Overview

The Apollo Ghost is a robust electric scooter priced at $1,499. It's designed as an entry-level performance scooter, not really meant for beginners due to its powerful acceleration. It straddles the line between urban travel and light off-roading, offering versatility in its use​​.

Design and Build Quality

The Ghost features a sleek, mostly black design that departs from Apollo's traditional color scheme, giving it a unique industrial look. Its frame is made of forged aluminum, which is both durable and lightweight. The folding mechanism is well-designed, ensuring ease of storage and transport without compromising the scooter's stability. The handlebars are ergonomic and foldable, equipped with a QS-S4 display and trigger throttle, allowing easy monitoring and control of the scooter's functions​​​​.

Comfort and Handling

Riding the Ghost is a delight. Its 10-inch pneumatic tires and dual spring suspension provide a smooth ride, effectively absorbing shocks and vibrations from uneven surfaces. The scooter's deck is spacious, accommodating larger riders comfortably. Steering is responsive, and the wide handlebars offer good control, which is particularly important given the scooter's rapid acceleration​​​​.

Performance

The Ghost is equipped with dual 800W motors, enabling a top speed of 34 mph. Its acceleration is impressive, capable of reaching 15 mph in just 2.3 seconds. The range is a bit of a mixed bag; while it boasts a maximum range of 39 miles, practical use tends to be around 25 miles, depending on riding conditions and style. This is generally sufficient for most urban commuting needs​​​​.

Practicality

In terms of usability, the Ghost is somewhat heavy at 64 pounds, which might not be ideal for those who need to carry it frequently. However, it supports a load of up to 300 lbs, which is commendable. Its IP54 rating provides a degree of water resistance, although I would advise against riding in heavy rain for safety reasons​​.

Drawbacks

The main drawbacks of the Ghost include its weight, which affects its portability, and the range, which doesn’t quite match some competitors in its price bracket. Also, the charging port's location on the scooter could be prone to damage over time. The trigger throttle might be uncomfortable over long rides, but this is a relatively minor issue​​​​.

Conclusion

Overall, the Apollo Ghost stands out for its powerful performance, solid build quality, and excellent ride comfort. It strikes a good balance between price and features, making it a great choice for someone looking to step up from basic models without breaking the bank. While it has a few shortcomings, they are outweighed by its overall capabilities and the fun riding experience it offers​​.

Update: Long-Term Ownership Experience

After over six months of regular usage, the Apollo Ghost has proved to be an outstanding choice for those who value both performance and build quality. The scooter’s robust construction continues to hold up well against varied urban and occasionally rough terrains. The battery life remains consistent, though like many electric scooters, it varies with usage intensity and load.

Positive Feedback:

1. Durability: The scooter has endured frequent usage with minimal maintenance issues, indicating high-quality craftsmanship and materials.


2. Performance Consistency: Speed and acceleration have remained as robust as when new, with no noticeable drop in performance.


3. Range Reliability: While initially skeptical about the range, it has largely lived up to the promise, provided the speed settings and weight are optimally managed.

Challenges Noted:

1. Weight Factor: The weight of the scooter continues to be an issue, particularly for those who may need to carry it up flights of stairs or transport it frequently.


2. Comfort on Long Rides: The issue with the throttle becoming uncomfortable on longer rides persists, necessitating occasional breaks or adjustments to hand positioning.


3. Weather Limitations: The IP54 rating, while decent, still restricts usage during heavy rain, which can be a limitation for users in more temperate climates.

In summary, the Apollo Ghost has demonstrated that it is a high-performance, reliable scooter suited to the demands of serious commuters and recreational users alike. Its longevity, coupled with strong after-sales support from Apollo, ensures that it remains a top recommendation in its class.