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Micromobility is here to stay, and it’s changing how we experience urban life for the better. With Unagi’s membership program, you can enjoy all the benefits of a top-tier electric scooter without the sky-high price of ownership or the inconvenience of ride-sharing.
We’re excited to celebrate Unagi’s 5th Anniversary, and we want you to join the fun! To thank you for your support, we're hosting an exclusive $10,000 Airbnb giveaway. No purchase necessary—just enter for your chance to win! Hurry, the giveaway ends on 10/4/2024!
In today’s fast-paced world, finding an efficient and cost-effective mode of transportation is crucial. E-scooters offer a convenient and eco-friendly way to navigate urban landscapes. Unagi stands out not only for its superior design and performance but also for its affordability and unmatched rental program.
While e-scooters have been gaining popularity due to their convenience and relatively low cost, they have been getting more attention lately for another reason: battery fires. It's important to understand the potential dangers associated with the battery technology that lies at their core.
In South Carolina, electric scooters exist in a sort of legal gray area. There's no statewide legislation that specifically addresses them.
Understand which personal electric vehicle is best, the choice between an electric bike or electric scooter might already be made for you by some critical factors, including portability and storage capacity.
The Last Stand of E-Scooters in a Tightened Regulatory Landscape
The buzzing streets of San Diego have recently quieted down with the departure of Bird, the last e-scooter operator in the city. This development leaves the city without any scooter operators, a stark contrast to the scene just over a year ago, when these vehicles were a common sight on the city's streets.
The exit of Bird follows a pattern of withdrawals by other major e-scooter ride-sharing companies, including Lime, Spin, and Link, all of which had contracts allowing them to deploy scooters in San Diego but ultimately chose to leave.
San Diego's stringent regulations have been a major factor in Bird's decision to exit the city, highlighting the challenges faced by e-scooter operators. These regulations include a 3 mph speed limit on sidewalks, a ban on large or disorderly clusters of scooters (reasonable), imposition of fees on operators, and limits on the number of companies and scooters allowed in the city at any given time.
Additionally, the city employed geofencing to prevent scooters from operating in certain areas, like the boardwalks in Pacific Beach, and capped the total number of scooters citywide at 8,000. These rules, aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety and reducing sidewalk congestion, have been described as some of the most stringent globally and have also led to a significant decrease in scooter usage and customer satisfaction in the area.
In an attempt to reverse the exodus of e-scooter companies, San Diego officials have proposed softer regulations, aiming to lure operators back. These changes come as part of the city's broader initiative to promote micromobility and address climate change and urban congestion.
The proposed changes, discussed by the City Council's Active Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, include
These amendments are currently pending further discussion and approval by the full City Council. The Council is expected to review and make a decision on these proposed changes to the local scooter guidelines in the upcoming weeks, potentially paving the way for a renewed e-scooter presence in San Diego.
However, the challenges for e-scooter companies like Bird extend beyond local regulations. The increasing ownership of personal scooters and the competition posed by ride-hailing services like Uber have led to a decrease in demand for rental scooters. In addition, these companies are contending with the high incidence of scooter theft. This issue is particularly severe in San Diego, which is close to the U.S.-Mexico border (Tijuana area). Also, the requirement by local regulations to use advanced scooter models, which are more appealing to thieves, just exacerbates this problem.
Public opinion remains divided, with some residents finding e-scooters a convenient transportation option, while others raise alarms over safety and the nuisance caused by improperly parked scooters.
Groups like Safe Walkways have voiced strong opposition to relaxing regulations, emphasizing the need to prioritize pedestrian safety over the re-introduction of e-scooters arguing that allowing scooters on sidewalks with only an audio alert system might not be sufficient.
Bird has termed its departure from San Diego a "hiatus," and has left the door open for a possible return. The company has been in discussions with city officials to address the issues leading to their suspension of service.
Their app currently displays a message titled "WINTER SNOOZE," specifically addressing their San Diego audience with a tone of optimism, hinting at a potential future return. This message conveys appreciation to their customers for supporting Bird's vision of reducing car usage and promoting cleaner air. It also implies a commitment to reintroducing alternative transportation options in San Diego, suggesting a collaborative effort with the city to make a comeback in the following year.
Despite Bird's departure, a limited number of e-scooter devices continue to operate in San Diego, particularly servicing areas around the San Diego State University and UC San Diego campuses. These operations are under separate contracts and are not directly affected by the city's agreements with the four major scooter companies, including Bird. This limited presence indicates that e-scooters remain a part of San Diego's transportation landscape, albeit on a smaller scale.
Despite the current absence of e-scooters, the city of San Diego remains committed to micromobility as part of its broader climate action goals. The city's Sustainability and Mobility Department continues to emphasize the importance of diverse transportation options, including shared electric scooters and bikes, to reduce congestion and promote sustainability.
In summary, the departure of Bird scooters from San Diego's streets is more than just the end of a transportation option. It reflects the ongoing struggle to balance urban mobility needs with safety, regulatory challenges, and environmental objectives. As the city re-evaluates its approach, there remains a cautious optimism for the return of e-scooters under a new, more balanced regulatory framework.
9/17/2024
Micromobility is here to stay, and it’s changing how we experience urban life for the better. With Unagi’s membership program, you can enjoy all the benefits of a top-tier electric scooter without the sky-high price of ownership or the inconvenience of ride-sharing.
8/1/2024
We’re excited to celebrate Unagi’s 5th Anniversary, and we want you to join the fun! To thank you for your support, we're hosting an exclusive $10,000 Airbnb giveaway. No purchase necessary—just enter for your chance to win! Hurry, the giveaway ends on 10/4/2024!
7/25/2024
In today’s fast-paced world, finding an efficient and cost-effective mode of transportation is crucial. E-scooters offer a convenient and eco-friendly way to navigate urban landscapes. Unagi stands out not only for its superior design and performance but also for its affordability and unmatched rental program.
6/20/2024
You just got an Unagi Scooter and love it! The last thing you want is a brazen thief to be eyeing your prized possession and steal your scooter. As the micro-mobility trend continues to grow and scooters become more ubiquitous, unfortunately so will theft. Enter the Unagi Cinch Lock.
6/13/2024
The Unagi community has just surpassed an amazing milestone – 4,000,000 miles ridden on our scooters since we recently started aggregating mileage-ridden! This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without your support and enthusiasm.
5/1/2024
Elevate your style and conquer the city with the brand new Unagi and Mafia collab crossbody bag. This stunning, highly convenient bag is crafted from cutting-edge Dimension Polyant® X-Pac Shell fabric, making it waterproof and durable enough to withstand any adventure.
4/29/2024
Discover why I swapped my car for an Unagi Scooter! Dive into my journey from the monotony of traffic to the freedom of city streets, exploring the excitement, eco-friendliness, and simplicity of scooter life. Join the ride towards a more adventurous, sustainable urban lifestyle. Will you join me?
4/2/2024
Explore our latest feature in the Voyager's smart mobile app: Ride Recording. Now, you can effortlessly track your journeys, monitor stats, and review your ride history to see how far you've traveled, and much more. Discover this and more in the Unagi Voyager’s smart app!
3/22/2024
People all over the world are discovering how your own perfect electric scooter can make life more efficient, adventurous, and fun. Emma Magidson is a New York-based set designer who’s always on the go — the Unagi makes it possible.
9/17/2024
Micromobility is here to stay, and it’s changing how we experience urban life for the better. With Unagi’s membership program, you can enjoy all the benefits of a top-tier electric scooter without the sky-high price of ownership or the inconvenience of ride-sharing.
4/29/2024
Discover why I swapped my car for an Unagi Scooter! Dive into my journey from the monotony of traffic to the freedom of city streets, exploring the excitement, eco-friendliness, and simplicity of scooter life. Join the ride towards a more adventurous, sustainable urban lifestyle. Will you join me?
3/5/2024
Like every good relationship, our team has long-term goals to keep you and your Unagi in tip-top condition. You can ride on with confidence knowing that our amazing service team is here to support you. Trust us: the pleasure is all ours.
2/22/2024
We're excited to share the buzz from our latest Unagi U-Nite in the heart of Miami, a vibrant gathering that brought our community together in a celebration of art, taste, and electric mobility. Our Miami adventure was a curated experience, blending the thrill of discovery with the joy of connection.
1/30/2024
We’re thrilled to recap our latest San Francisco Unagi U-Nite, a series of unique monthly meet-ups uniting our community through food, music, and culture. Partnering with local businesses, we aim to offer our members unforgettable experiences.
1/4/2024
At Unagi, we believe that every aspect of our scooters should reflect our commitment to a greener, cleaner future. That's why our unboxing experience isn't just an afterthought; it's a carefully crafted expression of our dedication to sustainability.
12/5/2023
At Unagi, we’re determined to be here for our customers. That's why we’re excited to invite you to visit our flagship store in the heart of SoHo. So come on in—we can't wait to meet you.
10/20/2023
The October 8th group ride was more than an event; it was a testament to what Unagi represents: community, freedom, and unbridled fun. The streets of NYC bore witness to an electric revolution, punctuated by the joyous beats of an afterparty.
10/16/2023
Life as a student? It's a whirlwind mix of cram sessions, legendary parties, and the eternal hunt for the ultimate budget munchies. Throw in that trudge between campuses or the unpredictability of public transport, and the struggle gets all too real. Enter the age of the e-scooter.
1/1/2024
In the bustling streets of our urban landscapes, finding a mode of transport that combines efficiency, style, and convenience is akin to discovering a hidden treasure. Enter the Unagi Model One Classic. Recently, Top 10 Zone turned the spotlight on the E500, and their praise was nothing short of revelatory.
11/21/2023
Dubai, a city known for its futuristic skyline and innovative projects, is now taking a bold leap into micromobility by hosting the world's first high-speed electric scooter race.
4/4/2023
The Unagi Model One might be the most reviewed electric scooter in existence, receiving tons of coverage. In 2020, they did something totally unique–a monthly subscription service. This year, they bring us the Unagi Voyager, the latest upgraded version of their iconic Model One scooter.
7/25/2024
In today’s fast-paced world, finding an efficient and cost-effective mode of transportation is crucial. E-scooters offer a convenient and eco-friendly way to navigate urban landscapes. Unagi stands out not only for its superior design and performance but also for its affordability and unmatched rental program.
6/20/2024
You just got an Unagi Scooter and love it! The last thing you want is a brazen thief to be eyeing your prized possession and steal your scooter. As the micro-mobility trend continues to grow and scooters become more ubiquitous, unfortunately so will theft. Enter the Unagi Cinch Lock.
6/13/2024
The Unagi community has just surpassed an amazing milestone – 4,000,000 miles ridden on our scooters since we recently started aggregating mileage-ridden! This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without your support and enthusiasm.
4/2/2024
Explore our latest feature in the Voyager's smart mobile app: Ride Recording. Now, you can effortlessly track your journeys, monitor stats, and review your ride history to see how far you've traveled, and much more. Discover this and more in the Unagi Voyager’s smart app!
3/20/2024
With Unagi All-Access Membership, top-notch support is at your fingertips. Our on-site chatbot can assist with subscription queries, scooter troubleshooting, or route advice. For troubleshooting, include your scooter's serial number and issue description. And don't forget to keep your box for swaps and returns.
2/15/2024
Unagi transforms urban commuting with the Model One scooter. Economical, efficient, and eco-friendly, it offers freedom from traffic and high costs. Glide through the city with style and ease. Here’s a few reasons why we think our Model One scooter is the best urban commuter.
1/2/2024
Your commute plays a significant role. It can set the tone for your day and impact your overall well-being. That's where Unagi Membership comes in – it's your passport to a stylish and sustainable journey in the New Year. Here's why Unagi Membership is the ultimate choice for your 2024 commute!
12/19/2023
As gas prices continue to soar, Unagi electric scooters emerge as an ultimate solution for cost-sufficient, eco-friendly commuting.
12/11/2023
Unagi subscribers! Discover a new level of freedom by referring a friend to Unagi All-Access and get $100 off your subscription! You and a friend can unlock a world of convenience and eco-friendly transportation at your fingertips for free.
3/22/2024
People all over the world are discovering how your own perfect electric scooter can make life more efficient, adventurous, and fun. Emma Magidson is a New York-based set designer who’s always on the go — the Unagi makes it possible.
1/20/2022
Serafima is a real estate broker living a busy life in New York City. In this short video we see the ways she’s come to rely on the Unagi scooter to move around the city for work and pleasure. It’s eye opening to see how she picked up an Unagi and found a perfect fit.
11/8/2022
Alessandra Ambrosio was featured in Us magazine’s Stars—they’re just like us section riding her Unagi scooter while running errands in LA. The busy Victoria’s Secret supermodel and mother of two has a tightly-packed schedule, and what better way to get around LA than by this well-designed scooter?
8/4/2022
Coco Rocha, premier fashion icon and international supermodel, has marched the runway for brands such as Stella McCartney, Anna Sui, and Marc Jacobs, and graced the covers of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, W, Time Style & Design, among many others.
7/12/2022
We got invited to Soulja Boy’s 31st birthday, and we surprised him with a brand new Unagi scooter. Knowing parking would be hectic in the Hollywood Hills, we cruised up the winding roads on scooters instead, and arrived in style, without breaking a sweat.
7/1/2022
We’re proud to announce the new face of Unagi—the Godfather of Punk himself—Iggy Pop. The artist embodies freedom and individuality, two values at the core of Unagi, and we’re psyched to have the chance to collaborate with him on a series of films featuring the artist and his approach to life.
