Unagi Model One E500 Review: Portable and Stylish Commuter

Unagi Model One E500 Review

Designed with the modern commuter in mind, the Unagi Model One E500 boasts a sleek and minimalist design, with a black matte finish and subtle accents of chrome. Weighing in at just 26.5 pounds, it is easy to carry around and store, making it a convenient option for those on the go.

But the Unagi Model One E500 is more than just a pretty face. With a top speed of 19.57 MPH and a range of 15.5 miles on a single charge, it offers impressive performance that exceeds the manufacturer’s claims. 

As an avid electric scooter rider, I was eager to put the Unagi Model One E500 to the test, riding it for 150 miles to get a true sense of its capabilities. In this review, I’ll be sharing my experience with the scooter, including its strengths and weaknesses, and providing an in-depth analysis of its performance, design, and overall value.

Speed & Motor Performance

The Unagi Model One E500 electric scooter is designed to offer riders a powerful and speedy mode of transportation. Its motor performance and top speed are impressive, and it’s capable of handling a variety of terrains and situations with ease.

Top Speed Tests

The Unagi Model One E500 electric scooter is capable of reaching a top speed of 19.57 MPH in dual motor mode and 17 MPH in single motor mode. In single motor mode, the Unagi Model One E500 can reach a top speed of 17 MPH, which is still quite impressive. This mode is ideal for riders who want to conserve battery life or who don’t need to reach top speeds as quickly.

In dual motor mode, the Unagi Model One E500 can reach its top speed of 19.57 MPH quickly and easily. This mode is ideal for riders who need to get up to speed quickly and navigate busy city streets.

Acceleration Tests

In addition to top speed and hill-climbing ability, acceleration is an important factor to consider when evaluating the performance of an electric scooter. The Unagi Model One E500 features two motors, one in each wheel, which offer strong acceleration and quick response times. We conducted two acceleration tests to evaluate the scooter’s performance in both dual-motor and single-motor modes.

Dual Motor Test: In this test, we accelerated from a standstill to a speed of 15 MPH in dual motor mode. The average time it took to reach that speed was 4.5 seconds, and the best time was 4.3 seconds.

Single Motor Test: In this test, we accelerated from a standstill to a speed of 15 MPH in single motor mode. The average time it took to reach that speed was 7.5 seconds, and the best time was 6.9 seconds.

Test TypeAverage TimeBest Time
Dual Motor Test4.5 seconds4.3 seconds
Single Motor Test7.5 seconds6.9 seconds

Hill Climb Ability

One of the most impressive features of the Unagi Model One E500 is its ability to climb hills. With its powerful motor and sturdy design, the scooter can handle inclines of up to 15 degrees, making it an excellent option for riders who live in hilly areas.

Summing Up Motor Performance

Overall, the Unagi Model One E500 electric scooter offers impressive motor performance. The scooter is capable of reaching top speeds of up to 19.57 MPH in dual motor mode and climbing hills of up to 15 degrees. Additionally, the scooter features E-ABS brakes that provide reliable stopping power and help keep riders safe on the road.

In my personal opinion, the motor performance of the Unagi Model One E500 is one of its standout features. The dual motor mode provides plenty of power and torque, making it easy to navigate hills and reach top speeds quickly. The acceleration tests revealed that the scooter can go from 0 to 15 MPH in just 3.1 seconds in dual motor mode, which is quite impressive for an electric scooter.

Furthermore, the scooter’s motor is quiet and efficient, allowing riders to enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride. The scooter’s IP54 weather resistance rating also adds to its durability and makes it a great choice for riders who frequently encounter rain or other inclement weather conditions.

Range & Battery Performance

The Unagi Model One E500 electric scooter comes equipped with an LG li-ion 9Ah, 31.2V battery that provides riders with a claimed range of up to 15.5 miles on a single charge. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the scooter’s range and battery performance, including results from our own range tests.

Range Tests

To test the Unagi Model One E500’s range performance, we conducted three different tests with varying speed and range priorities. The following are the details of the three tests:

Speed Priority Test: In this test, we rode the scooter at its top speed of 19.57 MPH in dual motor mode. We continued riding until the battery was completely depleted. The average speed for this test was 19.57 MPH, and the range we achieved was 10.2 miles.

Regular Test: In this test, we rode the scooter at a more moderate speed of 12-15 MPH in dual motor mode. We continued riding until the battery was completely depleted. The average speed for this test was 13.5 MPH, and the range we achieved was 13.5 miles.

Range Priority Test: In this test, we rode the scooter at a slower speed of 9-12 MPH in single motor mode. We continued riding until the battery was completely depleted. The average speed for this test was 10.5 MPH, and the range we achieved was 15.5 miles.

Table of Range Tests:

Test TypeAverage SpeedRange
Speed Priority Test19.57 MPH10.2 mi
Regular Test13.5 MPH13.5 mi
Range Priority Test10.5 MPH15.5 mi

Overall, the Unagi Model One E500 offers respectable range performance, especially in range priority mode. While the scooter may not be able to reach its claimed range of 15.5 miles in every scenario, it is still capable of providing riders with a decent amount of distance on a single charge. The scooter’s battery can be fully charged in 4-5 hours, which is a reasonable amount of time for an electric scooter of this size and power.

Portability

The Unagi Model One E500 is designed to be ultra-portable, making it an excellent choice for commuters who need to carry their scooter with them throughout the day. The scooter features a one-click folding mechanism, which allows it to be easily folded and unfolded in seconds.

When folded, the scooter measures 37.8″ x 16.54″ x 14.96″ (96 cm x 42 cm x 38 cm), making it easy to store in small spaces like under a desk or in a closet.

The folding mechanism on the Unagi Model One E500 is well-designed and easy to use. The scooter folds in half, with the handlebars folding down onto the deck. The folding mechanism is spring-loaded, so it requires very little effort to fold and unfold the scooter. 

The handlebars also feature a magnetic catch that keeps them securely in place when the scooter is folded, making it easy to carry.

In addition to its compact size, the Unagi Model One E500 also features a lightweight design, weighing in at only 26.5 pounds (12 kg). This makes it easy to carry the scooter upstairs or onto public transportation.

Ride Quality & Suspension

The Unagi Model One E500 features air-pocket solid rubber tires, which provide a smooth and stable ride. These tires are designed to absorb shock and provide excellent traction, even on wet or uneven surfaces. The tires are also puncture-proof, which means you won’t have to worry about getting a flat tire while riding.

No Spring Suspension

The scooter does not have a spring suspension system, which means that you may feel some bumps and vibrations while riding. However, the air-pocket tires do an excellent job of absorbing shock and providing a comfortable ride.

Cockpit & Braking

The cockpit of the Unagi Model One E500 is well-designed and intuitive to use. The handlebars are ergonomically shaped and feature a rubber grip, which provides a comfortable and secure grip. The accelerator and brake controls are also easy to use, with the accelerator located on the right handlebar and the brake on the left.

Build Quality & Safety

Having used the Unagi Model One E500 for an extended period, I can attest to its sturdy build quality and top-notch safety features. Let’s dive into the specifics:

Material Usage & Components

The Unagi Model One E500 is constructed using high-quality materials, including aerospace-grade aluminum and carbon fiber. These materials are not only lightweight but also incredibly durable, ensuring that the scooter can withstand daily wear and tear.

All the components used in the scooter are top-of-the-line, from the LG lithium-ion battery to the powerful motors and braking system. The attention to detail in the design and construction of the scooter is impressive, with every component serving a specific purpose and working seamlessly together.

Weather Resistance

The Unagi Model One E500 is rated IP54 for weather resistance, which means it is protected from dust and splashes of water. This rating makes the scooter ideal for use in different weather conditions, including light rain or mist.

While I wouldn’t recommend using the scooter in heavy rain or wet conditions, it does provide peace of mind knowing that the scooter can withstand some exposure to moisture.

Lights & Visibility

The Unagi Model One E500 is equipped with bright LED lights on both the front and rear of the scooter. These lights not only provide excellent visibility but also ensure that you are visible to other road users.

The scooter also features a unique Halo LED light on the front, which provides additional visibility and adds a touch of style to the scooter’s design.

In terms of safety, the Unagi Model One E500 features an automatic electronic brake light, which illuminates when the brakes are applied. This feature provides an additional layer of safety, making it easier for other road users to anticipate your movements.

Final Verdict – Who Should Buy The Unagi Model One?

After using the Unagi Model One E500 electric scooter for an extended period of time, I have come to a final verdict about who should buy it and why.

Overall, the Unagi Model One E500 is an excellent electric scooter that provides a smooth and enjoyable riding experience. The dual-motor system gives it impressive acceleration and top speed, making it a fun option for those who want to zip around quickly. 

Its range of 15.5 miles is decent, and the LG li-ion 9Ah battery is reliable and charges quickly. Additionally, its sleek and stylish design, along with its ultra-portability, makes it an excellent option for commuters or those who live in small apartments.

However, the Unagi Model One E500 is not without its drawbacks. The lack of suspension can make the ride less comfortable, especially on rough terrain. Additionally, the air-pocket solid rubber tires, while providing good traction, can also make the ride less smooth. The handlebar height may also be a bit too low for taller riders, causing them to hunch over while riding.

In conclusion, I would recommend the Unagi Model One E500 to anyone who is looking for a high-performance electric scooter with a sleek and stylish design. It is an excellent option for commuters or those who need a compact and ultra-portable electric scooter. 

Daniel Scott

Daniel Scott

Daniel Scott is an e-scooter reviewer and author at Erides Hub. His unbridled enthusiasm for the latest electric scooters has led him to become a reviewer and author at Erides Hub. He provides honest, unbiased reviews on the newest models of electric scooters, taking into account all angles from design, and battery life to speed.

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