The Apollo Light is a popular mode of transportation that is gaining popularity among commuters and casual riders alike. It is a lightweight and compact scooter that is easy to ride and maneuver, making it perfect for short trips around town. The scooter is powered by an electric motor that provides a smooth and quiet ride, and it can reach speeds of up to 26.2 km.
In this review, we will take a closer look at the features and performance of the Apollo Light to help you determine if it is the right choice for you.
Acceleration
The Apollo Light Electric Scooter comes equipped with a powerful 600-watt electric motor that provides a moderate pick-up-and-go. With an ESG Certified acceleration of just 4.9 seconds from 0 to 24 km/h and 8.2 seconds to 32 km/h, the Light can easily beat out typical shared scooters. However, it’s not a beast-mode racing scooter.
The quick acceleration of the scooter has the added benefit of helping riders get ahead of traffic or merge over quickly, making it a great option for those who need to navigate through busy streets. Plus, it’s fun to ride.
Hill Climb
The Apollo Light offers a moderate hill-climbing performance with a 15.1 second hill climb time and an average speed of 14.7 km/h. While it should handle most hills without any issues, riders can expect to slow down on steeper inclines. However, for riders weighing more than 83 kgs, crawling up steeper hills may be the only option.
Despite this, the Light is still a better option than a run-of-the-mill shared scooter like the Segway Ninebot Max, which took 17.0 seconds to climb a hill at an average speed of 12.9 km/h.
Range
The Apollo Light Electric Scooter boasts an impressive range of 26.2 km, which is ESG Certified. This is thanks to the powerful 490 watt-hour Dynavolt lithium-ion battery pack that powers the scooter. With such a large battery, riders can expect to travel long distances without worrying about running out of power.
This makes the Apollo Light a great option for commuters who need a reliable mode of transportation to get them to and from work or school without having to worry about recharging frequently.
Suspension
When it comes to e-scooters, suspension plays a critical role in determining the smoothness of your ride. The type of suspension used in e-scooters can be broadly divided into two types, namely pneumatic tires and spring suspension. The Apollo Light uses an interesting combination of both suspension types.
Although the more expensive Apollo Explore has two air-filled tires, the Light has only one pneumatic tire, the 8.5-inch front tire. To balance the lack of an air-filled rear tire, the Light features a dual-spring suspension system at the rear and a single spring at the front. Although air-filled tires generally provide a better ride quality, having only one pneumatic tire reduces the chances of punctures and eliminates the need for frequent air pressure checks.
This means less maintenance and less worry for riders who want a hassle-free solution. Therefore, the Apollo Light’s suspension system is a great option for those who want a well-functioning e-scooter right out of the box with minimal maintenance.
The Braking System
The Apollo Light features a dual braking system that includes a rear drum brake and a regenerative motor brake. While having a redundant braking system is appreciated, it’s important to note that the Light only has brakes on the rear wheel. While this configuration is not uncommon in scooters in this price range, it may not provide maximum performance and safety.
For riders who want a more advanced braking system, the Apollo City scooter may be a better option. The City offers a triple-redundant braking system with brakes on both wheels, providing an even higher level of safety and control for riders.
Portability
The Apollo Light is a highly portable option for riders who need to carry their scooter with them on the go. Weighing in at just 17 kg and featuring triple folding mechanisms, the Light is easy to fold down and carry when not in use. Once fully folded, the scooter measures just 99 by 18 by 99 cm, making it easy to store in tight spaces like a closet or car trunk.
While there are some ultra-portable scooters on the market that are lighter, they often sacrifice features like a full suspension. The folding mechanisms on the Light are relatively smooth and lock into place securely, although riders may notice some slight loosening on longer rides.
Cockpit
The Apollo Light features a simple and straightforward cockpit design that is easy to use for riders of all levels. Unlike other scooters with complicated button layouts, the Light features just a single brake lever, a bell, an LCD display, and a finger trigger throttle. The brake lever controls both the drum brake and the regenerative brake, which activates as soon as you start squeezing down on the brake lever.
This feature adds an extra layer of safety and control for riders. Additionally, all Apollo scooters come with a mechanical bell that is loud enough to alert pedestrians and bicyclists of your presence, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride.
Lights
The Apollo Light comes equipped with both front and rear LED lights mounted on the deck, as well as a front fender LED light. While these lights are bright enough to use in a pinch, the low-mounted headlight may not be bright enough to illuminate the road far ahead when riding at night.
This could be an issue for riders who frequently ride in areas with low visibility or dark roads. However, the addition of the front fender LED light provides extra visibility and adds to the overall safety of the scooter.
Wheels
The Apollo Light electric scooter features a front air-filled tire and a solid rear tire. Although air-filled tires generally provide a more comfortable ride, the solid rear tire has its advantages. With a solid rear tire, you don’t have to worry about flats, and that’s a significant benefit.
Rear tires are more susceptible to punctures, making a solid tire a practical solution. Despite the solid tire’s lack of suspension, the Light still has an air-filled front tire that adds a bit of extra cushioning to the ride. Overall, this combination strikes a good balance between ride quality and practicality.
Build Quality
The Apollo Light boasts of good build quality, although it may not be as refined as other scooter brands like Segway and Xiaomi. Nevertheless, it compensates for it with its robust components, which make it a durable scooter. It has an IP54 water resistance rating, making it safe to ride in light rain, but submerging it in water should be avoided.
The only issue with the Light’s construction is with the folding handlebars, which tend to become a bit loose during extended rides and require occasional tightening. Overall, the Light is a sturdy and well-constructed scooter that can withstand regular use and light weather conditions.
The Quality of the Ride
The Apollo Light shares some features with its bigger brother, the Apollo City, including ample deck size and a full spring suspension. While the Light has an air-filled front tire, its rear tire is solid, which helps to reduce the chances of a flat. In fact, 80% to 90% of flats occur on the rear wheel, so having a solid rear tire is a big advantage.
However, the downside to the solid tire is reduced traction in wet conditions. While the ride quality may not be as plush as the City’s due to the lack of dual air-filled tires, the Light still provides a smooth and comfortable ride for most conditions.
Warranty
The Apollo Light comes with a comprehensive warranty that covers important components such as the structure and frame for 24 months. However, the warranty tapers down for consumable parts such as tires and brake pads. It’s great to know that Apollo has customer support based in Canada, and they have a phone number where you can speak with a real human for live customer support.
This is an excellent feature that gives users peace of mind knowing that they can get assistance easily and promptly if they need it.
Who Should Buy the Apollo Light?
The Apollo Light is a scooter that provides an excellent combination of portability, durability, and performance, making it an excellent choice for a range of different riders. The scooter’s lightweight and triple-folding mechanism make it easy to carry around and store in tight spaces.
It’s a great option for those who need a convenient mode of transportation for short distances or for those who want to take their scooter with them on public transportation. The Light’s performance is impressive for a scooter of its size and price range. The 490 watt-hour Dynavolt lithium-ion battery pack powers the scooter to a maximum range of 26.2 km, which is ideal for commuters who need to cover short to medium distances.
The scooter’s dual braking system, which includes both a rear drum brake and a regenerative motor brake, ensures that the rider can stop safely in any situation. Additionally, the Light’s suspension system, which includes a full spring suspension and an air-filled front tire, provides a smooth ride, even on rough surfaces.
The Light’s solid rear tire, while not as comfortable as an air-filled tire, makes it much less likely to get a flat tire, which is a significant advantage for riders who use their scooter frequently or who live in areas with rough terrain. The Light’s IP54 water resistance rating means that it can be used in light rain, although riders should avoid riding in heavy rain or through standing water to avoid damaging the scooter.
The Light’s cockpit is straightforward and easy to navigate, with a single brake lever, a bell, an LCD display, and a finger trigger throttle. The brake lever controls both the drum brake and the regenerative brake, making it easy to stop quickly and safely. The finger trigger throttle is an adapted QS-S4 LCD throttle that is easy to use and provides excellent acceleration.
Overall, the Apollo Light is an excellent choice for riders who need a reliable and efficient mode of transportation for short to medium distances. It’s a great option for commuters, students, and anyone who needs to travel around the city quickly and conveniently.
Can Heavy Riders Use Apollo Light?
The Apollo Light has a maximum weight capacity of 100 kg or 220 lbs. This means that heavy riders can use the scooter, but they need to be within the weight limit to ensure optimal performance and safety. The scooter’s motor and battery are designed to handle the weight capacity, but exceeding the limit could potentially damage the scooter’s components and affect the overall riding experience.
It’s essential to note that heavier riders may experience decreased range and speed due to the added weight. The scooter’s Dynavolt lithium-ion battery pack, which provides a range of up to 26.2 km, may not last as long for heavier riders. Additionally, the top speed of 35 km/h may also be affected by the weight, especially when riding uphill or against the wind.
To ensure optimal performance and safety, it’s recommended that heavy riders check their weight before purchasing the Apollo Light. If a rider exceeds the weight limit, they may want to consider a scooter with a higher weight capacity. However, for riders within the weight limit, the Apollo Light is a great option for commuting or recreational use.
The scooter’s full suspension and air-filled front tire provide a comfortable ride, while the solid rear tire eliminates the worry of getting a flat tire.
Conclusion
The Apollo Light Electric Scooter is a great option for those looking for a durable and reliable scooter with decent performance and features. It has a lightweight and compact design, with a decent range and top speed, and good build quality. Although it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive scooters, it offers solid value for its price point.
With its combination of solid and pneumatic tires and suspension system, it provides a comfortable ride even on rough roads. Overall, the Apollo Light is a solid choice for commuters and casual riders looking for an affordable and practical electric scooter.
