Josh Testing the Apollo Phantom (V2)
Apollo Phantom Tire Hugger Apollo Phantom Plush Tire Apollo Phantom Handlebars Apollo Phantom Logo on the Deck Apollo Phantom Rear Fender, Disc Brake, Swingarm, and Kickplate

Apollo Phantom Review

$2,099.00

9/10 (Expert Score)

DATE

August 5, 2021

Price When Reviewed: $2099.00
IMPORTANT: This scooter has been replaced by the new Apollo Phantom V3 (2023).

It’s a rare day when I’m not exactly sure how to begin a review or summarise a scooter in a single paragraph. Usually, I like to highlight the top features but this time, I’m truly stumped. Not because this scooter has nothing going for it, but because it has everything going for it.

 

Whilst the first batch of stock flew off the shelves faster than a group of bargain-hunters rushing through the sliding doors of a Best Buy store on Black Friday, I was lucky enough to get an exclusive look at this titan of a scooter, and let me tell you, the Apollo Phantom is an absolute marvel in scooter innovation. It’s seen what its competitors can do and has savagely outpaced them with its sophisticated style, monolithic acceleration, and never-seen-before proprietary design and features.

 

Whether you’re a die-hard dirt track fan, a leisurely cruiser, or a high-speed adrenaline junkie, the Phantom can match your preferences, delivering a first-rate experience in all departments. This scooter is the result of a whole ton of testing and research based on feedback from riders like you and me. It really is the scooter of the people and, if you’re anything like me, it’s one short ride away from becoming your favorite scooter of 2021.

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Video Review

Apollo Phantom Review & Unboxing – Most Anticipated Scooter of 2021

From its exceptional build quality to the powerful dual 1200W motors, and quadruple spring suspension, the Phantom enters the performance scooter bracket taking new strides in electric scooter excellence. There's a host of reasons why this scooter is one of the most popular models on the market. Watch to find out more.

Who is it Best For?

Will the Apollo Phantom Be a Good Fit For You?

Well, my first instinct is to say, everyone.

That’s because the Phantom has been built and designed according to the masses of feedback Apollo has received over the years they have been putting out scooters. As a result, everything this scooter offers is in response to a need vocalized by riders.

Josh with the Apollo Phantom

It’s fully adaptable, thanks to its plush pneumatic tires and quite frankly absurd quad spring suspension. This means its ride quality is almost unparalleled. No matter where your riding appetite lies, the Phantom will be able to match you stride for stride.

That being said, you need to have some riding experience under your belt to not only appreciate what the Phantom can do but also to keep it under control. At the end of the day, it’s a performance scooter that has an acceleration rate of mere seconds and can travel up to 38 mph.

If this is your first time on the track, I’d recommend going with something little gentler — and cheaper (like the VSETT 9+R or Apollo Ghost) — before you graduate to the likes of the Phantom.

Pros and Cons

PROS:

  • Proprietary design
  • Next-gen display with 20 adjustable settings for maximum customizability
  • Quadruple spring suspension
  • Choice of upgrading brakes to hydraulics
  • Excellent lighting
  • Exceptional attention to detail when it comes to build quality
  • Well-balanced performance scooter

CONS:

  • No front turn signals

Value for Money

Is the Price Tag Worth it?

Available exclusively from Fluid Free Ride, the Phantom is, without any shadow of a doubt, one of the best value scooters I’ve ever reviewed. You only need to take a look at its impressive spec sheet and long list of unique, proprietary features to see this.

Apollo Phantom Rear Fender, Disc Brake, Swingarm, and Kickplate

Investing in the Phantom will secure you a scooter that has been entirely designed and manufactured on Canadian soil. This might sound like a small detail but it’s unique to this model. Most scooters, including the Phantom’s predecessors, are a melting pot of standard elements you’d find in any component bin, put together in factories most commonly hundreds of miles away from the brand’s HQ. This is why so many different models seem so similar, such as the earlier Apollo scooters and Zero range.

This isn’t the case with the Phantom.

Apollo Phantom Front Swingarm

Everything about this scooter, from the tiniest screws to its revolutionary suspension, is unique to Apollo. As a result, it’s the product of relentless testing and tweaking so that the finished product is a true feat of scooter engineering.

Of course, there are scooters out there that have a higher speed and range, however, the Phantom offers a more well-rounded package that a wider scope of riders can enjoy. Plus, it’s a true masterclass in innovation, something that even your more impressive run-of-the-mill models lack.

In short, if you’re going to shell out this much on an electric scooter, there’s only two other scooters you should consider alongside it, the Mantis Pro and VSETT 10+.

Further Information:

Best Cheap Electric Scooters

Alternatives

What Other Scooters Should You Consider?

VSETT 10+ (25.6Ah)

Why is it Better Than the Apollo Phantom?

Why is it Worse Than the Apollo Phantom?

Price:

Mantis Pro

Why is it Better Than the Apollo Phantom?

Why is it Worse Than the Apollo Phantom?

Price:

Apollo Ghost + Hydraulic Brakes

Why is it Better Than the Apollo Phantom?

Why is it Worse Than the Apollo Phantom?

Price:

Comparison Table of Apollo Phantom Models

SpecsPhantom 52V + Regular BrakesPhantom 52V + Hydraulic BrakesPhantom 60V + Hydraulic Brakes
Motors2 x 52V 1200W2 x 52V 1200W2 x 60V 1400W
Speed38 mph38 mphTBC
Battery52V 23Ah Dynavolt52V 23Ah Dynavolt60V 21Ah Dynavolt
Range40 miles40 milesTBC
BrakesRegular DiscsNutt Hydraulic DiscsNutt Hydraulic Discs
Price$2,099$2,249TBC

Design

Handlebars

Although the Phantom isn’t as tank-like as some other performance scooters, its supersized handlebars certainly give its competitors a run for their money. Measuring 27 inches wide, they almost rival those on the monstrous VSETT 11+, falling short by a mere half an inch.

Apollo Phantom Handlebars

But there’s more to wide handlebars than just their aggressive styling. They serve an important function on performance scooters because the wider grip increases your balance and gives you more stability when riding at high speeds. With the Phantom’s firecracker acceleration, you’ll be thankful for it.

This functionality also extends to the Phantom’s rubber-coated hand grips. These are similar to those on the Ghost, but minus the stylistic cutouts seen on its younger sibling. They feature a well-designed form, flared at the edges and curving inwards towards you, which is perfect for wrapping your fingers securely around.

Apollo Phantom Rubber Handgrip

Between these two handgrips are all the goodies that make the Phantom a truly excellent ride. It’s virtually impossible to miss the unique HEX display panel in the center. This angular module has been designed by Apollo for Apollo and you won’t find it anywhere else. It’s a big part of what gives the Phantom its next-gen status.

Apollo Phantom HEX Display

On the left-hand side of this, you’ll find the rear brake lever located above the handlebars, and below this, a small command pad, featuring a variety of buttons. These operate the Phantom’s headlight and its turn signals, as well as the horn. There’s also an additional button that controls the sport mode (i.e. engaging both motors), giving the Phantom an extra boost of ferocity when you need it.

Left Side Apollo Phantom Handlebars

The setup on the right is similar. The front brake lever is positioned above the handlebars, and there’s a second button pad with a power button, mode buttons, and additional controls that allow you to scroll through the Phantom’s various P-settings. Lastly, you’ll find the key-start ignition – similar to that on the Ghost — and the ergonomic thumb throttle attached to the side.

Frame

Aesthetically, the Phantom doesn’t play by the same rules as the Apollo scooters that came before it.

The brand has always been synonymous with its vivid-blue styling, bringing a flash of color to an otherwise fairly muted scooter palette. This time, however, Apollo has deliberately foregone this playful styling in favor of a more understated, but nonetheless attractive, menacing black design, trimmed with steely grey accents.

Apollo Phantom Frame

It might be less distinctive, but this scooter doesn’t need a gaudy paint job to represent the power thrumming through its frame — it lets its performance do the talking instead. Plus, it’s definitely in line with the new direction that Apollo is taking, matching the Ghost in terms of subtlety.

Although I was partial to Apollo’s trademark blue, both of these scooters play from a different rule book and deliver a sleek, streamlined, and undeniably more stealthy vibe to amplify their incredible ride performance.

Deck

The Phantom’s deck is designed to accommodate a variety of riders. It measures 8.5 by 20 inches, which is similar in size to that of the Wolf Warrior, a high-performance scooter that’s well-known for its large stature.

Apollo Phantom Deck

So what does this mean for you? Well, you won’t need to worry about squeezing your feet onto a narrow and uncomfortable deck. The Phantom has ample space for you to get comfortable.

It also features an angled kickplate towards the rear that helps with this. Combined with the size of the deck, you’ve got a few stance options to choose between, so no matter how you like to ride, you’re able to get comfortable.

Close up of Apollo Phantom Kickplate

You’ll also find a small notch built into the kickplate. This is where the stem latches into when the Phantom is folded. Although it’s a small detail, it makes all the difference to your riding experience. Previously, on the Ghost, there was hook located at the rear of the deck. This was an awkward placement for riders with a wider stance and meant that you stood a chance of catching your foot on it. Swapping this to an embedded position on the kickplate is much more rider-friendly, but still fully functional.

Apollo Phantom Rubber Deck Matting

The deck is also covered in a texturized silicon material, with deep grooves that give you extra grip. Although the Phantom doesn’t go big on color, its branding does feature some white detailing. Usually, this would be painted on because it’s quicker and cheaper, but the Phantom doesn’t go for the easy route. Instead, Apollo has used white-colored silicon to prevent these white accents from fading. Instead, your deck will look as good as new, even after you’ve been riding around on it for hours at a time.

Apollo Phantom Logo on the Deck

Wheels

It’s no secret that I think the Phantom is one of the most comfortable scooters available and you can’t earn that accolade without a decent pair of tires to pad out your riding experience. Those fitted onto the Phantom are some of the best I’ve seen.

They measure 10 inches tall and 3.25 inches wide, so they’ve got a huge contact patch for increased stability. Their extra width doesn’t make the scooter feel clumsy though. You have that nimble steering Apollo does so well on its other models.

Apollo Phantom Plush Tire

This is part of what gives them their ‘hybrid’ personality. This means that you’ll be able to ride them confidently across a variety of surfaces without having to worry that they’re not up to the task of providing enough shock absorption.

Despite this, it is worth noting that the tread on the Phantom’s tires isn’t the off-road knobby kind that you’ll find on scooters specifically designed to tackle extreme terrain. Instead, they feature a texture that is slightly deeper than that of slick racing tires, which is perfect for enhanced traction on urban roads and looser forest trails.

Apollo Phantom Tire Tread

Both tires are tubed pneumatics, which means they feature an inner tube and are filled with air for maximum shock absorption. You might have heard that tires with inner tubes are more likely to puncture, and you’d be correct. Lots of the beefier performance scooters opt for the tubeless alternatives for this exact reason. However, because tubeless tires are designed to be more puncture-resistant, they’re usually a bit harder. This means you lose some of the cushioning that air-filled tires are known and loved for.

In this instance, it’s about choosing between comfort and convenience. Or is it? Apollo doesn’t think so. Although the Phantom’s tubed tires are more vulnerable to flats, changing your tires isn’t a struggle. They’re mounted on split rims which means you can swap them out in no time.

Build Quality & Durability

The Phantom you see today is three different scooters combined into one. That’s how many versions Apollo made before they settled on the final design. Each testing stage provided them with a chance to improve and upgrade, resulting in one of the most complete and well-finished models on the market. There’s very little about this scooter’s build quality that I can fault.

Apollo Phantom Durable Frame

It’s constructed from aviation-grade aluminum which is known for delivering high-strength without the extra bulk. It also sports a double-reinforced stem for extra durability. This is particularly important because the neck is where the scooter folds, so it’s the main culprit for structural weaknesses. But the Phantom is tough in all the right places — it doesn’t suffer from irritating and potentially dangerous stem wobble, aided by the addition of the secure stem locking mechanism and safety pin.

Apollo Phantom Folding Mechanism

Its toughness is thanks to its meticulous development, but also because all of its components are proprietary, meaning that they’re made specifically for Apollo. As a result, they fit together like a jigsaw puzzle because they’ve been designed as a whole unit, rather than smaller separate parts. This makes for a sturdiness that other scooters can only dream of.

Apollo Phantom Stem

On top of this, the Phantom comes with an official IP54 water-resistance certification. I’ll dive into this later, but, in brief, it means that it’s got some protection from the elements. There aren’t many riders that enjoy riding in the rain, but sometimes you can’t help being caught in it. The IP rating takes care of this, giving you peace of mind that your scooter won’t suffer long-term damage.

Rear View of Apollo Phantom Front Springs and Swingarm

To give you a thorough understanding of what Apollo has done to ensure outstanding build quality I have created an entire section in the “Extra Features” part of the review titled “Features that Ensure Oustanding Build Quality”.

Before I close this section of the review up, I need to let you know that during my test rides (where I like to push scooters to their limits to see how they hold up), I encountered an issue with the suspension.

After riding it aggressively down a dirt track the rod in the middle of the left spring became loose from the vibration of riding. I noticed a clanking metallic sound and the damper collar/washer had fallen off leaving the spring and the adjustment ring loose. Luckily, I found the damper collar/washer and reattached the spring, and tightened it all back into place.

Considering I was fortunate to test a pre-production model (i.e. before the Phantom had been fully released for sale), I was able to feed this back to Chris (Co-Founder of Apollo). My feedback was then handed over to the Apollo Technical team for assessment, and I can confirm that there is a solution place to prevent this from happening again. For clarity, all final production units have Loctite on every single bolt to keep all the necessary components locked into place.

Weight & Load

Weighing 77 lbs, the Phantom can’t claim to be the most lightweight of scooters, but it’s on a par with similar models. Saying that, it’s around 12 to 13 lbs heavier than the Mantis Pro and Apollo Ghost which is quite a substantial increase, although both of these lack the proprietary finesse that sets the Phantom apart.

Apollo Phantom Folded

Because of its bulk, the Phantom won’t be your first choice as a commuter scooter. There are lighter and cheaper models out there if you’re looking for something to get you to and from work each day. The Phantom, on the other hand, can only be fully appreciated if you let it stretch its legs on more adventurous rides.

The Phantom’s load capacity is another one of its standout features. It’s capable of supporting up to 300 lbs, which is 35 lbs more than the Mantis Pro. Out of all the scooters I’ve reviewed, this is one of the heavier loads, beaten only by a few of the Dualtrons and VSETTs along with a couple of Kaboo’s Wolf models and the unassuming EMOVE Cruiser. This makes it an awesome choice for heavier riders who don’t want to miss out on a truly unique scooter like this one.

Apollo Phantom Thick Rubber Matting on Deck

Folding & Portability

It’s impossible to categorize the Phantom as a portable scooter given its weight, but it can be carried and stored should you need to.

Close up of Apollo Phantom Folding Mechanism

As well as being exceptionally sturdy, its folding mechanism is fairly straightforward to use. It features a claw-like hook that pulls the stem flush the base of the folding platform while locking it into place, and to keep that pinned into place there is a strong plastic collar/latch that wraps around the folding handle.

Apollo Phantom Folding Claw

To further ensure that the stem is cemented into place and to remove the risk of it from folding in on you while riding, there is a small, grenade-like, safety pin that punches its way through the stem.

Pulling the safety pin out, twisting the latch around, and pulling down on the folding handle releases the stem making it easy to fold. The latch on the back of the handlebars then hooks into the cutout on the footplate, making it simple to lift and carry for short periods.

Apollo Phantom Handlebars Hooked into Kickplate

Disappointingly, the Phantom doesn’t feature foldable handlebars like the Apollo Ghost, which means it’s a much less compact scooter than its sibling. I would have liked to see this feature integrated into the Phantom, especially when you consider that the popular VSETT 10+’s handlebars fold, however, there are some benefits to its omission. The main one is that it gives the handlebars an extra dose of strength and durability — being made from a single piece of metal, rather than multiple sections means they are more stable.

Rear View of Apollo Phantom Folded

Assembly

I get it — your new scooter has arrived and you’re desperate to get it out on the road and test its boundaries. But there’s one job in the way before you can do that: the assembly.

Luckily for you, the assembly process isn’t a long one. It comes mostly assembled. There are just a few boxes you need to tick off to get it road-ready such as attaching the handlebars and its accessories.

But alas, you can’t quite jump on board yet. Before taking this baby out for a spin, there are some pre-ride checks you’re going to need to carry out. These are standard for most scooters and give you peace of mind that everything’s working as it should. This includes testing the throttle, brakes, and lights, and making sure that all the nuts and bolts are tightened.

One thing I particularly liked about unboxing the Phantom was that everything you need comes included. Alongside the actual scooter, you’ll find a premium toolkit that, quite frankly, is one of my favorite things about it.

It contains a comprehensive set of 8 Allen keys and corresponding tools, as well as an air pump, air valve extender, two new brake pads, and two new inner tubes. Not only will this come in handy when you’re first setting your scooter up, but it’ll help you maintain it in the long term too.

Ride Quality

Is the Apollo Phantom Comfortable to Ride?

The Phantom is one of the most comfortable scooters I’ve ridden – providing that you stick to urban and less challenging off-road terrain (it doesn’t cope well with rock-strewn routes).

Because it’s been through rigorous testing, Apollo has been able to improve and develop every component until they all work seamlessly together.

Rear of Apollo Phantom

Out of all its features, the Phantom’s quadruple spring suspension is the biggest factor in upping that comfort factor. This is a never-seen-before suspension system, designed specifically for the Phantom. Before its release, no one knew whether it was going to be able to deliver, but let me tell you, it does. It adapts to urban and smooth off-road terrain with barely a twitch, absorbing shocks and protecting your joints from harsh impacts.

Apollo Phantom Spring and Swingarm

Of course, its beefy pneumatic tires help here too. They cushion against both big and small vibrations, whilst their increased width and textured tread keep you balanced and stable.

However, you should avoid rough off-road terrain or seriously bumpy conditions because, surprisingly, I found that the quad springs don’t do as good a job at smoothing out the ride as the Mantis Pro which has just two springs. (If you're searching for a scooter that can soak up the impacts of rough terrain see my list of the best off-road models).

It’s also worth noting that ride comfort comes down to several other factors aside from the performance of the suspension. The good news is that the Phantom delivers on all parts. The super-wide handlebars afford great control over the steering column, the kickplate lets you lean into the ride, and the brakes inspire confidence bringing you to a quick stop whenever you need.

Front of Apollo Phantom Handlebars

Performance & Safety

Speed & Acceleration

It should be pretty clear by now that the Phantom is scoring A+’s across the board, but there are a few areas it has yet to prove itself, most notably speed and acceleration.

Fitted with dual 1200W motors, the Phantom has a combined peak output of 3200W and a top speed of 38 mph. That’s a hell of a lot of power to have tucked away in it its streamlined frame, but can it keep up with the other heavy hitters on the circuit?

Speed vs Price Comparison

If we look at the Phantom’s speed-to-price comparison, setting a $500 range with the Phantom’s $2,249 price tag sitting in the middle, it comes out around the middle of the pack when compared against similarly priced scooters.

But don’t let this deceive you. To gauge the Phantom’s true performance worth, you need to look at the full package. Given all of the extra features, proprietary design, and exceptional build quality, it pulls ahead of some of the other scooters that top it in the rankings. But before we do that, let’s take a look at the winner.

Apollo Phantom Speed vs Price Comparison

As well as topping all other scooters in the Pro’s price bracket for speed, both VSETT 10+ models are a whole 32% faster when it comes to top speed compared to the Phantom. They are also 34% pacier when it comes to acceleration, and I’m not surprised. With dual 60V 1400W motors, a pair of 35A controllers, and a ‘Sport’ (a.k.a. ‘Turbo Boost’) mode for injecting an additional 5Ah of power, the 10+ is a certified land rocket.

Other speedy alternatives you could consider are the Zero 10x 60V and furiously fast Apollo Pro 60V – however, both of these scooters are in short supply since they have been replaced with newer models (the Apollo Pro 60V with the Apollo Phantom, and the Zero 10X with the aforementioned VSETT 10+).

As we move down the rankings we are left with scooters that more closely resemble the top speed of the Phantom. However, these are not without their drawbacks.

Take the Speedway 5, for instance. It has a telescopic stem and uses spring-loaded handlebar cuffs which means they aren’t as secure as those that screw into place. For a scooter that can hit 40 mph, you need a model that you can rely on for stability. Similarly, the Dualtron Eagle Pro suffers from stem wobble, whilst also lacking a kickplate and not having hydraulic brakes, all of which compromises ride quality. Ultimately, if you want a scooter that somewhat matches the Phantom’s top speed, yet delivers a superior acceleration rate and great build quality, the Mantis Pro is your best bet.

Acceleration

While having one of the fastest acceleration rates out of our 100+ electric scooter database, the Phantom falls short when compared to the scooters that I recommend as alternatives.

Apollo Phantom Acceleration Comparison

Capable of hitting 15 mph in 2.5 seconds and speeding up to 25 mph in just 5.6 seconds, the Phantom is, on average, 42% slower than its most powerful rival the VSETT 10+. It’s also slightly slower than the cheaper Apollo Ghost and despite the Mantis Pro having smaller motors (dual 1000W vs dual 1200W) it has a faster acceleration rate. I put this down to the increased battery voltage (60V vs 52V). As a general rule of thumb, higher voltage (V) means more torque.

Watch this space though. These rankings are set to be thrown out the window when Apollo releases the Phantom 60V. The aim here is for the Phantom 60V to outperform the much-loved Pro 60V series. Based on the performance of its predecessor, the Pro 60V Ludicrous, I predict that this bad boy will be able to hit 15 mph in a hair-raising 1.6 seconds.

In the meantime, however, it’s safe to say that the Phantom’s acceleration is still impressive, and if you’re making the jump up from a more conventional single motor scooter, you’ll get a thrill from the Phantom’s pacey ride.

Range

The Phantom features a 52V 23.4Ah battery. As with the majority of its scooters, Apollo has stuck with their tried-and-tested Dynavolt battery cells to power their newest addition. As expected, they live up to expectations, promising a maximum range of 40 miles to match the feisty appetites of Apollo riders.

Reaching this upper range threshold isn’t impossible, but you’re going to have to ride as economically as possible to do it. I’m talking single motor mode, eco settings, minimal hill climbs. Realistically, this isn’t going to be possible all the time. Constant aggressive riding will reduce the Phantom’s mileage down to around 25 miles, but you will experience somewhere between these two points if you aren’t planning to go hell for leather every time you step onboard.

Mileage vs Price Comparison

How does the Phantom measure up against its competitors? Well, if we apply the same price-to-range scale as we did with the Phantom’s speed, setting a $500 price range with the $2,249 price tag in the middle, the Phantom comes out towards the lower end.

Apollo Phantom Mileage vs Price Comparison

This being said, the Phantom’s main advantage lies in its components. That’s right, I’m talking about its Dynavolt battery cells. These are known for delivering top-quality performance without any deterioration of battery performance for up to 500 charge cycles. That equates to around 3 years if you charge your scooter 3 times a week. They’re superior to the cheaper Chinese cells you’ll find on the Speedway 5, which, with its 75 mile range, takes the top spot in our price-to-range comparison.

So what am I trying to say? Well, technically, there are scooters out there that deliver a longer range but the Phantom’s pedigree sets it apart from a lot of them. Because of this, you can expect to see years of consistent and reliable use which isn’t always a sure thing when it comes to lower-quality battery cells.

Plus, not all scooters with a long range deliver the goods to make it as comfortable as the Phantom.

However, if you want to push the boundaries of what your money can get you when it comes to range, I recommend the VSETT 10+ (25.6Ah). Not only do the large 10 inch pneumatic tires and front spring and rear hydraulic suspension deliver superlative heights of ride quality, but its 66 mile range will get you an extra 26 miles than what the Phantom can deliver (this is the equivalent to a 65% increase). Plus, the battery cells used are from LG, which can also be charged hundreds of times without compromising performance.

Further Information:

Long Range Electric Scooters

Hill Climbing

Because of the peak output and torque of its dual motors, the Phantom is a reliable hill climber.

Apollo Phantom Front Air-Filled Tire

It can scale slopes up to 25 degrees, which, when you compare it against hills that you’re most likely to up against, is incredibly steep. If you’re not sure what that looks like, I want you to picture the steepest street in San Francisco, Filbert Street. The incline of this street measures in at 17.5 degrees, which doesn’t even come close to what the Phantom can deal with.

Sure, there are scooters out there that can storm hills faster than the Phantom can – the Mantis Pro and VSETT 10+ being two of these – but because of its powerful motors, you won’t be disappointed.

Shock Absorption / Suspension

Now, any old scooter can claim to have suspension. In fact, scooters with dual spring suspension are a dime a dozen nowadays. But there’s only one scooter out there that comes with a 45 degree, downward angled, quadruple spring suspension system. You guessed it — the Phantom is trailblazing the way once again.

Apollo Phantom Dual Rear Springs

Having two springs at the front and rear make a difference, delivering an exquisitely smooth ride that isn’t impinged by painful vibrations in your wrists, ankles, or knees. And like everything else about this scooter, the suspension has gone through three rounds of thorough testing and improvement.

That’s a big reason why the Phantom is able to strike such a perfect shock-absorption balance. The swingarms allow for plenty of travel and the springs can bed adjusted according to terrain, but it’s not overly spongey or springy. Scooters like this run the risk of feeling too bouncy, but the Phantom comes fitted with a rubber bushing at the base of each spring. This absorbs some of that bouncing action, cushioning it so it doesn’t compromise your riding stability.

Apollo Phantom Swingarm Suspension

Braking

The Phantom comes in a couple of variations, one with regular disc brakes, and the other with superior Nutt hydraulic brakes. For this review, we’re going to be focusing on the hydraulic version. If you’re not sure which model to pick, and you can afford to stretch your budget by an extra $150 ($2,099 vs $2,249), I fully recommend the hydraulic brakes. The upgrade is worth it.

Apollo Phantom Front Disc Brake

In terms of stopping power, you can’t get much better. The Phantom sits in the upper echelon of scooters when it comes to braking performance, delivering a stopping distance of a mere 3.04 meters from a speed of 15 mph. This is pretty phenomenal.

This excellent performance is down to a couple of things. Firstly, the Phantom’s brakes feature 160 mm disc brakes, which are 20 mm larger than other models on the market. The bigger discs are responsible for delivering more braking control, so you can stop with increased precision.

Apollo Phantom Rear Disc Brake

The second factor at play is the quality of the Nutt brakes themselves. These are known for being some of the strongest and most reliable brakes on the market. They also have a reputation for being the most comfortable to use. This is because the alternative, Zoom brakes, have a habit of being a bit jerky and abrupt. Nutt brakes are much smoother, so you can pull on them without worrying about disrupting the Phantom’s smooth riding experience.

Charge Time

Like most of Apollo’s scooters, the Phantom comes with a couple of charging ports. A single standard charger is included with the scooter, and using this will allow you to reach a full recharge in 12 hours. This isn’t as long as some, but it is still fairly lengthy.

Apollo Phantom Kickstand and Charging Ports

If you want to cut your waiting time down, you have two choices.

Either, you can invest in an extra standard charger for $79 or upgrade to a fast charger for $129. Using the two standard chargers together, or the fast charger on its own will cut the charge time in half, reducing it to 6 hours.

Make sure not to mix a standard and fast charger. This won’t make the Phantom charge any faster – it’ll just damage your battery.

Features that Make the Phantom a Dream to Ride

Next Generation Display With 20 Adjustable Settings For Customized Performance

With its big, bold, beautiful design, the Phantom’s proprietary HEX display is a clear marker of this scooter’s next-generation status. Featuring an angular, hexagonal display that is fitted prominently in the center of the Phantom’s handlebars, it too has undergone rigorous testing to make sure it matches up to the rest of the scooter’s outstanding quality.

Its large screen allows you to check your stats at any given moment and comes with all of the indicators you’d expect. However, it’s got a couple of unique functionalities that boost it to the next level.

Close up of Apollo Phantom HEX Display

One of my favorites is the predicted mileage feature. The HEX can estimate the number of miles left on the clock based on your most recent acceleration pattern. This isn’t something I’ve seen on any other scooter and allows you to moderate your riding style to get the most out of the Phantom’s battery.

The HEX also acts as a gateway into the Phantom’s P-Settings. Simultaneously pressing the up and down buttons on the right-hand side of the handlebars for 3 seconds will take you to the settings menu. You can use the directional buttons to cycle through the 17 pre-set options. These allow you to alter a variety of things including the display brightness, measurement units, start style, electric brake strength, and acceleration strength to name a few.

Key-lock Ignition & Locking Spot in Neck (Anti-Theft Functions)

I’m a big fan of scooters that come with a theft deterrent and the key-lock ignition ticks this box.

Simply put, you need the key to start the scooter, preventing wandering hands from coming by and zooming off. Even better, each key design is different, so even if someone else has a Phantom, their key won’t activate your scooter.

Apollo Phantom Key Lock Ignition

This works in theory, but in practice, it’s worth remembering that if someone wants to steal your scooter, they’ll be able to lift it and carry it away. Because of this, I recommend investing in a secure bike lock to add an extra layer of security.

Luckily, the Phantom is equipped with a designated locking spot in the hollow part of its neck to help you protect it against theft. This means you can fit a bike lock securely and without damaging the scooter’s stem.

Powerful LED Lights and Turn Signals

Excuse the bad pun, but when it comes to lighting, the Phantom shines. No seriously, this scooter has one of the best lighting setups. It joins the ranks of well-established scooter monarchs like the Wolf Warrior, Wolf King, and VSETT 11+ in this category.

It features a 1000W lumen headlight that’s almost blinding in its intensity. Just look at this photo I took of the Phantom's headlight pointed at the camera lens.

Apollo Phantom Super Bright Headlight Pointed at Camera Lens

And, to give you more context, take a look at the intensity of the light as it projects onto the wooden wall.

Apollo Phantom Headlight Projecting onto Wall

You won’t have to worry about visibility ahead of you when riding because the Phantom can illuminate even the darkest of alleyways. Although the strength of the light has a lot to do with this, it’s aided massively by its high-mounted position. There are only a handful of models that offer this — most performance scooters simply skip a headlight altogether and opt for two weak button lights on either side of the deck.

Side Profile of Apollo Phantom Headlight

In addition to its impressive headlight is a full suite of deck lights, including two at the front and a dedicated brake light at the rear that flashes when you activate the levers.

Here is one of the front deck lights:

Apollo Phantom Front Deck Light

And, here is the brake light:

Apollo Phantom Rear Brake Light

These all help to boost your visibility, but my favorite addition has to be its integrated rear turn signals that can be operated from the control pad on the left side of the handlebars.

Apollo Phantom Light, Turn Signal, and Motor Control Buttons

I’m a big fan of a scooter that features turn signals. In my opinion, we should see them on more models – it makes sense to have a way of letting motorists and pedestrians know what your next move is going to be.

Apollo Phantom Turn Signal

Although this is an awesome step in the right direction, I’d prefer it if the turn signals were also fitted in the front and if they emitted an audible beep so you know when they’re engaged. The rear blinkers aren’t much use if you’re trying to make a turn across oncoming traffic.

By comparison, the entire VSETT line boasts front and rear turn signals that are super simple to operate, the VSETT 10+ being one of them.

Ergonomic Thumb Throttle Instead of an Awkward Finger Trigger Throttle

If you’ve ever found yourself on a long ride with your finger stretched out and awkwardly wrapped around a trigger throttle, you’ll know that this claw-like position can get pretty uncomfortable. That’s why I was glad to see that the Phantom had parted ways with traditional style throttles, opting instead for a far more comfortable, ergonomic thumb throttle.

Apollo Phantom Thumb Throttle

This paddle is located on the right side of the key-start ignition and is much easier to control. It’s conveniently located so that you won’t have to put much effort into holding your thumb down. It feels more natural use.

Motor Control Buttons

Like all performance scooters, the Phantom allows you to switch between single and dual motor modes to manage your speed thresholds whilst riding. However, the button doesn’t look the same as the commonly used yellow and red one on other models like the Mantis Pro.

The motor button is found on the left side of the handlebars, underneath the turn signal controls. Pressing this will let you switch between riding with a single motor (good for battery conservation) or both motors (for maximum torque, acceleration, and speed). Please note, when the scooter is in dual motor mode, it’ll display as ‘Sport’ on the HEX display.

Apollo Phantom 1200W Motor

You can further regulate your maximum speed using the three gears which can be selected via the up and down buttons above the thumb throttle. Setting 1 will take you into Eco mode, whilst 3 takes the shackles off allowing you to hit the top speed.

Further Information:

Dual Motor Electric Scooters

Bag Hook / Locking Hook for Carrying the Scooter When Folded

The silver hook on the back of the handlebars can be pulled out and latched into place on the kickplate when the Phantom is folded. This not only makes it much easier to lift the scooter since it keeps it secure when collapsed, but it also acts as a bag hook for when you’re riding. Although, I wouldn’t recommend hanging any bags off it as they can easily become the cause of accidents.

Apollo Phantom Hook on Back of Handlebars

Since the HEX display lies over the kickplate when the stem is folded, Apollo made sure to experiment with different hook lengths to ensure that the screen wouldn’t be damaged in the folding process. The final version is close enough to the kickplate for easy attachment, but far enough away that it won’t damage the display.

Adjustable Suspension

The Quadruple suspension can be adjusted with a c-spanner.

This means you can either tighten or soften the tension of the springs to match your terrain.

Apollo Phantom Spring Suspension

Although this is a good to have, I’d be surprised if you ever have to do any serious adjustments. The suspension is well-calibrated, and the springs moderate themselves well enough that you won’t notice a huge difference if you do decide to manually adjust them.

Tire Huggers

The main purpose of a fender is to protect against water splashes, dirt, and debris from flicking up on your front and back, but not all tire huggers are up to the challenge. Lots of them act more as an aesthetic addition rather than a functional one – take the short rear fender of the Mantis Pro, for example. The Phantom doesn’t make this mistake.

Apollo Phantom Tire Hugger

The fenders are secured to the wheels using strong metal brackets with screws and nuts to minimize loosening from road rattling. This makes them secure but also increases their durability. They also closely hug the tires without rubbing against them.

Kickplate

The Phantom comes with an angled kickplate at the rear of the deck. It is well-angled, sturdy, and extends the length of the deck giving you somewhere to place your back foot for a more stable stance.

Apollo Phantom Kickplate

It also comes in handy if you find yourself having to brake hard. You’re able to use the kickplate to shift your weight backward to create more traction on the rear tire whilst also bracing yourself so you don’t lose your balance.

IP54 Water-Resistance Rating

There are certain things you expect an electric scooter to have, especially at the Phantom’s price point, and one of them is an official water resistance rating. Unfortunately, this is an area overlooked by many manufacturers. Luckily, Apollo isn’t one of these. All of their scooters come with a degree of water resistance and the Phantom is no exception.

It boasts an IP54 rating. Whilst this doesn’t mean it’s completely waterproof, it does mean that it can withstand water splashes from every direction. If you find yourself caught unexpectedly in a rain shower, you won’t have to worry about your scooter coming into any harm.

Horn

What’s an electric scooter without a good horn, eh? After all, there’s a strong chance you’re going to be taking this baby onto roads that are busy with pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists, and you’ll need a way to let them know you’re coming.

The Phantom’s horn is located on the left side of the handlebars and is within easy reaching distance, so you won’t have to stretch or contort your hand into an uncomfortable shape to honk it.

Features that Ensure Outstanding Build Quality

CNC Manufacturing for Structurally Sound Build Quality

CNC stands for ‘Computer Numerical Control’ and this means that the entire manufacturing process is controlled by a series of pre-programmed computers, tailored to the specifications of each scooter piece.

Not only does this maintain a high standard of precision and accuracy throughout the manufacturing process, but it also delivers consistent quality across every Phantom produced.

Double Reinforced Stem and Neck

Whilst most electric scooters only use single-layer aluminum tubes for their stems, the Phantom’s neck consists of two layers, making it extra sturdy. This toughness means it can withstand a lot of pressure, which is especially good for riding at high speeds, hard braking, and light off-roading.

Apollo Phantom Double Reinforced Stem

3 Independent Folding Safety Mechanisms That Eliminate Stem Wobble

The Phantom’s trio of folding mechanisms is an area of pride for Apollo, and rightly so. Throughout the testing process, they spent a huge amount of time perfecting this, mainly because a weak folding mechanism leads to dreaded stem wobble.

Consisting of a claw-like hook that pulls the stem flush to the base of the folding platform while locking it into place, a strong plastic collar/latch that wraps around the folding handle keeping it pinned down, and a safety pin to remove the risk of the stem from folding in on you while riding, the Phantom impresses with the sheer number of measures it has in place to keep the stem steady.

Close up of Apollo Phantom Folding Mechanism

I particularly like the addition of the safety pin. Although pretty basic in design, slotting this through the base of the stem adds that extra layer of reassurance. This way, even if the other 2 mechanisms come loose, the stem isn’t going to collapse mid-ride because the pin is holding it securely.

To be perfectly blunt, this is one of the best folding mechanisms I’ve seen. It’s incredibly functional but it also looks good, without adding any extra clunkiness to the scooter. The phrase ‘stem wobble’ won’t even enter your mind when you’re out and about on this thing — it’s solid as a rock.

Easy Plug and Play Connectors For Easy Repairs of All Electrical Components

Repairing an electric scooter always comes with a ton of complications. This is because, usually, all of the components are hard-wired into the scooter, meaning you have to send it away for the technical team to take it apart to make the repairs. This is not only difficult but time-intensive too.

Apollo Phantom Plug and Play Electrical Connections

To combat this, Apollo has fitted all electrical components with easy plug-and-play connectors so you won’t need to send your Phantom off for it to be fixed. Instead, Apollo (or Fluid Free Ride – the official retailer of the Phantom in the U.S.) will send you the new electrical component that you need and you can simply unplug the faulty one and plug in the new one.

Fuse on the Battery Pack Cuts Current If Water Damage in Charging Ports is Detected

Getting water in your battery is a surefire way to sound your scooter’s death knell. As we all know, water and electronics don’t mix. So, to eliminate the risk of your battery becoming damaged, Apollo has installed a fuse into the charging ports.

Close up of Apollo Phantom Charging Ports

This means that if you get water in your charging ports, the fuse will cut preventing the battery from blowing.

Kickstand Bracket Protrudes to Protect the Charging Ports From Damage

If you’ve ever side-swiped a curb while riding you’ll know how frustrating it can be if you accidentally ground your charging ports down, rendering them unusable.

Because of this exact issue, Apollo has designed the kickstand to protrude out from the deck when folded up to take the brunt of the impact, protecting the charging ports.

Heat Sinks on the Motors

The addition of heat sinks is a great way of managing the temperature of each motor by preventing them from overheating, which can be detrimental to their condition.

Apollo Phantom Heat Sinks on Motor

You can see the sinks protruding from the sides of the wheels, designed in a way that catches the wind to boost the cooling process.

Smart Power Management System

As with all Apollo scooters, the Phantom comes equipped with a smart power management system. In the same way that the heat sinks keep the motors healthy, this system does the same thing for your battery. It prevents it from short-circuiting, overcharging, discharging, and regulates its temperature.

This is another reason why you can expect the Phantom’s battery to last a long time. Without it, it could be considerably less.

Specification: Apollo Phantom Review

Brand
Brand

Apollo

Type
Terrain

Off-Road, Street

Design
Portability

Folding Frame

Weight (lbs)

77

Rider Weight (lbs)

300

Tire Size (inches)

10

Tire Type

Pneumatic (Inner-Tube)

Performance
Top Speed (mph)

38

Max Range (miles)

40

Max Incline (%)

47

Charge Time (hours)

12

Suspension Type

Front & Rear

Brake Type

Disc (Full-Hydraulic), Disc (Mechanical)

Extra Features
Extra Features

Battery Management System, Cruise Control, Display, Lights, Water Resistance Rating

Warranty & Post-Purchase Support

Warranty

It wouldn’t be an Apollo scooter if it didn’t come with a generous warranty to keep you confident whilst you’re out and about experiencing the best of what this scooter has to offer.

The Phantom is covered under warranty for 12 months, which is pretty decent compared to other models.

As expected, the warranty covers manufacturing defects, although if these are a result of irresponsible and dangerous use, you can expect to foot the bill yourself. Otherwise, Fluid Free Ride, the sole retailer of the Phantom in the U.S. – will repair defects and cover labor costs.

Be warned though — don’t confuse wear and tear with manufacturing defects. Electric scooter warranties have a threshold for what they consider ‘wear and tear’. This generally refers to things like punctured tires, worn brake pads, and scratches to the frame.

Water damage is also another area that isn’t covered – so you may want to think twice about riding in the rain.

Post-Purchase Support

For immediate support with your Phantom, I recommend checking out FluidFreeRide’s comprehensive support center that has a multitude of guides dedicated to Phantom. These range from brake and suspension adjustments to replacing the display and learning how to use the P-settings.

You can also get in touch with Fluid Free Ride’s team via excellent phone support. You can call them on (786) 723 7323 between the hours of 9 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email them or submit a support request via the form on their website.

Specification: Apollo Phantom Review

Brand
Brand

Apollo

Type
Terrain

Off-Road, Street

Design
Portability

Folding Frame

Weight (lbs)

77

Rider Weight (lbs)

300

Tire Size (inches)

10

Tire Type

Pneumatic (Inner-Tube)

Performance
Top Speed (mph)

38

Max Range (miles)

40

Max Incline (%)

47

Charge Time (hours)

12

Suspension Type

Front & Rear

Brake Type

Disc (Full-Hydraulic), Disc (Mechanical)

Extra Features
Extra Features

Battery Management System, Cruise Control, Display, Lights, Water Resistance Rating

Apollo Phantom Review
Apollo Phantom Review

$2,099.00

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