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Best Of 2024 Josh Testing the Apollo City Pro
Josh Test Riding the Apollo City Pro Apollo City Pro Swingarm Apollo City Pro Turn Signal Apollo City Pro Cockpit Electric Scooter Insider Award - Apollo City Pro

Apollo City Pro Review

Original price was: $1,849.00.Current price is: $1,519.00.

9.5/10 (Expert Score)

PUBLISH DATE

September 25, 2023

Price When Reviewed: $1649.00

Remember that scene in Godzilla where the reptilian beast emerges from the oceanic depths to leave all around it in a wide-eyed stupor? That’s the effect that the award-winning Apollo City Pro has had on the commuter scooter market. It’s simply in a league of its own.

 

Premium build quality. Exquisite ride quality. Power. Range. Extra Features. Low-maintenance design. Outstanding handling. It’s got it all. Building on the successful blueprint laid down by its predecessor, 2023’s vintage has corrected the imperfections that I and other riders highlighted, whilst also bringing a host of upgrades that deliver well beyond expectation.

 

Granted, it’s at the pricier end of the commuter scooter spectrum, but the joy that this scooter will bring you is priceless. As the old saying goes, “You get what you pay for”, and in the case of the City Pro, there may be other scooters that offer more power, but none match its overall package.

 

It’s the creme de la creme and a standout model of the entire roster of 2023 electric scooters.

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Apollo City Pro Review: The Best Dual-Motor Commuter Scooter

The good and the bad

Who we recommend it for

Is it worth its price tag?

Look, feel, and functionality

Results from our tests

Other scooters to consider

The Good and The Bad

Pros & Cons

PROS:

  • Competitive performance profile
  • Smooth power delivery
  • Sublime handling
  • Sleek aesthetic
  • Feature-rich
  • Proprietary design ensures top-class build quality
  • Tubeless, self-healing tires
  • Shock-absorbing triple spring suspension
  • Regen brake recharges the battery by up to 10%
  • Intuitive folding mechanism
  • Good lighting setup with the best turn signals that I’ve tested
  • Battery management system ensures long-term performance
  • Integrated mobile app for customized performance
  • Fast charging
  • 10,000 km warranty
  • Low maintenance
  • Suitable for tall and heavy riders
  • High IP66 water-resistance rating

CONS:

  • The display could be brighter
  • Similarly priced models go faster, but the Apollo City Pro’s overall package is superior

Apollo City Pro Swingarm

Is It Right For You?

Who It's Best For

The Apollo City Pro is for anyone who values incredible design, show-stopping ride quality, enthralling power, and next-generation features.

Josh Standing With the Apollo City Pro

It’s a marquee achievement by one of the industry’s most celebrated brands, making some other commuter scooters look like horse-drawn carts.

Apollo City Pro Being Ridden Fast

Boasting a load-bearing capacity of 265 lbs and a deck-to-handlebar height of 42.1 inches, it’s also a welcoming scooter for riders who are at the heavier end of the scale, as well as those that are taller. Then there’s the geometry of the expertly crafted frame that maximizes your sense of stability, whilst also promising an exceptionally nimble ride. Combined, these attributes make the City Pro a scooter that can be enjoyed by all.

Apollo City Pro Rear Springs and Kickplate

Is It Worth Its Price Tag?

Value For Money

When I review electric scooters I always like to show you the good and the bad, so that you can decide whether they are right for you. But, in this case, I’m going to keep it simple. If you can afford it, get it.

Apollo City Pro Frame

Rarely do I encounter scooters that strike such a fine balance between design, power, comfort, practicality, and reliability. The City Pro is an all-rounder in the truest sense of the word, bringing a package that’s custom-made for the hustle and bustle of modern city life.

Apollo City Pro Rubber Deck

Very few scooters undergo the design, development, and testing that Apollo puts all of its scooters through. This alone makes the City Pro well worth its price tag.

Apollo City Pro Premium Finish

Look, Feel & Functionality

Design & Features

Cockpit

The City Pro’s stellar cockpit is home to some of its most noteworthy upgrades.

Apollo City Pro Cockpit

Here, you’ll find the newly added 8th-generation paddles for both the accelerator and regen brake. With a big textured surface area, smooth actuating motion, and integrated buttons to control your lights, riding mode, and turn signals, they offer a comfortable and practical foundation that sets the tone for the rest of the scooter.

Josh Using the Apollo City Pro Throttle

This is further bolstered by the new handgrips, which now feature a ribbed design for more tactility than the lightly patterned variants found on its predecessor.

Apollo City Pro Handgrip

Then we have the cherries on top: new turn signals that are embedded into the end of each grip. Coupled with the deck-mounted lights (more on these later), they guarantee visibility from all angles.

Apollo City Pro Handlebar Turn Signals

At the center of it all is a display that shows all your key riding stats. Aesthetically, it ticks all the boxes – it doesn’t protrude awkwardly or disrupt the flow of the cockpit, but there’s room for improvement when it comes to its functionality. The digits and icons get a little washed out in direct sunlight making it difficult to keep tabs on which riding mode you’re in.

Apollo City Pro Display

I also encountered a minor bug with the riding mode controls. When I cycled through the modes – Eco, Comfort, and Sport – the lights turned on when I selected Eco. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but slightly irritating nonetheless.

As for the handlebars themselves, by my measurements, they stretch 26.4 inches. This makes them 6% wider than the 24.8 inches of its predecessor. Not only are they the widest in the commuter scooter category, but they play a pivotal role in the City Pro’s appeal as one of the most balanced, nimble rides on the market – you always feel secure behind these bad boys.

Apollo City Pro Handlebars and Stem

Frame

Apollo is a brand famed for its willingness to go against the grain – and nowhere is this more evident than with the City Pro’s proprietary frame. Whereas lesser scooters are made of parts cherry-picked from multiple factories, everything on the Pro has been purpose-made.

Apollo City Pro Sleek Frame

This minimizes vulnerabilities and maximizes the scooter’s durability – a quality strengthened further by its new IP66 water resistance rating. That’s right: the City Pro is a model that you can enjoy come rain or shine.

The frame looks the part, too. The aerospace-grade aluminum body is painted in a futuristic grey that looks more iPhone than electric scooter.

Apollo City Pro Kickstand

Deck

I’m a huge fan of the grippy deck. Reminiscent of a penny skateboard, it tapers at the rear to a carry handle that doubles as a kickplate.

Apollo City Pro Sleek Chassis

Occupying a space that’s 22.6 inches long, 7.3 inches at its widest, and 4.7 inches at its narrowest, it provides plenty of room for you to adopt a stance that best suits your riding style.

Apollo City Pro Tapered Deck

Add the aggressive 38-degree angled kickplate into the mix, and you can lean into the ride for even greater control when accelerating.

Apollo City Pro Kickplate

Elsewhere, the 5.1 inches of ground clearance gives you enough distance to navigate kinks in the road without incurring damage to the undercarriage. You do, however, need to be careful when dismounting curbs.

Tires

The City Pro’s tires are unsung heroes. It’s easy to overlook them when there are so many other show-stopping qualities elsewhere, but they play a huge role in elevating your riding experience.

Apollo City Pro Self Healing Tire

Why? Well, not only are they tubeless – ensuring your contact with the ground is cushioned – but they’re also self-healing.

Thanks to a layer of gel-like sealant that runs around the entire lining of the tire, this particular innovation allows you to keep riding even if a foreign body penetrates the tire. No matter the object – whether that's a nail, thorn, or piece of glass – the gel gets to work by filling the cavity to prevent air from escaping.

Apollo City Pro Rear Motor

At 10 x 3.25 inches, the tires sport an enlarged profile, too. This gives you a more stable, reliable feeling when accelerating, braking, and cornering.

Portability

Weighing 65 lbs, it isn’t the lightest scooter. Carrying it up more than a flight of stairs is a challenge, though lifting it in short bursts is doable.

Apollo City Pro Folded

Previously, the City Pro folded neatly at the stem courtesy of an intuitive folding lever. At the time, it was one of the best that I had tested. However, with Apollo being Apollo, they decided to make the mechanism even better by replacing it with the same quick-release lever as featured on the vastly more expensive Apollo Pro.

Apollo City Pro Folding Claw

Not only does this new integration ensure that the stem remains rock solid with no signs of wobble when locked upright, but it also guarantees swift and easy folding.

Apollo City Pro Folding Mechanism

Located at the foot of the sturdy stem, you simply press down on the safety catch, pull the lever back to release the locking claw, and lower the stem. Once lowered, the hook on the back of the handlebars loops into the latch at the rear of the deck.

Apollo City Pro Handlebars Hooked to Deck

While the hook on the 2022 version of the City Pro was liable to fall out of the latch, the 2023 model introduces a new spring clip to prevent it from coming loose.

Apollo City Pro Folding Lever Clip

Load

Apollo claims that it can support riders up to 265 lbs, making it a welcoming model for heavier riders who want to get in on the fun.

While testing the scooter I weighed 190 lbs and it performed exceptionally well. For optimal performance, I wouldn’t exceed 235 lbs.

Apollo City Pro Chassis in Motion

Lights

The first thing to note about the lighting rig is that the headlight has been redesigned.

Apollo City Pro Adjustable Headlight

You can now adjust it up or down to change the angle of illumination – though it does project a slightly odd T-shaped beam. Nevertheless, it’s far brighter than what came before it. I do, however, recommend attaching an additional clip-on headlight for even greater visibility.

Apollo City Pro Headlight Beam

Aside from the headlight, a responsive taillight is perched on top of the rear fender and flashes when you squeeze the brakes.

Apollo City Pro Lights

The real piece de resistance, however, comes in the form of the turn signals.

Apollo City Pro Turn Signal

Embedded into the rear of the deck, the arrow-shaped lights flash in unison with the handlebar integrated signals for 360-degree visibility. Out of all the scooters that I’ve tested to date (20th September 2023), these are the best.

Apollo City Pro Turn Signals At Nights

Mobile App

A feather in the City Pro’s cap is its mobile app.

Through it, you can:

  • Record trips
  • Get range estimates based on your most recent riding pattern
  • Use it as a navigational device where you can follow a route to your destination
  • Adjust the top speed of each riding mode
  • View the health and status of your battery
  • Toggle between kick-to-start and zero-start modes
  • Turn cruise control on or off
  • Turn the headlight on or off
  • Remotely lock and unlock the scooter, which
  • immobilizes it by applying the electronic brakes

Using Apollo Pro Mobile App

Then, if you go into the advanced settings, you can:

  • Dial in the strength of your acceleration and regen brakes
  • Set the time that it takes before cruise control automatically kicks in
  • Set the time that it takes before the scooter automatically shuts down when not in use

Build Quality

To assess the build quality of any scooter you can focus on three key areas: the materials used, how the parts have been designed, and how they’re assembled. But, the most important indicator of quality is how a scooter holds up over time.

Apollo City Pro Durable Chassis

While every component that makes up the City Pro has been expertly crafted and assembled like the intricate mechanics of a Swiss watch, it’s the 10,000 km warranty that truly makes the difference. Why? Well, this shows you how much confidence Apollo has in City Pro.

Apollo City Pro Durable Frame

On average, the key components that make up a typical scooter undergo 100,000 cycles of tests, while the scooter as a whole is expected to remain in optimal condition for a maximum of 3,000 km.

Those on the City Pro, however, have been through an impressive 300,000 cycles, while it’s also been through 10,000 km of simulated road tests (hence the warranty). So, it’s fair to say that Apollo has gone above and beyond to build a scooter that can withstand the wear and tear of continuous use.

Apollo City Pro in Motion

This relentless testing process elevates the City Pro to a level of build quality that’s superior to its peers.

Apollo City Pro Rear Fender

Results From Our Tests

Performance Report

Performance Report Summary

CategoryCity ProCity
Top Speed32 mph27 mph
0-15 MPH2.3 s4.0 s
0-25 MPH6.1 sN/A
Max Range (Riding Slow)43 miles40 miles
Real Range (Riding Fast)27 miles27 miles
Braking2.1 meters2.1 meters
Max Incline20 degrees10 degrees
Optimal Incline13 degrees9 degrees

Josh Cruising on the Apollo City Pro

Top Speed

The Apollo City Pro is equipped with dual 48V 500W motors. Together, these deliver a nominal power output of 1000W and peak at 2000W.

With the combined torque and power of both motors, it has a top speed of 32 mph.

Apollo City Pro Deck in Motion

Based on my experiences of having ridden a plethora of scooters that stretch across the speed spectrum from 15 to 62 mph, the City Pro hits the sweet spot. This is all down to its power delivery. It’s fast enough to get your adrenaline pumping, whilst also maintaining a precise level of handling that makes it both nimble and responsive.

You can, of course, opt for the standard City if speed isn’t a priority for you. Here, the single 500W motor promises 27 mph.

Josh Riding Fast on the Apollo City Pro

Top Speed vs Price

There’s no denying that there are more powerful scooters in its price class, including its big bro, the Apollo Ghost.

The fastest of the bunch is the Mantis V2. While it shares the same top speed as the Nanrobot D6+ and Varla Eagle One, its dual 1000W motors operate at 60V, meaning more torque and therefore, it reaches its top speed faster.

ScooterPriceTop Speed
Mantis V2
$1,499
40 mph
Nanrobot D6+ 2.0
$1,449
40 mph
Varla Eagle One
$1,399
40 mph
Apollo Ghost (Hyd Brakes)
$1,449
37 mph
Apollo Ghost (Reg Brakes)
$1,449
37 mph
EMOVE Cruiser S
$1,195
33 mph
Apollo City Pro 
$1,519
32 mph
Apollo City
$1,519
27 mph

Ultimately, if speed per dollar is at the top of your priority list, then the Mantis V2 will be a good option.

What sets the City Pro apart, however, is that it offers a superior package that promises an unrivaled blend of performance, features, and reliability.

Apollo City Pro Cruising

Acceleration

The picture changes completely when we switch our focus to acceleration. Here, the City Pro bursts into the limelight with a second-place finish.

ScooterPrice0-15 MPH
Mantis V2
$1,499
2.1 s
Apollo City Pro 
$1,519
2.3 s
Nanrobot D6+ 2.0
$1,449
2.4 s
Apollo Ghost (Hyd Brakes)
$1,449
2.5 s
Apollo Ghost (Reg Brakes)
$1,449
2.5 s
Varla Eagle One
$1,399
2.8 s
EMOVE Cruiser S
$1,195
3.8 s
Apollo City
$1,519
4.0 s

Its acceleration from 0-15 mph in 2.3 seconds is extremely fast for a commuter scooter, especially when you consider that it goes toe-to-toe with more powerful models like the Mantis V2, Nanrobot D6+, and Apollo Ghost.

What’s more, you can adjust the acceleration strength from 0-10 in the app. I had it on 10, but you can reduce it if this sizzling power sounds a little too much.

Adjusting Acceleration and Braking Strength of Apollo Pro in Mobile App

From having tested the acceleration 9 times, one thing stood out to me: there was very little wheel spin. I believe this is the reason behind its impressive performance. The other more powerful models featured on this list have to contend with bigger motors that aggressively spin their wheels before they bite and propel you forward. There’s also something to be said for the dual rear springs that don’t sag as much when you accelerate. This allows the scooter to maintain a sporty profile for a quicker start off the line.

Apollo City Pro Accelerating

The City Pro does, however, lose ground accelerating up to 25 mph. But, this is to be expected given its smaller motors.

Similar to its top speed, its acceleration is both exhilarating, but also reassuringly controlled.

ScooterPrice0-25 MPH
Mantis V2
$1,499
4.7 s
Nanrobot D6+ 2.0
$1,449
5.1 s
Apollo Ghost (Hyd Brakes)
$1,449
5.3 s
Apollo Ghost (Reg Brakes)
$1,449
5.3 s
Apollo City Pro 
$1,519
6.1 s
Varla Eagle One
$1,399
6.2 s
EMOVE Cruiser S
$1,195
10.3 s
Apollo City
$1,519
N/A

Mileage

Possibly the biggest upgrade that City Pro 2023 received is its enlarged battery. Its predecessor was home to a 48V 18Ah unit, while the new model has upped the ante with a 48V 20Ah addition.

The result is 11% more stored energy for a 5-mile longer range. To be precise, it can be ridden for a maximum of 43 miles. You will, however, have to ride it in its slowest setting of 9 mph to achieve this. Under realistic conditions – which include periods of fast acceleration, cruising at around 20 mph, and multiple stops – you can expect to ride for 27 miles.

Josh Testing the Apollo City Pro Ride Quality

This is more than enough juice for several commutes – and once empty, it’ll take just 4.5 hours to recharge.

It’s also worth noting that the battery pairs highly efficient 21700 cells with a management system that offers 5 different types of protection to ensure long-lasting performance.

Apollo City Pro Charge Port

Mileage vs Price

Compared to its similarly-priced rivals, the City Pro is a top performer across both maximum and real-world ranges.

ScooterPriceMax Range
EMOVE Cruiser S
$1,195
62 miles
Apollo City Pro 
$1,519
43 miles
Apollo City
$1,519
40 miles
Nanrobot D6+ 2.0
$1,449
40 miles
Varla Eagle One
$1,399
40 miles
Apollo Ghost (Hyd Brakes)
$1,449
39 miles
Apollo Ghost (Reg Brakes)
$1,449
39 miles
Mantis V2
$1,499
33 miles

It’s no surprise that the EMOVE Cruiser S runs away with the gold. It does, after all, have a 52V 30Ah battery that’s 63% bigger than the City Pro’s offering.

Josh Riding the Apollo City Pro

However, to balance the good with the bad, the Cruiser’s build, features, and ride quality, aren’t as good. As a result, I’d opt for the City Pro.

ScooterPriceReal Range
EMOVE Cruiser S
$1,195
48 miles
Mantis V2
$1,499
28 miles
Apollo City Pro 
$1,519
27 miles
Apollo City
$1,519
27 miles
Apollo Ghost (Hyd Brakes)
$1,449
25 miles
Apollo Ghost (Reg Brakes)
$1,449
25 miles
Nanrobot D6+ 2.0
$1,449
25 miles
Varla Eagle One
$1,399
24 miles

Hill Climbing

Electric scooters that are good at climbing hills have three things in common: power, torque, and energy. You need power and torque to keep the wheels rolling up inclines, and enough energy so that the scooter doesn’t call it quits while climbing. The City Pro has all three.

Apollo City Pro 500W Motor

It can conquer inclines of up to 20 degrees, with optimal performance at 13 degrees. What does this mean for you? Well, it’ll get you up the vast majority of hills with ease.

However, if you live somewhere like San Francisco or Seattle, you’ll be better off with a more powerful scooter like the Mantis V2.

The abilities of the single-motor version of the Apollo City are muted. It struggles with anything above 9 degrees, resigning it to environments that aren’t steep.

Josh Riding the Apollo City Pro On a Road

Shock Absorption

One of the Apollo City Pro’s best features is its triple spring suspension system.

Apollo City Pro Front Spring

This setup is the same as what I reviewed on the 2022 model. However, this time around it feels more refined. While I found the previous model’s suspension a little stiff, there’s no sign of that here. On a scale of 1 to 10 – where 1 is extremely stiff and 10 is extremely soft – I rate it a respectable 7.5.

Apollo City Pro Rear Springs

There are a couple of factors that aid its shock-absorbing profile. The first is the well-calibrated compression rate. This allows the springs to compress in a smooth and controlled motion. The second is the deep-traveling swingarms. By allowing the wheels to move up and down with the undulations of the road, it remains responsive – even when riding over rough pot-holed streets.

Apollo City Pro Front Swingarm

Braking

Take a bow, Apollo. The dual drums and regenerative braking system bring you to a complete stop from 15 mph in just 2.1 meters. This is up there with the very best performers, and in some cases, it's even better considering that the enclosed design of the drums makes them impervious to the fading effects of dust and water.

Apollo City Pro Rear Drum Brake

If you use the regenerative brakes on their own, you can expect a stopping distance of 4.8 meters from 15 mph. Surprisingly, this beats the 5.0-meter average of commuter scooters like the Horizon and EMOVE Touring, both of which rely on rear drums. This shows you just how strong the regen brakes are.

Best of all, it can recharge your battery by up to 10%. This not only lends itself to a longer range, but by using the forces of kinetic energy and drag to slow the scooter, you simultaneously reduce wear and tear on the mechanical brakes.

Josh Using the Apollo City Pro Regen Brake

Ultimately, the braking system delivers three things: short stopping distances, energy recovery, and low maintenance.

Ride Quality

I've tested many electric scooters and had both good and bad riding experiences, but in the case of the Apollo City Pro, it was sublime.

Josh Test Riding the Apollo City Pro

This scooter just feels so damn good to ride. Everything about it oozes quality.

The wide handlebars, tall stem, and 11-degree rake angle promise stability, while the tapered deck, swingarms, and plush tires lay the foundation for comfort. Add to this the precise power delivery and you have a scooter that brings the WOW factor in spades.

Apollo City Pro Swingarm

Compare With Other Scooters

Alternatives

Apollo City Pro Frame

Apollo City

Cyber Monday Sale: $1,519.00 $1,849.00

Specs:

Why is it Better Than the Apollo City Pro?

Why is it Worse Than the Apollo City Pro?

Fluid Vista Frame

Fluid Vista

Cyber Monday Sale: $1,199.00 $1,499.00 – Get Extra $100 Off With Code: ESI100

Specs:

Why is it Better Than the Apollo City Pro?

Why is it Worse Than the Apollo City Pro?

EMOVE Cruiser S Sleek Frame

EMOVE Cruiser S

Cyber Monday Sale: $1,195.00 $1,499.00 – Get Extra $50 Off With Code: ELECTRICSCOOTERINSIDER

Specs:

Why is it Better Than the Apollo City Pro?

Why is it Worse Than the Apollo City Pro?

Mantis V2 Durable Frame

Mantis V2

Cyber Monday Sale: $1,499.00 $1,899.00 – Get Extra $100 Off With Code: ESI100

Specs:

Why is it Better Than the Apollo City Pro?

Why is it Worse Than the Apollo City Pro?

Post-Purchase Support

Warranty

The Apollo City Pro 2023 comes with an excellent 10,000 km warranty on its frame – including the deck, neck, and stem – demonstrating just how much confidence the brand has in the quality of its scooter.

Apollo City Pro Folded Frame

Beyond the frame, all the major components are covered by a 12-month limited warranty. To name a few, this includes the motors, controllers, battery, handlebars, lights, throttles, displays, and folding mechanisms.

Apollo City Pro Thumb Throttle

Should you encounter any issues and make a claim, it’s important to know that while the costs of labor and parts are included under warranty, shipping fees to and from Apollo’s Repair Centre aren’t.

Josh With Apollo City Pro

Manufacturer Specs

Specification Sheet

Specification: Apollo City Pro Review

Brand
Brand

Apollo

Type
Terrain

Street

Design
Portability

Folding Frame

Weight (lbs)

65

Rider Weight (lbs)

265

Tire Size (inches)

10

Tire Type

Pneumatic (Self-Healing)

Performance
Top Speed (mph)

32

Max Range (miles)

43

Charge Time (hours)

4.5

Suspension Type

Front & Rear

Brake Type

Drum, Regenerative

Extra Features
Extra Features

Cruise Control, Lights, Mobile App, Water Resistance Rating, Dual Motors, Turn Signals

Specification
Max Incline (degrees)

20

Water Resistance Rating

IP66

Where to Buy:*
*Offers displayed are from retailers that I trust. If only one offer is available this is because they are the only retailer I recommend. To support my rigorous testing and review process, I rely on affiliate commissions. These are at no cost to you. My work is independent and impartial. Read more here.

Specification: Apollo City Pro Review

Brand
Brand

Apollo

Type
Terrain

Street

Design
Portability

Folding Frame

Weight (lbs)

65

Rider Weight (lbs)

265

Tire Size (inches)

10

Tire Type

Pneumatic (Self-Healing)

Performance
Top Speed (mph)

32

Max Range (miles)

43

Charge Time (hours)

4.5

Suspension Type

Front & Rear

Brake Type

Drum, Regenerative

Extra Features
Extra Features

Cruise Control, Lights, Mobile App, Water Resistance Rating, Dual Motors, Turn Signals

Specification
Max Incline (degrees)

20

Water Resistance Rating

IP66

Apollo City Pro Review
Apollo City Pro Review

Original price was: $1,849.00.Current price is: $1,519.00.

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