City Pro

About

If there is one electric scooter that has attempted to completely rewrite the rulebook on what a daily commuter should look and feel like, it is the APOLLO City Pro. For years, the electric scooter market was dominated by two distinct categories: the ultra-portable, flimsy toys that rattled your teeth out on cobblestones, and the terrifying, high-speed monsters that looked like rejected props from a Mad Max movie. APOLLO, a Canadian company with a flair for design-centric engineering, looked at this gap and decided to build a machine that sits perfectly in the middle. They didn't just want to make another scooter; they wanted to build a true "car killer." The City Pro is the result of that ambition-a dual-motor powerhouse wrapped in a suit of sophisticated, urban armor.

The philosophy behind the City Pro is integration. Unlike many competitors that seem to be a collection of off-the-shelf parts bolted together, the City Pro feels like a cohesive, singular product. Everything from the display to the lights and the cabling is seamlessly integrated into the chassis. It was designed with the feedback of thousands of riders who were tired of flat tires, stem wobble, and water damage. This isn't a weekend toy; it is a serious vehicle designed for the rigors of daily urban warfare. It positions itself as the "MacBook" of the scooter world: sleek, user-friendly, and premium, prioritizing a polished user experience over raw, uncontrollable power.

What makes the "Pro" version distinct is the addition of a second motor. While its little sibling, the standard City, relies on a single rear motor, the City Pro utilizes two 500W motors (peaking at a combined 2000W). This transforms the riding experience from "adequate" to "exhilarating." It's designed for the rider who faces steep hills, who carries a heavier backpack, or who simply wants the confidence to overtake cyclists and cars in urban traffic without the scooter gasping for breath. It is a machine built to handle the real world, not just flat test tracks.

Safety

When discussing safety on the APOLLO City Pro, we have to start with the braking system, because it is quite possibly the best implementation I have tested on a scooter in this class. Apollo uses a dedicated regenerative braking throttle on the left handlebar. While the scooter does have dual mechanical drum brakes (which are excellent because they are sealed against dust and water and require almost no maintenance), the star of the show is the "Power RBS" (Regenerative Braking System). In practice, you will find yourself using the mechanical handbrakes very rarely. The regen throttle provides smooth, progressive, and powerful stopping power that feeds energy back into the battery. It eliminates the jerky, "over-the-handlebars" feeling of cheaper electric brakes and gives you granular control over your speed.

Visibility is another area where Apollo has clearly done their homework. The City Pro isn't just equipped with a headlight; it features a high-mounted 500-lumen headlight that actually throws light onto the road ahead, rather than just signaling your presence. But the real safety win here is the inclusion of integrated turn signals on the handlebars and the rear deck. In a world where taking your hand off the handlebar to signal a turn can be destabilizing, having bright, orange indicators at your fingertips is a massive safety upgrade. The rear tail light is also prominent and flashes rapidly when braking, ensuring that cars behind you know exactly what you are doing. The 360-degree lighting system ensures you are seen from all angles.

Finally, we must talk about stability and weather resistance. The City Pro boasts an IP66 water resistance rating. This is a huge deal. Most scooters are IP54 at best, meaning they can handle a splash, but the City Pro is rated to handle high-pressure water jets. This means riding in the rain-a reality for any serious commuter-is not a gamble with your electronics. Furthermore, the scooter comes with self-healing tubeless tires. Inside the tire is a gel layer that instantly seals punctures from nails or glass. There is nothing less safe than a blowout at 40 km/h, and Apollo has effectively mitigated this risk, giving riders peace of mind that they will actually make it to their destination.

Performance

The performance of the APOLLO City Pro can be described as "deceptively smooth." With dual 500W motors capable of a peak output of 2000W, you might expect it to be jerky or aggressive, but Apollo's MACH controller technology manages this power with incredible finesse. Acceleration is swift and linear. It doesn't try to throw you off the back; instead, it surges forward with a confident, relentless pull that gets you to the top speed of 51,5 km/h surprisingly quickly. It's a "velvet hammer" approach to speed-powerful, but civilized.

Where the dual motors really shine is on inclines. If you live in a hilly city like San Francisco, Lisbon, or parts of London, a single-motor scooter simply won't cut it. The City Pro, however, eats hills for breakfast. Community tests and reviews consistently highlight its ability to maintain 30+ km/h on steep gradients that would reduce lesser scooters to a walking pace. This torque is essential not just for hills, but for safety in traffic; being able to accelerate out of a blind spot or keep up with the flow of traffic is a safety feature in itself.

The top speed of 51,5 km/h is more than enough for urban environments. In fact, in many European countries, you will be electronically limiting this to meet local regulations anyway. However, having that overhead power means the scooter is never straining. Even at 40 km/h, the City Pro feels planted and stable, without the "speed wobbles" that plague cheaper models. The throttle response is instantaneous but manageable, thanks to the ergonomic thumb throttle that eliminates hand fatigue on longer rides.

Design

To put it simply, the APOLLO City Pro is a stunner. It has won design awards for a reason. The aesthetic is "Cyberpunk meets Apple." It features a gunmetal grey finish with sleek, geometric lines that look professional enough to park in a corporate lobby but cool enough to turn heads at a café. The most striking design choice is the single-stem fork at the front and the symmetrical swingarms at the rear. It gives the scooter a futuristic silhouette that stands out in a sea of generic black stems.

Build quality is often described by owners as "bulletproof." The frame feels dense and solid, with zero creaks or rattles-a rarity in the e-scooter world. The deck is another highlight; instead of the traditional grip tape that gets dirty and peels off, Apollo uses a high-quality rubberized deck mat. It's grippy, comfortable, and most importantly, incredibly easy to clean. A quick wipe down and it looks brand new. The cabling is almost entirely internal, routed through the stem and chassis, which not only looks cleaner but protects vital wires from snagging or vandalism.

The folding mechanism has been a point of discussion in the community. It is a robust system that locks the stem vertically with zero play, which is critical for rider confidence. However, it uses a hook system to latch the stem to the deck when folded. While secure, some users find it a bit fiddly to engage perfectly on the first try compared to simpler locking rings. Once you get the muscle memory down, it works fine, but it is one of the few quirks in an otherwise stellar design.

Comfort

Comfort is where the City Pro truly separates itself from the budget commuter pack. It employs a triple-spring suspension system-one spring in the front stem and two heavy-duty springs in the rear. This setup is tuned specifically for urban terrain. It isn't the soft, bouncy suspension you might find on an off-road scooter, which can feel unstable on tarmac. Instead, it is firm yet compliant. It absorbs the high-frequency vibrations of rough asphalt and takes the sharp edge off potholes and manhole covers.

Complementing the suspension are the 10-inch tubeless pneumatic tires. Because they are tubeless, you can run them at slightly lower pressures for better grip and cushioning without the risk of "pinch flats" that plague tubed tires. The combination of the suspension and the air-filled tires creates a "floating" sensation. You don't feel every crack in the road rattling through your wrists, which significantly reduces fatigue on longer commutes.

The standing ergonomics are also well thought out. The handlebars are wider than average, providing excellent leverage and stability. The deck, while tapering slightly at the rear, is long enough to accommodate larger feet and allows for a variety of stances. Most riders prefer a skateboard-style stance (one foot forward, one back), and the rear kick plate provides a perfect anchor point for your back foot, allowing you to lean into acceleration and braking with confidence.

Range

Let's talk about range, and let's be honest about it. The manufacturer claims a maximum range of up to 69,2 km on a single charge. In the world of electric vehicles, we know that these numbers are achieved under ideal conditions-light rider, flat ground, low speed, and no wind. However, the City Pro's 48V 20Ah (960Wh) battery, powered by high-quality 21700 cells, is substantial. It is significantly larger than what you find in standard commuters.

In real-world testing, as reported by various independent reviewers and community members, you can expect a realistic range of 40 km to 50 km if you are riding in a mix of modes and tackling some hills. If you are a heavier rider (100 kg+) and you keep the scooter in Sport mode at full throttle, expect closer to 35 km. This is still excellent performance. It means the average commuter can go to work and back for two or three days without needing to plug in. It eliminates "range anxiety" for almost any urban trip.

When you do need to charge, the City Pro supports fast charging. With the included charger, it takes approximately 4.5 hours to go from empty to full. This is incredibly fast for a battery of this capacity (nearly 1 kWh). Many competitors take 8 to 12 hours to charge similar batteries. This means you can easily top it up at the office during a half-day shift and have a full tank for the ride home.

Use and Practicality

While the APOLLO City Pro excels in riding dynamics, there is one elephant in the room regarding practicality: weight. This scooter weighs 29,5 kg. Do not underestimate this number. It is not a scooter you want to carry up three flights of stairs to a walk-up apartment every day. It is manageable to lift into the trunk of a car or carry up a short flight of subway steps, but it is on the borderline of what is "portable." If you have a bad back or a long walk at either end of your commute involving stairs, this might be a dealbreaker.

However, if you have elevator access or ground-floor storage, the City Pro is incredibly practical. The IP66 rating means you don't have to check the weather forecast before leaving the house. The integrated app allows you to lock the scooter digitally, adjust acceleration curves, and check battery health. The "Park" mode on the kickstand is sturdy, preventing the scooter from tipping over easily.

For the daily commuter, the turn signals and high visibility make it a viable alternative to a car. You feel like a legitimate part of traffic rather than a nuisance. The handlebars, while wide for stability, do not fold down, which can make fitting it into a crowded train carriage or a small car trunk slightly awkward. You have to angle it right. But these are the trade-offs you make for a scooter that rides this well.

General Assessment

The general consensus in the electric scooter community is that the APOLLO City Pro is a triumph of product design. It is widely regarded as the "Gold Standard" for premium commuters. Riders who have upgraded from entry-level scooters (like the Xiaomi or Ninebot Max) often describe the transition as life-changing. The smoothness of the acceleration and the quality of the braking system are constantly praised as being best-in-class.

There have been some teething issues, which is common with complex hardware. Early models had some complaints about sticky throttles or charger issues, but Apollo has been very proactive with firmware updates and hardware revisions (the 2023 and 2024 models addressed almost all initial complaints). The reinforced direction stopper and upgraded motor casings in the newer versions show that the brand listens to its users.

Overall, the sentiment is that while it is expensive, you get what you pay for. It feels like a finished consumer electronics product rather than a garage project. It inspires confidence. Owners often mention that they look forward to their commute just so they can ride it, which is perhaps the highest praise a vehicle can receive.

Who Is This Scooter For?

The APOLLO City Pro is for the serious urban commuter who is ready to ditch their car or public transport pass. It is ideal for someone who has a commute of 10-20 km each way and wants to do it comfortably, regardless of hills or road conditions. It is particularly well-suited for heavier riders (up to 120 kg) who find that single-motor scooters feel sluggish or unsafe under their weight. If you value design, tech integration, and safety features like turn signals and self-healing tires, this is your ride.

It is also perfect for the tech enthusiast who appreciates app connectivity and customizable performance settings. The ability to dial in your regenerative braking strength and acceleration curve appeals to those who like to tinker with their setup.

Conversely, this scooter is not for the "last-mile" commuter who needs to carry their scooter onto a crowded bus or train. The 29,5 kg weight makes it too cumbersome for multi-modal commuting that involves a lot of lifting. It is also not for the budget shopper who just wants the cheapest way to get from A to B; this is a premium investment. If you live in a 4th-floor apartment with no elevator, look for something lighter.

Community Feedback - Pros

• Ride Quality: Consistently rated as "sublime" or "cloud-like" thanks to the triple suspension and tubeless tires.
• Regen Braking: The dedicated regen throttle is a massive hit, with users loving the control and reduced wear on mechanical brakes.
• Power: Dual motors conquer steep hills effortlessly, even for riders over 100 kg.
• Build Quality: Owners praise the solid, rattle-free frame and premium materials.
• Water Resistance: The IP66 rating gives riders confidence in wet weather, a rarity in this segment.
• Visibility: Integrated turn signals and bright lights are frequently cited as major safety upgrades.
• Low Maintenance: Drum brakes and self-healing tires mean very little tinkering is required.
• Charging Speed: The 4.5-hour charge time is significantly faster than competitors.
• Aesthetics: Riders love the look; it feels modern, integrated, and professional.
• App Integration: The ability to customize speed and braking settings via the app is highly valued.

The aspect that gets the most love is undoubtedly the ride feel combined with the regenerative braking. Users describe a sense of "flow" when riding the City Pro-accelerating smoothly and then using the regen throttle to glide to a stop without ever touching the mechanical brake levers. It transforms the commute from a chore into a joyride.

Community Feedback - Cons

• Weight: At nearly 30 kg, it is universally acknowledged as heavy and difficult to carry up stairs.
• Price: It is at the top end of the commuter price bracket, making it a significant investment.
• Rear Fender: Some users report the rear fender/splash guard doesn't block all water, leading to a wet back on very rainy days (though improved in later versions).
• Folding Hook: The latch mechanism for folding can be fiddly to align and engage compared to simpler systems.
• Kickstand: While sturdy, the kickstand can be a bit picky about the surface it's on due to the scooter's weight.
• Throttle Ergonomics: A few riders find the thumb throttle position causes fatigue on very long rides, though this is subjective.
• Handlebar Width: The wide bars are great for stability but make it hard to squeeze through narrow doorways.
• Charger Fan: The fast charger has a cooling fan that some users find surprisingly loud in a quiet room.

The most consistent complaint is the weight. Many buyers underestimated how heavy 29,5 kg actually feels when you have to lift it. However, most agree that the weight contributes to the stability and ride quality, so it is a trade-off they are willing to accept. The splash guard issue is also a common nitpick, with many owners adding aftermarket extensions to keep their backpacks dry.

Value for Money

Priced around 1 649 EUR, the APOLLO City Pro sits in a premium bracket. You could buy two decent entry-level scooters for this price. So, is it worth it? The short answer is yes, provided you are using it as a true vehicle. If you compare the cost of the City Pro to the cost of car ownership (fuel, insurance, parking, maintenance) or a year of public transport, the return on investment is rapid.

When compared to other scooters in the 1 500 EUR - 1 800 EUR range, the City Pro offers a level of polish and water resistance that others lack. Competitors might offer slightly higher top speeds or more range, but they often lack the IP66 rating, the integrated app ecosystem, or the refined suspension. You are paying for reliability and a cohesive experience. It holds its value well on the used market, and the 10,000 km frame warranty suggests that Apollo expects this machine to last for years, not months.

About the Brand

APOLLO is a Canadian electric scooter company based in Montreal. They started as a distributor but quickly pivoted to designing their own scooters because they weren't satisfied with the quality of existing Chinese imports. They have built a reputation for being one of the most customer-centric brands in the industry. They are heavily involved in their community, often hosting "scooter summits" and using rider feedback to iterate their designs rapidly.

Their support is generally regarded as superior to the industry average, with local servicing centers in many regions and a responsive support team. While they had some growing pains during the pandemic supply chain crunch, they have bounced back with a strong focus on quality control (QC). They are known for innovation-features like the Power RBS and self-healing tires are standard on their premium models. If the City Pro isn't quite right for you, they offer a range of other vehicles, from the lighter Apollo Air to the hyper-performance Apollo Phantom. You should definitely check out other scooters from this brand if you like their design philosophy.

Specifications

• Motor: Dual 500W (2000W Peak)
• Top Speed: 51,5 km/h
• Range: Up to 69,2 km (Eco mode) / ~40-50 km (Real world)
• Battery: 48V 20Ah (960Wh) with 21700 cells
• Weight: 29,5 kg
• Max Load: 120 kg
• Brakes: Dual Drum Brakes + Power RBS (Regenerative)
• Suspension: Front Spring + Dual Rear Springs
• Tires: 10-inch Tubeless Self-Healing Pneumatic
• IP Rating: IP66 (Water Resistant)
• Charging Time: 4.5 Hours
• Lights: 500 Lumen Front, Rear Brake Light, Integrated Turn Signals
• App Support: Yes (Apollo App)
• Price: ~1 649 EUR

Known Alternatives

While the Apollo City Pro is a fantastic machine, it's smart to shop around. One strong competitor is the KAABO Mantis X Plus. Kaabo is known for raw performance per dollar. The Mantis series generally offers slightly punchier acceleration and a sportier feel, often at a slightly lower price point. However, it tends to look a bit more "industrial" and usually lacks the high water resistance rating of the Apollo.

Another legendary name in the game is DUALTRON. The DUALTRON Mini Special LB is a compact beast from the brand that practically invented the high-performance scooter. Dualtrons are famous for their suspension and reliability. The Mini Special is a great alternative if you want the prestige of the Dualtron brand in a smaller package, though the Apollo generally beats it on modern features like app integration and water resistance.

For those who prioritize comfort and style, the VSETT VSETT 9 is a worthy contender. It features a distinct teal color scheme and a very plush suspension system. It's a favorite among enthusiasts for its ride quality. Alternatively, if you want something rugged with a unique design, the MUKUTA Mukuta 8 Plus offers a robust build that rivals the City Pro in toughness, often appealing to those who want a more aggressive look.