About

If you have been following the electric scooter scene for the last few years, you know that the middle-weight commuter category is easily the most crowded and competitive space in the market. It is a battlefield where manufacturers constantly try to balance power, portability, and price. Enter the **Apollo Explore 2.0** (often referred to as the Explore 20 in shorthand). This isn't just a fresh coat of paint on an old frame; it is a complete reimagining of what a versatile, "do-it-all" commuter scooter should look like. Designed by the Canadian team at Apollo, this machine positions itself as the "Goldilocks" solution-it is not a terrifyingly fast hyper-scooter that requires motorcycle gear to ride to the corner store, nor is it a flimsy toy that rattles your teeth out on the first pothole. The philosophy behind the Explore 2.0 is "Performance, Distilled." The engineers seem to have taken the DNA from their high-end Phantom and Pro models and injected it into a more compact, accessible package. It is built for the rider who needs to get across the city reliably, comfortably, and with a bit of adrenaline, but who doesn't necessarily want to drag a 50 kg monster into their office lobby. The scooter is marketed as an "All-Terrain Adventurer," and while I wouldn't recommend taking it down a black-diamond mountain bike trail, the robust construction suggests it is more than capable of handling the urban jungle-cracked pavement, gravel paths, and unexpected construction zones included. What makes this scooter special in the current market is its focus on refinement over raw, unusable specs. Many competitors chase higher voltage or dual motors just to look good on a spec sheet, often sacrificing ride quality or build integrity. The Explore 2.0 takes a different approach: a high-efficiency single motor, a sophisticated controller, and a suspension system that punches well above its weight class. It is designed for the rider who appreciates software integration, lighting visibility, and low-maintenance ownership just as much as top speed. It is a mature scooter for a mature rider.

Safety

When we talk about safety on electric scooters, we usually start with brakes, but with the Apollo Explore 2.0, I want to start with visibility. This scooter is arguably one of the most visible machines on the market right out of the box. Apollo has integrated their signature "Apollo Beam" stem light. Unlike traditional headlights mounted low on the fender (which are great for seeing bumps but terrible for being seen by cars), the stem light is mounted high up near the handlebars. This puts the light source closer to eye level for drivers in SUVs and trucks. Combined with deck lights, rear lights, and turn signals, the scooter offers 360-degree visibility. For anyone commuting in the dark winter months, this isn't just a feature; it is a lifeline. Now, let's address the braking system, which has caused a bit of debate in the community. The Explore 2.0 utilizes a dual drum brake setup combined with a dedicated regenerative braking throttle. Some spec-sheet warriors might groan at the lack of hydraulic disc brakes, but let me explain why this is actually a brilliant safety choice for a daily commuter. Drum brakes are virtually maintenance-free. They are sealed against water, dust, and grime. You don't have to worry about bent rotors when you park the scooter in a crowded rack, and you don't have to bleed hydraulic lines. For a scooter that tops out at 40 km/h, drum brakes provide ample stopping power without the risk of locking up and sending you over the handlebars. Furthermore, the "Power RBS" (Regenerative Braking System) is the secret weapon here. It is not just an on/off switch; it is a variable electronic brake that you control with your left thumb. In my experience and based on community feedback, most riders end up using the regen brake for 90% of their slowing down. It is smooth, it recharges the battery slightly, and it saves your physical brake pads from wear. The scooter also boasts an IP66 water resistance rating. This is a massive safety factor because it means you don't have to panic if you get caught in a sudden downpour. The traction on wet surfaces is aided by the tubeless tires, providing a stable grip that instills confidence even when the weather turns sour.

Performance

Under the hood-or rather, under the deck-the Explore 2.0 is powered by a single motor with a nominal output of 800 W and a peak output of 1 600 W. If you are used to dual-motor scooters, you might be skeptical about a single motor, but do not let the numbers fool you. This scooter uses Apollo's proprietary Mach controller, which manages power delivery with incredible efficiency. The result is torque that feels surprisingly punchy. It doesn't have that jerky, neck-snapping start that some cheap scooters have; instead, it has a smooth, surging power curve that pulls hard all the way to its top speed. Speaking of speed, the Explore 2.0 tops out at roughly 40 km/h. In the real world, this is the sweet spot for urban commuting. Anything faster usually requires riding in the main traffic lanes, which is a different ballgame entirely. At 40 km/h, you are faster than bicycles and can keep up with city traffic in 30 km/h or 40 km/h zones. The acceleration is brisk-0 to 25 km/h comes up in under 3 seconds. This is critical for safety at intersections, allowing you to get ahead of cars when the light turns green. Hill climbing is where the 1 600 W peak power really shines. The manufacturer claims it can tackle 25-degree slopes, and community tests largely back this up. A 90 kg rider might see a slight drop in speed on very steep inclines, but the scooter doesn't give up. It chugs along with determination. The "Ludo" mode (a nod to the "Ludicrous" speed in Tesla) unlocks the full potential of the motor, giving you maximum torque for those hills. It is a spirited ride that feels faster than it is because of the responsive throttle mapping. You feel connected to the machine, rather than just hanging on for dear life.

Design

The design language of the Apollo Explore 2.0 is distinctively industrial yet polished. It moves away from the "stem and a box" look of generic scooters and features a tubular steel frame that wraps around the deck. This isn't just for looks; it provides structural rigidity and serves as a convenient handle for lifting the scooter or locking it up. The colour scheme-usually a sleek black with signature Apollo orange accents-looks premium and modern. It doesn't look like a toy; it looks like a serious piece of transportation hardware. One of the most controversial yet functional design choices is the folding mechanism. It is robust, designed to eliminate the dreaded "stem wobble" that plagues many folding scooters. When locked in place, the stem feels solid, almost like a single-piece frame. However, the folding latch is large and industrial. Some users find it a bit stiff to operate initially, but this stiffness is exactly what you want for safety. The handlebars are ergonomic, featuring high-quality grips that don't rotate in your hands, and the cockpit is dominated by a dot-matrix display. The display is a nice touch-it is bright enough to be seen in direct sunlight, unlike the older LCD screens found on many alternatives. It shows your speed, battery remaining, and riding mode in a retro-futuristic font. The integration of cables is another high point; most of the cabling is routed internally, reducing the risk of snagging wires and giving the scooter a clean, streamlined silhouette. The kickstand is sturdy and positioned well to prevent the scooter from tipping over, a small detail that many manufacturers overlook.

Comfort

If I had to pick one word to describe the riding experience of the Apollo Explore 2.0, it would be "plush." This is largely thanks to the new Triple Spring Suspension system. Most scooters in this price bracket give you a basic spring at the front and maybe stiff shocks at the rear. Apollo has equipped the Explore 2.0 with a dual-spring setup in the rear and a single spring in the front. This configuration is tuned specifically for city riding. It absorbs the high-frequency vibrations from cobblestones and the jarring impacts from potholes with surprising grace. But suspension is only half the story. The tires are the other half. The Explore 2.0 rolls on 10-inch tubeless pneumatic tires. These are not solid tires that transfer every bump to your knees; they are air-filled cushions. The "tubeless" aspect is crucial-it means pinch flats are a thing of the past. Furthermore, these tires come with a self-healing gel layer inside (PunctureGuard). If you run over a small nail or glass shard, the gel instantly seals the hole. This combination of suspension and tires makes long rides incredibly comfortable. You don't arrive at your destination with numb feet or aching hands. The deck is also worthy of praise. It is spacious and features a rubberized grip surface that is easy to clean. The "kick plate" at the rear of the deck is angled perfectly, allowing you to place your back foot securely for a more aggressive, stable stance when accelerating or braking. This ability to shift your weight and change your stance is vital for comfort on longer commutes, preventing fatigue. Whether you are a tall rider (up to 190 cm) or on the shorter side, the geometry of the scooter feels accommodating and natural.

Range

The Apollo Explore 2.0 carries a 48 V 13.5 Ah battery, which translates to 648 Watt-hours (Wh) of energy capacity. The manufacturer claims a maximum range of up to 60 km in Eco mode. As a seasoned enthusiast, I always tell my readers to take manufacturer range estimates with a grain of salt. Those tests are usually done with a light rider, on flat ground, with no wind, at a snail's pace. However, that doesn't mean the Explore 2.0 disappoints-you just need to have realistic expectations. In real-world riding conditions-meaning a rider weighing around 80 kg, riding in mixed traffic with some stop-and-go, using Sport or Ludo mode, and tackling a few hills-you can expect a realistic range of 35 to 40 km. If you are heavier or ride exclusively at full throttle, that might drop to 30 km. Conversely, if you are lighter and conservative with the throttle, 45-50 km is attainable. For 95% of urban commuters, 35 km of "hard riding" range is more than enough to get to work and back without charging at the office. Charging time is standard for this battery size, taking about 7.5 hours with the included charger. This means it's an overnight affair. However, Apollo supports high-speed charging if you buy a fast charger separately, which can cut that time down significantly. A nice feature of the system is the battery management; the display gives a relatively accurate reading of remaining juice, and the power drop-off as the battery depletes is managed well by the controller, so you don't suddenly lose all power at 30%.

Use and Practicality

This section brings us to the "Commuter with Attitude" versus "Portable Commuter" debate. The Apollo Explore 2.0 weighs in at approximately 27.2 kg (60 lbs). Let's be honest: this is not a lightweight scooter. If you live in a fourth-floor walk-up apartment with no elevator, this scooter is probably not for you. Carrying nearly 30 kg of awkward metal up narrow stairs is a workout you will quickly grow to hate. However, if you have an elevator, a garage, or ground-floor storage, the weight is a non-issue and actually contributes to the scooter's stable feel on the road. The folding mechanism makes it compact enough to fit into the trunk of a standard car or under a desk at work, provided you have a bit of space. The handlebars, however, do not fold down on this model (unlike the original Explore), which increases the width profile when storing. This is a trade-off for the solid, wobble-free handlebar feel. For daily utility, the scooter excels. The IP66 rating means you don't have to check the weather forecast obsessively. The app integration is surprisingly practical; you can use your phone as a secondary dashboard, adjust acceleration curves, and even lock the scooter digitally (though I always recommend a physical lock). The tubeless tires mean you likely won't be late to work changing a flat on the side of the road. It is a tool designed to be used every day, not just on sunny Sundays.

General Assessment

The general consensus in the electric scooter community regarding the Apollo Explore 2.0 is overwhelmingly positive, with a few specific caveats. Owners love the "premium feel" of the machine. It feels like a cohesive product where the software and hardware talk to each other, rather than a collection of off-the-shelf parts bolted together. The ride quality is frequently cited as the best feature-riders describe it as "floating" over city streets. The shift to drum brakes was initially met with skepticism by enthusiasts who love the bite of hydraulic discs, but long-term reviews have vindicated Apollo's choice. Users report going thousands of kilometers without needing to adjust anything, which is a huge win for the average consumer. The lighting package is also a frequent point of praise, with many riders feeling safer at night than on other scooters. The main point of contention is the weight. It is heavy for a single-motor scooter. Some users feel that for 27 kg, it should have dual motors. However, those who actually ride it often argue that the torque and hill-climbing ability of the high-efficiency single motor make the dual-motor argument moot for city riding. Overall, the sentiment is that the Explore 2.0 is a reliable, high-quality workhorse that justifies its price through durability and rider experience rather than raw specs.

Who Is This Scooter For?

The Apollo Explore 2.0 is perfect for the **"Super Commuter."** This is someone who relies on their scooter as a primary vehicle. You have a commute of 5 to 15 km each way, perhaps involving some rough roads or moderate hills. You value reliability above all else-you want to push the power button and go, day after day, without fiddling with brake calipers or worrying about flat tires. You likely have a safe place to park it at both ends of your journey, so the 27 kg weight isn't a dealbreaker. It is also an excellent choice for **heavier riders**. The robust frame, strong motor torque, and adjustable suspension accommodate riders up to 120 kg much better than the flimsy budget scooters found in big-box stores. The spacious deck allows for a comfortable stance even with larger shoe sizes. Who should avoid it? If you are a **"Last-Mile Commuter"** who needs to take the scooter onto a crowded bus or train, or carry it up multiple flights of stairs, look elsewhere. It is too heavy and bulky for multi-modal transit. Similarly, if you are a **"Speed Demon"** who wants to race cars at 60 km/h+, this scooter will feel too slow for you. It is governed by practicality, not insanity.

Community Feedback - Pros

* Exceptional Ride Quality: The Triple Spring suspension combined with 10-inch pneumatic tires creates a remarkably smooth ride on uneven terrain. * Low Maintenance: The combination of drum brakes, regenerative braking, and self-healing tubeless tires means very little wrenching is required. * Visibility: The high-mounted stem light and 360-degree lighting package are widely praised for night-time safety. * Build Quality: Riders appreciate the solid, rattle-free feel of the tubular steel frame and robust folding mechanism. * Powerful Acceleration: Despite being a single motor, the Mach controller delivers torque that surprises many users, handling hills effectively. * App Integration: The Apollo app is considered one of the best in the industry, allowing for deep customization of performance settings. * Water Resistance: The IP66 rating gives riders confidence to ride in wet conditions without fearing electronic failure. * Regenerative Braking: The dedicated regen throttle is smooth, effective, and reduces wear on mechanical brakes. * Ergonomics: The large deck and comfortable handlebars accommodate a wide range of rider sizes. * Aesthetics: The sleek design and "finished" look make it stand out from generic OEM scooters. The community consistently highlights the **suspension system** as the standout feature. Many users transitioning from solid-tire scooters or those with basic suspension describe the difference as "night and day." The ability to ignore small potholes and cracks allows riders to focus more on traffic and less on scanning the ground directly in front of them, leading to a more relaxed and safer commute.

Community Feedback - Cons

* Weight: At 27.2 kg (60 lbs), it is significantly heavier than many other single-motor commuters, making it difficult to carry. * Portability: The handlebars do not fold, which can make the scooter awkward to fit in tight trunks or crowded storage spaces. * Top Speed Limit: Some enthusiasts feel that 40 km/h is slightly low for a scooter of this weight and price point. * Kickstand Rattle: A few users have reported the kickstand rattling slightly over very rough bumps, though it remains functional. * Display Visibility: While better than some, the dot-matrix display can still be hard to read under direct, harsh mid-day sun. * Charging Time: The standard charger is slow (7.5 hours), and the fast charger is an extra expense. * Brake Feel: Riders coming from hydraulic disc brakes sometimes miss the instant "bite" and modulation, finding the drum brakes softer. * Fender Stability: Some early reports mentioned rear fenders vibrating, though this seems to be less of an issue on newer batches. The most common complaint is undoubtedly the **weight-to-performance ratio**. In a vacuum, 27 kg is heavy. Users often wish that for this weight penalty, they would get dual motors or a larger battery. However, most owners eventually concede that the robustness of the frame and the quality of the suspension justify the extra mass, provided you don't have to carry it often.

Value for Money

At a price point of approximately **781 €**, the Apollo Explore 2.0 sits in a very interesting spot in the market. It is more expensive than entry-level budget scooters (which usually cost 400-600 €) but significantly cheaper than high-performance dual-motor beasts (which start around 1 200 €). So, is it worth the money? I would argue yes, absolutely. When you buy the Explore 2.0, you aren't paying for raw specs; you are paying for **longevity and user experience**. You are paying for IP66 waterproofing, which could save you the cost of a replacement scooter if you get caught in the rain. You are paying for self-healing tires that save you money and time on flat repairs. You are paying for a chassis that is built to last thousands of kilometers, not hundreds. If you compare it strictly on "Watts per Euro," you might find cheaper scooters from generic brands that offer more power. However, those scooters often lack the customer support, the app integration, the refined throttle mapping, and the safety features of the Apollo. For a daily commuter who treats their scooter as a vehicle rather than a toy, the Explore 2.0 offers excellent value because it minimizes the "cost of ownership" through its low-maintenance design.

About the Brand

Apollo is a Canadian company based in Montreal, and they have carved out a unique niche in the electric scooter world. Unlike many "brands" that simply slap a logo on a generic Chinese scooter, Apollo designs their scooters in-house. They are known for their obsession with design, feedback-driven iteration, and customer community. They position themselves as the "Apple of electric scooters"-focusing on integration, ease of use, and sleek aesthetics. The brand has had its growing pains, particularly with customer service in its early years, but they have invested heavily in improving their support infrastructure and parts availability. They now have repair centers in multiple regions and a very active online community where they actually listen to rider feedback-the Explore 2.0 itself is a result of such feedback. They are known for pushing the industry forward with features like their specialized regenerative braking throttles and fully featured mobile app. If the Explore 2.0 doesn't sound quite right for you-maybe you need something lighter or something much faster-I highly encourage you to check out other scooters from Apollo. Their "Air" model is great for lightweight commuting, while the "Phantom" and "Pro" models are legendary in the high-performance category.

Specifications

* Net Weight: 27.2 kg * Range: 40-60 km (Eco mode) * Max Speed: 40 km/h * Motor Power (Rated): 800 W * Motor Power (Peak): 1 600 W * Battery Voltage: 48 V * Battery Capacity: 13.5 Ah (648 Wh) * Charging Time: 7.5 hours * Folded Dimensions: 127 x 68 x 60 cm * Unfolded Dimensions: 127 x 68 x 128 cm * Motors: Single rear motor * Brake Type: Front Drum + Rear Regen (Power RBS) * Suspension: Triple spring (Dual rear, Single front) * Wheel Size: 10 inch * Tire Type: Tubeless pneumatic with self-healing gel * Max Load: 120 kg * Price: 781 €

Known Alternatives

If you are considering the Apollo Explore 2.0, it is smart to look at what else is available in this price and performance bracket. Here are a few strong contenders that offer different strengths. First up is the ISINWHEEL GT1. This is often a more budget-friendly option. While it may match the Explore in some raw specs like top speed, it generally lacks the refinement, app integration, and build quality of the Apollo. It's a good choice if your budget is strictly limited, but you may sacrifice ride comfort and long-term reliability. For those who crave more raw power, the KAABO Skywalker 8S is a classic alternative. Kaabo is known for performance, and the Skywalker often comes in dual-motor configurations that will out-accelerate the Explore 2.0. However, it usually has smaller 8-inch tires and a suspension setup that is stiffer and less forgiving on rough roads. It's a trade-off: do you want speed (Kaabo) or comfort (Apollo)? Another stylish competitor is the DUALTRON Popular. Dualtron is a legendary name in high-performance scooters. The "Popular" model is their attempt at a mass-market commuter. It features a stunning design and dual motors, offering a very premium feel. However, it is often more expensive than the Explore 2.0 and can be complex to maintain due to proprietary parts. If you are looking for something rugged, check out the MUKUTA Mukuta 8 Plus. Mukuta is a newer brand rising from the factory that built the Zero scooters. The 8 Plus is a tank-robust, dual motors, and solid suspension. It is even heavier than the Explore, but if you need to tackle off-road trails or very steep hills regularly, its dual-motor torque might be necessary. Finally, you might also see the ISINWHEEL GT2 mentioned as a step up from the GT1, offering better specs but still competing in the value segment. Ultimately, the Apollo Explore 2.0 stands out for its balance. It may not be the fastest or the cheapest, but it is arguably the most livable and refined daily driver among this group.