Apollo City Pro Electric Scooter Review

I've had the pleasure of spending several weeks zipping around the city on the Apollo City Pro, and it's been a fantastic urban commuting experience that has completely reshaped the way I view electric scooters.

Ride Comfort and Performance

Starting with the ride itself, the Apollo City Pro delivers exceptional comfort and performance. The dual suspension system – a spring in the front and dual hydraulic in the rear – does an admirable job at smoothing out the bumps and potholes that litter city streets. The 10-inch pneumatic tires complement the suspension, absorbing vibes and shocks, making even the cobblestone lanes feel manageable.

Performance-wise, the Apollo City Pro is a powerhouse. With a top speed of around 25 mph (40 km/h), it's zippy enough to get your adrenaline flowing but not too fast that it feels unsafe in a busy city environment. The 600W brushless motor provides plenty of torque, so hills up to a 20-degree incline become far less intimidating. The throttle response is quick without being jerky, giving you a sense of control and confidence on the road.

Range and Battery

One of the most outstanding features has to be its range. The 52V 18Ah battery is advertised to last up to 28 miles (45 km) on a single charge. In my experience, while riding at full power without conserving battery life, the range I managed was around 22-24 miles (35-39 km), which is still impressive and more than adequate for most urban commuters. The charging time is reasonable, taking about 8-9 hours to fully charge with the included charger.

Build Quality and Portability

In terms of build, the Apollo City Pro feels robust and high-quality. There's a heft to it, which is reassuring when you're traveling at speed. At 57 pounds (26 kg), it's on the heavier side for a portable scooter, but the folding mechanism is a savior. It's quick and simple, reducing the scooter down to a compact size that's manageable. I could carry it up a flight of stairs the occasional times I needed to, but it's not something you'd want to be doing frequently.

Design and Features

From a design perspective, the Apollo City Pro is sleek and utilitarian. The sleek black frame with subtle branding gives it a professional look suitable for any adult rider. The LED display is bright and easy to read, even on sunny days. I particularly appreciate the integrated front and rear lights for visibility, and the turn signals are a game-changer in city traffic, considerably increasing safety during lane changes and turns.

One feature that truly stands out is the IP56 water resistance rating. I was caught in the rain a few times, and while I generally wouldn't recommend riding an electric scooter in wet conditions, the Apollo City Pro handled it without any issues.

Practical Usage and Experience

The practicality of the Apollo City Pro cannot be overstated. Its combination of speed, range, and comfort makes it an excellent choice for those looking to replace short car trips or avoid crowded public transport. The inclusion of a rear rack option is a thoughtful addition, although I didn't use it much during my review period.

The dual brake system, featuring a disc brake in the front and an electronic brake in the rear, provided enough stopping power to make me feel secure in frenetic city traffic. I found the regenerative braking to be effective in providing extra charge to the battery while simultaneously slowing down the scooter.

Final Thoughts

After weeks of riding the Apollo City Pro, my final verdict is that it's an exceptional choice for the serious commuter or anyone looking to integrate a fun, eco-friendly option into their daily routine. While it is a significant investment, the quality, features, and performance justify the price. Just remember that the heft of the scooter might make it less ideal for those needing to carry it around frequently.

Pros:

• Smooth ride due to excellent suspension and pneumatic tires


• Impressive range and reliable battery life


• Strong build quality with a professional design


• Good top speed and hill-climbing capability


• Useful features like turn signals and a bright display

Cons:

• The weight may not appeal to those who prioritize portability


• Full charge time could be an inconvenience without a faster charger


• Price might be prohibitive for casual users

Update After 6+ Months of Ownership

Having owned the Apollo City Pro for over six months now, my overall impressions remain largely positive, but I've encountered a few nuances worth noting.

Long-term Durability and Maintenance

The build quality has largely held up. Despite regular use, the frame remains sturdy with no signs of looseness or rattling from frequent folding for storage or transport. However, routine maintenance is crucial. I’ve needed to tighten screws and periodically adjust the brakes to keep everything in top condition, which is typical for most scooters under regular use.

Battery Longevity and Performance Consistency

Battery performance has shown some decline, which is typical for lithium-ion batteries. The maximum range has slightly decreased, now getting closer to 20 miles on a full charge rather than the initial 24 miles, especially on colder days, which seems to impact the battery more significantly.

Real-world Practicality

In practical day-to-day use, the Apollo City Pro has proven invaluable. It’s become my go-to for quick errands around town, replacing car trips and thus saving on gas and reducing my carbon footprint. The additional experience has also made me value its portability despite its weight, as the benefits of quick folding and unfolding outweigh the inconvenience when using public transport or storing it at home or work.

Sustained User Satisfaction

My satisfaction with the Apollo City Pro remains high. It consistently delivers a reliable, comfortable, and enjoyable ride, making it an indispensable part of my daily routine. While owning any electric scooter comes with a learning curve and maintenance responsibility, the quality and performance of the Apollo City Pro make these efforts worthwhile for any serious commuter or urban traveler.

In reflection, owning the Apollo City Pro has only deepened my appreciation for its design and functionality, affirming its pivotal role in modern urban mobility. If you're considering this scooter, be aware of its weight and the need for occasional maintenance, but also look forward to an excellent riding experience and robust performance that stands the test of time.