GOTRAX Flex vs. Unagi Model One Voyager

In this showdown, we're pitting two heavyweights of the electric scooter world against each other. On one side, we have the stylish, premium, lightweight Unagi Model One Voyager, representing the best of stand-up electric scooters. On the other, the budget-friendly and comfortable GOTRAX Flex is a champion of seated electric scooters.

These two models exemplify different philosophies in e-scooter design, each with its own strengths and potential drawbacks. In our comprehensive analysis we'll put these two titans to the test, diving into their performance metrics—like range, top speed, and acceleration—ride quality, portability, and standout features.

By examining these factors in detail, we aim to provide you with a clear understanding of what each e-scooter brings to the table and which might be the ideal choice for your specific needs.

Unagi Voyager Vs. GOTRAX Flex Comparison Table

Here's a quick breakdown of the specs to help you compare these two commuter scooters at a glance:

Cost

When it comes to bang for your buck, both the Unagi Voyager and GOTRAX FLEX deliver big time, offering some of the most affordable options in their respective categories but with distinctly different approaches to ownership.

The Unagi Model One Voyager stands out with its budget-friendly rental program, costing just $79 per month. This approach allows riders to access a high-end electric scooter without a significant upfront cost. But it gets better. Unagi scooters often run promotions, and there are discounts for students and longer rental periods, so you could end up paying even less. Plus, if you're okay with a slightly toned-down version, the Unagi Model One Classic is available for an even lower $59 monthly rate.

On the flip side, the GOTRAX Flex is the cheapest scooter with a seat on the market, coming in at around $400.

Top speed and Acceleration

The Unagi Voyager takes the lead with a top speed of 20 mph and an impressive acceleration from 0 to 15 mph in just 4.9 seconds. This relatively high performance is made possible by its dual 250W motors, which crank out a combined peak power of 1000W, coupled with a responsive thumb throttle.

In contrast, the GOTRAX Flex reaches a top speed of 16.1 mph and takes 7.7 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 15 mph. It relies on a single 350W rear motor controlled by a twist throttle.

Range and Battery

Here’s where the Unagi Voyager lightweight electric scooter continues to impress. With its larger 360 Wh battery, you can wave goodbye to range anxiety. Expect a range of up to 25 miles on a single charge, depending on your riding style and weight. Plus, it charges fully in just 3 hours, and you can hit 50% in only 1 hour—perfect for those quick top-ups during a coffee break. What's more, thanks to the premium energy-dense cells, the scooter enjoys a longer battery life.

The GOTRAX FLEX, equipped with a 280.8 Wh battery, promises a range of around 18.6 miles. However, real-world usage typically yields closer to 13 miles. A full charge takes about 5 hours, which requires more planning for longer trips or daily commutes.

While this might seem low in comparison, it's important to consider the e-scooter's weight, design, and price point. For an electric scooter in the $400 range, the FLEX offers one of the best ranges available.

Hill Climbing

The dual motor setup of the Unagi Model One Voyager also comes into play here, so it's no surprise that it outperforms the GOTRAX FLEX on inclines. Now, let's not get carried away—the Voyager won’t conquer every mountain, but for moderate hills, it’s a beast. In tests, the Unagi’s 1000W dual motors powered it up a 200 ft, 10% gradient hill in about 14 seconds, maintaining a top speed of around 10 mph.

The GOTRAX FLEX, like most seated electric scooters in its price range, struggles on steep inclines. It will make it up the hill but at a slower pace. During the same test, the FLEX took a leisurely 38 seconds to climb, crawling at about 4 mph.

Braking

When it comes to stopping power, the GOTRAX FLEX brings its A-game with cable-operated front and rear drum brakes, plus regenerative braking. This combo gives it a slight edge over the Unagi Voyager, but you'll need to give those levers a good squeeze for maximum effect. From 15 mph, it can come to a halt in roughly 15 feet.

The Unagi Voyager, on the other hand, packs dual regen brakes and a rear stomp brake. This setup stops the electric scooter in about 17 feet, and if you throw in the stomp brake, you can shave off a bit more. For everyday rides, the regen brakes are plenty reliable.

For a deeper dive into the different braking systems electric scooters have, check out our comprehensive guide on braking.

Build Quality

Both the Unagi Voyager and GOTRAX FLEX are well-built and sturdy for everyday use, but they each take a different approach to achieving their goals.

Materials and Durability

The GOTRAX FLEX keeps things straightforward with its construction. It uses aluminum alloy A6061, which is not only lightweight but also robust enough to support a max rider weight of up to 264 lbs. Everything feels solidly built, even down to the kickstand, and there’s barely any plastic in sight.

On the other hand, the Unagi Model One Voyager is like a masterclass in material science, with a sophisticated blend of premium materials, each chosen for its optimal performance in specific locations. The stem features high-quality carbon fiber, known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. Magnesium alloy, prized for its lightweight yet durable nature, forms the handlebars. The deck is crafted from a single piece of machined aluminum, ensuring structural integrity. This carefully curated mix of materials culminates in an electric scooter that's not only incredibly lightweight but also robust enough to support a maximum rider weight of 220 lbs.

Aesthetics

When it comes to visual appeal, the Unagi Voyager stands out as the more striking of the two. Available in a range of colors like deep cobalt, matte black, cool mist, and latte, it exudes elegance with clean lines, smooth curves, and a minimalist vibe. There's no unnecessary fluff, with invisible cable management and a stainless steel folding mechanism. The digital display on the handlebar looks like something out of a sci-fi movie—everything about the Voyager screams premium.

The FLEX, on the other hand, keeps things simple and functional. It comes only in black and avoids flashy aesthetics. Its form might catch your eye, though, as it looks like a love child of an e-scooter and a bike.

Ride Quality

Both electric scooters offer good ride quality, but the GOTRAX Flex naturally provides a more relaxed and smooth ride experience with its seated design, particularly for shorter riders. However, good ride quality extends beyond just the presence of a seat. Let’s take a closer look at the other factors that make both rides comfortable.

Tires

The GOTRAX Flex rolls on massive 14-inch by 2.1-inch pneumatic tires with inner tubes. These large wheels provide excellent stability and significantly enhance the scooter's ability to effortlessly roll over small bumps and cracks in the road, contributing to a smoother, more comfortable ride. However, since they’re air-filled, you might occasionally deal with flats, and changing them can be a bit of a hassle due to their tubed nature.

The Unagi Model One Voyager, on the other hand, sports 7.5-inch flat-free solid tires. There's no need to worry about punctures here, but they can be a bit unforgiving on rough terrain. However, Unagi’s innovative honeycomb design features air pockets that provide significant shock absorption, making the ride smoother than you’d expect from solid tires.

Suspension

The GOTRAX Flex e-scooter scores extra points with its rear adjustable dual suspension. It delivers a plush comfortable ride even on mildly rough roads, though it may not completely smooth out the ride. The front also lacks suspension, so you’ll definitely feel those big bumps through the handlebars.

The Unagi Voyager skips the suspension but relies on its honeycomb tires to absorb shocks.

Deck Space

The Unagi Voyager sports a 19.2-inch by 5.04-inch single-piece machined aluminum deck embedded with silicone. This deck comfortably fits the feet of most average adult riders, providing a stable standing area. Its long and narrow design means you’ll ride with one foot behind the other, not side by side. The silicone covering offers enough grip for secure footing and is easy to clean.

The GOTRAX FLEX has a shorter deck at 13.3 inches but compensates with a wider 7.8-inch design. This means you can comfortably plant both feet side by side, a design that's crucial for balance and comfort. But the real showstopper when it comes to the comfy feel? The FLEX's seat. It's wide, well-padded, and equipped with springs that soak up vibrations that the rear suspension might miss, giving you a ride quality that rivals pricier seated electric scooters.

The deck itself is covered with grip tape for improved traction, though some riders might find it awkward to place their feet together on the deck rather than on pegs (as in other seated scooters). This is because the seated position naturally encourages a wider stance, similar to splitting your legs as you would on a bike.

Ride Ergonomics

The Unagi Voyager lightweight electric scooter may not offer much adjustability, but its dimensions are thoughtfully designed for a wide range of users. The handlebar height is set at around 37.2 inches, perfect for riders between 5' and 6'2", allowing for a comfortable fit with minimal hunching. The great deck space and easy-to-reach controls also add to the great ergonomics of the e-scooter.

The GOTRAX FLEX electric scooter has a lower handlebar position (27.5 inches), which might take some getting used to but feels natural after a few rides. The adjustable seat height allows the rider to set the optimal riding position. However, it's worth noting that despite this adjustability, the FLEX's overall dimensions make it more suitable for smaller riders.

Portability and Weight

The Unagi Voyager portable electric scooter stands out as one of the most portable, lightweight scooters on the market. At just 29.6 pounds, it's incredibly easy to carry and store in tight spaces.

The quick-release folding system allows you to collapse it down to a compact 37.8 inches by 16.5 inches by 15 inches with just a push of a button. The electric scooter then locks securely into its folded position without the need for additional hooks or loops, adding to its convenience and ease of use.

Meanwhile, the GOTRAX FLEX electric scooter tips the scales at a more substantial 47.6 pounds and folds down to a neat 47.3 inches by 13.5 inches by 29.0 inches. It features an adjustable built-in seat that can be lowered, making the e-scooter even more compact when you need to put it away. The FLEX also has multiple grab points, which come in handy when you want to lift it into a car trunk or carry it up a flight of stairs. However, its awkward folding design makes it challenging to carry for extended periods or distances.

Water-Resistance

Both the Unagi Voyager and the GOTRAX FLEX boast an IPX4 water-resistance rating, which is a practical level of protection for most urban commuters who might occasionally find themselves caught in a light shower or riding through damp streets after rain. Both models are also equipped with excellent fender protection to keep you dry and clean.

However, the rear fender on the GOTRAX FLEX could use a bit of an extension to enhance its functionality and provide better protection against splashes.

App and Control

The GOTRAX FLEX keeps things straightforward with its minimalist steering bar setup. It features just two bike-like brake levers, a basic battery gauge that displays decrements of 25%, a twist throttle, a bell, and a key ignition. There’s no accompanying app, so what you see is what you get—simple and functional.

The Unagi Model One Voyager, however, takes a more advanced approach with a sleek, futuristic T-shaped display and a companion app that provides a wealth of data. This includes trip details, battery level, and range estimates based on rider weight. Through the app, you can also switch between single dual and single motor modes, control the headlights, update firmware, and manage the electric scooter’s subscription.

The handlebar layout is equally well-thought-out. You'll find the left regen pedal and a small bell button on the left, while the right side houses the thumb throttle and a small settings toggle button. Everything’s within easy reach, making your ride smooth and seamless.

Lights

The Unagi Voyager has a high-mounted LED headlight that provides good forward visibility. Complementing this is a taillight that serves a dual purpose, functioning not only as a constant rear light but also as a brake light, offering additional safety. It also features well-placed reflectors that ensure you’re seen from all angles.

In comparison, the GOTRAX FLEX electric scooter features a low-mounted, bright LED headlight that does an admirable job too. While the lower positioning might not cast light as far ahead as the Voyager's high-mounted light, it still provides ample illumination. At the rear, the FLEX is equipped with a reactive taillight that doubles as a brake light.

Decision Time: Voyager or GOTRAX Flex?

Comparing the GOTRAX FLEX to the Unagi Model One Voyager is like comparing apples to oranges—they cater to different tastes and needs.

If you’re hunting for a budget-friendly seated electric scooter, the GOTRAX FLEX is where it's at. Despite its budget-friendly price point, it delivers performance that rivals more expensive counterparts. The ride quality is also stellar, thanks to the rear suspension, dual suspension, 14-inch pneumatic tires, and one of the coziest seats you’ll find on an electric scooter.

Plus, the added storage basket at the rear is perfect for those quick grocery runs or carrying your gear. However, it's worth noting that the FLEX's compact dimensions make it more suitable for shorter riders; taller individuals might find the riding position somewhat cramped.

Conversely, the Unagi Model One Voyager, is the go-to for those seeking a lightweight, stand-up electric scooter. At just 29.6 pounds, it’s a commuter's dream. Its compact folded size means you won't stress about carrying it around or where to stash it. This electric scooter also crushes hills, has a respectable top speed, great range, and charges up in a flash. With its award-winning design and low maintenance, you have an electric scooter that ticks many boxes for urban riders.

The icing on the cake—the Unagi’s $79-a-month access fee means you can get rolling without a hefty upfront cost. Plus, you can cancel anytime, thanks to their flexible subscription plan. Don't forget all the extra perks of the All-Access Plan like the included theft insurance and free maintenance.

Still on the fence? Compare these electric scooters to our other editor’s picks for the best electric scooters.