Apollo City Deep Review: The Commuter Class Leader with a Premium Price Tag

TL;DR Quick Look

• Ride Quality: Best-in-class dual suspension and self-healing tires absorb city bumps effortlessly.
• Braking: Regenerative braking thumb throttle is a game-changer for control and reducing mechanical wear.
• Maintenance: Drum brakes and tubeless tires minimize common service needs.
• Range Reality: Real-world tests show ~50-60% of the claimed max range.
• Portability: At 57-65 lbs, it is heavy and the handlebars do not fold, making it tricky for trunks.

Table of Contents

• Specs
• Real-World Performance
• Range Test
• Ride Quality & Ergonomics
• Safety & Braking
• Reliability & Support
• Competitor Comparison
• Who Should Buy
• Who Should Not Buy
• Ride Log
• FAQ
• Sources
• Disclosure

Specs

Real-World Performance

The Apollo City aims to balance speed with daily usability. While official marketing claims a top speed of up to 32 mph for the Pro version, independent tests verify this is achievable, though often requires optimal conditions.

Acceleration & Speed
The Electric Scooter Guide (ESG) review team tested the City Pro and confirmed a top speed of 31.2 mph, closely matching the factory specs. Acceleration is described as "quick" and smooth rather than jerky, thanks to the proprietary Mach 1 controller. However, specific 0-15 mph acceleration data is currently unavailable in the verified inputs.

Hill Climbing
The dual-motor variant handles urban inclines with confidence. However, we lack specific grade-test data (e.g., seconds to climb a 10% grade) from the provided source materials. Users in hilly regions should opt for the Pro (dual motor) version over the single motor for consistent torque.

Range Test

Range is the most contentious aspect of the Apollo City. Marketing materials advertise up to 43 miles for the Pro model, but real-world data paints a more conservative picture.

• Official Claim: Up to 43 miles.
• Independent Tests:
  • Electric Scooter Guide: Achieved 21.9 miles in their standard test loop (top speed riding).
  • TechGearLab: Measured an "effective range" of 23 miles under mixed conditions.
  • ERideHero: Reported 24.2 miles of real-world range.

Analysis: Riders should expect roughly 22-25 miles of range when riding realistically (mixed speeds, sporadic stops). This is sufficient for most urban commutes but falls short of the "long-range" label implied by the 43-mile spec.

Ride Quality & Ergonomics

This is where the Apollo City truly shines.

Suspension & Tires
The scooter features a triple-spring suspension system that TechGearLab describes as covering commutes "comfortably." Combined with 10-inch tubeless tires equipped with a self-healing gel layer, the ride is exceptionally smooth over cracked pavement.

Cockpit
The handlebars are integrated and clean, featuring a center display that is bright and easy to read. However, users on Reddit have noted that the "neck and deck" construction adds weight. The handlebars do not fold, which may be a dealbreaker for users needing to store the scooter in narrow hallways or car trunks.

Safety & Braking

Apollo has prioritized low-maintenance safety features in the City design.

Braking System
The standout feature is the dedicated regenerative braking thumb throttle on the left handlebar. This allows you to slow down smoothly without touching the mechanical brakes, capturing energy back into the battery. For emergencies, the scooter is equipped with dual drum brakes. TechGearLab reviewers noted that high speeds are met with "solid brakes," providing confidence in traffic.

Lighting & Visibility
The City features high-mounted turn signals on the handlebar ends and a rear brake light. While stylish, some user feedback suggests the low mounting of the headlight might not be sufficient for unlit paths at night.

Wet Weather Performance
The Apollo City boasts an IP66 rating, which is higher than the industry standard (usually IPX4 or IPX5). This means it can withstand high-pressure water jets and heavy rain, though warranty coverage for water damage remains a complex area in the industry.

Reliability & Support

Reliability reports are mixed but trending positive for the newer "2024" iterations compared to the initial 2022 launch.

• Build Quality: Reddit discussions highlight that the build quality (neck/deck integration) feels like a step up from previous models like the Apollo Ghost.
• Maintenance: The use of drum brakes and self-healing tires significantly lowers the maintenance burden compared to disc brakes and pneumatic tires.
• Support: User feedback on Reddit regarding Apollo's support varies, with some praising the "A+ experience" while others report warranty denials. Note: Some severe reliability complaints found in search results were linked to the different "Apollo Pro" hyper-scooter, not this City model.

Competitor Comparison

The Apollo City sits in a premium commuter bracket, competing directly with high-end Segway models.

Who Should Buy

• Comfort Seekers: Riders who prioritize a plush suspension over portability.
• Rain Riders: Commuters in wet climates needing the IP66 water resistance.
• Tech Lovers: Those who appreciate the dedicated regen brake throttle and integrated app features.

Who Should Not Buy

• Apartment Dwellers: The 65 lbs weight and non-folding handlebars make it difficult to carry up stairs.
• Long Distance Commuters: If you need more than 25 miles of guaranteed range per charge.
• Budget Shoppers: Performance-per-dollar is lower than competitors like the Ninebot Max.

Ride Log

⚠️ This review does not contain first-hand ride test data. The performance data above is aggregated from third-party media reviews.

Next test should collect:
- [ ] GPS Track Record (Urban Loop)
- [ ] Hill Climb Time (10% grade, 165 lbs rider)
- [ ] 0-15 mph Acceleration Time
- [ ] Braking Distance from 15 mph
- [ ] Tire Pressure Specs (PSI)

FAQ

Is the Apollo City waterproof?

It has an IP66 rating, meaning it is resistant to high-pressure water jets and heavy rain. However, riding in deep puddles involves risks not covered by most warranties.

Can it reach the advertised range?

Likely not in real-world conditions. Most independent tests show it achieving between 22 and 25 miles, about half the advertised maximum which is calculated under ideal, low-speed conditions.

Is the battery removable?

No, the battery is integrated into the deck and is not designed to be swapped on the fly.

Does it have a mobile app?

Yes, the Apollo app allows you to customize acceleration, braking strength, and view ride analytics.

Sources

Disclosure

This review synthesizes data from professional third-party reviews (Electric Scooter Guide, TechGearLab, ERideHero) and user feedback from verified communities. We did not physically test the unit for this article. Data regarding hill climb times, wet braking distances, and tire pressure specifications was not available in the source material and is noted as missing.