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"The Unagi has been carefully designed and is a scooter that makes a statement."

• Stylish, noble looks

• Loaded with well thought-out functions

• Robust construction

• Customizable performance for different levels of difficulty

• Expensive for its top speed and range

There are plenty of capable e-scooters from companies like Bird, Xiaomi, and Razor for half the price or less Unagis Model One E500. However, no other model combines the refined design, build quality and driving characteristics of the Unagi. When you're selling a personal transportation device for just under $ 1,000 against a strong bunch of competitors that go out the door for $ 350- $ 500, you should be better delivering in every way and over-delivering where it matters . And that's exactly what Unagi does with Model One.

Unagi sells the One E500 model with two 250-watt, 16-newton-meter electric motors, one on each wheel, for $ 990. The One E250 model has a single motor on the front wheel and is priced at $ 840. If, in my opinion, you're already paying a premium price for the Model One's design and build quality, the extra $ 150 is well worth the price for the extra torque. Unagi rates the E250 for 6-degree inclines, but the E500 for 15-degree hills.

I tested a gray Unagi Model One E500. The E250 and E500 are also available in matte black, scarlet red, cosmic blue or sea salt, a very light gray. If you still want more customization, Unagi sells the twin-engine One500 of the Model One for $ 1,290 with many premium options for customization. The company will also work with you if you want to use your own design for your roller finish.

The Model One's handle folds up with a clever one-finger trigger and clicks into place for easy carrying. The E500 weighs just 26.5 pounds, which adds to its appeal for urban commutes, especially when dealing with stairs.

Build and build

The technical data sheets for many e-scooters read almost the same, but the Model One stands out. Carefully selected component materials, intuitive controls and cleverly designed, unique functions make the Unagi something special. From magnesium alloy handlebars to tailor-made solid rubber tires with integrated air suspension, every part of the One model is a boaster. Even the one-of-a-kind peek-a-boo stand, usually a cumbersome addition if any, is a clever functional detail. The Unagi Model One is a perfectly functioning mid-range electric scooter and an art of micro-mobility.

However, Model One does not emphasize form over function. Every design and component decision improves the strength of this e-scooter, increases its performance, or improves the user experience.

The Unagi Model One E500 comes fully assembled, but those are the parts.

Let's start at the bottom. The Model One's deck is made from a single piece of machined aluminum for light weight without compromising stiffness, and is covered with embedded silicon for traction.

The Unagi's custom-made 7.5 inch solid rubber wheels cannot go flat because you do not inflate these tires. Instead, thin cutouts in the wheel deform when you roll over obstacles and smooth the ride like a conventional tire.

Bows to both technology and tradition, the One model has two braking systems. Both bikes have electronic anti-lock braking systems with variable force control. Traditionalists can activate a friction brake on the rear wheel by stepping a heel on the rear fender.

Every part of the Model One is a braggart.

The 250 watt front and rear wheel motors of the E500 combine 500 watts with a peak output of 1,000 watts. They also deliver plenty of torque for typical flat urban roads. The neodymium magnets of the motors are protected from overheating by a continuous monitoring system. There are three modes of operation: Eco, recommended for beginners, limits the top speed to 9 to 11 miles per hour; Standard increases the maximum to 11 to 13 mph; Pro allows you to get the Model One up to a maximum of 15 to 17 mph. Single and twin engine versions of the Model 1 have the same top speed, but the E500's double the torque gets you there faster and handles inclines better. These speeds work well for urban commutes, although you may want a faster top end if you're driving in suburbs or rural areas. You may notice the top speed of 20 mph on the Unagi website – there is a rumored handlebar button code that removes the cruise control. I left it in stock and hit a maximum of 16 mph during my test drives.

As with all e-scooters and e-bikes, the Unagi's top speed will vary based on many factors, including gradient, temperature, and rider weight. While typical e-scooters have weight restrictions of 225 pounds for driver and cargo, the Model One can carry up to 275 pounds, a tribute to the e-scooter's deck strength and engine torque.

A 9,000 mAh lithium-ion battery delivers the stated range of 15.5 miles per charge, which varies primarily based on speed, incline and rider weight. Here, too, it is sufficient for typical urban use. At 26.5 pounds, the Unagi is light enough to drag yourself into a building and recharge during the work day – it only takes four to five hours.

With the folded tube on the Unagi Model One, it's easy to carry the 26.5 pound e-scooter.

Exotic materials help keep this weight down; Unagi claims that the TORAY carbon fiber used in the Unagi's lightweight tube is the same used to build Elon Musk's Space-X rockets and that the handlebar is made from a magnesium alloy. When it is time to fold, the patented one-button folding mechanism works smoothly and holds securely.

The handlebars hold the throttle and brakes of the scooter, the horn, the light control and the drive and mode control buttons.

From left to right: Juiced Bikes Scorpion E-Bike, Unagi Model One E500 E-Scooter and Super 73 S1 E-Bike.

In addition to the side reflectors on both wheels, the One model has a 47 lumen LED front light and a red LED at the rear. In the photos above you can see the front and rear LEDs on the Unagi Model One E500 very early one morning on my street, for comparison between a Juiced Bikes Scorpion and a Super 73 S1.

horse riding

Unlike some of the fat-tire e-bikes I tested, I wasn't interested in riding the Unagi off-road or on the beaches we live on in North Carolina. Instead, I looked for experience in the city and our neighborhood to see how the E500 behaves as convenient city traffic.

You can choose to run the E500 with just one engine or both engines, which provides an extra dose of torque. This winding power will get you up to speed and uphill. Battery range and top speed are the same regardless of the drive configuration selected. Therefore, there is no great incentive to drive at half power.

Eco mode is a great option for beginners to stay below 18 km / h, but I quickly got addicted to Pro mode's pull mode. With both engines in play, you need to be ready for this machine to take off. It's also a mini wake-up call for the first time.

The Unagi Model One is a classic ride with sleek looks and design features.

The E500 accelerates quickly up to 13-14 mph and then at a leisurely pace it reaches its top speed of 17 mph. Fifteen miles an hour feels faster on a scooter than an e-bike, but it's not that fast, and I found it easy to maintain, comfortable. The super smooth gas and the brake create trust and distinguish the Unagi. Many e-bikes have choppy throttles and brakes that seem to toggle between on and off, which can lead to unexpectedly abrupt changes in speed. I was also pleased to find that the solid rubber, vented tires actually smoothed the ride.

As with all light two-wheelers, changing direction is easy – sometimes too easy. When I was driving in our neighborhood at the beginning of my tests, I saw our postman pull up in their vehicle across the street. I smiled and waved, and when I did, I was quickly grateful for the Unagi's electronic anti-lock brakes because I almost ran into their door. The One model is perfect as a steering vehicle, but you have to be willing to change direction even with small body weight shifts. Once I got used to the responsiveness of the e-scooter, the Unagi's solid component structure helped with cornering and with precisely maintaining the desired driving line.

Our opinion

The Unagi Model One E500 is an attractive, stylish e-scooter with a restrained appearance – at least with a medium gray finish. Transporting the E500 is a breeze, and the granular controls and solid, responsive driving behavior quickly instill confidence. This ride fulfills its design function perfectly. It's not a high-performance scooter and would soon be out of its element in almost any off-road situation. But it's not built to race or drive in the rough. The Unagi Model One is a classic, nifty urban commuter. The Model One costs more than you'd have to spend on an e-scooter with similar speed and range specifications, but it's definitely worth the extra cost. While I had the Unagi, I was seriously thinking about showing it as art in our home.

Is there a better alternative?

There are many good e-scooters that can reach 27 km / h and travel 15 km. The Razor EX-R electric scooter is priced at $ 600 and is often sold for $ 500 or a little less. The Segway Ninebot ES2 Electric Kick Scooter is also around $ 600 with frequent discounts. The Razor and Segway are good city commuter bikes with similar range and top speed to the Unagi Model One, although they lack torque and have a reduced load capacity of 220 pounds versus the Unagi's 275. Consider them acceptable alternatives if you are on a tight budget, but the Unagi is better overall and well worth the extra few hundred dollars.

How long it will take?

Unagi sells the Model 1 with a one year warranty. For the first three months of ownership, Unagi will replace the scooter with a brand new scooter. For the remaining nine months of the warranty period, Unagi will replace or repair at its option. Unagi's 30-day trial means you can return the scooter, undamaged or faulty, in its original packaging for a full refund. However, you pay for shipping. We assume that with the carefully curated components of the Model One, you should enjoy the ride for years to come.

The Unagi Model One is at home and convenient to transport in urban environments.

Should you buy one?

Yes. If you're looking for a high quality e-scooter that is easy to transport and exudes build quality and design elegance (even if you're the only one noticing), the Unagi Model One E500 is an excellent investment to take you around the city and in City perform Look good when you do.

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