Apollo Light Electric Scooter Review

As a dedicated electric scooter enthusiast, I've had the pleasure of spending several weeks with the Apollo Light, putting it through its paces in a variety of conditions. Today, I'm excited to share my comprehensive review of this city-friendly ride.

Build Quality and Design

Right out of the box, the Apollo Light impresses with its sleek design and sturdy build. The frame is constructed from an aluminum alloy that strikes the perfect balance between lightweight agility and dependable durability. Checking in at a modest 37 lbs (16.8 kg), I found it easy to carry up a few flights of stairs or quickly stow away in the back of a car.

Performance and Ride Experience

Powered by a 350W brushless motor nestled in the rear wheel, the Apollo Light can reach a top speed of 22 mph (35 km/h), which is notably zippy for an urban commuter scooter. The torque is commendable; it didn't leave me wanting more when taking off from traffic lights or tackling moderate inclines.

With a 48V 10.2Ah battery, Apollo claims a maximum range of about 22 miles (35 km) on a single charge. My real-world testing, which involves a good amount of acceleration and riding on varied terrain, averaged closer to 18 miles (29 km), which is still respectable for daily commutes.

One of the standout features of the Apollo Light is its regenerative braking system, allowing for smoother stops while feeding energy back into the battery. The scooter also features a rear disc brake that provides an extra sense of security with its responsive performance.

Comfort and Handling

Apollo Light's front and rear spring suspension system are a boon for urban riders. The effectiveness of the shock absorbers becomes evident when navigating patchy roads and sidewalk cracks. They work seamlessly to deliver a smoother ride that left my wrists and ankles grateful after each journey.

The deck is grippy and spacious enough for a comfortable stance, even on longer rides. Though the 8.5" air-filled tires are not the bulkiest I've ridden on, they contribute significantly to the smooth ride quality and effectively absorb most of the jolts from uneven surfaces.

Portability and Ease of Use

Featuring a straightforward folding mechanism, I found the Apollo Light to be a breeze to pack down. This is a significant plus point for anyone needing a scooter that plays well with public transportation or fits neatly into a smaller living space.

An intuitive handlebar layout makes operation instinctive, with an ergonomic throttle and a clear, easy-to-read display that allows for on-the-fly monitoring of speed, distance, and battery life. From my experience, the user interface is a non-issue even for less tech-savvy riders.

Lighting and Safety

I was thoroughly impressed with the built-in lighting system. The high-mounted front light does a decent job of illuminating the path ahead after dark, and the rear light flashes during braking, which is critical for alerting cars and other road users to my presence.

Additional Features

The Apollo Light doesn't lack in extra features. It comes with an IP54 water resistance rating, which means I wasn't fretful while riding through light rain or puddles. The scooter also supports the Apollo app, which offers a host of customization options though, admittedly, I found the app experience to be decent, not groundbreaking.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Solid construction with premium materials.


• Excellent suspension system for riding comfort.


• Regenerative and disc brake combo for effective stopping power.


• Lightweight and highly portable.


• Good range and top speed for city commuting.

Cons

• Range can be optimistic and is affected significantly by riding conditions.


• Tires, while sufficient, might struggle on more challenging terrain.

Final Verdict

The Apollo Light electric scooter is a great urban transporter, outshining many of its rivals in terms of built quality, comfort, and the thoughtful integration of features. While some might find the range a bit limited depending on their use case, for the average city commuter, it's a reliable and enjoyable ride. It wins significant points for being portable, making it a top choice for those with multi-modal transport needs or limited storage space.

The thoughtful consideration that Apollo has put into the Light's design caters well to the daily commuter looking for a blend of performance, portability, and style. Despite the few cons, the Light's sturdy build, smooth riding experience, and user-friendly nature make it a standout option in its class and a scooter I'd confidently recommend to others.

Update After 6 Months of Usage

Having used the Apollo Light for over half a year, I have gained deeper insights into its long-term viability and performance. This durable electric scooter continues to impress with its reliability, but there are also a few downsides that I've come to realize over time.

Long-term Durability and Maintenance

The scooter's build quality remains top-notch. I haven't experienced any significant wear and tear that impacts performance, even after regular use. The sturdy frame and high-quality materials that initially impressed me have stood the test of time.

Battery Performance Consistency

While the battery has held up relatively well, there's a noticeable decline in maximum range after continuous use. Originally getting close to 18 miles on a charge, I now find myself topping out at around 15 miles before needing a recharge, which is something to keep in mind for anyone planning longer commutes.

User Experience Enhancements

Over these months, comfort and the handling of the scooter have become even more apparent. The smooth ride is consistently reliable, and my appreciation for the suspension system has only increased as I navigate varying urban landscapes.

Customer Service and Support

Apollo has shown commendable customer service. Their responsiveness and willingness to support issues or provide guidance on maintenance are worth noting, enhancing the overall ownership experience.

Cons

An emergent con has been the gradual reduction in battery capacity, which is typical for lithium-ion batteries but something to acknowledge. Also, while the tires perform admirably in urban settings, they are not suited for rough terrains, a limitation that becomes apparent when venturing beyond city limits.

In conclusion, the Apollo Light remains a solid performer in the wide array of electric scooters available. Its strengths in build quality, comfort, and handling are laudable, while the limitations in battery life and off-road capability are considerations for potential users. For urban commuting, it's still a top recommendation from my longer-term experiences.