EMOVE Cruiser S Vs. Unagi Model One Voyager: Which Electric Scooter is Right for You?

Daniel Foley
Written By: Daniel Foley
Updated on: 10/27/2024
Published on: 8/25/2024

The competition for commuter scooters is stiff, and this exploration of the EMOVE Cruiser S electric scooter vs. the Unagi Model One Voyager will prove just that.

The EMOVE Cruiser S electric scooter is a 2023 masterpiece by VORO Motors that remains unchallenged as the world's longest-range, single-motor electric scooter. VORO has a 2024 update, the EMOVE Cruiser V2, that, despite all its charm, is also much heavier and has a shorter range, making the Cruiser S a better value for commuters.

The Model One Voyager is Unagi Scooters' performance-level electric scooter. It features significant upgrades over the original Model One Classic and is a commuter's dream, not just courtesy of its excellent stats but also because of the numerous benefits riders get from the All-Access Membership program.

Buckle up and discover with us what the two electric scooters offer.

EMOVE Cruiser S Vs. Unagi Model One Voyager Comparison Table

This is a comparison highlight of the EMOVE Cruiser S and the Unagi Model One Voyager electric scooters.

Scooter Specs Unagi Voyager EMOVE Cruiser S
Cost $79/month $1299
Motor Dual 250 W motors Rear 1000 W motor
Speed 20 mph 32 mph
Battery 360 Wh 1560 Wh
Range 12-25 miles 44 - 62 miles
Brakes Dual electronic braking Dual semi hydraulic disk brakes
Scooter Weight 29.6 lbs 56.4 lbs
Max Rider Weight 220 lbs 352 lbs
Construction Materials Carbon fiber, magnesium alloy and aluminum Aluminium alloy
Tires 7.5 inch, solid hollow tires 10-inch pneumatic tubeless tires
Suspension N/A Front & rear quad suspension
Deck 19.2” x 5.04” 23” x 7.75”
Throttle Thumb throttle Thumb throttle, with optional trigger and twist style mods
Unfolded Dimensions 37.8” x 16.5” x 43.3” 48” x 23.5” x 46.5”
Folded Dimensions 37.8” x 16.5” x 15” 49” x 10” x 16”
Water Resistance IPX4 IPX6

Cost

The EMOVE Cruiser S is one of the best midrange scooters and even got a spot on our best electric scooters for adults. Few e-scooters deliver the amount of value you get from the $1299 EMOVE Cruiser S. In fact, despite the upgraded aesthetics, a slight bump in top speed, and a new fetching display, we'd still opt for the Cruiser S electric scooter over the $1499 Cruiser V2 upgrade. More on that comparison as we progress.

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The Unagi Model One Voyager will cost you a standard $79 monthly to own, courtesy of the membership plan. This is Unagi's innovative retail model that facilitates a monthly payment plan, which beats paying huge upfront costs, taking up scooter financing, or going for shared rental models. The actual value, however, is in the benefits of Unagi's All Access Plan.

Unagi

The subscription plan, besides being an affordable way to own your scooter, also has the following perks:

  • Zero down payment required
  • Penalty-free cancellation if you're no longer in need of a scooter
  • Express delivery in 2-3 days once you've completed the sign-up process
  • Free shipping
  • On-the house maintenance
  • The option to get the more affordable $59 Model One Classic
  • Theft protection coverage
  • Easy upgrades to the latest model
  • Discounted pricing for students–10% off
  • Discounted pricing for members who bundle up monthly payments

Unagi All-Access Rental Cobalt Electric Scooter

Performance

The EMOVE Cruiser S electric scooter has a single, 50 V, 1000 W powerful rear motor that delivers exemplary performance while facilitating a uniquely high max rider weight capacity of 352 lbs. The Model One Voyager, on the other hand, has dual motors rated 250 W each, with a peak power of 1000 W. It has a lower max rider weight of 220 lbs but has a clear edge in acceleration and hill climbing over other scooters in its class.

Speed and Acceleration

The EMOVE Cruiser S electric scooter has an incredible tested top speed of 32 mph. This is pretty accurate of the manufacturer's stated 33 mph. It's quick to 15 mph in 3.8 seconds but not as quick as its peers to top speed, taking 17 seconds to reach 30 mph. The Cruiser V2 is alternatively advertised as the faster upgrade but clocked 33 mph in tested top speed, which is only marginally faster.

Speed and Acceleration

On the other hand, the Model One Voyager electric scooter clocks a top speed of 20 mph, which is in line with Unagi's specifications. The top speed is in line with the maximum speed stated by most local ordinances in the US. Addedly, you get fantastic acceleration courtesy of the two motors–4.4 seconds to the 15 mph mark.

Range and Battery

The EMOVE Cruiser S electric scooter has long held the title of best long-range electric scooter in the single-motor category, competing with high-performance NAMIs, Kaabos, and Dualtrons. The Cruiser S electric scooter has a tested range of 43.6 miles on a single charge, with VORO claiming the scooter can go up to 62 miles in ideal conditions.

The EMOVE Cruiser's 1560 Wh battery with superior LG battery cells facilitates its range. Branded cells guarantee a longer battery life than their generic counterparts, making this a scooter that will serve you for years. It has a relatively long charge time of 9-12 hours, but a full charge should give you about 2 weeks of riding time.

The Voyager alternatively leverages high-performance, energy-dense cells that 1) facilitate fewer charge cycles, enhancing battery life, and 2) save the scooter on overall weight. The scooter's 360 Wh battery delivers a tested range of 12-25 miles, and with fast charging, you can recharge to 50% in just an hour and full capacity in 3 hours.

Hill Climbing

The EMOVE electric scooter is pretty aggressive on hills for a single-motor scooter. On a 200 ft 10% gradient, the scooter recorded a short 11.7 seconds to the top, accelerating all the way. On the same hill, the Voyager took 14.1 seconds to reach the top, making both electric scooters among the few you can reliably get if you live in hilly places like San Francisco or San Diego.

Braking

The EMOVE Cruiser S electric scooter has a set of high-quality dual hybrid Xtech hydraulic brakes. The brakes are perfectly matched with the high-performance motor, bringing the scooter to a halt at 10.1 ft from a speed of 15 mph. This again puts the Emove Cruiser S electric scooter in the top percentile of best brakes on an electric scooter.

The Voyager, with its lower top speed, leverages dual electronic braking for stopping. This is the ideal braking setup for a scooter focused on portability, and it brings the scooter to a halt in 17.3 ft from a speed of 15 mph.

Build Quality

The EMOVE Cruiser S electric scooter is a ruggedly reliable electric scooter with a proven track record, as evidenced by the 50,000-plus units sold by VORO since the first version. The scooter competes with the Voyager in delivering long-term service to its riders.

Materials and Durability

The Unagi Voyager is the culmination of years of material science research, designed to create a high-performance, durable, yet lightweight electric scooter. The scooter combines a Japanese toray carbon fiber stem, a magnesium alloy handlebar, and a single-piece machined aluminum frame to deliver one of the most high-strength, lightweight electric scooters on the market.

The EMOVE Cruiser S electric scooter, on the other hand, has an extremely tough frame. It is visibly rugged, and features reinforced bits like the fenders. According to VORO, the scooter's original design was structured to survive the multiple tumbles riders take when riding or the reckless way some owners drop the scooter once they're done riding.

Aesthetics

The Unagi Model One Voyager electric scooter is the belle of the ball. It's a scooter you want to be seen riding on, whether you have the cobalt blue, latte, matte black, or cool mist variant. Its smooth curves, unexposed wiring, and attention to detail make it the affordable luxury scooter of choice.

The EMOVE Cruiser S electric scooter, alternatively, features an old-school design that's more focused on being functional than being the centerpiece display. It, however, seems to work for many people, and you can get it in either orange, white, black, red, purple, or blue. And, if you want the Cruiser with a bit of flair, check out the updated V2 with the uber-modern design and a ton of style.

Ride Quality

The EMOVE Cruiser S is an alternative seated electric scooter that delivers a very comfortable ride, courtesy of some well-thought-out ride-quality features.

Tires

The EMOVE Cruiser S electric scooter comes with 10-inch tubeless air-filled tires. The tires are great for ride quality, and their tubeless nature makes them impervious to pinch flats. Since they have solid rims, fewer flats are appreciated, as tire change would be a nightmare.

The Unagi Voyager electric scooter, on the other hand, has 7.5-inch solid tires. These tires are flat-free, and Unagi adds a honeycomb design that improves shock absorption. Additionally, their small profile reduces the overall weight and space the e-scooter occupies.

Tires

Suspension

The EMOVE Cruiser S electric scooter has front and rear shocks. The quad suspension setup has just enough flex for heavy riders and when going on poorly maintained roads.

The Unagi Model One Voyager foregoes suspension due to the weight implications.

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Deck Space

VORO installs an ultra-roomy surfer board-style deck on the EMOVE Cruiser S electric scooter that's large enough to shift stances, even for the largest feet. The Emove Cruiser deck measures 23 x 7.75 inches against the Voyager's 19.2 x 5.04 inches deck.

Model One Voyager Deck Space

The Cruiser S's deck is also lined with grip tape that offers better traction, while the Voyager's has a rubber mat that is easier to clean.

Ride Ergonomics

The EMOVE Cruiser S electric scooter caters to ride ergonomics with a few design specifications and available factory accessories. The scooter, for one, has 25-inch-wide handlebars that are excellent for adult riders, and the telescopic stem, which rises between 38.5 inches and 45 inches, accommodates both short and extremely tall riders.

Additionally, while the scooter comes with a stock smooth, ergonomic thumb throttle, VORO offers a trigger and twist alternative that are easy to switch courtesy of the plug-and-play cabling. You can also get the optional seat if you prefer a seated electric scooter, a storage case if you want a scooter for carrying cargo, and a grab handle that makes it easier to load the Cruiser into your trunk.

Portability

The Model One Voyager is the best lightweight electric scooter, weighing just 29.6 lbs despite featuring dual motors. It has a quick folding mechanism and occupies minimal space when folded, measuring 37.8 inches x 16.5 inches x 15 inches.

Unagi Model One Voyager Portability

On the other hand, the EMOVE Cruiser S electric scooter weighs 56.4 lbs, which may not be as easy to lift, but VORO offers the grab handle mod that lightens the task. Additionally, thanks to the telescopic folding stem and foldable handlebars, the storage dimensions are manageable at 49 inches x 10 inches x 16 inches.

Water-Resistance

The EMOVE Cruiser S has one of the highest water-resistance ratings in a scooter, with an IPX6 rating. This means that the electric scooter can not only withstand riding in the rain and mildly deep puddles, but it can also take water jets at some pressure, like that from a hose.

The Voyager has a more conservative rating of IPX4 that lets you ride in light rain and splash through shallow puddles before you need to seek shelter.

App and Controls

One of the biggest upgrades VORO made to the Emove Cruiser electric scooter was the cockpit. The Cruiser V2 now comes with the preferred 3.5-inch LCD over the Cruiser S's full-color displaywith throttle. The Cruiser S's display is still functional, just not very aesthetic. Via the display, you can access all your riding stats and P-settings that customize the ride feel, particularly with braking and acceleration. You have a key start ignition with a voltmeter on the right side for accurate battery readings. You also get easy-to-reach controls for the turn signals and lights.

Emove Cruiser S Control

The Voyager electric scooter has a neat center display that shows you all your basic riding stats. It has a single-button operation. However, Unagi also fitted a companion app that gives you more oversight over your scooter's performance, including a range remaining counter. Additionally, you can customize features such as single and dual motor settings and top speed settings. The app also allows you to remotely lock and unlock your electric scooter and manage your Unagi subscription.

Unagi Smart app

Lights

The EMOVE Cruiser S electric scooter has a low-mounted headlight and front and rear deck lights. Additionally, you get a fender-mounted tail light that doubles as a brake light. The Voyager, on the other hand, has a high-integrated headlight, a tail light that's also a brake light, and multiple reflectors for night visibility.

Lights

Verdict

Both electric scooters deliver insane value to commuters, but in trying to decide which is the better electric scooter, we conclude that rider needs and preferences will ultimately guide the buyer in choosing a scooter.

For instance, the EMOVE Cruiser S electric scooter is a feature-rich scooter with all the bells and whistles, from the dual semi-hydraulic disc brakes to the quad suspension, the 10-inch tubeless tires, the large brand-name battery, the powerful motor, the high max rider weight capacity, the IPX6 rating, the extremely tough frame, the ultra-roomy deck, the ideal adult ergonomics, and all for $1299.

The Voyager is no slacker, either. With it, you get dual motor performance in a lightweight frame, a durable and highly aesthetic scooter, app connectivity, and the perks of the All-Access Membership plan. The membership plan is what truly sets this scooter apart, with benefits like a low monthly subscription fee, theft protection, monthly meet-ups with fellow riders, having a scooter delivered to you during your travels, the option to upgrade to the latest model, and penalty-free cancellation when you no longer need the scooter.

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Daniel Foley
Daniel Foley

Daniel tests all the latest e-scooters and currently enjoys the Unagi Voyager as a daily driver for it's light weight, good range, and stylish look.

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