The Unagi Model One Voyager electric scooter is equipped with thumb control on each handlebar, providing ease of use and precision. The right thumb control is used for acceleration, allowing riders to adjust their speed according to their preferences. Similarly, the left thumb control is for braking, ensuring a responsive and controlled stopping process. It is worth noting that the dual e-brakes on the Voyager are highly effective, allowing riders to come to a quick stop effortlessly. Additionally, for added stopping power, riders can also step down on the rear fender.
However, considering the price point of the scooter, it would have been expected to have disc brakes instead of the e-brakes. Disc brakes would provide even greater stopping power and would be more suitable for such a high-quality scooter.
Located above the thumb controls on the handlebars are small yellow buttons. Pressing the left button activates the horn. However, the horn on the Voyager is described as quite ineffective, lacking the commanding sound necessary to catch the attention of pedestrians or other vehicles. Its soft beep is easily drowned out by the noise of the city.
By pressing the right button twice, riders can switch between three speed modes. Level one offers a top speed of 9 mph, level two provides 12 mph, and level three allows for a speed of 15 mph. The writer of the article mentions exclusively using level three, which provides a comfortable cruising speed. The Voyager also offers an option to unlock a top speed of 20 mph by pressing and holding a combination of buttons. However, it is noted that this will significantly reduce the scooter’s battery life.
The scooter is equipped with two 250-watt motors that can operate at 500 watts and peak at 1,000 watts. By pressing the power button on the center of the dashboard twice, riders can switch between single-motor and dual-motor mode. Although the speed levels remain the same, utilizing dual-motor mode offers a more responsive acceleration and allows for slightly quicker climbs up slopes. The scooter demonstrates its power by maintaining speeds of 13 to 14 mph while ascending the Williamsburg Bridge.
In terms of ride quality, the Voyager excels on flat roads, providing a smooth and comfortable experience. However, on uneven surfaces or roads with potholes, the ride becomes noticeably bumpy. This can be attributed to the scooter’s 7.5-inch solid rubber tires, which transmit the feel of every bump. While this type of tire eliminates the risk of a flat, it does compromise the scooter’s ability to handle rough terrain.
The range of the Voyager scooter is another factor worth considering. However, it is reported to be better than expected. In dual-motor mode, the scooter’s battery lasts for slightly over 10 miles, even after climbing a bridge. Surprisingly, using a single motor does not significantly extend the battery life. As tested, completing an 8-mile round trip with a single motor and another 8-mile round trip with dual motors still resulted in around 32% of battery charge remaining.
Overall, the Unagi Model One Voyager electric scooter provides a user-friendly experience with its responsive thumb controls for acceleration and braking. While the sound of its horn may not be attention-grabbing, the scooter offers multiple speed modes to suit different riding preferences. The use of dual motors enhances acceleration and climbing abilities, proving the scooter’s power. However, the ride quality can be rough on uneven surfaces, and the scooter’s range is somewhat limited compared to other options. Despite these limitations, the Voyager remains a reliable and efficient electric scooter choice.
