Unagi Scooter Review: Is Model One Voyager Worth it?

Unagi has earned the reputation of being the iPhone of electric scooters, and it’s not just a marketing stunt. They manufacture well-designed scooters among their other competitors, targeting the urban dwellers and teenagers who are looking for short to mid-range commutes in the city. What makes Unagi scooters special is their sleek and lightweight design, making them super easy in terms of portability among their competitors. Today, we are going to review Unagi Model One Voyager. We will give our hands on experience and dig into what thousands of actual owners have to say about it.

Unagi Model one Voyager Scooter Review

First of all, we will explore all the features, the goods and the bads and then we will give our conclusion that who should buy and Is the price worth the scooter?

The Handlebars and Tiller

Unagi Model one voyager is actually an upgraded version of its predecessor Unagi Model one classic. In terms of the handlebars, the Voyager maintains a similar cockpit layout to its previous model. There is neat built in LED display positioned in the center of the cockpit. The display provides information such as speed, battery level, motor mode (single or dual), and the power button. The design is perfect what you can expect from unagi. On the right side we have electronic throttle and electronic brake on the left side. Voyager features front LED headlight for improved visibility in night times commutes and a rear light.

The handlebars boast a unique and elegant design, distinct from the traditional rubber grips commonly found on other scooters, they offer a smooth and robust feel.  Moving upward, above the throttle, is a button for switching between speed modes with a double press. On the left side, positioned above the electric brake, is a horn button. These buttons sound like beep when pressed. The display on the Unagi Model One Voyager is nearly identical to its predecessor, the Unagi Model One Classic. However, it now includes indicators for both single and dual motor modes, represented by machine icons.

However, it’s worth mentioning that during our research, some users noted a slight wobble in the handlebar, which could potentially affect the sense of security, especially during braking. While personally, I don’t perceive this as a major issue, I believe it’s important to highlight for potential buyers. Another thing I personally liked about this scooter is the absence of messy wire clusters in the cockpit which we often observe in the other scooters. It’s just a clean and sleek design.

The handlebar and tiller, as well as the overall construction quality, are truly impressive. They’re crafted from carbon fiber and magnesium, which not only ensures durability but also keeps the scooter lightweight, making it convenient for carrying around. The carbon fiber, especially is what makes the scooter the best for portability. It just weighs 29lbs which makes it a breeze to carry, whether you’re living on the second or third floor of a building or commuting to the office.

Assembly and Folding

The assembly and folding mechanism were straightforward and simple. Once I opened the packaging, everything was neatly organized in its place and the scooter was mostly pre-assembled. All I had to do was attach the handlebars to the tiller using two screws at the front and two at the back. Plus, they even included the necessary tools needed for that purpose. It was so user-friendly that even non-mechanical person can do it on his own. Similar to the assembly process, folding the scooter is incredibly easy. With just a simple button press, the handlebars can be folded down effortlessly, making it even more portable.

Motor

The Unagi Model One Voyager boasts the same 500 watts dual motor like Classic. This dual motor setup features 250 watts each on both the front and rear wheels, delivering a tested top speed of 20mph on flat surfaces with smooth acceleration. I particularly appreciate its gentle acceleration. However, when tackling rough terrain, the scooter produces more noise and provides a less comfortable ride due to the absence of suspension resulting in a slightly lower top speed of around 17mph in my experience, which isn’t too bad considering the conditions. An excellent feature of the Voyager is its pedestrian mode, which allows it to move at a slower pace, just like you are walking. This mode help you in crowded areas. This is really a cool feature. I personally like this.

Battery

In terms of battery performance, the Voyager doesn’t disappoint. It features 36V strong battery. Unagi has made notable improvements compared to the Classic model. They improved the battery cells and it did not affect the weight too much. With improved battery cells, the Voyager delivers nearly double the range of its predecessor.

While the Classic offered a range of 7-12 miles per charge, the Voyager extends this to 12-25 miles, depending on factors such as the rider’s weight and terrain. However, you can expect a minimum range of 12 miles per charge under normal conditions. Many people are curious about the charging time, and for the Voyager, the ideal duration to achieve a full charge is approximately 3 to 3 and a half hours.

Braking

The scooter is equipped with dual e-brakes that provide smooth and reliable stopping power when needed. Additionally, it features a rear stomp brake, activated by pressing the rear fender, which allows for gentle stops. While this is a cool feature, I personally didn’t find myself using it regularly. I tend to prefer disc brakes in scooters, but I must say, the e-brakes on this scooter work quite smoothly.

Wheels

Moving down, the Unagi Model One Voyager maintains the same 7.5-inch puncture-proof solid tires as its predecessor. Many scooter enthusiasts prefer these tires for a hassle-free ride and you don’t have to be much worry about tire bursts.

However, one aspect that I personally find lacking, and I believe many would agree, is the absence of a suspension system. Without it, the scooter doesn’t absorb bumps on uneven surfaces, resulting in a less comfortable and noisier ride and thus you will feel uncomfortable and noisy ride.

Deck

The deck is also worth noting. It is narrow but long. At first glance, I did not like this much but when I actually rode the scooter, I found my feet comfortably fitting on the deck providing a stable and comfortable experience. But please note that always prioritize your safety while riding.

As I mentioned above, the scooter build quality is strong and its lightweight, can handle a maximum weight of 220lbs (100kg). Additionally, it features a fender on the rear wheel to prevent the rider from splashing water and dirt. While you can use the scooter in moderately wet conditions, it’s advisable to avoid riding it in heavy wet conditions for safety reasons.

App Integration

The Unagi comes with a companion app that allows you to pair it with your electric scooter. This app offers customization options such as choosing between single or dual mode, and provides useful information like speed, distance traveled, and battery percentage directly on your mobile device.

The feature that stood out to me the most is its ability to calculate the range based on your weight and the terrain type. This personalized estimation provides valuable insight into how far you can travel on a single charge. Many people have inquired about whether the Voyager comes with GPS functionality. Unfortunately, the Voyager does not include GPS, which is a feature that many users have suggested should be included, especially considering that other scooters on the market offer this capability.

Difference between Unagi scooter classic and Voyager?

Is the Price Worth it?

The Unagi Model One Voyager comes with a price tag of over $1100. While the premium build materials and sleek design may justify this cost to some extent, But when we look at how well it performs, it’s too expensive. Let’s talk about the suspension first, the lack of suspension is a notable downside for a scooter in this price range. A scooter that costs more than $1100 should have suspension, but this one doesn’t. That seems a bit silly. With lacking suspension system, the scooter provides uncomfortable and noisy ride on bumpy surfaces and affect the overall user experience.

Secondly, while the Voyager boasts a slightly higher top speed of 20mph compared to its predecessor’s 19mph, there is not a significant upgrade and honestly I think it could do better than that. The range of the Voyager is better than the Classic. It can go twice as far on one charge. But compared to other scooters in this price range, it’s not that impressive.

In summary, the Unagi Model One Voyager has good design and quality, but it’s not worth the high price because of its lack of suspension and only modest improvements in speed and range.

Riding Experience

I’ll share my experience and research in two parts. Firstly, on smooth and flat terrain, the scooter provided an extraordinary experience. It accelerates smoothly, reaches high speeds, and offers a comfortable ride, making it fun to ride with easy control and a user-friendly experience.

However, on rough surfaces, the scooter struggles. As mentioned earlier, the lack of suspension leads to an uncomfortable and bumpy ride. Additionally, the solid wheels contribute to a noisy ride on such terrains.  While I rode the scooter on debris and dirt without worrying about the wheels as they were solid. Despite these challenges, the dual e-brakes perform admirably, exceeding my expectations. Personally, I prefer scooters with disc brakes.

One standout feature is the app integration, which is really cool. The app allows you to check the exact range based on factors like your weight and the type of terrain you’ll be riding on, which is incredibly useful. Since the scooter is lightweight, holding and controlling it while riding was easy and effortless.

Surprisingly, even on moderate inclines, the scooter climbs well and doesn’t lose speed too much. It can reach a top speed of 16mph on such inclines. However, it’s important to note that if you’re unsure about how steep your terrain is, it’s best not to ride this scooter on it. The lack of suspension and solid tires can make it difficult for the scooter to maintain grip on uphill terrains.

Who Should Buy?

Now that you know all the good and not-so-good things about the scooter, you can decide if it’s right for you. According to my journey, the scooter is perfect for those who live in flat areas and don’t encounter rough surfaces on their routes. It’s ideal for people looking for short to mid-distance commutes in the city, who are willing to invest in a higher budget for a premium scooter experience.

The scooter’s design is its standout feature, especially when you compare it to other scooters in the same price range. But if you look beyond the design, you’ll find that most of its features are pretty common and can be found in other scooters at similar or even lower prices. However, Unagi is known for its sleek design, high-quality build, and great customer service.

Since it’s easy to use and has solid tires, you probably won’t run into many maintenance issues. Overall, if you value style and quality, the Unagi Model One Voyager is a good choice.

Unagi Subscription Model

While I’ve covered all the important details based on my expertise and research conducted by my team about the Voyager, if you still have doubts or uncertainties about the scooter, Unagi offers a subscription model. This means you can subscribe to the scooter on a monthly basis through their website.

By doing this, you can ride the scooter yourself for at least a month to get a complete understanding of how it works and whether it fits into your daily routine (route). This is another feature that sets Unagi Scooters apart from their competitors. They always strive to make user-friendly products and services that prioritize the ease of use for their customers.

Problems Related to Unagi Electric Scooters

Unagi scooters can sometimes encounter issues, such as not turning on after packaging or turning off in the middle of a commute. If you face such issues, the first thing to check is the battery status. If scooter is running out of battery, this could be issue. Check for any potential damage with the battery or power button. If you find nothing wrong with them then try resetting the scooter. Check any potential damage with the wires or loose connections that preventing it from turning on.

How to Reset the Unagi Electric Scooter?

Firstly, do gentle reset, Power off the scooter and leave it off for 5 to 10 minutes. If the issue persists, proceed to a hard reset.

Hard Reset

locate the reset button on the electric scooter, you’ll usually find it near the charging port. Once you’ve located the button, use a pin or similar tool to press it. Keep the button pressed until you hear a beep sound or notice some indicator lights, such as green, flashing. This indicates that the electric scooter has been successfully reset.

If you’re still experiencing issues with your Unagi scooter after attempting the reset, don’t hesitate to contact Unagi Customer Support. They are renowned for their excellent support system and will surely assist you in resolving any lingering problems you may encounter.

What happens if someone don’t return Unagi scooter after subscription ends?

They have clearly stated in their subscription agreement that if the rider fails to return the scooter, they reserve the right to charge a fee of up to the full retail price.

Can Unagi Scooter be charged overnight?

To avoid potential damage to your electric scooter, it’s best to avoid leaving it charging overnight. Always use the original charger provided by the company. Once the scooter is fully charged, remember to unplug it promptly. This will help maintain the longevity and performance of your scooter.

How to unlock top speed on the Unagi Voyager?

To unlock the top speed on the Unagi Model One scooter, hold down both throttles (brake + throttle) and press the power button 10 times. You will hear two beeps, indicating that your Unagi scooter has successfully unlocked the top speed.