Look at the consumer world around you. Whether it is for a car, a smartphone or a hair dryer we see that human beings make different choices. And that’s good because a uniform world would be very sad.
The electric scooter that I have the opportunity to test will surely create polarization in the reactions. Some will see it as a beautiful high-performance object that looks like them and will be immediately ready to invest, others will seek comparison with first-price models and will be less receptive given the price difference.
The UNAGI Model One E500 in question indeed targets a rather high-end market in terms of adult electric scooters.
The target price of the UNAGI Model One E500 is €990. I was surprised to see that this market is not such a narrow market niche. There is proof that there is a market with brands like Z, INMOTION, SPEEDWAY, SPEEDTROTT, INOKIM, E-TWOW.
UNAGI has been a player in the scooter market since early 2019, the date of their successful Kickstarter fundraising campaign. So there is now some feedback when the brand arrives in France.
Two UNAGI scooters exist in the catalog: the E250 and the E500. You can guess that the name is related to power. In the case of the E500 model of my test, it is 500W of total power at the rate of 250 W per wheel, the first specificity of the UNAGI.
A FUTURISTIC LOOK
Search for performance but also for design differences. Here is normally what should direct a consumer to the UNAGI E500 scooter rather than another. Doesn’t this remind you of the smartphone market?
Moreover, during my research for articles on UNAGI scooters, I read references to Apple or Tesla on several occasions. The two premium brands have been able to invent a style that mixes technology and minimalism. This type of comparison is rather flattering.
It all starts with quality packaging. The E500 is delivered in a well-protected box with overwrapping. The UNAGI Model One E500 scooter was delivered to me in an unusual metallic red color. It is also available in blue, sand or matte black.
Inside, you can find the scooter as well as a box containing handlebars, charger and screws. For obvious reasons, the handlebar cannot travel assembled to limit transport risks and bulk.
Unpacking the handlebars is a first opportunity to immediately capture the difference with any other model that I have been able to test in ranges half the price. Whether in terms of material, general look, buttons, … nothing is comparable.
Unagi’s aesthetic choice is clearly to pursue a futuristic look. It is on the side of the handlebars that this manifests itself with an unusual T-shape. There are no visible wires here. This part is very light and it is not made of plastic. UNAGI uses magnesium twice as light as aluminum.
At the front, the lighting unit is integrated into the handlebar body. It uses a powerful double LED, 1.8W which illuminates about 10 meters.
On the other side is the central on-board computer. The panel indicates the speed, the total mileage, the battery level as well as the selected speed on three levels.
The main button allows the commissioning or extinction but also the change of engine mode, single or double, via a double pressure close. An indicator appears on the screen in case of dual motor mode.
On the right is an acceleration trigger. The UNAGI scooter is therefore piloted by thumb.
Above, the small button allows the selection of the driving mode.
In my tests:
- The first driving mode called Eco limits the speed to 15 km/h.
- The second propels between 20 km/h.
- The third mode allows driving at the maximum legal speed of 25 km/h. This is a limit that the scooter can overcome with a little manipulation. Unbridled, the speed limit of the UNAGI ONE E500 is 32 km/h but it is no longer legal.
Mirroring the other side of the counter is another trigger. It manages an e-ABS electric brake. There is also the possibility of a mechanical brake via the use of the foot on the rear mudguard.
The small button above is a buzzer.
Mounting the handlebar on the stem is effortless and without forcing after simply connecting the wiring harness.
A BEAUTIFUL FINISH
The design of the UNAGI Model One E500 electric scooter is not revolutionary, but it is in the choice of materials and details that it stands out from entry-level products.
The stem is made of carbon fiber which for the record is of the same nature as that of Elon Musk’s Space-X rockets. Something to give you a topic of conversation.
Its shape is extremely worked because it evolves from triangular at its top to circular at its base.
The folding system is innovative. The handlebar breaks in half by lowering a simple slider. This mechanism is extremely solid to the point where it does not require any attachment system on the rear part unlike most models on the market. The handlebars are like levitating.
The scooter is quite easy to carry because it is well balanced and with these new generation materials, the manufacturer has managed to reduce the weight of the machine to only 12 Kg. It is little to consider the second wheel motor which alone weighs around 1.5 Kg.
The scooter measures 92 cm long by 42 cm wide and 38 cm high when folded.
A discreet kickstand is located on the side.
The UNAGI Model One E500 combines aesthetics and functionality. The board is made from a single piece of aluminum. The “Unagi” branded coating on the top is made of silicone.
It is not very fragile and adheres well under the feet to limit the risk of falling.
This same coating is placed above the rear mudguard for use as a mechanical brake.
I take this opportunity to indicate that the rear lighting is active as soon as the power is turned on and flashes when you brake via the trigger, not with the foot.
IT SWALLOWS THE RIBS UNAGI Model One E500
In the world of electric scooters, there is always the dilemma of comfort vs the risk of punctures. If the inflatable tires absorb shocks well, they have the risk of puncturing with great difficulty to change them.
Unagi chose reliability by installing solid tires on each of the wheels. A reasonable choice to consider is that each wheel is here equipped with a motor which would have complicated the dismantling.
These are 7.5-inch solid tires called honeycomb. This special structure makes it possible to absorb road defects to a minimum. They do not require maintenance.
You will have to be vigilant in case of rain, not for the scooter itself which is IP54 waterproof, but for the risk of skidding and longer braking distances.
The first question that always comes up is that of knowing the “autonomy” or at least the number of km you can travel with a full charge. Unagi equips its One E500 with a 9000 mAh Lithium Ion battery. This is above what equips electric scooters like the Xiaomi M365 (7000 mAh) but less than most products in this price range.
It is therefore not necessary to expect records in terms of mileage. It will be up to 25 km in mode 1. In mode 2 count between 15 and 20 km and at full power it is likely that you will be around 12 km. In addition to the mode, like any scooter or electric bike, the number of km varies according to your weight, the roads traveled and even the outside temperature.
The battery gauge on the 5-segment screen is progressive and appears just in its estimates, which is reassuring when you hit the road.
As indicated above, there is therefore the possibility of activating one or two motors. This happens at a standstill for safety reasons. It is also for safety that the scooter starts at the foot (“kick to start”).
It takes 4-5 hours for a full charge. The supplied CE charger outputs 33.6V/2Ah. The charging port is located at the back of the scooter, properly protected against water infiltration.
The battery is protected against overvoltages and the risk of overheating during use. The battery packs are original Sony or premium quality. This battery is listed as replaceable just like the tires.
The UNAGI Model One E500 is a beautiful object whose first objective must not be forgotten, that of being able to transport you in the best possible way between two points.
In maximum performance mode, the UNAGI Model One E500 is amazing, very responsive. It only takes a few seconds to get up to 25km/h if you wish.
The motors use the same type of neodymium magnet technology that TESLA mounts in its cars. Another anecdote that explains the quality and therefore price positioning in the end.
The ONE E500 model can handle slopes of 15°, i.e. 9° more than the single-motor E250 model. I know this very important aspect for some of you who have it on your journeys and they can be reassured.
Comfort will really depend on the quality of the pavement. It is median because of the solid tires. These scooters are not off-road vehicles.
The machine brakes excellently on dry roads.
A PREMIUM SCOOTER
The UNAGI ONE E500 is without question a model that must be described as premium. The manufacturer has put a lot of care into the design of its product, both in terms of materials and general design.
It is unlike any scooter on the market.
This would only be of relative interest if the UNAGI Model One E500 was not efficient, in particular because of its two wheels equipped with motors.
I would have liked even more modernity like a mobile application to lock the scooter and prevent its illegitimate use. A possibility of going beyond 25 Km without restrictions would also be a real plus compared to the competition.
The UNAGI Model One E500 is sold through a network of specialist retailers in France. Its retail price is €990 on the official online store unagiscooters.com. It is guaranteed for one year with a 30-day risk-free trial period.
It is a beautiful machine to consider from all angles but will not be within the reach of the greatest number. In any case, I had the pleasure of making you discover it. Thank you for reading this review, I also suggest watching the video review below. You can use English subtitles.
