Apollo Ghost Review
$1,599.00 Original price was: $1,599.00.$1,499.00Current price is: $1,499.00.
PUBLISH DATE
May 20, 2021
Taking your first step into the big, bad world of performance scooters can be daunting and thrilling all at once. Choosing a model capable of sending your adrenal glands into overdrive without doing the same to your bank balance was always going to be a challenge or, at least, it was until the Apollo Ghost glided onto the scene. With its supernatural design and hauntingly fast acceleration, this scooter offers a phantasmal set of features designed to take your riding experience to the next level. Even better, it does it without blasting through your life savings, making it the best introductory performance scooter.
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Apollo Ghost Review: 10 Things You Need to Know
Who is it Best For?
Will the Apollo Ghost Be a Good Fit For You?
This might be an awesome entry-level performance scooter, but it’s certainly not for beginners or novices.
Given its nerve-shredding acceleration rate, I recommend the Ghost for riders who already have scooter experience, no matter how sedate. Although it’s not as extreme as some of the big hitters like the Wolf Warrior, VSETT 11+, or any of the Dualtrons, it’ll still need a practiced hand to guide it safely.
In terms of terrain, the Ghost straddles the divide between urban and light off-roading. Its tires aren’t the heavy-duty sort you’d need for seriously rocky routes, but their beefy form and slightly heavier texture, alongside the suspension, make them good for trail riding. The Ghost has been engineered to give riders the option to expand their riding remit, but with the option to alternate adventures off-the-beaten-track with racing along city streets too.
Pros and Cons
- Very good value for money
- Rocket-like acceleration
- Above-average braking power
- Large, plush tires
- IP54 water-resistance rating
- Foldable handlebars
- Sturdy build quality
- Supports heavy riders
- Optional seat attachment
- Range isn’t as long as others in its price bracket
Value for Money
Is the Price Tag Worth it?
Costing $1,499, the Apollo Ghost is the best entry-level performance scooter under $1,500. Is it worth the price tag? You bet it is, especially if you’re looking for acceleration that will steal the show.
It trounces the likes of the VSETT 9+R thanks to its larger dual 800W motors. Despite costing $149 more, it can’t stand up to the rapid acceleration rate of the Ghost. Of course, there are faster models — the Mantis Base will hit 25 mph quicker than the Ghost but it comes with larger motors and a heftier price tag. Plus, when you boil it down, the Ghost doesn’t fall too far behind, especially the closer you get to its top speed.
Its range is a different story. Don’t get me wrong, the Ghost can hold its own and ranks alongside its main competitors, but it was designed with speed in mind rather than an extensive mileage. If you’re looking for a similarly priced scooter that can go the distance, the EMOVE Cruiser sits in the top spot. However, I wouldn’t class this as a true performance scooter and you won’t get the same thrill or off-road capabilities as you will with the Ghost.
Alternatives
What Other Scooters Should You Consider?
Apollo Phantom
- Speed: 38 mph
- Range: 40 miles
- Weight: 77 lbs
- Load: 300 lbs
Why is it Better Than the Apollo Ghost?
- Faster (+4 mph)
- Superior suspension (Quadruple spring)
- Proprietary next-generation display
- Hydraulic brakes available
- Better lights + turn signals
Why is it Worse Than the Apollo Ghost?
- Costs more
- Heavier (+13 lbs)
Price:
- 2,099.00
Mantis Base
- Speed: 40 mph
- Range: 30 miles
- Weight: 65 lbs
- Load: 265 lbs
Why is it Better Than the Apollo Ghost?
- Faster (+6 mph)
- Faster acceleration
- Semi-hydraulic brakes
- A firm favorite in the scooter community
Why is it Worse Than the Apollo Ghost?
- Costs more
- Shorter range (-9 miles)
- Handlebars don’t fold
Price:
-
1,649.00
$1,699.00 - Discount Code: Get $100 Off
VSETT 9+R
- Speed: 33 mph
- Range: 40 miles
- Weight: 55 lbs
- Load: 265 lbs
Why is it Better Than the Apollo Ghost?
- Advanced NFC card reader unlocking mechanism
- Turn signals
- Lighter (-9 lbs)
Why is it Worse Than the Apollo Ghost?
- Costs more
- Slower acceleration
- Can’t support as much weight (-35 lbs)
Price:
-
1,624.00
$1,699.00
Design
Handlebars
The Ghost’s handlebars have everything you’re going to need for a satisfying ride.
With two ergonomically shaped, flat-palm grips on either side, they’re designed for maximum comfort. Both are partially covered in texturized rubber to prevent slipping, and their flared ends mold to your hands for an easier grip.
But that’s not all. The Ghost’s handlebars have been designed for maximum functionality even when you’re not using the scooter. How? They’re fully foldable and can be unscrewed from the center to fold along the stem, making the scooter more compact and portable overall.
There's always a risk that foldable handlebars will compromise ride quality as a result of becoming loose and wobbling while riding. However, Apollo has made sure this isn’t an issue, fitting the Ghost with a central coupler that is stiff and secure.
The Ghost’s handlebars aren’t filled with flashy gadgets, instead featuring the necessary elements to manage your ride, although there is space to add extra accessories if you want to. On the right side, you’ll find the scooter’s QS-S4 display which allows you to monitor your speed, trip, battery, and riding mode. You can also access the scooter’s P-settings here, giving you the option to configure various scooter features such as regenerative braking strength and throttle power.
As standard, QS-S4 display comes with a trigger throttle attached. Although this is a fairly intuitive setup, this type of throttle can be uncomfortable on long rides as you’ll need to have your index finger extended in what can become a bit of an awkward position. Thumb throttles, like on the Apollo Phantom, are more comfortable.
Beneath the QS-S4, you’ll find the single/dual motor and eco/turbo button switches. These can be used to determine how powerfully you ride. Opting for maximum power (the dual motor and turbo buttons combined) will let you hit the top speeds, but will drain your battery faster.
The left-hand side of the Ghost is similarly sparse, sporting a bell alongside a key-start ignition and voltmeter. The key-lock is a particularly nifty feature, giving you an extra measure of security when you leave your scooter. However, I’d still recommend purchasing a sturdy lock to prevent thieves from hauling your Ghost away manually.
Frame
Apollo is synonymous with its trademark color scheme of white, black, and vivid electric-blue, but the Ghost, along with the Phantom, breaks away from this. Instead, you’ve got a scooter draped in muted black befitting its spectral name.
Although this suits the Ghost’s haunting vibe, I was sad to see Apollo’s distinctive coloring go in favor of a palette that fades away against many other similarly decorated electric models. If you’re looking for a scooter with a more adventurous design, the VSETT 9+R won’t disappoint with its generous lashings of aquamarine trim.
However, one thing that I do like about the Ghost’s new vibe is the hide-and-seek design of its frame. Almost skeletal in appearance, the cut-outs along the swingarms and fender supports give it an industrial flair that’s fairly unique in the scooter game.
With this aesthetic, it’s hard not to enjoy the Ghost gliding, wraith-like, along shaded forest trails and drifting through mist-shrouded trees, stuttering in and out of sight at incredible speed.
Deck
When it comes to deck space, the Ghost isn’t the biggest but it doesn’t skimp, giving riders a generous base to work with. Measuring 18 inches long and 9 inches wide, bigger riders will especially appreciate the extra space available for them to find a natural and comfortable stance.
Unlike previous Apollo models, the Ghost’s deck is lacking its usual trademark splash of cerulean, opting for a darker tone that mirrors the rest of the scooter. This isn’t the only difference either. Instead of being liberally covered like the decks of its predecessors, the Ghost only features two strips of grip tape, down either edge, leaving a central strip of bare, unadorned metal.
The last thing to note about the Ghost’s deck is that it’s also where you’ll find this scooter’s charging ports. These are located on the right, towards the front of the scooter.
Although this is the default positioning for ports on many electric scooters, it can be problematic. It’s easy to accidentally scrape these against curbsides, wearing them down despite their rubber covering. Although these seals do offer protection, over time they can become loose and fall off more easily, increasing the potential that the ports might become scratched or water damaged. I’d prefer to have seen a similar design to that of the VSETT 9+R, where the charging ports are located on the top of the deck rather than the side.
Wheels
Part of what makes the Ghost such a joy to ride is the stability and comfort that comes from its plush 10-inch pneumatic tires. As I’ve mentioned before, pneumatics are my tire of choice — they’re air-filled and so mold more effectively to the terrain you’re riding over. This helps them to absorb shocks better, eating up vibrations as well as delivering a higher level of traction.
Punctures are a risk here – as they are with any air-filled component – but the payoff is worth it, especially on a performance scooter like this one. Plus, if you do need to replace a tire, Apollo has mounted the wheels on split rims, which makes the process of swapping flats out fairly straightforward.
The Ghost’s tires aren’t off-road specific because they lack the heavily textured, knobby pattern needed for enhanced grip, however, they’re not exactly smooth racing tires either. The medium tread strikes a good middle ground, providing enough traction for them to hold their own on light off-road routes. Anything more severe than this is too much for this supernatural spirit to handle.
I recommend starting on lighter trails before graduating to more rugged terrain. When you do make the shift, you’re going to need to spend the big bucks and invest in a heavy-duty monster to keep you safe and comfortable.
Build Quality & Durability
Given the proven pedigree associated with Apollo scooters, it should come as no surprise that the Ghost follows in the footsteps of its predecessors, delivering build quality that’s able to cope with its breakneck acceleration.
Its frame is constructed from forged aluminum, which is a common material found in most scooters because of its high durability. However, as always, Apollo refuses to toe the line, stepping outside conventional barriers. Instead of featuring a solid frame, the Ghost is hollowed out, resulting in a tough exterior without the extra bulk that comes with high-powered performance scooters.
This inspires a special kind of confidence every time you step onboard and set off. Coupled with its sturdy, wobble-resistant stem mechanism, and neatly gathered wires, it’s clear to see that the Ghost has been designed to minimize all those niggly details that could act as a distraction when riding at high speeds.
The same can be said of the Ghost’s weather resistance. Like all Apollo scooters, it comes with a certified IP54 rating. In layman’s terms, this means it has a limited degree of water protection. Equally, the aluminum fenders help to deflect rain and dirt. This being said, as a general rule, I don’t recommend riding in the rain for safety reasons.
Weight & Load
If you’re new to the electric scooter game, there’s one undeniable fact that you can’t get away from, no matter the model you choose: performance scooters are heavy.
Typically, they come with bigger motors, larger batteries, and beefier builds, all of which pile on the pounds. Despite its hollow frame, the Ghost is no exception. Its 64 lb bulk is challenging to carry for long periods. It’s not a model I recommend if you’re looking for something to double up as a commuter solution.
But, don’t let this fool you into thinking that the Ghost’s weight is a down-and-out negative. Sure, it’s not exactly lightweight, but compared to other scooters with a similar performance, it comes out near the top when you take into account its price and specs.
In terms of load-bearing weight, the Ghost can support up to 300 lbs. This is above average for most scooters, beating the likes of the VSETT 9+R and Mantis Base. If you want a model that can take on more rider weight, you’re going to have to up your budget to a scooter like the Wolf Warrior (330 lbs) or Wolf King (400 lbs), unless you opt for the single-motor EMOVE Cruiser (352 lbs) which has a much slower top speed and acceleration curve.
Folding & Portability
Despite its heavier weight, the Ghost is deceptively compact when folded and it all comes down to its myriad folding mechanisms. One of its primary aims is to deliver a high level of performance, whilst still maintaining a compact and manageable shape… and it succeeds.
The main way it achieves this is through its folding handlebars. You won’t find the likes of these on the majority of extreme scooters — they’re a pretty rare feature. Secured with a central coupler, they unscrew from the middle, folding down to sit parallel to the Ghost’s stem.
Here's the coupler unscrewed:
And here's the handlebars folded:
Moving on, the stem uses a traditional clamp folding mechanism at its base.
Pull the two levers open to loosen the collar and then pull it upwards to release the stem and collapse it over the deck.
Unlike bigger, beefier models, the Ghost has a hook fitted at the bottom of the kickplate for the handlebars to click into so that it locks into place. This allows you to grip the Ghost by its stem without having to worry about it coming loose when carrying it.
A Guide to Foldable Electric Scooters (Lightest & Most Compact)
Assembly
Like all of their scooters, Apollo has tried to make the Ghost’s assembly as easy and straightforward as possible.
It comes mostly ready to go, however, there are a few very important steps you’re going to need to take before hopping on and releasing this beast.
The first of these is securing the handlebar unit to the stem. This involves attaching it via four screws but because they’re already wired up, you won’t need to fiddle around with rerouting cables. Apollo also includes a swiss-army knife-style multi-tool in the box alongside the charging unit, so everything you need comes in one package.
After this, it’s simply a case of unfolding the stem and tightening up the collar clamp mechanism as well as securing the display, gear buttons, handgrips, and brake levers.
Before you head out, double-check your tires are at the recommended 50 psi and give your brakes a quick squeeze to check the calipers are working as they should. If you get confused or need extra guidance, Apollo has an online setup guide, as well as several video tutorials, to help you out.
Ride Quality
Is the Apollo Ghost Comfortable to Ride?
Apollo has a well-earned reputation for delivering scooters that ride like a dream, and the Ghost lives up to that. It’s got everything you need to glide like melting butter on hot toast, including generous, cushion-like tires, and dual spring suspension that can be adjusted.
Additionally, its deck-to-handlebar height and decent-size deck give you plenty of room to find a comfortable standing position, with room to readjust even when you’re riding. That’s not to mention its 5.5 inch clearance which helps to deliver its unique gliding ride sensation.
Its acceleration is shockingly fast and going from a standstill to full motion can be jarringly quick if you’re not ready for it. Luckily, the wide handlebars afford fantastic control over the steering column, and the powerful brakes give you the confidence to rip the throttle.
I've tested both the Apollo Phantom and Ghost – arguable Apollo's two top-performing and most popular models – and based on my assessment of each, I'd go as far to say that the Ghost's ride quality goes toe-to-toe with that of its more expensive, quadruple-spring, sibling.
Similarly, when you compare its ride quality scooters that sit in its price class, it comes out as one of the best alongside the Mantis Base and VSETT 9+R.
Performance & Safety
Speed & Acceleration
With a top speed of 34 mph, the Ghost sounds like it might just cruise along in the middle of the pack. However, when you look at its speed and acceleration against comparable scooters in the same price bracket it pulls ahead of the competition.
Speed vs Price Comparison
When judged alongside its 23 competitors in a $500 price bracket, the Ghost places in the top 23%.
The Mantis Base, Varla Eagle One, and EVOLV Pro each take first place on the podium with their dual 1000W motors capable of putting out an extra serving of power up to 40 mph. The Ghost is packing a smaller pair of 800W motors but still manages to ride alongside the big boys where acceleration is concerned – which we’ll soon see.
The unfortunate model in the last place is the INOKIM Quick 3 with a yawn-inducing 19 mph top speed. The Ghost is 79% faster here.
Speed vs Weight Comparison
Price isn't always the determining factor when it comes to choosing an electric scooter, weight plays a pivotal role too. So, if weight is important to you, this next section details which scooter packs the most punch for its size.
Taking into account the Ghost’s 64 lb weight, I assessed the speed to weight performance of all the models that sit within a similar bracket – that is, 5 lbs on either side.
Here, the Ghost takes 2nd place out of 6 comparable models.
Laying claim to the best speed to weight performance and those scooters that pack the most punch for their weight are the Mantis Pro, Mantis Base, and Dualtron Eagle Pro which all come out joint top.
However, when you consider that the Ghost is significantly cheaper than all the models in this lineup, its placement starts to look very impressive. For example, the most expensive of the bunch is the Mantis Pro ($2,299), while the cheapest (excluding the Ghost) is the Mantis Base ($1,649).
Acceleration Comparison
Here’s where the Ghost shines – its greatest strength lies in its acceleration.
Compared to the scooters that I recommend as alternatives, the Ghost holds its own against all.
The Ghost is capable of hitting 15 mph from a standstill in just 2.3 seconds. This is surprisingly faster than the Apollo Phantom and Mantis Base which both clock in at 2.5 seconds, despite having larger motors (dual 1200W and dual 1000W, respectively).
The VSETT 9+R follows suit with 2.7 seconds with its smaller dual 650W motors.
The Ghost’s quality continues to shine when you look at its rate of acceleration up to 25 mph.
It does this in a mere 5.3 seconds, which is only 0.1 seconds slower than the Mantis Base but a whole 0.4 seconds faster than its more powerful and premium sibling, the Phantom.
For context, the Mantis Base can pull away quicker than the Ghost due to its higher voltage. The Mantis base boasts 60V motors vs the Ghost’s 52V motors. As a general rule of thumb, higher voltage equals more torque, which equals a faster acceleration.
Based on this comparison, it’s clear that if you max out the throttle and drive the Ghost up to its full potential, it excels, delivering an acceleration rate that’s sure to satisfy every adrenaline-seeking cell in your body.
This is good news if you’re looking for a fast performance scooter, but I’d advise a bit of caution when you first hop on the Ghost. Its 34 mph speed might not seem too exciting, but the way you get there could be more than you bargained for, especially if this is your first time riding. Ease your way into it, and once you’ve got the hang of the Ghost’s handling and rapid response, feel free to let it fly.
Range
Like the majority of Apollo scooters, the Ghost’s 52V 18.2Ah battery is filled with the brand’s favored Dynavolt cells and promises to deliver a maximum range of 39 miles. In the scooter world, you’ll only find this particular type of battery on models in the Apollo line — they’re more commonly used in electric motorcycles.
Don’t let this put you off though — Dynavolt is capable of delivering a performance that’s on-par with industry-leading LG batteries and will serve up an impressive number of charging cycles. If you charge the Ghost an average of 3 times a week, you can expect the battery to last around 4 years before the performance will start to diminish. Impressive, huh?
But how does it rank against other similarly-priced scooters? Pretty well, especially when you take a look at its mileage to price performance.
Mileage vs Price Comparison
Applying a $500 price range, with the Ghost ($1,499) sitting in the middle, it ranks comfortably in the top 35% alongside its closest competitor the VSETT 9+R.
Unsurprisingly, there’s only one scooter fit to take the crown for the best value in the range category and that’s the EMOVE Cruiser with 62 miles. Its mileage is 59% greater than the Ghost’s, however, it’s much slower and only has a single 1000W motor. The Ghost delivers an even mix of both speed and range, so if you’re looking for a more balanced combination, this is the better choice.
Mileage vs Weight Comparison
As with the speed to weight comparison, price isn't always the determining factor when it comes to choosing an electric scooter, weight plays a pivotal role too. So, if weight is important to you, this next section details which scooters pack the most punch for their size.
Here, the Ghost doesn’t scrub up so well against its competitors. The INOKIM Ox Super leaps into first place with a huge 56 maximum mile range while the Apollo Ghost comes second from last.
However, like the EMOVE Cruiser, the INOKIM Ox Super is a single-motor machine, and therefore, although it delivers on mileage, it's much slower than the feisty Ghost.
So what does this all mean? Well, if you want a scooter that is faster than the Ghost in both top speed (40 vs 34 mph) and acceleration (0-15 mph in 2.0 vs 2.3 seconds), delivers a longer range (45 vs 39 miles), and you can afford to splash more cash ($2,299 vs $1,499), your best bet is the highly-regarded Mantis Pro.
You may be asking: ‘Why not the Dualtron Eagle Pro?’ Don’t get me wrong, this scooter is fantastic in its own right but when you consider its whole package, the Mantis Pro is superior when it comes to overall ride quality. For instance, the Mantis has superior hydraulic disc brakes, a faster acceleration rate, and excellent build quality.
Hill Climbing
When it comes to hill climbing, the Ghost isn’t the most powerful scooter out there, but that comes as no surprise. It shares it's price in a bracket that includes some pretty big hitters, including the Mantis Base, EVOLV Pro, Varla Eagle One, and Zero 10X, all of which are capable of tackling inclines of 30 degrees and over.
This being said, there aren’t many situations in which you’re going to find yourself up against a hill that steep. The Ghost’s maximum incline capability will allow it to scale slopes of 25 degrees. To put that into context, the steepest street in the world, Baldwin Street in New Zealand, has a gradient of 19 degrees.
Besides, when you compare it alongside its direct competitors — the Apollo Phantom and VSETT 9+R — it meets expectations (both can also climb inclines up to 25 degrees).
Electric Scooters For Climbing Hills: Breeze Up the Steepest of Inclines
Shock Absorption / Suspension
The Ghost is fitted with a dual spring suspension system that works alongside the pneumatic tires and swingarms to diffuse vibrations from surface bumps and imperfections.
Riding the Ghost in urban environments is a dream. Just don’t expect it to adjust as fluidly to changing terrain as other comparable models.
It does a good job of handling the majority of impacts and delivers smooth riding for the most part. But, If you plan to ride off-road, stick to forest trails and avoid rock-strewn terrain.
The springs are also adjustable so you can get more travel if you loosen them, but even with these alterations, the change in shock absorption isn't noticeable.
Braking
Given that this scooter has one of the fastest acceleration rates in its price category, it needs to boast a set of beastly brakes that can handle its high speed. Unsurprisingly, Apollo hasn’t dropped the ball here. When it comes to buying the Ghost, you get the choice of either installing it with standard mechanical disc brakes or upgrading to hydraulics. The only difference between these is a $150 bump up in price with the latter being the more expensive model.
If you’re strapped for cash and already at the top end of your budget, though, the Ghost's standard brakes still perform very well.
While hydraulic brakes are widely considered to be the best braking tech, there’s little to separate the Ghost from those scooters that lay claim hydraulics on their spec sheet. The EMOVE Cruiser, Varla Eagle One, and Mantis Base all fall into this category, but the Ghost's standard brakes match them all in terms of braking power. For context, these braking setups – including that of the Ghost's standard discs – come to a stop in 3.4 meters from 15 mph.
As for the Ghost's hydraulic discs, these bring you to a stop in just 3.0 meters.
The Ghost’s brakes are responsive and crisp. They’re sensitive, too, so even the slightest touch will have you slowing down. Like the Ghost’s acceleration curve, the brakes mean business.
Charge Time
The Apollo Ghost comes with a standard charger included at the point of purchase. Using this, you can expect it to reach a full recharge in 12 hours. However, for the eagle-eyed amongst you, you’ll have noticed that the Ghost comes with two charging ports instead of one.
If you double up with a second standard charger or invest in a fast charger, you’ll be able to cut your waiting time in half, reducing it down to just 6 hours.
It’s important to note that if you’re going to use two chargers at once, make sure to use the same units. Apollo has warned against mixing and matching, so avoid the temptation to charge your scooter using one fast scooter and one standard. In the long run, this will mean bad news for your battery and you might find yourself needing to replace it sooner than you’d like.
Extra Features
Apollo Display & Throttle For Customized Performance Configuration
Like other models from Apollo, the Ghost’s handlebars are adorned with a display system that might be familiar to you, especially if this isn’t your first rodeo: the QS-S4. This is one of the most popular control centers in the game and, as a result, takes pride of place in the cockpits of many scooters from a variety of different brands.
You shouldn’t need me to tell you that this is a high-quality piece of kit — the fact that it’s such a common component choice across the board should say enough. It gives you all the information you need at your fingertips as well as the option to explore the Ghost’s setup further and tweak it to your preferences.
And it’s not just for checking your ride stats. It is, as standard, fitted with a trigger-style throttle lever to the right of the screen. This way, every time you squeeze the throttle, you can monitor the impact it has on your speed and mileage all in one place. Plus, having these two elements of your scooter combined saves space on your handlebars so it doesn’t feel too bulky or crowded.
This nifty little hub does it all, but its capabilities run deeper than just showing you how fast you’re going or how far you’ve gone. As I mentioned, the QS-S4 also acts as the gateway into some of your scooter’s base settings, or P-settings as they’re more commonly known. They give you the power to alter small things, like changing from mph to kph, but you can make some ride-altering adjustments, too. With a click of a button, you can fine-tune your acceleration power and regenerative braking strength, as well as change the status of cruise control (on or off). The QS-S4 puts the power in your hands, so you can calibrate your scooter to your preferences.
Motor & Turbo Control Buttons
Beneath the QS-S4, you’ll find two square buttons, one red and one yellow. If you’re planning frequent rides, using these is going to become a regular occurrence on your journeys.
Why? These buttons control your power output. The red button allows you to toggle between using a single motor or both, whilst the yellow one adjusts your ‘gear’, giving you the option to ride in eco or turbo mode.
Unsurprisingly, if you opt to ride in turbo mode with both motors enabled, you’re going to be unleashing the Ghost in its most powerful form. This makes for the most fun and exhilarating ride but it’s not the most economic. Eco and Single mode might not be as exciting, but they help you to go further for longer. This latter combination is also a good place to start if this is your first performance scooter and you aren’t quite used to the amount of power it can put out.
As soon as you take your new scooter out of the box, you’re going to be itching to get it out on the road so you can experience exactly what it’s capable of. I’ve been there, but before you get carried away, it’s important to mention that you should never switch between your gears and settings whilst the scooter is in motion.
For clarity: switching from Single to Dual motor mode while riding is fine, but you shouldn’t downshift from Dual to Single if you are riding at top speed. Doing so will turn one of the motors off and slow the scooter abruptly which can be dangerous when riding at top speeds – not to mention the damage that it could do to the scooter.
Battery Voltage Display
The left side of the Ghost’s handlebars is dominated by a voltmeter. This little black box is responsible for cluing you in to your battery’s performance and will give you a good indication of how much power you’ve got left to play with.
But doesn’t the QS-S4 do that? Well, yes it does, but the voltmeter is more accurate, giving you a better idea of your scooter’s output. It’s also useful to have if you’re riding a particularly hilly route. You’ll be able to see how much power your scooter takes to scale those more challenging slopes and the impact it has on your battery afterward.
Cruise Control
If you’ve ever ridden an electric scooter for any length of time, you’ll know how much of a godsend cruise control can be. This is especially true if your scooter is equipped with a trigger throttle as the Ghost is. Although one of the most popular throttle options, it can get uncomfortable having your index finger stretched out in an awkward claw-like shape for long periods.
Enter the saving grace of the cruise control function. The cruise control will allow you to maintain your speed without having to keep your grip on the throttle. You’ll particularly appreciate this if you have a long, uninterrupted stretch ahead of you where you won’t need to constantly be altering your speed.
Newer Apollo scooters, like the Phantom, opt for thumb throttles to improve ride comfort.
Key-Start Ignition (Anti-Theft Function)
Most performance scooters come with a key-start ignition. Why? Well, it’s an anti-theft device that adds an extra layer of security to your scooter. Sure, the Ghost is a certified bargain, but that doesn’t mean you want anyone making off with it.
Because of this, the key lock is a nice addition. It means that thieves won’t be able to start your scooter without the key. It might not be quite as fancy as the card readers you’ll find on the VSETT models, but it’s a close second best.
Of course, this doesn’t eliminate the risk of theft. Despite the Ghost’s 64 lb weight, it can still be picked up and carried away by sticky fingers. Because of this, I recommend investing in a durable, sturdy bike or scooter lock that firmly secures it when unmanned.
LED Lights & Deck Lighting
Just like its supernatural namesake, the Ghost positively glows when the sun sets.
Fitted with two low-mounted front headlights, rear brake lights, and blue LED strip lights running the length of both sides of your deck, you won’t have to worry about your visibility when riding at night.
The neon phosphorescence of the deck LEDs are so bright that they're almost glaring. Plus, it just looks downright cool.
However, the low positioning of the front lights means that there's room for improvement when it comes to illuminating the road in front of you. Take the Apollo Phantom, for example, it has a super bright headlight positioned high up on its stem to beam light far in front of you. If you want to ride at night on the Ghost, I recommend investing in a high-mounted headlight with some real power behind it. Not only is this functional, but it’ll also help to keep you safe.
Foldable Handlebars for Enhanced Portability
Like its key-start ignition, the inclusion of folding handlebars on the Ghost is akin to finding gold dust where you least expect it. This is especially the case with performance scooters, which are more likely to favor bulky and unwieldy frames over any kind of manageability.
Given its weight, the Ghost isn’t going to win any awards for its portability, but its folding handlebars bump it up the list. This is because they dramatically reduce the amount of space this scooter takes up when folded, shrinking its dimensions down to a surprisingly compact 50.5 (l) x 9.3 (w) x 21 (h) inches. This makes storage a heck of a lot easier, whether it’s in the trunk of your car or a corner of your apartment.
Plus, the general quality and sturdiness of Apollo scooters mean that you won’t need to worry about the handlebar’s collapsibility causing wobbling and unsteadiness when they are screwed into place. Unlike cheaper models, they screw in firmly and stay that way throughout your ride.
Smart Power Management
Speaking of functionality, I can’t forget to mention the Smart Power Management system. Your battery is what gets you around so it baffles me that so many scooters neglect these and don’t come fitted with one. You wouldn’t expect to run a marathon if you weren’t up to scratch, would you?
And that’s exactly what the battery management system does: it manages the health of your battery. Its list of protective benefits is extensive, guarding your battery against the risk of short-circuiting and overcharging, as well as helping your scooter regulate against temperature changes.
It’s the silent superhero of the electric scooter world, and it’ll be the thing responsible for maintaining battery performance for many years to come.
Tire Huggers
Above the Ghost’s front and rear wheel, you’ll find rounded tire-hugging fenders suspended over their outer curves. Although they match the Ghost’s moody style perfectly, they aren’t just an aesthetic design quirk — their position is a deliberate means of protecting you from your wheels excessively flicking water, dust, and debris on your back.
On most scooters, these are made from hard plastic, but the Ghost’s fenders are constructed from aluminum for extra durability and protection against anything unexpected that might come flying up from your wheels. Stylish and functional — that’s a perfect partnership if I ever saw one.
IP54 Water-Resistance Rating
As unbelieve as it sounds, many scooters don’t come with water-resistance ratings – even the best models on the market. Some of the most expensive models you can buy, like those from Dualtron and INOKIM, come without official IP ratings. Luckily, Apollo hasn’t made the same mistake.
The Ghost boasts an IP54 water-resistance rating. This means that it can withstand light rain and dust ingress. Although it won’t be able to stand up to any violent downpours, a sprinkling of rain won’t do any lasting damage.
As a rule, I don’t recommend riding in the rain because it can make surfaces slippery and unpredictable, but unfortunately, the weather is often beyond our control. At least this way, you’ve got some confidence that your scooter won’t wilt at the sight of grey clouds.
Waterproof Electric Scooters: The Best Scooters For Riding in the Rain
Optional Seat Attachment
If you’ve ever found yourself with achy legs at the end of a long riding session, you can breathe a sigh of relief because the Apollo Ghost has a compatible seat attachment available to purchase for an additional $105.
Confusingly, Apollo currently doesn’t sell a self-branded seat (they used to but I haven’t seen one on their site for a while), but the Zero 10X attachment fits the bill perfectly and transforms the Ghost into a seated scooter in a matter of minutes. Securing the seat doesn’t require any drilling or arduous DIY. Instead, it fits over the top of the foot deck so you won’t have to worry about damaging it. Just tighten the screws at the side, extend the post, and voila… you’re good to go.
Don’t let the simple installation fool you — just because it’s straightforward doesn’t mean this seat is basic. Its padded leather saddle is perfect for keeping you comfortable whilst riding, and it even comes with additional hydraulic suspension in the post to absorb any jarring impacts.
Specification: Apollo Ghost Review
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Warranty & Post-Purchase Support
Apollo’s stellar reputation doesn’t just come from its outstanding scooters. Their generous warranties and customer support have a lot to do with that too.
It’s not an overstatement to say that they deliver one of the best warranties and post-purchase support in the business. Apollo’s customer support team is on-hand 7 days a week to answer your queries via both email and a chatbox. I’ve accessed this service myself once or twice and can confidently report that Apollo’s responses were speedy and thorough. They’ll do everything in their power to solve your problem or point you in the direction of someone who can.
The Ghost comes with a 12-month warranty, however, as with all warranties, not everything is covered under this. For example, only the following components are eligible for the limited warranty within the first 12 months:
- Lithium-ion battery
- Frame
- Scooter stem
- Controller
- Handlebar
- LED lights
- Motor and motor hub
- Throttle
- LCD display and wiring
Components like the rims, brake calipers, and kickstand are only covered within the first 30 days or 10KM of use. After this point, it’ll be up to you to buy the damaged components and ship them with your scooter back to Apollo, although they won’t charge you for the labor of the repair, which is extremely rare when compared against other brands.
Unsurprisingly, normal wear and tear, including water damage isn’t covered by the warranty, although this is the case with most electric scooters.
Discover Why the Apollo Ghost is the Best Entry-Level Performance Scooter
With its supernatural design and hauntingly fast acceleration, this scooter offers a phantasmal set of features designed to take your riding experience to the next level. Even better, it does it without blasting through your life savings, making it the best introductory performance scooter.
Specification: Apollo Ghost Review
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$1,599.00 Original price was: $1,599.00.$1,499.00Current price is: $1,499.00.