500), a scooter that's garnered quite a buzz in the urban commuting space. Let me dive into what makes this sleek scooter stand out from the crowd.

Build Quality and Design

Right out of the box, the Unagi Model One impresses with its polished design and impeccable build quality. The magnesium alloy handlebar, which integrates the dashboard, throttle, and brake controls, is a testament to Unagi's attention to detail. The scooter sports a clean, futuristic look, with no visible wires or clutter. Trust me, it turns heads - I've had several inquiring onlookers during my city trips.

The scooter's frame is crafted from a robust aluminum and carbon fiber combination, ensuring a lightweight yet sturdy ride, weighing in at about 26.5 pounds (12 kg). Its portability is a strong selling point. The one-click folding system is fluid and makes the E500 a breeze to carry onto public transit or into your office.

Performance and Range

Powered by twin 250-watt motors, the Unagi Model One delivers a smooth and responsive ride. The acceleration is brisk, taking me up to its top speed of 20 mph (around 32 km/h) with ease. Hills with moderate inclines are conquered without strain, thanks to the dual-motor setup.

Riding through the city, I've found the range to be around 15 miles (24 km), though this certainly fluctuations based on factors like rider weight, terrain, and speed. For urban commutes or quick trips, this range is more than sufficient.

Wheels and Suspension

Unagi comes with 7.5-inch rubber wheels that are embedded with air pockets, meant to act as a front and rear suspension system. While they do mitigate some of the road vibrations, don't expect the plush ride you might get from scooters with pneumatic tires. On well-paved roads, the ride is silky smooth, but you'll feel the jolts when traversing rougher terrains.

Braking

The Model One incorporates a dual braking system, a feature I'm a big proponent of for safety. The front wheel hosts an electronic anti-lock brake, whereas the rear has a friction brake that you activate with your foot. In practice, the system gives you adequate stopping power, but the reliance on the rear friction brake to come to a full halt takes a bit of getting used to.

Lights and Display

Unagi doesn't skimp on visibility. The front LED headlight is surprisingly luminous for nighttime rides, and the rear red LED serves as both tail light and brake light. The display is integrated neatly into the handlebar and shows battery life, speed, and the selected gear. It's crisp and remains legible even under direct sunlight.

Comfort and Usability

One of the pleasant surprises has been the ergonomic design of the handlebars. They are shaped and positioned to offer a natural grip, minimizing wrist fatigue during longer treks. The throttle and brake levers are equally accessible, making the control interface intuitive.

However, I must mention that the standing deck could benefit from a bit larger surface. While I have enough room to comfortably place my feet, larger riders might crave additional space.

Unique Features

Unagi takes pride in its patented stainless steel hinge system that makes folding the scooter an effortless task. It locks and unlocks quickly and provides absolute confidence that the scooter will stay rigid during your ride.

The LED display on the handlebar stands out as well. It's not just about showing the basics - its elegance elevates the look of the scooter and complements the overall premium feel.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Unagi Model One (E500) is a top-tier electric scooter with its sleek design, solid performance, and user-friendly features. It's an ideal companion for those who prioritize style and portability alongside reliable functionality.

Update: Six Months Later

Having owned and extensively used the Unagi Model One (E500) for over six months, my appreciation for its craftmanship and capabilities has only deepened, though not without some reservations.

Positives:

• Reliability: The scooter has proved to be resilient, efficiently handling daily commutes without any decrease in performance.


• Portability: Its lightweight frame and easy foldability continue to make it the perfect urban commute companion.

Negatives:

• Battery Longevity: Over time, I noticed a slight decrease in the maximum range per charge. It's not significant enough to deter short commutes but is something to consider for longer trips.


• Comfort on Rough Surfaces: The suspension system, although innovative, doesn't quite absorb shocks on rough terrains as effectively as expected, making for a bumpy ride.

In sum, the Unagi Model One (E500) remains a strong contender in the urban electric scooter market, blending style with substantial functionality. While it does exhibit typical wear and potential comfort issues on rougher urban paths, these are balanced by its overall reliability and sleek design. For city dwellers or those primarily traveling on smooth surfaces, the E500 remains a worthy investment. Whether you're navigating the cityscape or cruising to a local café, the E500 provides an enjoyable and stylish journey.