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This is the ultimate comparison between the best commuter scooters on the market: the Unagi Voyager and the Apollo Air 2024.
The Unagi Voyager is Unagi's long-distance, technologically advanced, high-performance model, while the Apollo Air 2024 is the brand's latest iteration of the Air model. It serves as the brand's entry-level, luxury alternative for those seeking more from their beginner electric scooter.
Which of these scooters is best suited for you?
Scooter Specs | Unagi Voyager | Apollo Air 2024 |
---|---|---|
Cost | $79/month | $999 |
Motor | Dual 500 W motors | Rear 500 W motor |
Speed | 20 mph | 21 mph |
Battery | 360 Wh | 540 Wh |
Range | 12-25 miles | 19-34 miles |
Brakes | Dual electronic braking | Front drum, rear regen |
Scooter Weight | 29.6 lbs | 41 lbs |
Max Rider Weight | 220 lbs | 265 lbs |
Construction Materials | Carbon fiber, magnesium alloy, aluminum | 6061 aircraft grade aluminum |
Tires | 7.5 inch, solid hollow tires | 10-inch, self-sealing CST tires |
Suspension | N/A | Front dual fork suspension |
Deck | 19.2” x 5.04” | 20” x 7.8” |
Throttle | Thumb throttle | Thumb throttle |
Unfolded Dimensions | 37.8” x 16.5” x 43.3” | 47.5” x 26” x 47” |
Folded Dimensions | 37.8” x 16.5” x 15” | 47.5” x 26” x 23.5” |
Water Resistance | IPX4 | IP66 |
Cost
- Unagi Model One Voyager: $79/ month
- Apollo Air 2024: $999
![Unagi Model One Voyager](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/xl8ls2xi/production/170a3210bb80713c1f8c098207932b6e647c78b4-2560x1440.jpg?q=85&auto=format)
Cost is perhaps the biggest distinction between the Unagi Model One Voyager and all other electric scooters in its class. The e-scooter is available on a subscription plan that allows you to own the scooter by making monthly payments. This is a great plan for commuters looking for an excellent scooter without the resources to purchase one at market price.
Apollo, on the other hand, has never shied away from the fact that their entry-level Air scooter is a luxury offering, and hence, the price tag reflects this. It is marginally more expensive than other entry-level commuters—a factor that might discourage new riders from considering it. Regardless, the Air 2024 has superior features compared to its peers, as we’ll see.
To compare the Apollo Air 2024 to other cheap electric scooters, check out our compilation of the best budget scooters.
Performance
The Unagi Model One Voyager is a dual, 250 W motor scooter with a 1000 W peak power, while the Air is a single, rear wheel drive, 500 W motor scooter with 800 W peak power.
Let’s dig into performance numbers.
![Apollo Air 2024](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/xl8ls2xi/production/4d100bb330c61001d3728529f5ce448d2bf49e9b-1000x1000.jpg?q=85&auto=format)
Speed and Acceleration
- Unagi Model One Voyager: 20 mph top speed
- Apollo Air 2024: 20.6 mph top speed
Both scooters are ideal for regular city commuting, with an average maximum speed of about 20 mph, give or take a few seconds. This is well above what is permissible on bike lanes across most states in the US.
Find out more in our Guide on Comprehensive E-Scooter Laws in the US.
However, Unagi’s dual motor advantage is clear, as it has better acceleration off the starting line. The Voyager posts a 4.5 seconds acceleration time to 15 mph, while the Apollo Air is slower at an average of 5.5 seconds to the same speed.
Therefore, the Unagi is the better electric scooter if you want a bit of zip in your ride.
Range and Battery
- Unagi Model One Voyager: 25 miles
- Apollo Air 2024: 34 miles
Both scooter batteries are fitted with high-efficiency cells that guarantee longer battery life, which is not too common in the entry-level class. The Apollo and Unagi also have custom battery management systems that protect their batteries from electrical malfunction.
However, the Apollo’s 540 Wh battery gives the scooter an edge in range. It is stated to cover 34 miles in ideal conditions, but independent testing gives a more realistic 22 miles. The Voyager is also a strong contender for range, with the 360 Wh battery going anywhere between 12 and 25 miles, depending on the riding conditions and your riding style.
You can recharge the Unagi to full capacity in just 3 hrs, while it takes the Air 7 hrs to go from empty to full.
Hill Climbing
- Unagi Model One Voyager: 14.1 seconds
- Apollo Air 2024: 18.1 seconds
On a hill race, the Unagi is definitely taking home the trophies. The dual motors supply the extra torque needed for efficient hill climbing. Independent testers took both electric scooters on a 200 ft, 10% hill, and with all other factors held constant, the Unagi reached the top in 14.1 seconds, while the Air climbed slower, arriving 4 seconds later.
Braking
- Unagi Model One Voyager: Dual electronic, anti-lock brakes + friction brake
- Apollo Air 2024: Front drum + dedicated rear regen
The Apollo Air 2024 has a better braking distance, courtesy of its drum brakes and Apollo’s world-famous dedicated regenerative braking. From a speed of 15 mph, the Apollo has a stopping distance of about 14 ft, while the Unagi's triple braking system brings the electric scooter to a halt in 17 ft.
Build Quality
The two electric scooters are the epitome of luxury in the entry-level class–a cut above the rest.
![Build Quality](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/xl8ls2xi/production/8330af1b87a909707d0fd0573d55fe2e41a823ca-1600x1600.jpg?q=85&auto=format)
Materials and Durability
The Unagi Voyager has been called the Tesla of electric scooters, and cleverly so. Unagi uses the same brand of carbon fiber that Elon Musk uses on his SpaceX crafts. The scooter features a carbon fiber stem, magnesium alloy handlebar, and single-piece machined aluminum deck.
Besides crafting lightweight scooters, Unagi's material combination makes the Voyager one of the most heavy-duty scooters.
On the other hand, the Apollo Air 2024, dubbed the SUV of entry-level scooters, is made using 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum. The Air's frame is covered under warranty for 10,000 Km (6210 miles), a testament to Apollo’s near-unmatched build quality.
Aesthetics
Riding on either scooter, the world can tell you’re a person drawn to the finer things. They are both neatly designed and assembled, without visible wiring, and characterized by smooth curves. The Apollo Air comes in a space gray coat, reminiscent of Apple’s MacBooks. The Voyager, on the other hand, gives you a choice between deep cobalt, matte black, cool mist or latte-coloured scooter.
Ride Quality
The Apollo Air 2024 delivers one of the best ride qualities, not just in its class but also alongside other higher-priced scooters. Its opponent, the Voyager, also delivers a comfortable ride, albeit not comparable to the Air’s.
However, bear in mind that the Air is rated for a max rider weight of 265 lbs, while the Voyager can carry up to 220 lbs.
![Ride Quality](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/xl8ls2xi/production/1b3d826ccc3f47ba40446c8d6fcc5de7114014c8-1389x1390.jpg?q=85&auto=format)
Tires
The Apollo Air rolls on self-healing, 10-inch CST air tires that absorb most of the track vibrations that would otherwise be felt on your hands. Alternatively, the Unagi Voyager has 7.5-inch solid tires that are flat-free and additionally have air pockets that help with shock absorption.
Suspension
The Apollo Air electric scooter, unlike most other scooters in its class, has quality front dual fork suspension. This suspension setup amplifies the scooter's ability to soak up large bumps, smoothing out the ride.
The Unagi Voyager is, alternately, not equipped with a suspension system.
Deck Space
The Unagi has a 19.2-inch by 5.04-inch deck that’s covered in rubber grip. The deck comfortably accommodates most average adult riders' feet. On the other hand, the Apollo Air 2024 electric scooter has a roomier, rubber-covered 20-inch by 7.8-inch deck, with a little more shuffle room.
Ride Ergonomics
The Apollo Air has an elevated sense of comfort courtesy of the roomy deck, the tall 40.5-inch bars, the soft grips that lock in place, the improved throttle and brake angle that are part of the Air's 2024 upgrades, the easy to read display, and intuitive controls.
The Unagi Voyager, similarly, is designed for a stress-free riding experience. The throttle and brake are within reach, and the controls are consolidated within the console. The stem stays secure in the riding position without any wobbles, and the scooter feels solid in motion.
Portability
The Unagi Voyager is the best lightweight electric scooter–with the only competition being the 28.5 lbs Model One Classic. The Voyager is a 29.6 lbs electric scooter, that folds down to small dimensions of 37.8 inches x 16.5 inches x 15 inches.
The Apollo Air is heavier at 41 lbs, and not nearly as portable as the Voyager. The folded electric scooter is also not compact at 47.5 inches x 26 inches x 23.5 inches. Therefore, for daily commuters, the Unagi scooters are ultimately the better pick.
![Portability](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/xl8ls2xi/production/21f0a87480e870940e4b31d5b6dcf8cfd699c5b1-1510x1907.jpg?q=85&auto=format)
Water-Resistance
The Apollo Air has a well above-average water resistance rating of IP66, making it the perfect all weather ride.
You can ride the Apollo Air 2024 year-round without worrying about water damage to the scooter's electrical components. Additionally, the fender protection is excellent, keeping road spray off your feet as you cruise through puddles.
The Unagi Voyager is IPX4 rated, with good, strong fenders, ensuring that you can keep riding in the event of sudden showers before finding a place to take shelter.
App and Control
Both electric scooters have basic control functions at the cockpit. However, it’s their apps that really set them apart. You can monitor key riding statistics, battery percentage, and remaining estimated range on both the Unagi and Apollo apps. Additionally, you can customize settings for top speed, cruise control, and switch between eco mode, normal mode, and sport mode.
On the Apollo app, you can further customize acceleration and braking intensity, and zero start. Meanwhile, on the Unagi app, you can manage single and dual motor mode, lock and unlock the e-scooter, and manage your Unagi subscription.
![App and Control](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/xl8ls2xi/production/07d57890cb8fa5d6b7fd4b007edeb65e568a7328-1480x1200.png?q=85&auto=format)
Lights
Both electric scooters are equipped with a high-mounted headlight and rear taillight with braking function. In addition, the 2024 Apollo Air now features high-mounted turn signals at either ends of the handlebars.
![Lights](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/xl8ls2xi/production/9ee2d1837b930fd973521718bc3bf5bdffa8375e-736x589.jpg?q=85&auto=format)
Verdict
If you’re looking for a commuter e-scooter, you can’t go wrong with either option. They are perfect for inner city rides, and both are great as a premium first scooter. However, the Unagi strongly appeals to riders who are short on cash and looking for hassle free ownership.
The Voyager e-scooter is also the ideal ultralightweight companion, as you can easily carry it with you on your commute and it takes up minimal storage space. Add to that its dual motor advantage, and the Voyager is undeniably the best electric scooter for your commuting needs.
The Apollo scooter is perfect for commuters who prioritize a smooth and comfortable ride—the pneumatic tires and suspension really set the Air apart. Additionally, the IP66 rating makes the Air the electric scooter of choice for riders living in areas with frequent showers.
Ultimately, however, each person’s choice is guided by their personal preferences.
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