Review: Six Months with the Apollo Explore Electric Scooter

After spending several weeks with the Apollo Explore electric scooter, we've garnered a well-rounded perspective on its performance, design, and overall experience. This scooter, priced at $1,399, strikes a balance between entry-level and high-performance models, making it a suitable choice for urban commuting and leisure riding.

Performance and Handling

The Apollo Explore's 1000W motor, peaking at 1400W, delivers a top speed of 31 mph, which I found to be accurate during my rides. I occasionally reached speeds slightly above this, especially on flat terrains. The scooter's acceleration is decent but not the quickest in its class. It reaches 15 mph in around 3.5 seconds and 25 mph in 9.6 seconds. This performance is enough for most urban settings, but if you're looking for something with a faster acceleration, there are other options in the market.

Ride Quality and Comfort

The ride quality is where the Apollo Explore truly shines. It's equipped with front spring suspension and dual rear hydraulic suspension, making the ride smooth and comfortable even on rough urban terrains. The 10-inch pneumatic tires contribute significantly to this comfort, effectively absorbing bumps and irregularities on the road. However, while it handles urban environments with ease, the suspension might not be the best for more challenging terrains.

Design and Build Quality

The Apollo Explore has undergone design improvements, including more secure fenders and a more rigid kickstand. Its stealthy black design with grey accents gives it a modern and sleek look. The build quality is impressive, with a frame made from durable aluminum alloy and quality plastic and rubber components. This sturdiness is essential for the scooter's longevity, especially given the rough treatment it might receive during daily commutes.

Practicality and Portability

Weighing 52 lbs, the Apollo Explore isn't the lightest scooter out there, but its foldable handlebars and telescopic stem enhance its portability. The folding mechanism is sturdy and reliable, providing a secure lock that is crucial for safety. While it's not the most convenient scooter to carry for extended periods, its foldability makes it relatively easy to store.

Battery Life and Range

The 52V 18.2Ah Dynavolt battery offers a maximum range of 34 miles per charge, though in realistic urban conditions, it's closer to 23 miles. The battery's performance is reliable for daily commutes, and I found myself charging it just a couple of times a week. While Dynavolt may not be as renowned as some other battery brands, it has a reputation for producing reliable motorcycle batteries.

Lighting and Safety Features

Safety is a standout feature of the Apollo Explore. It comes equipped with front and rear mechanical disc brakes, along with regenerative braking, providing strong and responsive stopping power. The scooter also includes an extensive lighting setup with dual side-mounted headlights, a central front headlight, dual taillights, under-deck lighting, and an LED strip on the stem. This comprehensive lighting ensures visibility in low-light conditions, enhancing safety during night rides.

Assembly and Warranty

The Apollo Explore comes almost fully assembled, requiring minimal setup. It's reassuring to know that Apollo offers up to a 24-month warranty for many parts, including the frame, controller, steering, and throttle. This warranty, one of the longest in the industry, is a testament to the company's confidence in their product's durability.

Final Thoughts

The Apollo Explore is a robust, well-rounded electric scooter that excels in urban environments. Its combination of speed, comfort, and safety features makes it an ideal choice for both commuters and leisure riders. While it may not be the best in terms of weight and portability, its durability and ride quality more than compensate for these minor drawbacks. For those transitioning from shared scooters like Bird or Lime and looking for an upgrade, the Apollo Explore is certainly worth considering.

In summary, the Apollo Explore stands out as a reliable, comfortable, and fun-to-ride scooter, suited for a wide range of users looking for a premium urban commuting experience.

Update: Long-Term Ownership Experience

After more than six months of using the Apollo Explore, my appreciation for its robust design and performance remains high, though a few additional insights have emerged.

Positive Aspects:

• Durability: The scooter has held up remarkably well against daily wear and tear. The aluminum frame and the quality of the components continue to impress, reaffirming the scooter's durability.


• Battery Reliability: Over time, the battery retains a good level of performance with minimal degradation, which is a significant plus for any electric vehicle.

Negative Attributes:

• Weight Considerations: As previously mentioned, at 52 lbs, the scooter can be cumbersome to transport manually when necessary, such as carrying it upstairs or lifting into a car trunk.


• Maintenance: Regular maintenance is required to keep the scooter in top shape, especially concerning the pneumatic tires and brake pads, which are subject to wear.

Overall, owning the Apollo Explore has been a largely positive experience. It proves to be an excellent investment for anyone serious about integrating electric scooters into their daily transportation arsenal. It strikes a fine balance between functionality and style, and despite its few drawbacks, it offers a reliable and exhilarating riding experience.